AUTHOR'S NOTES:

darkshadow36: Hello again, everyone! This is the second story of our E/T phenomenon!!! Tomoyo is a new student again here, but this time, she won't be leaving! Anyway, thanks to those who reviewed!!!

REVIEWEES:

Jubily-Lollypops: Hi! Thanks for the review and the comments. Cool story… Do you really think so? And of course, this fic isn't just a one-shot! I was actually thinking of making up to 10 stories, well, that is, as of now. Thanks also for reading my other fic! Update soon too, please!

UNIVERSE-KRISSY: Hello to you, too! I'm glad you also liked the story. Thanks for reviewing and be inspired to write!

sparkling-saphyre: I'm very happy you liked it, too, and I also liked your fic! I'll be supporting it so don't worry! Anyway, I've seen that you already have reviews from other people! Good job! I really have to quicken the timeline… Thanks!!!

heartz: Wow! it's you again! I'm glad you reviewed my stories all the way! Anyway, can I ask you a favor? May I know your e-mail ad—or just show it up on your bio—so that I can e-mail you about the updates? Or if you wouldn't want to, just add me in your Author Alerts list in your account. By the way, I really do appreciate your support! Continue it! )

bluemsit418: Heylo, sistah! Haha… Nothing. Thanks all the same. Don't cheat on me again next time… You know what I mean. You better get started with your fic, though, so I can read something else which might give me more ideas about different plots and stuff…

DEDICATIONS: This chapter is dedicated to Jubily-Lollypops for being the first one to review! And also, this second story is dedicated to UNIVERSE-KRISSY, too, for adding me immediately to her favorites list. THANKS!!!

Story #2: Melting the Heart of Ice

"I SAID GET OUT, MISS MARTHA! JUST LEAVE MY DINNER THERE AT THE DOOR!"

"But, Sir Eriol—"

"I said OUT! OUT!" cried a frustrated 15-year old Eriol Hiiragizawa as he sat on his bed with his hands running over his blue hair.

It wasn't Eriol's fault why he's acting so stubbornly, nor was it his parents' fault. It was all because of a memory, which was still fresh in his mind until now. He was just 7, then…

Flashback…

"Hey, look, guys, it's the freak with the eyeglasses! Eriol Hiiragizawa! It's mister smarty-pants! Let's get him!" The harsh laugh of Anthony Stevens made young Eriol shiver in fright. He tried to run as fast as he could, but he was still caught by Anthony's cronies, Harold and Gerard. They started punching him until his parents came to fetch him after school and rescue him. His parents reported this to the principal, but the principal didn't believe him, which forced him to have detention for a whole week… he was the first young student to get detention…

End flashback…

And that's why he wanted revenge… He's been thinking about it for 8 years in a row. Now that he's in second year high school, those three thugs are still his same classmates.

In class, Eriol was believed to be the one who always starts the quarrels, which, indeed, is not true. That's why he doesn't have any friends at all in school except for Sakura Kinomoto and Li Syaoran, who patiently made friends with him without second thoughts.

"Hi, Sakura, Hi, Syaoran," Eriol waved weakly at them when they sat down beside him.

"Ow, c'mon, Eriol," said Syaoran. "You'll overcome that pain soon."

RRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGG!!!

The bell rang so loud the students jumped. Then they all went to their seats. The teacher came in, Mrs. Lopez.

"Hello, class," she said in that cheery smile, "we've got a new student here. Come in here, Ms. Daidouji," she called from outside.

Eriol's eyes widened when he saw a very beautiful girl with amethyst purple eyes and long purple hair. Her eyes suddenly went straight into Eriol's eyes. Eriol went a bit red. He looked away.

"Hello, everyone, I'm Daidouji Tomoyo," she greeted with a very sweet smile. Eriol looked around and saw that all the boys were staring at Tomoyo, except for Syaoran. He glanced at Anthony and saw that his jaw was wide-opened.

"You may sit beside Mr. Hiiragizawa over there. And now, class, back to lesson…"

Tomoyo sat down beside Eriol and said, "Hi, Hiiragizawa Eriol. Nice to meet you—I'm Daidouji Tomoyo." Eriol shook hands with her and he felt the warmness of her hand.

"Er- how did you know my name?"

"Oh, simple. The principal told me all about you. But I don't believe every word of her story. Those are just rubbish for me. If that's true, it's ok- 'coz there may be a reason why, and I hope it's a good reason." She smiled again.

Eriol suddenly felt that his heart softened. 'At least she knows how to understand,' he thought.

Tomoyo was an instant celebrity in class because of her beauty. She was a friend to everyone, with Anthony and his cronies among them.

Surprisingly, Tomoyo was still her humble self as days passed. She usually hangs out with Eriol and his two best friends, and that's what made the whole class dumbstruck and quite… angry.

"She's with the enemy."

"Why is she siding with them? Doesn't she know about that freak?"

"Oh, c'mon, Tomoyo! You're an instant celebrity in our class. Choose your friends."

"Be careful, Tomoyo! That lad you're with might kill you anytime this second."

Those were whispers Tomoyo and her companions hear every time she passes by them. She was totally annoyed with them.

"Woah, Tomoyo, I can't believe you don't care about every single word of what those blabbermouths and chatterboxes were saying. Aren't you even affected one single bit?" asked Sakura one day while they were having lunch with the two other boys.

"Nope," replied Tomoyo firmly. "I'm the type of person who doesn't judge people easily. And look here, Sakura… They keep on saying that Eriol will kill me one of these days… Or any second of the day, but look! Nothing has happened yet! Eriol doesn't even show me suspicious signs that he's going to kill me."

"Well, you've got a point. And another, Syaoran and I have known Eriol for many years already, and we know him a lot better than those stupidos do," said Sakura, taking a bite from her sandwich. "Anyway, would you mind me asking you something?"

"Ohh, sure. Go ahead."

"What do you think of Eriol?"

Tomoyo pursed her lips for a moment then smiled. "He's a kind and a quiet person. I like his attitude, though… He gives me inspiration."

"How?" Sakura asked inquisitively. Tomoyo chuckled at her curiosity, but she answered her question all the same.

"Hmm… During the past weeks while I study, maybe. I quite don't know myself (she laughs a little). But I know he inspires me in a way I could feel. And, I must say he'll grow more handsome if he's going to have more friends. That'll brighten his smile each day, don't you think?"

Sakura giggled. "Perfect. But first, Anthony and Eriol must make it up to each other first. In that way, the others will make friends with him too. Anthony is a famous boy in the whole school—and even their rivalry-sort-of made them both famous, Anthony and Eriol."

Just then, Tomoyo said, "If you're the one who asked me a while ago, Sakura, it's now my turn to ask you. Why does Anthony beat up Eriol in the first place?"

"Well, I don't know either…" Sakura looked like she's never come to think of that matter. "All I know is that it was because of the attention Eriol is getting from the teachers and students when we were young. I think he's pretty jealous of him."

"Looks like it," said Tomoyo. Just then, the bell rang for next class. The 4 teens went back to their classroom and seated their selves comfortably on their seats. The others arrived in. Anthony was the last to come in. He shot Eriol a glaring look.

The next day, Eriol opened his locker, which was next to Anthony's. He moved an inch away from his locker when he saw a note pinned there. It said:

'Meet me at 12 o'clock p.m. in the park. You fail and I'll haunt you down.'

There wasn't a signature of who sent the note, but he was sure it was from Anthony. He knew his handwriting well... the same untidy one.

Tomoyo was just in time to show up. She tried to ask Eriol why was he standing like a statue. When she tried to look in to Eriol's locker, he immediately closed it.

"Nothing… Let's just go to class."

"I'm sure there's something troubling him. And I'll find out." She sighed to herself.

While it was Biology class, Tomoyo passed a note to Sakura, saying, 'Something's troubling Eriol. Would you agree to follow him with me? Syaoran can go along. Don't tell Eriol about this, though. This is just a secret between the 3 of us. He looks as if he doesn't want to spill it out to us. That means, he'll go somewhere by himself. It was pretty obvious.'

Sakura looked back at Tomoyo. She just nodded. She passed the note to Syaoran, who agreed to go with them.

When it was dismissal time, Eriol told Sakura, Syaoran, and Tomoyo that he needs to go immediately at the mall because his mother told him to buy something there. The three just nodded with skeptical looks on their faces.

Tomoyo kept an eye on Eriol as he walked quietly, while the other two followed behind. The three of them continued to spy him. Eriol kept looking back in case there's someone following him, but he found no one.

"What a nice excuse he made," whispered Sakura as they saw Eriol walking in the park. This surprised Tomoyo when she saw Anthony and his two cronies, Harold and Gerard.

"I knew it," she said as the three of them hid behind the bushes like spies.

"Ah, you didn't fail to come at all, Hiiragizawa. It's nice meeting you again somewhere where your parents couldn't save you. No one visits the park during this time in the afternoon during weekdays. Oww… Let's get to the topic… I'll take back what should be mine."

"But I didn't do anything wrong to you, Stevens," Eriol said with clenched teeth. "Well then, what are those things you should take back from me, which should be yours? If you need money, I can give you any amount you wish, just as long as you won't drag my friends into this, even our classmates."

"Just three things, you dork. First is attention," spat Anthony as his two cronies went to grab Eriol, who started for Anthony.

"But you don't deserve it," said Eriol. "Especially when we were young. You don't need to say that anymore, Stevens. You've got a hell lot of attention this year. But I believe someday you wouldn't earn those attentions. You act like a child, someone looking for too much attention. Maybe you couldn't even walk when your parents die."

"Don't speak of my parents here, you bastard," said Anthony with a somewhat conscious smile. He was struck by what Eriol had just told him. "Anyway, make sure no one has followed us here. If there was—"

"What else should be yours?" interrupted Eriol. He enjoyed doing this to Anthony.

"Your brains."

Eriol almost wanted to laugh. "Well, if that's the case, maybe your brain has only one-percent capacity for your memories, while the other ninety-nine-percent is for your boastfulness," he smiled wickedly. This made Anthony even angrier.

"Harold, Gerard, show him," he breathed. Harold and Gerard gave him a strong kick in the stomach, which made Eriol spat out blood. 'They're strong… I can't take this… I'm sick…'

"What is the… last one?" he coughed. "I'm expecting you want the detention I got many years ago from your bitchy auntie." Anthony became much more angrier.

"Shucks… They can't do this to Eriol!" Sakura almost wanted to yell.

"What do you mean?" asked Tomoyo, wanting to get out of the bushes and save her best friend.

"Whoa, Tomoyo-chan, of course they can't do that to Eriol! Other than that, he's… got a 'rare disease'," Syaoran answered, quite motionlessly. Tomoyo seemed not to have heard him.

The three of them suddenly gasped when Anthony answered Eriol's question…

"The last one I wanted from you is… Daidouji Tomoyo."

Eriol laughed harshly. "Ha! And why is that? You don't deserve to have her special kindness, which she only gives to her real friends… And that's Sakura, Syaoran, and I. You can never take her away from us. And I've already told you not to drag my friends into your stupid problem."

Anthony scowled at him. "Show him some more, guys," he said. Harold kicked Eriol some more, while Gerard pulled Eriol's hair, making him wince.

"I can no longer take this!!!" Sakura and Syaoran tried to stop Tomoyo, but she already got out from the bushes. Sakura and Syaoran have no choice but to follow her.

"STOP!" cried Tomoyo, pushing Harold with all her might. She tried to push Gerard too, but Gerard had her in a strong painful grip.

"Tomoyo…" Anthony felt himself melting.

"Just stop it! Shame on you fools!" Tomoyo cried some more, struggling to pull herself away from Gerard.

"Let… g-go of her, Gerard… Just look after Harold," Gerard obeyed Anthony. Tomoyo ran to Eriol, who was bloody all over. She hugged him closer to her.

"I'm someone you can't have from Eriol," her eyes flashed in anger. "If I have to die for him, I will…"

Anthony, Harold, and Gerard ran away, leaving the four behind. Sakura cried, while Syaoran comforted her. Tomoyo cried, her tears falling uncontrollably.

Eriol somehow wanted to die… his sickness seemed to have made him hopeless…

He's got hemophilia, and only Syaoran and Sakura knew it.

"Good evening, Mr. And Mrs. Hiiragizawa," Tomoyo greeted, Sakura and Syaoran had their arms around Eriol. "I'm truly sorry about what happened to your son…" Mr. And Mrs. Hiiragizawa let them in. They were shocked when they saw their son's awful condition.

"Martha… Get Eriol, please! Ohh… son…" Mrs. Hiiragizawa hugged her only son.

"Did Anthony and his stupid thugs did this?" Mr. Hiiragizawa breathed, trying to calm himself. Tomoyo, Sakura, and Syaoran nodded.

"I knew this would happen… I should have transferred him to a different school," Mr. Hiiragizawa continued. "Anyway, may I know your name, young lady?" He smiled at Tomoyo.

"Oh, sorry… I haven't introduced myself properly," said Tomoyo, bowing respectfully. "I'm Daidouji Tomoyo. Nice to meet you, Mr. Hiiragizawa."

"My son told us a lot about you," said the old, kind man. "We're glad that you make our son always happy these days. Um, Sakura and Syaoran, could you leave us two for a moment?" Sakura and Syaoran nodded. "You two could go first to the dining room. One of our servants will serve you. They all know what to do."

"What is it, Mr. Hiiragizawa?" asked Tomoyo. "Is there something wrong?"

Mr. Hiiragizawa continued to smile. "This wouldn't take long, don't worry, in case you've got to get back home immediately. I just want to thank you for taking care of my son. And…"

Tomoyo had the feeling this is something worse.

"I'm already having the worst feeling that our son might die anytime now because of his illness. Has he told you already?"

"Huh?"

"Hmm… I guess not yet. He's got hemophilia. He could still have a chance of living, and miracle alone should do it… But now I think it's too late. I'm starting to feel hopeless for our only son. Only his two friends know this, Sakura and Syaoran, but his other classmates don't. He's quiet, and I know you know it."

Tomoyo started to feel sick, too.

"That's impossible! I don't want to believe it…" she said in a muffled scream.

"I don't want to believe it, too, but believe it. Thank goodness he survived his illness all these years, but I don't know if miracle could still save him. He's not yet completely cured." Mr. Hiiragizawa sighed deeply.

Tomoyo started to sob a little. Mr. Hiiragizawa beckoned her to sit down.

"Maybe I could say something that might perk you up a little," he smiled. Tomoyo looked up at him.

"Don't you know why my son didn't tell you about his illness?"

The young girl shook her head. "Is he ashamed to tell me? Is it because he thinks I might freak out if I knew the truth? But he knows very well I'm not that kind of person."

"No," laughed the old man. "He doesn't want to tell you because he loves you. He doesn't want you to worry because he cares for you. He's trying to protect his friends, especially you. He loves you more than just a friend."

"He did all of that fighting and that stuff… Just because of me?" Tomoyo gasped. Mr. Hiiragizawa nodded, amused.

"Yes… And don't expect him to go to school tomorrow, but he'll go back to school the day after tomorrow. He needs to rest. I assure you, he'll get better. Anyway, I want to thank you again, but now it's because… you melted my son's heart of ice."

"You're welcome," Tomoyo finally smiled. "Umm… Can I visit him tomorrow, together with Syaoran and Sakura?"

"Sure," Mr. Hiiragizawa said simply. "He'll be very glad to be visited by his friends."

"Woah… Thank you, sir. I've got to go now, though." She walked silently outside.

'I can't believe I've melted a heart of ice,' she thought as she walked home. 'Oh, Eriol… I love you, too…'

Tomoyo spent a whole day the next day without an Eriol Hiiragizawa to cheer her up, but Sakura and Syaoran's company somehow made her feel a bit lighter.

But something made her very angry while their Biology teacher was away (Biology is their last subject in the afternoon). The substitute was also away, so the class started a class ramble.

Anthony Stevens narrated animatedly to the class about what happened yesterday to Eriol and him.

"You know, Hiiragizawa kicked me on the stomach. Ouch… it really hurts until now. And another, look at this…" he showed them a fake bruise on his arm. "He did this to me…" The class gaped at him.

Tomoyo wasn't able to control herself. Sakura and Syaoran didn't stop her this time. They just looked at her knowingly as she approached Anthony and slapped him with all the strength that she could muster.

"WTF?" said Anthony as he looked at Tomoyo. (You know what that means, so don't you make me say it anymore!!!).

"Don't you lie to them," her eyes flashed again. "This is a fake bruise. I think you used some kind of 'strange coloring' or whatsoever is that to fool our classmates." Then she rubbed the bruise on Anthony's arm, and she proved that she was right. Their classmates were shocked.

"You fooled us!"

"Then that means it wasn't Eriol who always starts those stupid quarrels of yours, but it's you!"

"You're a maniac!"

"How could you fool us, Stevens?"

Anthony looked at Tomoyo with hawk-like eyes. Tomoyo just smiled without any trace of fear on her porcelain face.

"Eriol is presently at home, and he's sick. What Anthony was telling you is the exact opposite. Eriol is in a very bad condition today, that's why he couldn't join our little chat today…" a satisfied smile on her face made everyone believed her. "You could even ask Sakura and Syaoran. We three were witnesses to what happened yesterday. So, if you want to pay back Eriol… Do you want to visit him today along with the three of us?"

"Sure!" said one of the girls.

"But maybe we could bring some gifts for him," said one of the boys with an excited smile. Tomoyo nodded happily, feeling very overjoyed to hear her classmates like this.

But on the other corner of the room, Anthony and his two cronies were planning of an evil plan to do to Eriol tomorrow…

That afternoon, along with 23 classmates, Tomoyo, Sakura and Syaoran led the way. When they were at Eriol's place, they knocked on the door. Out came Mrs. Hiiragizawa.

"Wow! Come in, everyone… Eriol is sleeping in his room. Martha! Lead these kind classmates of Eriol to his room, would you?"

Martha, also happy for her so-called 'young master', led the 26 people to Eriol's room. They entered. His room was very big and there was enough space for all of them, as the house was also very big—in fact, it's a mansion.

"Hello, Eriol!" They put down their gifts on the side of Eriol's bed. Eriol woke up first with an irritated look, but suddenly was delighted to see all of them, especially Tomoyo.

"How—did--?" he stammered. "Thanks, guys!"

"It's all because of your sweet girlfriend, Eriol!" a girl named Chiharu Mihara giggled. She pointed at Tomoyo. Eriol and Tomoyo blushed bright red.

"Anyway, Eriol, we're sorry," said one of the boys. "We should've believed you."

"Only Anthony and his cronies aren't here. Maybe they're feeling guilty," grinned Yanagisawa Naoko, one of the girls. Their other classmates grinned too.

"Thanks a lot again!" Eriol hugged each one of them, feeling happiness in his heart. "By the way, guys, it's time I tell you the truth about myself. Actually I have hemophilia, but—"

"Don't worry, Eriol, that wouldn't stop us from loving you as one of our friends and classmates," said Yamazaki Takashi without some kind of doubt on his face.

"Bu we do hope you'll get well soon," said another girl.

Eriol couldn't express how much he wanted to thank all of them… especially to Tomoyo, who made this all possible for him.

The class cheered when Eriol entered the classroom the very next day. Anthony smiled evilly.

"Today is my day," he said to Harold and Gerard, who smirked. "You two know what to do, okay? Trap the other three, while Hiiragizawa is mine."

That afternoon, it was a very fateful day. Eriol walked along with Tomoyo, Sakura, and Syaoran. Just then, two 'kidnappers' grabbed Sakura and Syaoran, who were just behind Eriol and Tomoyo (but they were clueless, since the both of them were chatting). They hid behind the bushes.

"Harold? Gerard?" Sakura tried to yell, but Harold covered her mouth.

"We'll keep you somewhere safe…" Gerard laughed harshly.

Eriol suddenly felt danger.

"Tomoyo… What? Sakura and Syaoran are—gone? But how?" he looked behind Tomoyo. At that exact moment, Harold came running, and then he grabbed Tomoyo. Eriol tried to hit Harold with his backpack, but Harold ran so fast, carrying Tomoyo along, who tried to shout out for help.

"We met again, Hiiragizawa," someone said coldly behind him.

"Stevens! What did you do?" Eriol faced Anthony, their eyes both flashing.

"Taking my revenge," he smiled sarcastically. This made Eriol even angrier. "Let the fight begin—"

"Wait! I'll lose this if you'll free first my friends," Eriol spoke up.

Anthony laughed. "Sorry, but no way! We're fighting for one girl here, and that's Tomoyo."

"Sorry, but she doesn't love you. In fact, she loathes you," Eriol poked Anthony in the eye. Anthony pulled his hair as he boxed his stomach.

"Ow!" Eriol moaned.

"No friends or parents to help you now, eh?" he said confidently as Harold and Gerard came back.

Meanwhile, Tomoyo, Sakura and Syaoran yelled cries for help. They were in a deep dark small place with a locked door. Tomoyo, whose mouth and hands weren't tied, started to yell loudly.

"HELP! PLEASE OPEN THE DOOR! HELP!" she screamed out.

Fortunately, someone heard them. "Tomoyo? Is that you?" It was Sasaki Rika, one of their classmates. Along with her were Chiharu, Naoko, and another classmate named Sheila.

"Oh my, it's them! Chiharu and Naoko, get something to open this damned door!"

At that moment, Yamazaki came approaching them, along with the rest of their classmates.

"Hey! Eriol and Anthony are fighting again-- in the deserted garden! Where are Tomoyo, Sakura, and Syaoran—?"

"They're in this damned dark thing," Chiharu answered as she and the other girls helped altogether to open the locked door. "We must come there immediately. We can't afford it if Eriol will die now."

The door opened. Tomoyo, Sakura, and Syaoran came out, thanking them. Then they all went to the deserted garden, where they found Eriol and Anthony fighting.

"NOOOO!!!" Tomoyo tried to stop them…

When Anthony was about to box Eriol (who was already weak, and he's lying on the grasses), Tomoyo bustled in, then—

Instead of hitting Eriol, he accidentally hit Tomoyo.

"TOMOYO!!!" their classmates yelled. Anthony looked at Tomoyo, who was lying on top of Eriol. Syaoran and the other boys chased Anthony and his two cronies, while the girls except Sakura tried to go to Eriol's place and tell his parents about this chaos. Sakura alone guarded Eriol and Tomoyo while the others were gone.

In the hospital…

"Tomoyo? Where is she?" Eriol sat bolt upright on his bed.

"She's in the other room beside this room, but, Eriol—"

"Stop it, Sakura! I'm going!"

"You're already fine, dear, don't worry—"

"You no longer have hemophilia and we've already cured those bruises, but you need some more rest—"

"Oh, c'mon, doctor, I need to see Tomoyo. Please?"

Without waiting for an answer, Eriol dashed outside and opened the door of the next room.

The doctor wasn't inside. "Tomoyo!" He saw Tomoyo on the bed, weak…

He approached the girl he loves. He sat down on the chair near to the bed.

"You shan't die," he said desperately. He cried. Tears fell down on Tomoyo's closed eyes.

"I love you, Tomoyo! God, please… let there be a miracle… I truly love this girl in front of me right now…" Tears continued falling on Tomoyo's eyes.

Miraculously, Tomoyo suddenly woke up and found Eriol by her side, crying.

"Eriol… don't cry… I'm awake. Your prayer has been answered."

Eriol's face lightened up. "How did you know? And… How are you?"

"I'm fine… But I don't know either…" replied Tomoyo, smiling. "I wonder what's happening right now to Anthony."

"Whoa, don't mind him," said Eriol. "I bet he and his thugs are still being chased by our other classmates."

Just then, Tomoyo looked alarmed. "Are you fine, Eriol?"

"More than fine," Eriol bent down and kissed Tomoyo lightly on the lips. "I want to thank God for sending you into my life. I want to thank you too with all my heart. If not for you, maybe my life would still be as plain as it is before. I love you…"

"I love you, too," Tomoyo said simply. At that exact moment, in came the others.

"I heard that," Sakura winked at Eriol and Tomoyo, making them laugh.

"I'm glad for you, son," said Mrs. Hiiragizawa.

"Tomoyo, welcome to our family," chuckled Mr. Hiiragizawa.

Eriol blushed and suddenly looked like he was outraged. "Ei, dad, it's too early for that!!!"

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

darkshadow36: End of Story #2! I hope that was as fine as the first one! Thanks a lot for reading and please don't forget to R&R! I love you all, and to all of you out the, just always be inspired to write always! Anyway, I really need to quicken the timeline! Hehehe! Now read the third story, please! Don't you ever forget to R&R so that I'll know your opinions and suggestions. )