Chapter XI : Be My Bear (Christmas' Edition)


"Dear Journal,

It's been quite some time since I last made an entry, hasn't it? I apologize thoroughly. Lately my life is very much alike a whirlwind and thus I've spent most of my time trying to sort things out and straighten it again. I still am not suited to tell you everything clearly and so, I'll save it for later.

Loves you,

Daidouji Tomoyo"

Mother came home two days ago from her trip to the U.S. and found me lying on bed, visibly thinner than when she left and eating absent mindedly a bowl of papaya while idly changing the channels in the flat TV that hung above the marble top of the fireplace.

"Oh darling! I am so glad to be home!" She had said, hugging me like there was no tomorrow and her purple-blue eyes brimming with tears. "Eriol-kun called me and told me everything I needed to know. I was relieved that my job there was done and immediately came back."

"I am sorry mom, I worried you." Was my turn to apologize for being such a nuisance. I should have known better than to work myself to exhaustion. But I couldn't help it at the time. What's done it's done.

"That's nonsense! I had all the right to know. I am so grateful that Eriol-kun knocked some sense into you. You sure have the stubbornness of the family running through your veins!" Despite the stern look she wore, a proud smile showed on her lips. "However, we have some talking to do young lady!"

I inwardly cringed at the sour tone in her melodious voice and took the last bit of fruit in an attempt to entertain myself with something and calm my uneasiness. "I know mother and I'm very sorry. I disappointed you."

She looked at me for quite a long time before seating at my feet on the mattress. "Listen Tomoyo, when I left to the U.S I seriously didn't think to stay there for so long and thus didn't also think of Christmas coming over and the heavy flow of work it carries. I trusted you enough as to know that you'll do everything that was in your power to keep things under control," she paused to think before talking again, "however I also thought that you knew your limits."

I felt my heart clench at her last sentence. Mother was right; I'm a silly little girl. Suddenly all I wanted was to cry myself to sleep on her lap out of despair. "I know I should've known better. It's my entire fault that we're in this predicament."

"I'm not blaming anybody in this room Tomoyo. Lets say that we both have our share of fault in this," she smiled a bit knowing my tendency to assume that everything is my doing, specially the bad things, "when I told you that you could count on me if anything happened I really meant it."

I looked down at the empty bowl resting on my lap with hot tears threatening to fall down at any moment so I breathed deeply to steady myself. "I didn't call you because I didn't want you to think that I wasn't capable of handling everything," I lost my battle and a lone tear slid down my cheek, "I didn't want to disappoint you; I wanted to make you proud!" I don't know what's taking over me. Normally it takes much more than this to make me cry so openly. Perhaps this is a post-stress reaction.

Okaa-san's eyes soften considerably and she moves closer to hold me tight. "Hush child! I am proud of you; you don't need to prove anything to me because I know who you are and what you're capable of. I didn't give birth to you for nothing." She said smiling tenderly at me, drawing circular patterns on my back with her right hand to soothe my fears.

"I know... I just... I just wanted to do it all by myself. I didn't want to bother anyone... I guess I was wrong," and I just stood there weeping for all I was worth until I gained control of my actions, "are you mad at me?"

Suddenly her face turns into a stern expression. "I am," and after those words that hit my like thousand slaps she continued, "how could you think that I'd have a successful business over a sick daughter? I didn't know that you thought so low of me." Her voice was smooth and calm but her eyes betrayed her hurt. Those words rang a bell in my mind but I could not quite place where I heard them.

"I didn't mean that... Gomen nasai!" And since there was nothing else that I could possibly do, I lowered my head in shame.

"Don't worry, it's all over now," she said and placed her hand on my left shoulder, comfortingly, "did you seriously think that I would go easy on you, young lady?" Good humor was present in her voice and I shook my head in negative. "Now, on more important things... How are you feeling?" Motherly concern displayed all over her pretty face.

I took some seconds to assimilate everything before I answered. "I am feeling better... The headaches are not as strong as before anymore, but still there. I can eat without having a stomachache but the portions are small and I don't seem to tolerate anything with fat or flour." I filled her in.

She deliberated over it for a couple of minutes and after checking her silver Guess wristwatch she spoke. "It's too late now; we're going to the doctor tomorrow. Do you have any homework to do or any kind or work?"

I'm sure a pout made itself present in my lips at the mention of Doctor and I held the urge to whine at bay before she continued her sentence. "Yes, just some works to hand in January and some other minor things." I really didn't understand why she asked that.

"I see. You're forbidden to do any stressful thing. Eriol-kun will help you with your homework and everything you need. You are to organize your time so that you get your studying done and rest in equal intervals, plus I don't want you to do anything after the twenty-fourth of December," she looked sternly at me, no room for arguments, "I believe that I made myself clear."

What was this all about? I had no idea but nodded.

"Good, that's my girl!" She smiled and with a peck on the cheek she left mumbling something about e-mails and appointments with doctors.

I felt a lot better and safer now that mom is home, which makes me think of how much I need her. However, there is still something that troubles me.

Three days ago I woke up safely and comfortably tucked in my forest green duvet that has a cute picture of a reindeer in the center and I could swear on the Bible that I was at the office just seconds ago. An annoying headache was looming over my head which made me think that it was much worse before. I tried to remember how I got here and what happened but memories were elusive to me. I frowned, sat up in bed and looked at the display of the Hi-Fi stereo system to read the hour. Two-thirty in the morning! Something happened here and I can't remember anything!

"How are you feeling Tomoyo-san?" I heard Eriol's voice and turned at its direction only to find him casually sitting in the loveseat at my left.

"Eriol-kun? I'm fine I guess... My head hurts a little and I'm thirsty." I said before I could stop myself to think the reason behind his presence in my room at such an ungodly hour.

"I am glad," he said while standing up and walking towards the bedside table to then fill a glass of water, "here, drink slowly." Offering me the crystal container. I couldn't see much since it was pretty dark, being it winter, but what I saw made me the more confused. He had on a serene face, though his eyes were a stormy-blue and his hair was disheveled. Maybe something bad happened? Was it mom?

"Thank you," I said and took a few sips of the clear liquid that seemed foreigner to my own throat, "did something happen, Eriol-kun?" Took another sip. "Why do you seem so troubled? Why am I here? Shouldn't I be at the office?" A waterfall of questions poured into my startled mind.

"I highly doubt it, especially at this hour," he tried to joke but I didn't laugh. My mind was too occupied thinking to even try. "You fainted and I took you home; that is all." I don't know why, but I have the feeling that there's something more to this story. He's hiding something from me but I was in no state of mind to play with his own tricky one today.

"Honto ni? I'm very sorry for bothering you Eriol-kun, I hope you can forgive me?" The words blurted out of my mouth by themselves. Years of trained politeness required so. However I felt deep inside that there was something else that I had to apologize for.

"You're not a bother Tomoyo-san... Your apologies are uncalled for." He said and his gaze was removed from my eyes. At that moment, I contented myself with finishing the half-full glass of water.

"Still, I want to apologize. I feel that I have to, even though I can't quite tell why," placing the glass on the bedside table beside the jar, "are you going to spend the night with me?" I said, covering a yawn with my hand. He looked taken aback.

"Now that you're better, I shall get home. Nakuru and Spinel must be very worried by now." He said almost about to leave.

"But at this hour? I rather have you sleeping here than driving at such an hour." I said sleepily. If his guardians were worried, I'm sure they had called his mobile phone by now. Besides, they could feel if their master was in danger and this is not one of those dangerous moments.

"I really shall be going, thank you for the offer though. Perhaps next time." He said and left. No goodnight kiss like he usually does. No farewell, no nothing.

Later encounters with him proved to be the same. Like if a distance line was drawn somewhere between us. He did, however, call me the next morning asking for my welfare and even came over to check for himself. He informed me that mother was on her way home since everything was taken care of.

Even if I crack my brain open, it won't remember what happened in the office that day and it worries me. Whatever that is, it has to be something important because Eriol gets slightly uncomfortable whenever I bring up the subject. He always dismisses my questions telling me that nothing happened that day besides my fainting fit. He's more controlled now and seems more like himself, which is good.

I'm afraid of asking him again.

Placing the bowl aside I decide that I will find out sooner or latter. I'll let it pass for now and do mother's bidding. I don't want her to be more upset with me than she already is.

It's mid-morning and I haven't gotten off bed yet. You might be wondering how it was that I got a bowl of fruit? The answer is simple; Marie brought it to me worried because I wasn't eating properly. I removed the covers from me and slip into the fluffy lavender slippers. After placing the hand-painted china bowl on the bedside table I made my way to the bathroom.

With a smile on my face and wearing a short pleated skirt, knitted thick sweater and thick pantyhose I exit the bedroom intending on going to the kitchen to return the eating container and have a glass of water.


Let's see... Turning on the Mac G5 and waiting for it to boot while taking sips of the water. I really don't have to wait for long and after signing in MSN Messenger 6.1 with no contacts online I click open Outlook. I haven't used it before... It's been there ever since I installed the Microsoft Office for Mac. The main window appears quickly and I'm puzzled. Where to begin?

Half an hour later of setting up my e-mail account configuration and sorting out how this works I manage to get down to the calendar and begin to plan out two weeks. I set up nine in the morning as the beginning of a labor day and use three hours for each assignment. I try to interchange various kinds of activities or different subjects to work on for each day so I won't get bored. Also, I've contemplated the spare hours that mother wants me to have. InuYasha remains as untouchable time in all the weekdays of the calendar. Whatever I might be doing, it has to stop to see InuYasha. Satisfied with what I've got, I save the changes and call mother to review it. She agrees with everything, except that she wants me to clear Wednesday because we're going to the doctor. Going through junk mail and boring myself to death since there aren't any good things to look at and iMesh is in a queued status, I minimize the window and close iTunes.


Wednesday came and after four hours in a private hospital and lots of tests the doctor told us that I have a mild case of stomach ulcer and the headaches are caused by high blood pressure due to stress. I'm on a diet now, no salt and no fat. She also prescribed some meds to be taken thirty minutes before eating and some others each twelve hours. I hate to be sick!

I began to work according to my agenda and it proved to be really useful. I have ready my oral presentation for English but still have other five assignments to do. I have two long research papers and one hell of a long workshop left. I also have some Algebra and Physics problems to solve. Just to think of them gives me a headache.

Eriol-kun and I are partners for most of the assignments since it was pair-work. That's good because I know how responsible and serious he is about his studies. Everything he hands in is A-class. I'm not planning to dump all the work on him. I'm just relieved that I don't have to deal with hormone-driven teenagers or girls that don't seem to focus on the matter at hand but on the latest gossips around. It really gets on my nerves!

He came over on Friday afternoon dressed in a black woolen turtle-neck sweater that has a zipper going along the left side of the collar and shoulder; and just the right pair of Guess jeans. They were a bit baggy but looked wonderful on him! He said that both guardians sends their greetings and get well wishes. Mother herself came to the study with a tray of cookies for him, some fruits for me and Gray Earl tea. We talked a bit before she excused herself and disappeared through the door.

"Well Eriol-kun, which part do you want to do?" I asked handing him the index that I've built based on a three-book research. It's kind of long if you ask me.

"I don't know... Whatever it is would be fine with me." He replied eyeing the innocent looking paper cautiously.

"Let's play rock, scissors and paper. Whoever wins gets the even numbers and the rest is left to the loser." I recommended a grin on my face.

"Sounds like a good idea to me." He agreed smiling back.

"Okay then! Rock scissors and paper!" Hiding my hand behind me. "One, two, three... Out!" Darn, I lost! Must work with questions number one, three, five, seven, nine, eleven, thirteen and fifteen.

I open MS Word and type the index. Half an hour later of highlighting important ideas and hints in the text books I find myself speaking. "What do you plan on doing for the Holidays?"

"Nakuru and Spinel want to visit the Li family. Well, actually mostly Nakuru but poor Spinel got tricked and carried along," he said and chuckled, his face still covered by the thick History book, "I think that I'll stay here. I still have to go through other assignments." This might sound kind of sad to others, but he didn't seem affected by this. "What about you?"

I dropped the pencil and stretched my numb body. "I don't know. Mother ordered that those weeks are spare. I guess that she plans on doing the traditional dinner party for Christmas and maybe she wants to go out to some hotel party for New Year's Eve," I sighed and rested my chin on my open palm, "do you want to spend the Holidays with us? Please say yes!" Using my best puppy-eyed look shamelessly on him.

"I'd love to! It really is an honor to spend the Holidays with the Daidouji family." He said placing the book aside and looking truly moved.

"Aw, come on! There's no need for you to be so formal Eriol-kun! You know that you're part of the family now!" I beamed at him, taking one hand of his in mine.

"Yes, I know," he said calmly drawing his hand back and out of my grasp, "let's finish this okay? The sooner it's over the better... Unless you are a masochist." He said and laughed, returning to the previously discarded book.

I smiled back at him in my own way of acknowledgement and focused my attention on the books spread in front of me.


Christmas' Eve was just around the corner and I still haven't done any gift-shopping. I used to be prepared two weeks before Christmas but this time I simply couldn't. That's why I decided that today is the perfect day to pay a visit to my favorite mall in the city. Grabbing the car keys and dressed in warm but stylish clothes, mostly from Ralph Lauren, I called the elevator. I already asked okaasan for permission and she gave it most reluctantly threatening to send the bodyguards if I wasn't home in five hours. Sometimes I feel suffocated under mom's over-protective nature.

Here I am, in the middle of a crowed mall. It seems that it's not only me who placed Christmas' Shopping at the very bottom of the priority list. I sigh and try to relax myself before walking among the human river of people. Some stores catches my interest and I enter to take a better look at what they sell. That way I bought a small and sleek black handbag from Luis Vuitton with a wristwatch of the same color and design that I'm very much sure mom will love. For Sakura I bought another handbag, also from Luis Vuitton, but this one is pink with a cherry blossom pattern. For Li-kun I bought a silver Swatch wristwatch that's absolutely gorgeous and perfect for him because the inner-screen is forest green, contrasting nicely with the rest of it. I got the new Simple Irresistible Givenchy parfum for Nakuru knowing her soft spot for them. Spinel was an easy but tricky one; I knew his passion for books, but not all kind of books, just the best so I spent almost an hour in the bookshop trying to pick a good one worth his time. I hope I did well in my choice. I'm sure that Kero-chan will be more than happy with the Christmas' cake that I'll bake him as soon as I get home. It's a chocolate cake with dried fruits and nuts.

It's been three hours and I still don't know what to get Eriol for Christmas. I decided to take a seat and rest my protesting legs and arms. I wave to get the attention of a waiter and ask for a bottle of spring water. I wanted to have a mocha latté instead but my doctor was very serious when she said no coffee allowed. What a pity! (And that's coming from me, who don't like coffee at all.)

After the water was long gone and the bill was paid for I gathered the bags and began to move in the crow. I stopped at some clothing stores such as Tommy Hilfiger, Guess and Diesel for casual everyday clothes and then bought two cocktail dresses from Chanel. I saw just the perfect pair of shoes from Jimmy Choo and also got them. Two different models to go with the new dresses.

I had bought almost everything I've come here for, however, something was missing. I was about to give up and go home when something got my attention: Nintendo's store. I've known Eriol for quite some time now and sometimes the poor boy sure has to loosen up a bit! Decided to give him a gentle push towards virtual freedom I enter the store that's packed up with teenagers and look around in hopes of finding someone who helps me.

"Good evening miss, are you looking for something?" I hear someone say behind me.

Spinning around with a grateful smile I thank the heavens. "As a matter of fact, yes I am. I want to buy a video console for my best friend for Christmas."

"Are you new at this?" He asks with amusement in his light-brown eyes.

"Yes, you can say so." And his smile grows wider.

"In that case, let me introduce you to our Game Cube," gesturing towards a perfect purple cube plugged in to a huge flat screen as a demo, "do you want to try it?"

"That'd be nice." Smiling and walking towards the device.

I put all the bags in the floor and take the wireless controller called Wavebird that he offers. He opens up the lid and puts a minidisc that contains the game. Seconds later the EA games symbol appears with a hushed challenges everything to then change into the main screen of James Bond: NightFire.

"Have you seen the James Bond's movies?" He asks pressing some buttons in the controller that he holds.

"Yes, mostly the ones with Pierce Brosnan." I say looking at the figures of fire-women dancing in the screen background.

"Then there's not much to explain. This game is like the movies; you have to complete the missions in order to finish the game. However, there are hidden paths and weapons. The higher you score in each mission, the higher you rank in the game," he explained patiently while selecting some options, "there are also some versus games that can be played up to four players so it's really fun. Let's try one of those."

A loading screen appears and then it splits in two. I play below since I'm the second player and he plays above. The goal, as he told me, is to kill one hundred and twenty soldiers of the enemy army before they kill us. I spent the first two minutes of the game dying death after death until I got the hang of it and began to kill some enemies to my credit. It was really fun to see them fall down after you shoot them!

"So, do you like it?" He inquired turning the game off.

"Yes, it was very stress-relieving!" I admitted with a wicked grin picturing the ever-so-calm Eriol Hiiragizawa shooting at the poor soldiers mercilessly after a stressful day at school.

"Are you going to buy it?" He asked placing the controllers in place, neatly.

I just smiled and nodded.

"Very well. The Game Cube comes in three colors, purple as you saw, black, and there's a limited special edition that's silver. Which one would you prefer?" Walking towards the counter.

"I'd take a black one please." Going after him.

He takes out a box that was placed among many others in a modern-looking shelf behind him. "The main packages contains the game console, one controller and a game which in this case is Mario Sunshine. Is there something else you need?" Placing the box on the counter and scanning the barcode with an infra-red device.

"Hmmm, yes please. I'd like to buy another controller... The wavebird in fact and some other games." Looking around the bright-colored slim boxes the size of a DVD.

"Splendid! Which game tittles do you want?" He asks me while taking out the new controller pack and scanning it.

"Let me see... Oh, I know! I want 007Nightfire, Mario Kart DoubleDash, Super Smash Bros Melee, FIFA Soccer 2002, Mario Party 4 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time." I say pointing at each game in the display shelf looking every inch a hyper child.

"Wow! Considering how many games you're getting I suggest that you buy a memory card. It saves your progress in each game so you'll be able to complete them easier. It comes in handy in situations where you find, for example, a tricky item or finally defeated that impossible boss." He explained handing me a box that said Memory Card 59blocks.

"Okay! How much is it?" I asked and got ready a credit card.

After I paid, he handed me a huge Nintendo bag with all the stuff I had bought. It was a bit heavy, plus the many others I also carried made it difficult to continue with my shopping spree. I paid no heed to that since I already got what I wanted and needed so, taking a glance at the dark-blue Michelle watch I decide it's about time to go home before mom sends a search party to come and get me.

It took me forty minutes to reach home, the traffic was so heavy! Anyways, dragging all the bags with me I made it safely inside the apartment. Mom was casually reading a magazine in the living room and that's the first thing I saw once the doors of the elevator slid open for me.

"Hi sweetie! Oh my! It seems that you brought the entire Mall with you," she got up and walked towards me, "here, let me help!" Taking some bags with her.

"Thanks mom! Yeah, well... Kind of," grinning widely at my shopping success and placing the keys on a nearby table, "I got presents for everyone! I hope they like them."

"Always remember that it's not about the gift, but the feeling and thought behind it is what makes us like whatever it's given." She advised wisely, placing the bags on the sofa.

"I know, however, it didn't stop me to think carefully what I picked up for each one of you." And it was really an exhausting thing to do.

"I know!" She beamed, clasping her hands in delight. "Are they already wrapped, darling?"

"No, I want to do it on my own." I said thinking of the long hours ahead of me. But that is something I'll do most gladly since it will allow me to imprint my personal touch to each gift.

"Somehow I knew it. Want me to help?" She offered amiably. Sadly, I had to turn her down.

"It's okay mom, don't worry!" And she still smiled at me.

"Alright then, you better begin now if you want to finish on time," she said with a wink, "I'll call you when dinner is ready." So I took my stuff and headed upstairs.


The Hi-Fi stereo system turned on by itself and merry Christmas' Carols filled the environment. I yawned and stretched in bed and tossed the bedspread and bed sheets aside to get off. With comfortably clad feet I head towards the bedroom to clean myself and start a new, merry day... Today is the twenty-fourth of December.

I heard from Eriol-kun that Spinel Sun and Ruby Moon are expected to leave the country today at noon, so I decided to go and pay a visit to the lively duo before they take their flight overseas.

Today I wear a knee-length, dark-gray denim skirt with two thin belts crisscrossed at the hips, a bottle-green t-shirt and thick knitted scarf with things dangling from it, a black jacket and knee-high dark-brown leather boots. The hair is braided loosely with some strands outside the rubber-band grasp, framing my face. No make up on but a bit of mascara and lip-gloss with E-vitamin.

"Good morning darling! Why are you so dressed up?" Greets mother placing healthy food on the kitchen counter while smirking at me all the way.

"Ohayo! Well, I'm going to visit Eriol-kun's guardians today before they leave for China." Taking a seat at the counter.

"Now I remember! Please wish them a Merry Christmas for me." Filling the glasses with fresh orange juice.

"Sure thing!" Smiling brightly. "Ittadaikimasu!" Taking a toast and spreading low-fat butter on it.

After breakfast is over, I kiss mom good-bye and proceed to the living room were four bags and a hand bag await me. Placing the Diesel Refract shades on and taking the car keys with me I exit the apartment.

The sight of Eriol's Manor brings a smile to my face. The sound of Baby V.O.X In Nyung pours out from the speakers and I sing along. Pressing a tny button in the hands-free set I access the voice-dial mode and ask the phone to call Eriol-kun.

"Hello?" He greets, his smooth voice melting my heart.

"Hi Eriol-kun! I'm outside. Could you open the gates for me, please?" I say, looking straight ahead at the tall, black iron gates.

"Sure thing love!" Seconds later they begin do so, seemingly on their own accord.

"Thanks!" I manage to say before hanging up and driving up the stone path that leads towards his home.

The moment I get out of the car, the front door of the manor is opened by none other than Eriol himself dressed in a Phoenix crew neck sweater and werk cargo pants from Guess. Pressing a button on the remote I command the trunk to open and he helps me to get everything out. Once inside the safety of his house I take off the scarf and hang it in the, you guessed it! Hanger.

"How are you feeling Tomoyo-san?" Asks Eriol looking very concerned.

"I'm better now! It's hard to feel ill with too many people looking after you, really," I say nonchalantly, "I really appreciate your concern though."

Suddenly, a blur of maroon comes to me and I feel the air coming out my lungs. "Hello Nakuru-chan, it's nice to see you too!" I manage to choke out before I pass out.

"Yay! Merry Christmas Tomoyo-chan! I thought I wouldn't see you until next year. Thank God you visited us!" She said pouting and then smiling brightly.

"I know, that's why I decided to come over and give you your presents!" Lifting one bag from the floor and taking out a wrapped box. "Here! This is for you! Merry Christmas!" I beamed handing her the gift.

"Thank you so much Tomoyo-chan!" She squealed like a hyper-child. "Can I open it now?" She asked looking at her master.

He shrugged. "Sure, why not?" I took a step closer to him and wrapped one arm around his shoulders.

"Good morning Tomoyo-san!" Greets Spinel from the foot of the stairway.

"Ohayo Spinel! Merry Christmas!" Giving him his present after I had fished it out of the paper bag.

"Merry Christmas! Thank you very much, you are very thoughtful." He said and bowed his head in appreciativeness. He used his tiny claws to cut the paper to shreds and discover its content. It seems that he liked it because his face shot up immediately, a wide grin on his cute face. "Thank you so much! You're the best!"

It was the same with Nakuru, only that she jumped at me squeezing the life out of me.

"It was my pleasure guys!" I smiled. "I am most glad that you like them!"

"Why don't you, Eriol, walk Tomoyo-san to the living while we get Tomoyo-chan's gifts?" Said the Moon Guardian winking at us. My cheeks suddenly feel hot and given the circumstances, I can't blame it on the weather.

"Alright!" He agreed and offered his hand for me to take. "Please this way milady."

I giggled and took his hand, but not before taking one of the bags, playing along with him. "Of course milord."

Once we were inside the spacious and luxurious living room, beautifully decorated in silver and blue for Christmas, I handed him the big paper-bag with reindeer's patterns. The contents of it being carefully hidden by silk-paper, ribbons and frills. It has a card attached that says To the best friend in the world - From the luckiest girl alive.

"Here my dear, Merry Christmas!" I said cheerfully, waiting for him to take the bag. He didn't. Instead he practically launched himself at me and hugged me tightly, as is afraid that I'd disappear into thin air. I was overwhelmed but confused nonetheless by his actions, thus dropped the bag cautiously to the floor and hugged him back, drawing soft circles on his muscular back. "Easy boy, it's alright now."

We stood like that for a couple of minutes until he regained his composure and let me go. His face was calm, but once again those azure blue eyes were stormy like that night and it gave me the creeps. What's happening with the so calm and collected Hiiragizawa Eriol I know?

"Thank you very much Tomoyo-san! I really appreciate it," he said and a sudden blush crept to his cheeks, tinting them a cute pink color. "I apologize for my sudden outburst, I believe I made you uncomfortable." He said looking down and taking the gift that was previously discarded and forgotten.

"No problem. However, I'd like to know if there's something wrong. You're not being your usual self lately and it worries me. Did I do something wrong?" I couldn't stop the questions from flowing through my over-active mouth.

"Nothing is wrong. I believe it's the season." He said, smiling. I smiled back deciding to leave it at that. There's no way in hell that I'm going to ruin our first Christmas together.

Just at that moment, Nakuru bounced in with Spinel floating behind her. Both guardians carrying bags and boxes.

"Look Suppi-chan! Tomoyo-chan brought something for our sweet Eriol!" She said happily getting closer to us with each step she took.

The winged-cat just sighed at the mention of his hated nickname. "Yes, I can see that."

"Here Tomoyo-chan, Merry Christmas!" Beamed Nakuru giving me a gift bag, "open it now!" Her reddish eyes twinkling with glee.

I said my thanks and proceeded to work on the ribbon that holds the bag closed. Inside was a beautiful knit scarf of all shades of purple. I smiled broadly, fingering its soft texture and feeling the warmth it gave off. "Thank you so much Nakuru-chan! I love it!"

"I knew that you'd like it!" I bet that her smile cannot grow any bigger. "Come here Suppi-chan!" She commanded and the tiny cat obliged.

"Merry Christmas Daidouji-san, I hope you like my humble gift." He spoke softly and offered a sleek box wrapped in rich-purple velvet paper.

I bowed to him and gladly took the gift. Inside was a black velvet shocker with a silver butterfly, its wings carefully embedded with neatly cut-out amethysts. "Thank you so much Spinel-san, it's magnificent!" I said and closed the lid of the box.

"Aren't you going to open Tomoyo-chan's gift, Eriol?" Inquired Nakuru, looking excitedly at her master.

"That's what I'm about to do!" He said and opened the bag and then took out all the colorful papers and ribbons. "Wow Tomoyo-san, I must say I'm most impressed!" He said taking out the Game Cube's box.

"Yay! Tomoyo-chan got Eriol a Nintendo!" Nakuru said clapping her hands in delight. "He won't be bored no more!"

I giggled. "I thought it'd help Eriol-kun relax a bit. I also choose various games so we all can play!"

"Yorokonde!" Chirped Nakuru and then glanced at her wristwatch. "Aw, time to go Suppi. It's late and we don't want to miss our flight, do we?" She said, eyes downcast but then her usual genki-ness returned to her almost immediately.

"That's so bad! I wish you bon voyage then! Oh, and please take the bags that are in the hall with you. Those are gifts for Sakura-chan, Li-kun and Kero-chan!" I said following them out the living room.

"Sure thing! Anything else?" Asks the brunette.

"Yes, mom sends her greetings and good wishes to all of you! Might you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" I say cheerfully.

"Please tell Sonomi-obasan that we wish the same for her!" She says lifting the bags with ease while the butler opened the door.

"We'll call once we arrive. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Master and Daidouji-san." Said Spinel and after a curt nod they were gone.

We returned to the living room and Eriol finished unpacking his gift with great amusement. Then he turned to me, his eyes on mine and I almost took a step backwards.

"I am sorry Tomoyo-san, I haven't bought anything to you yet... I know what I want to get you, if you accept, but I need you to come with me." He said, his voice pouring out like rich wine.

Sincere.

"Don't worry Eriol-kun, it's alright! Demo, why don't we give this a try first and then go?" I said pointing towards the Game Cube still in its box.

"Sure! You're the best person I know, really Tomoyo-san!" He smiled sexily. Damn this boy and his mood swings! He's driving me insane!

We set up everything on his entertainment center, which means a huge flat TV screen and home theater system; and took our positions on the floor, with soft cushions underneath. We decided to play Mario Kart DoubleDash. We versus the computer. He's the one driving and I'm the one in charge of throwing items at others and smacking them. I'm Peach and he's Mario.

The first two tracks are uneventful, with us ending up in the eight position... So pitiful!

"Look out Eriol-kun! No... The pool!... OMG!" And down we go, sinking deep in the pool while waiting for the fishing guy to take us out. Needless to say, we ended seventh this time.

Another track was on. "Seriously Tomoyo-san... Your aim is so perfect!" He said sarcastically and I frowned.

"I'm trying! And who are you? Michael Schumager?" I reply with a smirk.

"Not quite yet, just keep watching!" He said self-confidently.

"Yeah, yeah... Just pay attention before we... Oh, never mind!" This time we fell down the lava in Bowser's Castle.

We spent two hours at it, but it proved worthy because we won our first Gold Cup! It was hilarious to watch Eriol doing a small victory dance across the living room at that particular moment.

"Let us go before the Mall gets too crowed to walk." He said, taking a lambskin pilot jacket from the hanger and putting it on.

"You're right!" Placing on the scarf I had discarded earlier.

"I'll lead the way okay?" He said grabbing the car keys with the BMW symbol on the keychain.

"Sure thing honey!" Taking my handbag and we parted ways; I was to exit by the front door and he had to go to the garage by the kitchen entrance to get his car.

Almost thirty minutes later we stood in front of a cute store with lots of stuffed and fluffy animals on display. I looked up to see what's this store named and the title earns a smile: Be My Bear. It was so ka-wa-ii! One of the sales ladies in front told us how the system of creating your very own bear works.

First you select the animal that you want. Second, you go to a cotton-filling machine and fill the animal with as much cotton as you want. Third, you are to choose a heart and place it inside the animal's back and also add qualities to it in the shape of multi-colored stars. Each color has its own meaning. Fourth, they sew its back. Fifth, you pick up its clothes. Sixth, they fill in its birth certificate. Seventh, you pay for it and bring it home in its house-box.

"Sugoi ne! This is so cute Eriol-kun!" I say clinging to him in excitement at such a kawaii display, resting my head in the crook of his neck.

"Sure it is, isn't it? Go ahead, let one of them be your bear!" He said and guided me towards the first step of the process.

I look at all the beautiful stuffed toys deciding on which one to take until a honey-brown bear catches my eyes. It's tiny, black eyes and small chocolate nose are just too much for me to resist!

"This is the one that I want Eriol-kun!" I said pointing to that bear and he bent down a bit to pick it up for me.

"Are you sure?" He asked, showing it to me.

"Hai!" I said untangling myself from Eriol and cradling the bear in my arms.

"Let's go to the cotton-machine then." He said and taking me by the elbow, guided me through all over the place.

Twenty minutes later the bear was complete. The only thing missing are his clothes.

"Do you like this one?" Said Eriol picking up a t-shirt with the Be My Bear logo in front. The sleeves were blue and the rest is white.

"That's cute but..." I said nibbling my lower lip in deep thought, contemplating many other t-shirts, shorts, pants and jackets. "Look at this! It's absolutely perfect for my Eriol!" I said taking a midnight-blue shirt off the tiny hanger.

He gave me an odd look when his name made its way through my lips with such possessiveness. I felt myself blush at his stare. "What? I'm planning to name him Eriol, of course!" I said like it's the most trivial thing in the world. His gaze softened and I swear I saw something flicker in those azure orbs of his. "I'm ready!"

We went to the cashier and he paid for chibi-Eriol. The lady there put Eriol in a box-house with tiny, cut-out windows and a sign on the door that reads Here lives Eriol and handed me his gift certificate that reads;

Name: Eriol Hiiragizawa

Birth Date: December, 24th 2003

Height: 27.9 cms

Weight: 300 grs

Color: caramel

Eyes: black

Filling: luck, love, happiness and hope

Belongs to: Tomoyo Daidouji

"Thank you so much Eriol-kun!" I said, launching myself at my best friend once we were outside the store and into the crowded halls.

"There's nothing to thank me for, after all you've done for me..." He said, looking at me with dazed eyes.

"What are you talking about? I've done nothing exceptional for you." I retaliated, confused. It's true, I've just been myself.

"You were there when I needed you the most... Even if I, myself, wasn't aware of that," he concluded smiling rather shyly, "you're my very best friend. Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve you at all."

"Stop it Hiiragizawa Eriol! Don't you dare think so low of yourself in my presence, ever!" I said, stopping our walk and planting myself in front of him, hands on hips. "You're my best friend because I chose you to be, you don't need to prove yourself worthy to me or anything of the sort!"

He looked taken aback. "Tomoyo-san!" Was all he could say at the moment.

"You're a wonderful person Eriol-kun. It's hard not to love you and it pains me to hear you talk so lowly of yourself. Where's your self-esteem?" I said cupping his face in both hands. I had placed Eriol, the bear, on the floor.

"Do you... Do you love me?" He stammered, his eyes seemed distant making him look like a lost child.

Were it another situation, I'm sure as hell that I could not be more beet-red. However, this is a deadly-serious situation and I cannot take such a luxury. Of all people around the globe, Eriol Hiiragizawa seemed the less-likely to have self-esteem problems to me. It seems that his background as a magician is not as splendorous as I used to believe. I've always wondered what his family background is. The idea of him growing up without parental figures is now stronger in my mind. I used to believe myself miserable sometimes of extreme loneliness, but this boy in front of me proved me wrong and made myself ashamed of my own foolish thoughts.

"Yes, I do love you Eriol-kun," I said, smiling brightly at him. But since I don't want to make this moment any more confusing I hurried myself to finish the previous sentence, "like mom, Nakuru, Spinel, Sakura, Syaoran, Yue and Kero do. We all love you."

"That's not what I meant," he said and his eyes focused themselves on mine. "What I wanted to ask is, are you in love with me?" Cupping my face with his hands, just how I did and still do.

To hell with everything! I'll deal with my racing heart and spinning thoughts later. "I am."

"You don't know how happy you've made me. Merry Christmas." He said with a small smile.

The last thing I thought before I felt his lips cover mine was how handsome he looked smiling like that. However, all kind of rational thoughts were thrown out the proberbial window while my arms found their way up to his neck, not wanting to let go and thus, deepening the kiss.


Tsutsuku

Special thanks to my darling imouto-chan for always being there for me when I needed it the most and for encouraging me with my humble attempts at creative writing!