I would like to thank all of my wonderful reviewers!!! THANK YOU!!!! Sorry
this update was so long in coming the internet, myself, and my parents
decided to have a little argument, when the internet worked I couldn't use
it, when I could use it the internet decided not to work!. ^_^; thank you
all so much!!!!
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Sakura smiles brightly at me when I walk through the door "where's Eriol?"
"I don't know..." She smiles and shakes her head as I settle next to her.
I ask, "How was your day?"
"Good me and Syaoran visited some universities"
"That's great... who's Hikari?" She laughs
"I'm guessing you met her. She's an acquaintance of mainly his as well as Chiharu's cousin. She's completely in love with Eriol like Nakuru used to be with my brother"
"Used to?"
"Oh yeah! I never told you about her and Yuki did I" I laugh "some how I thought that would happen"
"It did... you ready to go out tonight?"
"Meaning?"
"Its Rika's birthday" I smile always ready to party
"I saw Yamato" I confess
Sakura raises her eyebrow making her look cute making me wish I had my camera with me.
"And?"
"You left Eriol in the house!" Momentarily off the subject Sakura laughs
"He asked me to let him, lucky for all of us Toya had to work early today...hey your avoiding my question!"
I smile and reply "no I wasn't, he brought me home. Eriol was sadly detained by Hikari."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Tomoyo don't you think this is a bit too much for a regular party?" I coax her out of the bathroom where she hides "let me see it. Its not that flashy pretty casual for me"
"That's true..."
"Please?" From the other side of the door she sighs and slowly opens "You look beautiful!"
"Coming from you"
"Kero doesn't she look pretty?" He nods in agreement "ravishing" he adds.
Sakura blushes "I don't know you guys"
"Want to ask Yue?" Her face looks mortified "No your right lets go"
Syaoran turns an entire spectrum of red when he sees Sakura
"You... you look great" he stammers out, I try not to laugh: they're so cute. I let them walk ahead
"You're not chickening out?" Kero questions, I turn to smile at him "when have I been known too?"
I step out the suns just setting giving me the impression of a happy ending in a movie Syaoran and Sakura in the lead. "Dreaming again?"
The question snaps me out of my thought, Eriol smiles at me holding out a dozen red roses
"What's this for?"
"You want it to be an apology don't you? Well it isn't, it's for Rika"
I shrug silently calling myself an idiot, Eriol reaches behind his back and produces a single white rose and offers me his arm, and "This is for you"
Being the "gentlemen" he is, Eriol actually apologizes. "Sorry about Hikari...she's....think about Nakuru to the maximum" I smile, "Sakura explained it to me"
"Still I felt bad about you rushing out like that" I think about Yamato and smile "Don't worry, I still managed to have fun with out you"
He looks at me and says "Oh really?" Another one of those God-Where-Is-My- Camera-When-I-Need-It moments. We walk silently until we reach Rika's house.
"So am I forgiven?"
"Of course..." He smiles and I'm really no longer mad at him, that is of course until a familiar motorcycle drives up bearing two riders. Yamato and Hikari.
I brace myself for Hiker's screech but it doesn't come. Actually she's very quiet next to Yamato and whispering something to herself. "Looks like she found a date" he says pulling me inside.
"Happy birthday Rika" I say presenting her with a gift. She smiles
"I never thought you'd be here for my eighteenth birthday" she says "you just being here is good enough of a present!"
From across the room I see Yamato staring at me.
"So Rika ready for our traditional games?" Eriol asks, Rika laughs "Of course! Hey everyone settle in the basement!"
As the others practically run down I ask Eriol "mind explaining?"
"It's another thing you missed out on."
"So what will be first?" Naoko asks, "Rika it's your special day you decide"
She thinks for a moment then gives a devilish grin "I have never"
"Remember to explain to Tomoyo how to play" Sakura says, "I already do..."
I remember the time I got a job designing costumes for a play... the cast and backstage had played it, it had been a funny experience.
"We'll go over it in case any of us have forgotten one of us will stand up and say a statement that starts with 'I have never' so say if Rika says 'I have never skipped school' all of us that have to stand up and switch places with another person who has understood?"
We all nod. Rika stands and says "I have never... sneaked out of my house late night"
To our surprise we all stand up, Sakura and myself included. "Those have to be some interesting stories" Yamato who turned up next to me says. Naoko is left standing "lemme think... I have never... thought about running away"
The only ones to stand up are Eriol and I. I scramble for his spot and Naoko already sits in mine.
Eriol laughs and says, "you asked for this- I have never been kissed"
"That's the best you can come up with Eriol?" Hikari challenges. Feeling myself turn red I stand up, even though I've had my share of boyfriends I either break up with them before they've had a chance to even try or they break up with me because I don't let them.
"The famous Tomoyo has never been kissed" I say with a laugh, "So you want to play that way Eriol? Okay then I have never flirted shamelessly with someone"
Hikari, Chiharu, and Eriol stand up. I stick my tongue out at him. As so the game goes, some of them are a bit serious some are just plain hysterical like Eriol's "I have never had a crush on me" all the girls except Sakura stood up. Then Syaoran's own "I have never been in love" made us go "aw" So far the night was going good, but it was far from over when Eriol announces "lets play truth or dare"
The age-old game of Truth or Dare, you take either a question or a challenge all depends on how much courage your willing to display. Still even picking Truth can be dangerous; I never played the game while I was in New York though it was a favorite. But tonight being home and with my friends made me feel brave so I joined them. "Hm... who shall be the first victim of the night? Yamazaki Truth or Dare"
"Did you know the game originally-"
"No stalling" Chiharu groans hitting him, "Truth then"
"Do you really think Chiharu's cooking isn't all that good?" we all laugh, I haven't tried Chiharu's cooking lately but the last time I checked well...
"Poor Yamazaki" Yamato whispers in my ear "brave man to risk making the love of his life, especially considering that this is Chiharu, mad"
I try to stifle a laugh, but cant. "No I actually got used to it" Yamazaki says smoothly
I glance at Eriol who sits across from us. He meets my eyes and smiles painfully I then notice Hikari sitting next to him. Yamazaki chooses his prey "Yamato"
"Yes?"
"Truth or Dare"
"Dare," we cheer for the first Dare of the night
"I Dare you too.... pick out the most beautiful of these lovely young women and waltz them around the room" Eriol snickers
"He's playing like the gods"
"What's that mean?"
"The apple for the most beautiful... in this case, a waltz. While Yamazaki just risked Chiharu's anger Yamato's risking about every girls anger in here"
I don't think any of us want to admit it but we are kinda curios to see who Yamato thinks is beautiful. Ever since I introduced them most of us have drooled over him. I never really did, because to me he was Yamato, pretty much a playmate, a friend I sorely needed. He's still my friend, still my playmate. Come to think of it he and Hikari would look cute together...that thought only makes me feel a bit uneasy. I'm so buried in my thoughts Sakura has to lightly hit my arm "look up!" she whispers
"Hm? oh..." Yamato stand in front of me holding out his hand, someone has already put on an old waltz. "Not funny"
"What makes you think I'm playing?" I stand up and put my hand on his shoulder as he puts his hand on my waist and the other in waiting palm. "Remember you taught me how to waltz?"
I shake my head yes and whisper, "you've gotten better"
I glance at Eriol who sits calmly watching us. The song ends and I'm allowed to sit down feeling a bit more embarrassed.
We play late into the night and just like "I have never" we get some interesting results like a few kisses of those who are not coupled and of course Hikari's was outrageous and hilarious, she ran outside the house professing her love for Eriol.
"For the last round of the night!" Hikari announces turning to face me with a slightly psycho look she asks "Tomoyo truth or dare?"
I take a deep breath and say, "Dare" the delight on her face unmistakable.
"I dare you to let Eriol give you your first kiss" I already know Eriol must be smiling, Sakura and Syaoran are trying very hard...well just about everyone is trying really hard not to laugh. I look at Eriol who just smiles and shrugs. To all their amazements I don't protest just let out a low sound that sound like "okay"
We meet in the center. "Alright" he whispers, "close your eyes"
I feel myself turning red "don't make this worse Hiiragizawa"
"I'm trying to make it easier"
"Fine"
I've seen enough movies to know how it goes but this was totally different my body sort of automatically leaned forward and my lips met his. And ah yes the fireworks. Darkly, I was half hoping that coming from Eriol, it would be a bit dull since he's thinks he is Casanova. Then again I was hoping that I would actually get to enjoy my first kiss... I'll never admit this to his face but it was...nice. Fire immediately spread through my body and an orchestra was playing in my mind. We break apart and Eriol helps me stand up. I can barely look him in the eye. "Well how was that for show?"
They clap and cheer and start to get up to tell Rika bye.
"I'll walk you home" Eriol whispers as I walk over to Rika.
Yamato my protective big brother takes me aside "Are you okay?"
I smile up at him "perfectly fine... I just got my first kiss"
He smiles and says something to himself that sounds like "wish I could have done it" but maybe I'm just hearing things. All my friends are crowding around asking how it was and I can see Hikari smile brightly at me that leaves me very confused. Smiling back at her I move over to where Rika is.
"Bye Rika" I say giving her a quick hug "I had a blast"
"I would say you did!" I laugh and wait for Eriol outside. Our old teacher Mr. Terrada waits nervously for her outside now that Rika's eighteen she can be with him that makes me really happy, because for her that's probably the best present.
Yamato steps outside with me "need a ride?" I blush
"No, I'm fine. Plus don't you have to take Hikari?"
"She demanded a ride and I don't think I can stand her long enough to take her back home"
"Be nice... Eriol said he'd walk me home"
"Oh" Hikari walks out "ready?"
"Yeah"
"Bye Tomoyo" he says quietly, Hikari waves and they drive off.
"Come on" Eriol says taking my hand unexpectedly. "So how was your first kiss eh?"
"I'm not going to answer that"
"Why? Come on I need to know was it memorable?"
"How can you be so immature at times Eriol?"
"Easily... are you ready to go home yet truthfully?" I sigh, "Will you read my mind to make sure I'm not lying"
"I'm going to trust you on this one"
"No I'm not tired yet"
"I was hoping you'd say that"
"Eriol where are you taking me?" I demand blindly moving forward, very aware of Eriol's presence close to mine.
"It's a surprise!"
"Its the middle of the night! And I'm walking around with your hands over my eyes" he doesn't respond and keeps leading me forward. "We're here"
He removes his hands from eyes but not from me, they rest of my shoulder. "Wow... Eriol...I'm speechless"
"Beautiful isn't it?" I nod dumbly, and stare off at the town.
"It's an abandoned park" he explains signifying the rusted swings and dented slide.
Even at this time the town is still bright, "This is.... great"
His hand moves back up to my face and turns it towards his. "I'm glad you liked it... I've been waiting 3 years to show it to you"
I'm a bit breathless. We here a rustling sound and Eriol's hand smoothly slips of my face and normally to his side. "Tomoyo?... Eriol?...what are you two-"
"Syaoran. Hey! Is Sakura with you?"
"No she's getting a bit worried. You should go back home" I nod and start down the path...Eriol stays behind for a moment. I hear Syaoran's low voice and Eriol's laugh. He catches up with me, smiling.
I walk up the stairs my head in the clouds; this is what I've missed. This is what I'm seriously considering returning to. Sakura smiles coyly at me when I walk into our temporarily shared bedroom.
"So?..." I sit on the bed and return innocently
"So what?"
"How was it??!!"
"It's scary how you've seem to almost turn into me"
"No Tomoyo I could never be like you... your brave enough to have your kiss in a party"
"What?" Kero asks instantly awake "So our little Tomoyo finally got her first kiss!"
I blush "be quiet Kero..."
"From who?"
"Um..."
"FROM ERIOL!" Kero laughs, "how did I know? Where were you?"
"Eriol took me to some abandoned park"
"At 12:30 in the morning?" I smile "he wanted to show me the lights"
They look at me dumbfounded "Just to show you lights?" I nod
"I could not think of Eriol more than one of my best friends and I'm actually relieved he gave me my first kiss because it wasn't as awkward as having some stranger doing it."
Sakura smiles "What if Yamato had done it?"
I don't have a response to that "I don't know...."
Remember how I said how it would have been the perfect ending right after Yamato dropped me off at home? It would have been, but the real finish is I'm going to sleep with the tingly feeling of my first kiss still on my lips and the raging thoughts not letting me figure out if this was a nice ending or not and of course the small part of me that wished she could share this with her mother.
Sakura smiles brightly at me when I walk through the door "where's Eriol?"
"I don't know..." She smiles and shakes her head as I settle next to her.
I ask, "How was your day?"
"Good me and Syaoran visited some universities"
"That's great... who's Hikari?" She laughs
"I'm guessing you met her. She's an acquaintance of mainly his as well as Chiharu's cousin. She's completely in love with Eriol like Nakuru used to be with my brother"
"Used to?"
"Oh yeah! I never told you about her and Yuki did I" I laugh "some how I thought that would happen"
"It did... you ready to go out tonight?"
"Meaning?"
"Its Rika's birthday" I smile always ready to party
"I saw Yamato" I confess
Sakura raises her eyebrow making her look cute making me wish I had my camera with me.
"And?"
"You left Eriol in the house!" Momentarily off the subject Sakura laughs
"He asked me to let him, lucky for all of us Toya had to work early today...hey your avoiding my question!"
I smile and reply "no I wasn't, he brought me home. Eriol was sadly detained by Hikari."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Tomoyo don't you think this is a bit too much for a regular party?" I coax her out of the bathroom where she hides "let me see it. Its not that flashy pretty casual for me"
"That's true..."
"Please?" From the other side of the door she sighs and slowly opens "You look beautiful!"
"Coming from you"
"Kero doesn't she look pretty?" He nods in agreement "ravishing" he adds.
Sakura blushes "I don't know you guys"
"Want to ask Yue?" Her face looks mortified "No your right lets go"
Syaoran turns an entire spectrum of red when he sees Sakura
"You... you look great" he stammers out, I try not to laugh: they're so cute. I let them walk ahead
"You're not chickening out?" Kero questions, I turn to smile at him "when have I been known too?"
I step out the suns just setting giving me the impression of a happy ending in a movie Syaoran and Sakura in the lead. "Dreaming again?"
The question snaps me out of my thought, Eriol smiles at me holding out a dozen red roses
"What's this for?"
"You want it to be an apology don't you? Well it isn't, it's for Rika"
I shrug silently calling myself an idiot, Eriol reaches behind his back and produces a single white rose and offers me his arm, and "This is for you"
Being the "gentlemen" he is, Eriol actually apologizes. "Sorry about Hikari...she's....think about Nakuru to the maximum" I smile, "Sakura explained it to me"
"Still I felt bad about you rushing out like that" I think about Yamato and smile "Don't worry, I still managed to have fun with out you"
He looks at me and says "Oh really?" Another one of those God-Where-Is-My- Camera-When-I-Need-It moments. We walk silently until we reach Rika's house.
"So am I forgiven?"
"Of course..." He smiles and I'm really no longer mad at him, that is of course until a familiar motorcycle drives up bearing two riders. Yamato and Hikari.
I brace myself for Hiker's screech but it doesn't come. Actually she's very quiet next to Yamato and whispering something to herself. "Looks like she found a date" he says pulling me inside.
"Happy birthday Rika" I say presenting her with a gift. She smiles
"I never thought you'd be here for my eighteenth birthday" she says "you just being here is good enough of a present!"
From across the room I see Yamato staring at me.
"So Rika ready for our traditional games?" Eriol asks, Rika laughs "Of course! Hey everyone settle in the basement!"
As the others practically run down I ask Eriol "mind explaining?"
"It's another thing you missed out on."
"So what will be first?" Naoko asks, "Rika it's your special day you decide"
She thinks for a moment then gives a devilish grin "I have never"
"Remember to explain to Tomoyo how to play" Sakura says, "I already do..."
I remember the time I got a job designing costumes for a play... the cast and backstage had played it, it had been a funny experience.
"We'll go over it in case any of us have forgotten one of us will stand up and say a statement that starts with 'I have never' so say if Rika says 'I have never skipped school' all of us that have to stand up and switch places with another person who has understood?"
We all nod. Rika stands and says "I have never... sneaked out of my house late night"
To our surprise we all stand up, Sakura and myself included. "Those have to be some interesting stories" Yamato who turned up next to me says. Naoko is left standing "lemme think... I have never... thought about running away"
The only ones to stand up are Eriol and I. I scramble for his spot and Naoko already sits in mine.
Eriol laughs and says, "you asked for this- I have never been kissed"
"That's the best you can come up with Eriol?" Hikari challenges. Feeling myself turn red I stand up, even though I've had my share of boyfriends I either break up with them before they've had a chance to even try or they break up with me because I don't let them.
"The famous Tomoyo has never been kissed" I say with a laugh, "So you want to play that way Eriol? Okay then I have never flirted shamelessly with someone"
Hikari, Chiharu, and Eriol stand up. I stick my tongue out at him. As so the game goes, some of them are a bit serious some are just plain hysterical like Eriol's "I have never had a crush on me" all the girls except Sakura stood up. Then Syaoran's own "I have never been in love" made us go "aw" So far the night was going good, but it was far from over when Eriol announces "lets play truth or dare"
The age-old game of Truth or Dare, you take either a question or a challenge all depends on how much courage your willing to display. Still even picking Truth can be dangerous; I never played the game while I was in New York though it was a favorite. But tonight being home and with my friends made me feel brave so I joined them. "Hm... who shall be the first victim of the night? Yamazaki Truth or Dare"
"Did you know the game originally-"
"No stalling" Chiharu groans hitting him, "Truth then"
"Do you really think Chiharu's cooking isn't all that good?" we all laugh, I haven't tried Chiharu's cooking lately but the last time I checked well...
"Poor Yamazaki" Yamato whispers in my ear "brave man to risk making the love of his life, especially considering that this is Chiharu, mad"
I try to stifle a laugh, but cant. "No I actually got used to it" Yamazaki says smoothly
I glance at Eriol who sits across from us. He meets my eyes and smiles painfully I then notice Hikari sitting next to him. Yamazaki chooses his prey "Yamato"
"Yes?"
"Truth or Dare"
"Dare," we cheer for the first Dare of the night
"I Dare you too.... pick out the most beautiful of these lovely young women and waltz them around the room" Eriol snickers
"He's playing like the gods"
"What's that mean?"
"The apple for the most beautiful... in this case, a waltz. While Yamazaki just risked Chiharu's anger Yamato's risking about every girls anger in here"
I don't think any of us want to admit it but we are kinda curios to see who Yamato thinks is beautiful. Ever since I introduced them most of us have drooled over him. I never really did, because to me he was Yamato, pretty much a playmate, a friend I sorely needed. He's still my friend, still my playmate. Come to think of it he and Hikari would look cute together...that thought only makes me feel a bit uneasy. I'm so buried in my thoughts Sakura has to lightly hit my arm "look up!" she whispers
"Hm? oh..." Yamato stand in front of me holding out his hand, someone has already put on an old waltz. "Not funny"
"What makes you think I'm playing?" I stand up and put my hand on his shoulder as he puts his hand on my waist and the other in waiting palm. "Remember you taught me how to waltz?"
I shake my head yes and whisper, "you've gotten better"
I glance at Eriol who sits calmly watching us. The song ends and I'm allowed to sit down feeling a bit more embarrassed.
We play late into the night and just like "I have never" we get some interesting results like a few kisses of those who are not coupled and of course Hikari's was outrageous and hilarious, she ran outside the house professing her love for Eriol.
"For the last round of the night!" Hikari announces turning to face me with a slightly psycho look she asks "Tomoyo truth or dare?"
I take a deep breath and say, "Dare" the delight on her face unmistakable.
"I dare you to let Eriol give you your first kiss" I already know Eriol must be smiling, Sakura and Syaoran are trying very hard...well just about everyone is trying really hard not to laugh. I look at Eriol who just smiles and shrugs. To all their amazements I don't protest just let out a low sound that sound like "okay"
We meet in the center. "Alright" he whispers, "close your eyes"
I feel myself turning red "don't make this worse Hiiragizawa"
"I'm trying to make it easier"
"Fine"
I've seen enough movies to know how it goes but this was totally different my body sort of automatically leaned forward and my lips met his. And ah yes the fireworks. Darkly, I was half hoping that coming from Eriol, it would be a bit dull since he's thinks he is Casanova. Then again I was hoping that I would actually get to enjoy my first kiss... I'll never admit this to his face but it was...nice. Fire immediately spread through my body and an orchestra was playing in my mind. We break apart and Eriol helps me stand up. I can barely look him in the eye. "Well how was that for show?"
They clap and cheer and start to get up to tell Rika bye.
"I'll walk you home" Eriol whispers as I walk over to Rika.
Yamato my protective big brother takes me aside "Are you okay?"
I smile up at him "perfectly fine... I just got my first kiss"
He smiles and says something to himself that sounds like "wish I could have done it" but maybe I'm just hearing things. All my friends are crowding around asking how it was and I can see Hikari smile brightly at me that leaves me very confused. Smiling back at her I move over to where Rika is.
"Bye Rika" I say giving her a quick hug "I had a blast"
"I would say you did!" I laugh and wait for Eriol outside. Our old teacher Mr. Terrada waits nervously for her outside now that Rika's eighteen she can be with him that makes me really happy, because for her that's probably the best present.
Yamato steps outside with me "need a ride?" I blush
"No, I'm fine. Plus don't you have to take Hikari?"
"She demanded a ride and I don't think I can stand her long enough to take her back home"
"Be nice... Eriol said he'd walk me home"
"Oh" Hikari walks out "ready?"
"Yeah"
"Bye Tomoyo" he says quietly, Hikari waves and they drive off.
"Come on" Eriol says taking my hand unexpectedly. "So how was your first kiss eh?"
"I'm not going to answer that"
"Why? Come on I need to know was it memorable?"
"How can you be so immature at times Eriol?"
"Easily... are you ready to go home yet truthfully?" I sigh, "Will you read my mind to make sure I'm not lying"
"I'm going to trust you on this one"
"No I'm not tired yet"
"I was hoping you'd say that"
"Eriol where are you taking me?" I demand blindly moving forward, very aware of Eriol's presence close to mine.
"It's a surprise!"
"Its the middle of the night! And I'm walking around with your hands over my eyes" he doesn't respond and keeps leading me forward. "We're here"
He removes his hands from eyes but not from me, they rest of my shoulder. "Wow... Eriol...I'm speechless"
"Beautiful isn't it?" I nod dumbly, and stare off at the town.
"It's an abandoned park" he explains signifying the rusted swings and dented slide.
Even at this time the town is still bright, "This is.... great"
His hand moves back up to my face and turns it towards his. "I'm glad you liked it... I've been waiting 3 years to show it to you"
I'm a bit breathless. We here a rustling sound and Eriol's hand smoothly slips of my face and normally to his side. "Tomoyo?... Eriol?...what are you two-"
"Syaoran. Hey! Is Sakura with you?"
"No she's getting a bit worried. You should go back home" I nod and start down the path...Eriol stays behind for a moment. I hear Syaoran's low voice and Eriol's laugh. He catches up with me, smiling.
I walk up the stairs my head in the clouds; this is what I've missed. This is what I'm seriously considering returning to. Sakura smiles coyly at me when I walk into our temporarily shared bedroom.
"So?..." I sit on the bed and return innocently
"So what?"
"How was it??!!"
"It's scary how you've seem to almost turn into me"
"No Tomoyo I could never be like you... your brave enough to have your kiss in a party"
"What?" Kero asks instantly awake "So our little Tomoyo finally got her first kiss!"
I blush "be quiet Kero..."
"From who?"
"Um..."
"FROM ERIOL!" Kero laughs, "how did I know? Where were you?"
"Eriol took me to some abandoned park"
"At 12:30 in the morning?" I smile "he wanted to show me the lights"
They look at me dumbfounded "Just to show you lights?" I nod
"I could not think of Eriol more than one of my best friends and I'm actually relieved he gave me my first kiss because it wasn't as awkward as having some stranger doing it."
Sakura smiles "What if Yamato had done it?"
I don't have a response to that "I don't know...."
Remember how I said how it would have been the perfect ending right after Yamato dropped me off at home? It would have been, but the real finish is I'm going to sleep with the tingly feeling of my first kiss still on my lips and the raging thoughts not letting me figure out if this was a nice ending or not and of course the small part of me that wished she could share this with her mother.