Bloody-stiletto-san: You think so? THANKS! That means a lot! Of course it's fine with me! Friends? YAY! Thanks again!
Atruyai-san: Don't be mad, ne? (flashes puppy dog eyes), I actually intended it… lol… and Sonomi-sama is scary. Actually, Kaho-san just had to die on this fic, it was simply her time to go… and yes, Minoru is rebellious… (evil laugh)…Eriol manipulated Meilin's boyfriend to call by the way…Thanks again!
Monkeysme: I'm glad you like it. About the magazine scam, you'll know in a chapter or two… Thanks again!
Amethyst sweet angel: Very much glad you like it. Can't update faster though, school will be back tomorrow (cries a sea of tears) but don't worry, I'll try to update as much as possible, Thanks!
FungiFungusRayne: You got it right! Aheheheh… Thanks!
Note: I don't own CCS only Minoru-chan who is so cute! Slight OOC-ness beware…
CLOSE CALL- Confessions
An ET Fic by the lazy Akizuki Sai
Tomoyo snuggled herself in the covers of her four poster bed. Yesterday's activities have taken its toll on her and she slept till almost noon. Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, she made her way to her bathroom and enjoyed her favorite bubble bath. Little Minoru will arrive in about an hour for their trip to the ice cream parlor and she has plenty of time to spare.
It has been an exhausting week for her. A week which includes a fall from the tenth floor, a midnight lullaby in the middle of a thunderstorm, a near car crash with the speeding Meilin, half a dozen roller coaster rides, an in depth Japanese drama, a crying Nakuru, a hot tempered Spinel, an angry Meilin and a military interrogation from her mother, Sonomi.
In her favorite bathtub she gave off a light giggle. Funny, how her life turned a good 180 degrees in less than seven days. Not that she was complaining, for she can use a little change every once in a while. In fact, she kind of finds the whole thing … well… unique to put it lightly anyway. And now that she thinks about it, it all started when she arrived in London.
Getting out from the bathtub she reached for her robe and a towel to dry her self as she made her way to her walk-in closet. It was such a nice day and she feels like dressing up. She decided on a pink floral halter top, knee length black skirt and black preppy boots. Letting her hair loose she grabbed her purse from her dresser and went to the breakfast table where she was surprised to find her mother and Minoru having tea and tête-à-tête.
"Good morning! Minoru-chan, you're pretty early," Tomoyo said as she made her way to the breakfast table to join the two.
"Good morning To-chan. I didn't know Hiirigizawa-san has such a charming son," Sonomi said in all smiles as she motioned a maid to prepare Tomoyo's breakfast.
"Good morning, Tomoyo-san. Dad went to work early today and Nakuru dropped me a bit early as she still has some errands to do," Minoru said taking a sip of his tea.
"I see. What about Spinel-san?" Tomoyo said noticing the slight sadness in the lad's voice. How can she not? She used the same tone as well back then, way too often that no lie can cover up for such.
"Spinel-san?" Sonomi asked looking from the brim of her china.
"She's pertaining to our cat," Minoru supplied to the confused Sonomi who took the excuse and continued with her coffee.
"Suppi's at home dozing off at the library," he said nonchalantly.
"There's this really good movie showing in the mall today, would you want to watch it before we have ice cream? I heard that it is really good," Tomoyo asked as she quickly finished her breakfast and dabbing her lips with a napkin.
All at once the boy's face lit up and he nodded excitedly.
"Mother, would you want to come with us? I'm sure it'll be fun," Tomoyo asked turning to her mother who was then reading the morning paper.
"I'd love to sweetheart, but I'm afraid I have work to do. You two enjoy okay?" Sonomi said regretfully.
Tomoyo forced a smile. She should have known.
Finishing their meals, Tomoyo and Minoru bid farewell to Sonomi and went to the mall with two of Tomoyo's bodyguards. She really doesn't find it necessary but her mother insisted that it was for her own good and Minoru's so she just give in. After all, she's been used to it for the last twenty-three years of her life, what's the difference?
Having the bodyguards with the two didn't prove to be a hindrance for the two to enjoy their trip, asides from the occasional looks of passers by they managed to have a normal shopping and movie trip like any normal human being. Minoru enjoyed the young lass's company as she lets him decide on what to do, where to go and everything. The movie proves to be very hilarious and they played video games, checked out the toy store, bought gummy bears and chocolate bars afterwards. It was just like what any child wants in a trip to the mall.
Their last stop before the end of the day was the ice cream parlor. Tomoyo ordered a strawberry parfait while Minoru had a triple fudge chocolate sundae.
They were having a little chit chat when a familiar voice from Tomoyo's back greeted them and said, "Mind if I join you two?"
Tomoyo looked at her back and was surprised on who she saw.
"Uncle Syao Syao!" the young boy exclaimed recognizing the chestnut haired man in a business suit.
"Syaoran-kun, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be halfway round the globe?" Tomoyo asked surprised her eyes following Syaoran as he took a seat between the two and ordered for a cup of coffee.
"How are you, Minoru-chan?" Syaoran said messing Minoru's hair who gave a slight laugh.
"Fine, Uncle Syao Syao. Did you bring something for me?" the boy asked excitedly. From the way he excitedly tug the young man, anyone can tell that the Li clan leader is the favorite of the lad. Which is nothing but a hundred percent true as the so called Uncle Syao Syao never fails to shower the little boy with gifts every time he visits – toys, video games, robots, he is spoiling the child in every sense of the word.
"Why, of course. Here you go," Syaoran said pulling out a toy airplane for Minoru to play.
"Wow! This is so cool! Thanks Uncle Syao Syao!" Minoru said playing the toy the moment he had his hands on it.
"So, what brought you here?" Tomoyo asked though half-aware of what it was for.
"Actually, I want to ask for your consent… I'm… I'm…" Syaoran started turning to Tomoyo looking all serious.
"You're proposing to Sakura-chan, right?" she supplied to the stuttering Li Clan leader. Syaoran nodded.
"Really?! Finally you got to your senses Uncle Syao Syao!" Minoru said in glee looking at his crimson uncle.
A pregnant pause followed.
"NO"
Syaoran looked at Tomoyo with surprised eyes. Minoru looked surprised as well.
"… It is too early… I guess…" Syaoran started looking down.
"Not unless you propose to Sakura-chan in my concert where I can videotape the whole thing!" Tomoyo added opening the gates of hope to Syaoran who was in the verge of weeping.
Syaoran gave off a sigh of relief. He should have known that the Daidouji heiress is pulling his leg.
"OW! You looked so kawaii back there, how I wish I brought my camera with me!" Tomoyo squealed bursting into evil laughter.
"You got me alright," Syaoran said smiling.
"I've been waiting for years for you to gather the guts to propose! Why your attire for the whole thing has been sitting in my studio for like forever! I can't wait to see you and Sakura-chan on that day!" Tomoyo squealed in delight making Syaoran sweatdrop.
"Take care of Sakura-chan, ne?' she said her voice softening as she placed her hand atop Syaoran's.
"Of course, I'll take care of Sakura" Syaoran said squeezing Tomoyo's hand. He knew Tomoyo purposely squealed and acted all giddy to loosen him up a bit. He has been way too nervous after asking for Sakura's father and brother's consent that he became way too paranoid in Tomoyo's response.
"You ought to, for I will have you guillotined if you don't. Never mess with Amamiya women, I tell you… and don't forget that I'm the bridesmaid" Tomoyo said with her evil look once again.
"How can I?" Syaoran said stifling a smile.
And like a whirlwind of events, Tomoyo has already videotaped Syaoran's proposal to Sakura in her concert and now they were already in Hong Kong preparing what seems to be the grandest wedding Hong Kong has ever hosted. Naturally, Tomoyo designed the whole entourage's outfit and was very ecstatic in finishing Sakura's gown.
The couple originally wanted a simple wedding but Li Yelan insisted that the wedding of the Clan Leader must be the greatest and thus took charge of the planning as a whole – she had an orchestra ready, the Church, reservations everything up to the last detail all planned out.
A day before the wedding, all the men took residence in a hotel as tradition requires. There they had the stag party with Syaoran's closest friends and partied till past midnight.
When morning arrived, Syaoran was way uneasy and kept pacing the room through and forth that Eriol could not help but tease him.
"Tell me my cute descendant, did you choose me to be your best man to tolerate your pre-wedding jitters? Why, you'll bore a hole into the floor any minute from now! Relax will you, Sakura-san will definitely look stunning tonight," Eriol said stopping Syaoran's mini marathon and partially dragging the lad to an armchair in front of the television. On cue the television turned on and joysticks appeared out of nowhere.
Syaoran gave Eriol a quizzical look.
"Talk once you have beaten my high score," Eriol said with a smirk as the intro of NBA appeared on screen.
----
Tomoyo nearly jumped out of the car as it reaches the hotel entrance. She has just learned from Spinel that Eriol and Syaoran are still not ready for the wedding and is busy playing Play Station 2. It was three thirty in the afternoon, less than two hours before the wedding and most of the guests and entourage are almost ready. Behind her were her bodyguards carrying the suites and her gown. Hastily, she made her way to the top floor where the two are staying, pulled the plug and sent a death glare into the two.
Without even uttering a single word she had the two get into their respective bathrooms to get ready.
Spinel then made a reminder to himself never to mess with Tomoyo if he wants to live for the next hundred years.
When the two came out, Tomoyo has already changed into her white goddess gown and is almost done tying her hair in a huge bun. She had pearl earrings and a black choker to accentuate her bare shoulders. She was scary whenever she was mad the same time – she was drop dead gorgeous.
She turned to Eriol and assisted him in putting on his suit. "I know you were trying to lighten Syaoran's mood but surely you haven't forgotten about the wedding didn't you Eriol-kun?" she said straightening the creases of the sleeves of Eriol's dark suit. It was long sleeved with dark blue embroidery and metal clasps in the middle. Tomoyo has to admit that it was one of her mature creations.
"And as of you Syaoran, you get over that jitters of yours and make a good groom, okay?" she said turning to Syaoran and helping him with his suit.
"We're sorry," the two mumbled like two kids found guilty for stealing a cookie before dinner time.
"You two know I can't be mad, you just got me worried hat I actually lose the chance of videotaping Sakura-chan! But oh well, you two look good," Tomoyo said breaking her stern façade with a sweet smile.
"You did do a great job on this one," Syaoran commented looking at the intricate golden embroidery in his black suit with admiration. It reminded him much of his costume back then in sixth grade only this one is much beautiful with a white sash tied on the waist.
"It's bound to. I didn't spent two weeks on that one for nothing now, do I?" Tomoyo said pulling out a white bow tie for Spinel.
"Arigato, Tomoyo-sama," Spinel said flying to Tomoyo's shoulder.
Both Eriol and Syaoran looked at Spinel in surprise, Tomoyo on the other hand didn't notice and instead led the way to the door.
Before the wedding march, little Minoru put up a little tantrum on how his dad can escort Tomoyo while he has to be the ring bearer. Most of the adults tried talking some sense to him but he keep on insisting that he and his dad switch places, he the best man and his dad the ring bearer. Hearing this, Meilin fired the gun once again but lose the moment Minoru used her so-called nickname and how she can never have a husband.
Minoru only lose the battle when Tomoyo promised him a dance.
The wedding went on pretty smoothly with the occasional tears. Tomoyo being the bridesmaid cannot videotape Sakura and the wedding and had 159 video cameras stationed all over the place instead.
Syaoran and Sakura find it a bit exaggerated and even Li Yelan finds it a bit too much but Tomoyo insisted that nothing is too much for her best friend and got her way.
Spinel who witnessed the whole thing made another mental reminder to his self on never underestimating the power of a Daidouji.
After the wedding they had the reception by a beautiful beach with all the ladies donning translucent fairy wins and the gentlemen having silver sheaths. It was like a fairy tale with beautiful glass scones and white lights all over the place. As promises Tomoyo had a dance with Minoru. It was a cheery dance and most of the guests are by the dance floor enjoying.
"It's been a while, Ancestor," Li Yelan said as she walks towards Eriol.
"It is Yelan-san, but I prefer to be called Eriol if you ease. Ancestor makes me feel too old," Eriol said watching the guests dancing.
"Of course… Eriol-san." Yelan said flashing the closest to a smile she can flash. She looked at the direction Eriol was looking.It was Tomoyo dancing with Minoru, laughing and smiling happily.
"Charming, isn't she?" she said as Eriol nodded not removing his gaze until realization dawned and Yelan gave off a light chuckle.
"Only a handful are given the chance of loving the second time around, it would be a waste to let it go, Eriol-san," she said excusing herself to join the others before Eriol could say anything.
Left alone, Eriol then decided to join the two in the dance floor.
----
Tomoyo-san, I want to tell you something," Minoru said his voice shaky. They were by the shore letting the cold sea water caress their feet and the sea breeze kiss their cheeks.
"Nani?" she asked tucking strand of stray hair removing her gaze to the velvety sky and turning to Minoru.
"I…I…" Minoru stuttered.
"Hmm??"
"I… I… I really love you!" the lad blurted out. Tomoyo didn't look much surprise.
"I love you too, but it's not really what you think…You love your mom don't you?"
"Yes," Minoru answered confused.
"What about me?"
"Of course!"
"Aren't your feelings for me and your mom about the same?"
Silence.
"Y-yes."
"You've always loved me as though I am part of your family. I'll always be grateful for that,"
"Is there someone you love the most"
Silence once again.
"It's my dad, right?"
She nodded.
"Daddy's so dense though,"
"Minoru-chan…"
"Just tell me if he makes you cry and I'll hit him with a mallet!"
She laughed.
Silence enveloped them yet again.
"I understood now…"
"Hmmm?"
"I like you because you reminded me of my mom I can't remember"
Water started to threat to leak from her eyes.
"Can I ask you a favor?"
"What?"
"Can I call you Mommy?" he asked with sincerity too much for the lass to handle that she broke into tears as she hug the child and said, "Of course…"
----
It was almost two in the morning when most of the guests retire in the room the Li Clan prepared for them. Servants were sent out to assist the guests. Eriol having three to take care of is exhausted. On his right shoulder was Nakuru who much to Eriol's surprise got tired from chasing Spinel Sun with sweets to stuff his mouth. On his left shoulder was an unconscious Spinel who threw a fit earlier after unluckily choking on a super duper chocolate fudge cake and downed it with tea sweetened with fifteen cubes of sugar. Holding his left hand is a semi-conscious Minoru who is six hours past his bedtime.
Getting inside the cottage with the help of Wei, Syaoran's trusted butler Eriol put Minoru to bed.
"Daddy?" Minoru said yawning.
Eriol removed Minoru's shoes and pulled out from a dresser a clean pair of pajamas.
"Daddy, can I ask you something?" the young boy asked as his father helped him change.
"What do you think of Tomoyo-san?" he asked stopping Eriol.
"What are you talking about?" Eriol asked surprised.
"I want a Mom… I want Tomoyo-san to be my mom," the young lad said before drifting to sleep leaving a confused Eriol and a surprised Spinel.