Disclaimer: If I owned CCS, there wouldn't be any Kaho Mizuki! But since there is, then I don't own CCS.

Author's blabbering: Finally! Chapter 13 of The Testament! Jeez! This is such a long chapter! Even my beta reader, Daidouji Dana-san is complaining already! Anyway, thanks a lot, Dana-san, and please get well soon. I'm feeling guilty now for asking you to proofread this. I'll just dedicate this chapter to you. And so… I was browsing the pages of FFnet when I saw this fic with 330 reviews and she just made her story a few months ago… When I read it, I was disappointed… I won't say why, but as a writer, I was really disappointed… And so, I will try not to sulk about it! XD

But on the brighter side, I don't get to see Leander's ugly face anywhere (Leander-kun isn't ugly, Xia-chan) Sure he is, Erie, and don't call me that. That nickname shouldn't even exist!

Thanks to my reviewers who never tire of this fic. I'm still wondering why you guys still read this… (You really don't have to play humble little girl, you know.) And just shut up, Seisuke! I didn't ask for your opinion! Sometimes I wonder if you're Leander's evil incarnate in Japan.

Mayie-chan: Kapatid ka ba ni Sai? I'm just curious…

Majah: Bangkok! That's a really nice place! I went there for business matters once… And for shopping. It's just like Hong Kong. Full of bargains! XD

Elvirna: Just read to find out… I'm sure you'll be very entertained with this chap.

Momo-chan: We all feel sad for Eriol-kun but just like what Neji-kun says, it was his fate to suffer like that.

Foxyfire: Yes, inspiring, isn't it? It's so inspiring I could eat another 2 boxes of pocky! (I'm addicted to it) Eriol has finally calmed down in this chap, don't worry. Hmm… Make something for her? I'll think about it…

Cristal-shian: Well, I'm back, am I not? (British accent there) Yeah, I found a Li somewhere in HK and he's the same age as me… not as cute as Syaoran-kun but he'll pass the standards… Shuei Li…

Jojo: Wow! Nice name? You a girl? As in like that cute singer, Jojo? Hey, that's okay. There are some fics I follow and yet I don't leave a review. XD meanie right?

Katrina: Again, I get my inspiration from my cute teddy bear on my bed that I lug whenever I go out of town. That, and my loving brothers and a collage poster I made with all the bishies I love (including Neji-kun, Eriol-kun and Hao-sama!) … Yes, that was very unfortunate that you drop your beloved cell into the pool. Minamalas ka nga. If you happen to get a new one, tell me and I'll text you! XD

Sakatrina90: Whoa, neat name! Sorry couldn't email you… I'm too busy eating pocky, watching TRC and bishie-hunting. And I'm juggling 3 stories at the moment… See how crazy I am…

Tritomy99: Yep, I'll finish it! I made a bet with my brother that I'll finish it! If not, I'll have to be his slave for a month. TORTURE!

Akizuki Sai: Alam mo, namimiss na kita! Ikaw kc, kung saan-saan mo nilalagay phone mo, yan tuloy! XD Anyways, update mo naman ung Ruat Caelum mo! Antagal ko na naghihintay. Naeexcite na ako kung ano ung nangyari kina Nakuru!

Tsubame7: … Hah! You're starting to get my own sickness… Erie calls it "the Xia-chan syndrome"… The first symptom is having weird moments… XD!

Okay, so another one of my cousin (Yuki-kun) was asking why I'm being called by my aunts and cousins XIA. Ooh, that name really gives me the creeps… If you're curious, try to visit the CRS online of UP Diliman and find my name there (if you know my full name. HINT: I'm a BA Political Science student) You'll find out why and where XIA came from… Anyone who gives me the correct answer, I'll bring him or her pocky! Lots and lots of pocky!

So… Let's continue this chap! On to the story! … Erie-chan, haraheta!

CHAPTER 13: HE LOVES HER, HE LOVES HER NOT

"Hiiragizawa-kun, have I mentioned that you're really annoying today?" Tomoyo remarked as she was, yet again, searching for her missing pen under the desk. It was really getting annoying, having all your pens disappear one by one like bubbles.

"I'm not even doing anything. I'm just sitting here, minding my own business!"

The young President raised her head above the desk. "Well, you're a disturbance in my quiet office, if that's what you want to know." She cocked an eyebrow at Eriol who seemed to have mistaken her office as the employees' lounge. "Anyway, what are you doing here? Don't you have an office somewhere downstairs? I'm very sure your office has a couch, a coffee-maker and a ref as well. Oh, and not to mention an air-conditioning unit."

"Well, I haven't got anything to do," he said, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly. "And it's boring in my office. I rarely get to see people."

She looked up once more at him, amusement and disbelief on her face. "Are you sure?" She sounded cynical. "The great Eriol Hiiragizawa? Nothing to do? Should I call BBC and inform them of an approaching meteor about to smash the Earth into smithereens? Or should I inform the weather station about the blue moon tonight?"

The young man scowled at her, his deep ocean eyes narrowed into slits. "Really now, Daidouji, sarcasm this early in the morning?"

Tomoyo laughed softly as she bent again under the desk, moving the different boxes underneath. "I just didn't think that someone like you has nothing to do, taking into account that you're a workaholic."

"You make it sound so bad," he said disdainfully.

"I didn't mean it that way," she replied good-naturedly. "Anyway, it is nice having something to do, but sometimes you can really be an annoying slave-driver."

"What are you suggesting then?"

"That you cut off your workload once in a while. It would really help you relax." She rose to her feet, flipping her hair over her shoulders, and smiled pleasantly at him. "And try to smile more often."

Eriol sat there, stunned at her smile. It was very seldom that he sees her smile like that, without a worry in the world. She often gives him sarcastic smiles that never reach her eyes. Sometimes, he wondered if the time would stop just for him to notice that Tomoyo was smiling at him.

He shook his head inwardly. What the hell am I thinking? I shouldn't be thinking thoughts like these! Especially about her! He raised his gaze again at her and found she was looking out the window, combing her long locks with her slim fingers. What the hell are you staring at, Hiiragizawa?

"I really don't know what spell or charm she placed me under…" he said under his breath.

She suddenly pivoted and stared at him. Eriol, realizing that he was staring at her as well, looked away. "Were you saying something, Hiiragizawa-kun?"

"I was, er, admiring those flowers on your desk," he reasoned out, even though he knew it was lame. "Who gave them?"

She glanced at her desk then back to him. "I got them before I went here earlier," she replied, frowning at him. "Are you sick, Hiiragizawa-kun?"

"No, I'm feeling well."

Tomoyo shrugged. "Really? But you seem kind of weird…" She grinned at him. "And you're never that gentle when you're talking to me! You're always sarcastic and cold."

"Am I?"

She nodded brightly. "But I like you better now since you don't scold me anymore!"

Eriol looked down at his lap. How the hell am I going to say it to her? I'm not that insane already! But then, I must be mental trying to do this!

"Er, Daidouji…"

"Hmm?" She turned to him. "What is it?"

"Actually, there's something I'd like to tell—"

Tomoyo grinned, lightening the mood again. "What is it? Are you getting married? Is that why you're acting like that?" she said, faking a surprised tone. "Or are you asking for a leave? Are you going to visit someone this Christmas? … That reminds me, don't forget my gift, okay?"

"Daidouji…" Eriol rubbed his temple. When would this girl start to be serious?

She held out a hand to stop him. "No, don't tell me… You resigned! Is that it?"

He raised a dark brow. He didn't know whether to feel amused or irritated. "That is probably the last thing on my mind right now. Actually, I—"

This time, she pretended to look embarrassed. "Oh, Hiiragizawa-kun, you're not going to propose, are you?"

"Woman, what is wrong with you?" he exclaimed in disbelief.

Tomoyo laughed cheerfully. "I was just kidding, you know!" she said dismissively. "You sound so serious I just had to play for a while! No need to reprimand me." She collected herself then turned back to the window. "So, what were you going to say?"

He threw her a long gaze. "I wanted to, er, ask you out…"

She rounded on him incredulously. Obviously, she didn't expect something like that, especially from him. "You're… asking me out?" she echoed. "As in, a date? As in, dinner with you at some restaurant?"

He glanced at his watch and spoke evenly. "Actually, it's too early for dinner, not to mention lunch."

She blinked at him twice before realizing he was playing with her.

"Ha-ha, Hiiragizawa-kun! That was really funny! Hilarious!" she shot back wryly, gazing out the window once more. "I didn't know you had a sense of humor. Some joke you had… It got me hook, line and sinker."

Eriol gazed at her intently then cleared his throat. "I wasn't kidding… if that's what you want to know…"

Tense silence occupied the atmosphere inside the office. Tomoyo continued to gaze at the city, her arms folded across her chest, while Eriol tapped his fingers on the couch's arm as if playing an invisible piano.

1 minute… 2 minutes… 5 minutes… Several minutes have passed and yet not one of them had spoken a word nor made a sound.

Eriol glanced at his watch and prepared to leave. He once again successfully pissed off the President and so, he didn't expect her to respond anytime soon. He was about to open his mouth to announce that he's leaving when…

"Ne, Hiiragizawa-kun…"

He stopped, apparently surprised at the fact that she spoke first. "Yeah?"

"Is that date still on?"

"C'mon! You've got to ask her! Please, Eriol, just this once! Just follow me this once!"

"Right! So you'll have me playing on your palm, is that it?"

"Well, yes, but—Hey! Wait a minute here!—Look, I've got a good intention here, not just to make fun of you!—Eriol, stop right there and hear me out, okay?"

"Are you saying that you're actually telling me your evil plan?"

"No—But Eriol—!"

"I don't see the point in asking her out! I won't benefit anything from it!"

"Hmph! You only do things that would benefit you! You're such a calculating person!—Hey, wait! I'm not finished yet!—C'mon, Eriol! Just this once! Do it for me!"

"Give me one good reason why! And it better not be that 'I'm going to find that feeling!' reason!"

"Er, well, won't it be a nice change if you'd go out once in a while? You'd finally be able to relax! And it's nice to see London during this time of the year. It's already December!"

"…"

"Er, c'mon, Eriol! Don't you want to have fun? Where's the fun in your life? No wonder you're boring!"

"… Sorry, Nakuru, I have things to do. And for your sake, I'll ignore what you said about my life."

"No, wait! If you want I'll do it! I'll finish your work, whatever it is…"

"…"

"Please? Just think, if you do what I'm requesting, you need not buy me a gift this Christmas. And besides, what could go wrong?"

"Look here, our name isn't even off the hot seat and it really wouldn't help to see another picture of us in the newspaper! Did you know that her older cousin is actually threatening me!"

"Oh, really? Wow, the great Eriol Hiiragizawa, reduced into a pile of cowering bones by the President's cousin. Now that should be the news!"

"Shut up, Nakuru!"

"Come on, Eriol! Who would see you?"

"Just the people at the place I'm bringing her!"

"So? Ignore them then! They won't bite you! If they did, then bite them back! You're good at doing it anyway."

"You're not helping, Nakuru!"

"Look, so what if you took her out for lunch? You always do that, right?—No, let me finish first!—There's nothing wrong taking out a colleague for lunch—"

"Yeah, and we're just a popular figure in the headlines!"

"—Stop interrupting me, Eriol! Anyway, you're just taking her out for a lunch meeting. A friendly lunch meeting. Got it?"

"No I don't."

"Hmm… Bluntness really runs in our family, doesn't it?"

"You should tell that to yourself."

"Aww, c'mon, Eriol! Nothing will go wrong! Everything will be as perfect as the day outside!"

"… And if something goes wrong? Like our names and picture again on the newspaper?"

"I'll make sure that publishing company gets ruined for all eternity! I swear, they will wish they never encountered the name Hiiragizawa Eriol in their life!"

"Yeah… And that could be bad for my reputation…"

"What? Not being placed in a newspaper because of a scandal?"

"… Shut up, Nakuru! You're just wasting the good and healthy oxygen in this place with your senseless ramblings."

"So, does that mean you agree already?"

"… Damn! Oh, all right! Fine! Deal! I'll do it as long as you finish my work!"

"Consider it done! Thanks a lot, Eriol! You don't know how you made my day!"

"Yeah, just don't remind me!"

"You know, now I really think we're cousins! You love me so much!"

"And I really think that the universe conspired to make me the unluckiest person in the world!"

"You are such a malicious, uncaring person, Eriol Hiiragizawa!"

"I try, Nakuru. I really try."

I cannot believe I'm doing this!

Eriol gripped his steering wheel tightly as they drove out of the city of London. He just couldn't believe that his cousin, his last and nearest blood-relative (aside from Li Syaoran's mother side) had blackmailed him into doing it! Well, not exactly blackmailed, since she didn't have anything to blackmail him with. It was probably more along the lines of forced to do it. And, for heaven's sake, he did do it! He didn't know who could be more idiotic: Nakuru, who plotted this ridiculous, sure-to-backfire plan or him, for even obeying Nakuru to do this ridiculous and sure-to-backfire plan?

Take a wild guess!

He wanted to bang his head hard on the steering wheel, hoping the impact would clear his foggy state of mind and get him out of this predicament. But then, he couldn't… At least not in front of his boss…

"Ne, Hiiragizawa-kun…"

Eriol nearly jumped a foot high when he suddenly heard his name. He kicked himself mentally and forced himself to calm down. It won't help him if he was too tense. Tomoyo is really clever and would see through his charade if he would let his guard down even for a split second.

"What is it?" he asked evenly. Did he sound too tense? Nah, it sounded more like a snap.

Tomoyo looked at him reproachfully. "No need to sound agitated," she said. "I know you've never been gone on a date before!" He stared at her in disbelief at the corner of his eyes. "I could really tell that you're forced into this matter."

"What?" Dang! How sharper could this girl get?

"I said there's not need to sound agitated since I know you've never been gone on a date before and I could really tell that you're forced into this matter," she replied, rolling her eyes. The young man gaped at her. "Matta ku, Hiiragizawa-kun, you're really slow on the pick-up department today, aren't you?"

Eriol ignored her insults for now, debating on whether he would deny the fact that he was just roped into this or he would confess the awful truth: that he was forced, mandated, commanded and ordered by his so-called cousin named Nakuru to do this. Of course, the rational and coherent side of his brain won the battle.

"How did you know?" he asked evenly.

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Subtlety at things isn't really your best and greatest ability." She let out a sigh and pressed her lips together. "You know, you could've convinced me more if you hadn't been staring at the dashboard like it had bit you or anything. You should've just placed a sign around your neck saying 'I was blackmailed into doing this!'. At least I would've known sooner!"

Eriol gritted his teeth in frustration. "I wasn't blackmailed. I was forced."

Tomoyo cocked her head to one side in confusion. "How can somebody force someone like you without blackmail?" It was one of those rhetorical questions Eriol hated so much. Full of allegorical mumbo-jumbo. "It's like, 'how will you eat without a mouth?'."

"Ask Nakuru! She'll tell you!" he retorted irately.

"So, Nakuru-chan can do miracles now, can she?" She let out another exasperated sigh then waved a hand impatiently. "Let's just go back to the office. No use going out on a mandatory date."

"What? And waste more of my fuel?"

She turned to him, scowling. "Hiiragizawa-kun, you are such a miser!" she said hotly. "If your fuel is all you care about—"

"Have you been to Kew Gardens?"

"What?"

"It's also called the Royal Botanic Gardens and it's a very popular tourist attraction. They have this large greenhouse filled with all kinds of different plants. I'm surprised you haven't visited it yet."

"Hiiragizawa-kun—"

"Daidouji, we're already halfway there—"

"And had you turned around earlier, we would've been halfway back to the Towers," she pointed out flatly. She shook her head and another sigh escaped her lips yet again. "You are sick, Hiiragizawa-kun. Let's go back so I could tell the office doctor about your disorder. Mental disorder."

"For the last time, Daidouji, I am not sick," he replied calmly, his eyes glued on the road. "I've already asked you out so I'm not backing out one bit. I really hate to disappoint women, especially my boss."

Tomoyo rolled her eyes in disbelief but she couldn't hide the smile blossoming on her face.

"Besides, wouldn't it be nice to go out once in a while?" he continued, quoting Nakuru. "And you have to see London during December."

She suddenly turned to him. "I forgot my jacket! You didn't tell me we were going out on a cold day!" she said, swatting his arm. "What am I supposed to wear if I get cold?"

"Don't worry, it's okay," he told her.

"Why?" She grinned at him playfully. "You're going to be a gentleman and lend me your jacket?"

He smiled wryly at her. "You won't need it. It's warm inside a greenhouse."

Tomoyo stopped. Eriol did mention they were going to the Royal Botanic Gardens, a large greenhouse. Colors flooded her face as she realized her mistake and her stupidity.

Did he think I was flirting with him? Did he think I'm that desperate?

She glanced at him and found him chuckling. She blushed darkly then pouted at him. "What's so funny?" she demanded.

"Nothing…"

Tomoyo scowled at him. "Did you know that laughing without a reason is one of the signs of a mentally-unstable person?" she shot irritably.

"Oh, really? Then I must be goinginsane since I'm starting to see things," he replied lightly. The young Head narrowed her eyes into slits, waiting for his next sentence. "Things like the Ice Princess looking embarrassed and blushing like a red ripe tomato."

"Mou, Hiiragizawa-kun!" The raven-haired girl then proceeded hitting the laughing CEO with one of the small square pillows she got from the backseat of the car.

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew is a scientific research institute on plants occupying 300 acres (120 hectares of land) beside the River Thames. The gardens were founded by Princess Augusta in the 1800s as a serious and academic research facility on the world's flora. It is open to the public throughout the year and a very famous tourist attraction and leisure park in London.

"Ne, Hiiragizawa-kun…"

"What?"

"I'm getting hungry."

"What?"

"I said, I'm getting hungry! It's nearly lunch time and I haven't eaten a single thing since breakfast, save a very small sandwich!"

Eriol turned to Tomoyo who was sulking in a very un-Tomoyo way. He let out a sigh and continued to drive into the main gate. Whoever said that women are like tropical depressions sure made the understatement of the millennium. Tomoyo was, of course, a hurricane, cyclone, typhoon and tornado all rolled into one. One minute she was happy-go-lucky, next minute she looked impatient slash irritated then the next she was sulking for some weird reason.

"Fine, fine, we'll first grab lunch then we'll look around, okay?" he told her, trying to bite back a sharp retort. The young girl said nothing and he felt his temper rise a few notches. "Okay! If you're bored, we could always go back. It's not that far from home."

"Nah, it's okay…" She turned to the window as he parked the car into an empty space in the parking lot. "It's a date, you can't back out."

He stared at her incredulously. "Who said I'm backing out?"

Tomoyo shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know, but from the sound of your voice, you seem to want to back out."

"I'm too much of a gentleman to back out on a date." He gunned the engine and glanced at her who wasn't moving, just staring ahead. "So… are we just going to sit here and do nothing?"

She met his gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Depends on what we'll do outside."

"Do you want to go to the Japanese Gardens?"

Tomoyo frowned. "I thought we're going to eat first," she pointed out. "You said that we were going to eat first."

Eriol stopped and stared at her, realizing his mistake after a moment. "Oh, right," he said slowly, rephrasing his sentence. "Do you want to go to the Japanese Gardens after we eat?"

"Do they serve meat here? Like beef or chicken?"

"Er…" That made Eriol stop again to think. This was, after all, a conservatory for plants and it wouldn't be surprising if all they serve is salad. Maybe it was a bad idea to bring Tomoyo here… He should've just brought her somewhere else, let's say, the Buckingham Palace. "Well… We'll just have to see, I guess."

"Ne, Hiiragizawa-kun…"

They were walking along the Cherry Walk on their way to the Palm House, the large greenhouse in the middle of the park. They've been to the Temperate House, a larger version of the former that contains different plants from the temperate countries. From that house, they have to walk for 10 minutes until they reached the other. Since their visit to the Temperate House, Tomoyo had been less grumpy, reverting back to her own self. Probably because they have already eaten.

"Have you seen sakuras during spring time?" she asked slowly as they walked under almost bare trees.

"Once, when Nakuru dragged me all the way here from work so she could see pink snow."

The young President giggled and looked up at the grayish sky. The leaves of the trees have already fallen this last autumn. It would've been a beautiful sight to see their multi-colored leaves.

"You know, I think it's a bad idea to go here," Eriol said thoughtfully. "It's already winter and I doubt we could see any flowering tree or plant here. We should've gone here during spring."

"Well, wasn't it you who suggested it?" Tomoyo teased just as a chilly breeze blew past them. She noticed a pink blush rising on Eriol's cheeks and wondered what caused it: the cold wind or her remark. She shivered when another breeze blew by. "I think we should hurry up at the greenhouse."

"Hmm?" He glanced down at her, confused. Only after he saw her blush and the goose bumps on her bare arms did he realize she was cold. "Idiot! Why didn't you say so?"

"Huh?" She raised her gaze and met his. "What the heck are you saying, Hiiragizawa-kun?"

Eriol pulled off his jacket and placed it around her shoulders. If he had noticed the dark blush creeping up her cheeks, well, he didn't say anything about it.

"Medieval chivalry gave birth to the present gallantry of Englishmen," she remarked dryly. "Oh, as well as chauvinism."

"I'm not a chauvinist, Daidouji. It's just that courteousness taught by my mother and father commands me to relieve a lady's discomfort."

"Cute, really, but hey, I didn't say you're a chauvinist, Hiiragizawa-kun."

"You implied, Daidouji."

"Well, you're probably guilty about it anyway, or else you wouldn't be affected, ne, Hiiragizawa-kun?"

"Why didn't you say you were cold?" he chided, ignoring her comment, as they continued to walk.

"Was it necessary to say it?" she shot back. "Besides, I wasn't cold before that wind blew. I was perfectly fine—"

"Until now, that is," he finished for her, earning a glare from the raven-haired young lady. "Keep that jacket for a while to keep you warm until we reach the Palm House."

"…Thanks…" she said quietly, burying herself into the warm jacket.

"What?"

She shot him an irritated glance. "I just remarked that you have an impaired hearing that was probably caused by too much scolding of the employees at the Tower!"

"Yeah, right! I didn't hear you saying something that long!"

"Well, that's because you're either hearing-impaired or just plain idiotic," she replied lazily.

He scowled darkly at the young girl who was brightly walking down the path. "Be thankful that this is a date or else I would've…"

"Would've what, Hiiragizawa-kun?"

"I would've walked out and gone home already," he answered flatly, walking past the frozen lady.

Tomoyo stared at his retreating back. "You wouldn't dare!" she called.

"Of course I wouldn't. I'm not like Li who walks out his dates whenever he finds out that the girl he's dating is a clingy one and is just after his money," he replied, waving a hand at her. "Besides, you might sack me for ditching you in the middle of nowhere."

Tomoyo gave him a long, penetrating look. "I can't believe you're still thinking about work in the middle of a date," she commented bluntly. "But then, I can't blame you. You were, after all, blackmailed into this."

"Correction, I was forced into this. And stop reminding me of my senselessness. I was out of my mind when I agreed."

"Right! You probably were!"

"Stop, Daidouji. I think you're going over the line that says 'Stop being rude'."

She grinned mischievously. "Nakuru-chan must be a great miracle-worker!" she said, her voice honey-sweet. "Imagine, she had forced the great Eriol Hiiragizawa to go on a date with his mortal enemy!"

Eriol shot her an exasperated look. "Really, you're starting to get on my nerves like Nakuru."

"But I'm just stating the facts!" She pouted cutely.

"Stating the facts and bantering are different, Daidouji. C'mon, we haven't got all the time in the world!"

"Okay!"

"This is so nice…"

They were inside the warm greenhouse, seated on one of the benches under a tall palm tree. The air inside was warm and humid, compared to the atmosphere outside, so Tomoyo removed the jacket and handed it back to Eriol wordlessly. This was such a peaceful and quiet place. Perfect for meditation and contemplation.

"I'm so tired after that walk outside," Tomoyo said brightly, smiling like an innocent child as she observed the passers-by. "Ne, Hiiragizawa-kun…"

"Hmm?"

"Why did you bring me here?" she asked, sounding like a child asking about this and that. A question out of curiosity.

"I always bring my date to somewhere she likes."

"How do you know I really like this place?" she pressed on. "I might just be pretending to like this place so as to be polite."

"Well, I don't hear you complaining, do I?"

Tomoyo considered his reply. "True, but what if I complain now?" she asked again. "Would you take me somewhere else?"

"Sure, as long as it'll make you happy. I told you, I really hate to disappoint ladies."

Silence encompassed between them and Tomoyo studied a young man painting a bed of red, blue and purple hydrangeas a few meters away from them. He was doing a great job in painting them, as if they were real. The colors were alive and bright and vivid, as if beckoning her playfully.

"Why did you agree?"

Eriol glanced at her, slightly startled by her voice. "Agreed on what?"

"This…" she answered, still staring at the painting. "The Eriol Hiiragizawa I know wouldn't waste his time on trivial matters like this. He hates when his time is being thrown away on some unimportant business."

"I told you, I was insane when agreeing on this." He tried to force a light tone to remove the awkwardness between them but, seeing Tomoyo's unconvinced expression, he was doing a bad job. "Look, why does it matter anyway?"

"I don't know…" she replied, shrugging her shoulders gracefully. "Just curious, I guess…"

"Well," Eriol started, raising his gaze to the glass ceiling of the greenhouse. Sunlight passed through the clear glass, lighting the conservatory with a soft glow. "I don't know myself why I've even agreed… Half of it was because of Nakuru's cajoling. I guess the other half was probably because it's you…"

"What have I got to do with it?"

"I don't know, aside from the fact you're the next closest female to me after Nakuru and Madam Daidouji."

"That's it?"

He looked down at her. "Yeah, that's it. Why'd you ask?"

Tomoyo shook her head then gazed straight ahead. A couple holding hands walked past them and Tomoyo felt the urge to stroll away from their bench. Several seconds passed by without them talking and to her, it felt like an eternity. "Hiiragizawa-kun…"

"Hmm?"

"If I wanted a rose garden, would you give me one?"

Eriol turned to her, a mixture of confusion and bewilderment etched on his face. "What?"

"If I wanted a rose garden, would you give me one?" she repeated patiently.

"Well, considering your status in life, you could buy all the rose gardens you want."

Tomoyo shook her head and pressed on. "I don't want to buy a rose garden," she told him. "I want you to give me one. Will you?"

"Do you really want one?" he asked, slowly meeting her lilac eyes.

"Would you get me one if I did?"

Eriol stared at the painter who was starting to walk away, the canvas under one arm while holding his materials in his other hand. His face was so blank, so unreadable that Tomoyo didn't know what to expect. "No."

Tomoyo faltered inwardly but her expression gave nothing away. "Why not?"

"I'd give you a magnolia garden instead."

"But why?"

"Magnolias are your favorite flowers, aren't they?" he replied casually. "And magnolias suit you better than roses."

"Why do you say so?"

"Why do I say what?"

"That magnolias suit me better than roses?"

Eriol turned to her and Tomoyo cocked her head to one side in inquiry. He studied her for a moment then shook his head. "You ask too many questions," he said, turning back to the plants in front of them. "You shouldn't ponder about those things."

She nodded and they were silent again. It was not the awkward silence they had last time. It was more contemplative this time. Both of them were busy with their thoughts.

"Ne, Hiiragizawa-kun…"

"Yeah?"

"How come you said earlier that you bring your dates to somewhere they like?"

Eriol turned to her again, confused. "Why? What's wrong with it?"

"Well, that's just plain wrong," she answered thoughtfully, like a child correcting an adult on why the sky is blue. "You see, you haven't been to any date before so it'd be wrong if you say that you bring your dates to somewhere they like. You've never had a date until now."

Eriol thought about her words then realized she was insulting him again. "Daidouji—!"

Tomoyo giggled. "I'm just stating facts here!"

"I've been to a date before so don't you tell me that I haven't been to one!"

"Oh, really? What kind of a date was it? A business meeting slash date?"

"Shut up!"

"And I wonder who the unfortunate girl that went with you was. She must have been very bored listening to your lectures on how to build a corporation in just three easy steps!"

"Daidouji, I suggest you—"

"And did Nakuru-chan help you as well? She's a really great miracle-worker so I guess she did!"

"Stop right there!"

Tomoyo did stop and smiled at him cheerfully. "You know, Hiiragizawa-kun, you're so nice to me!" she said brightly. "You let me get away with my insults to you! I'm so glad!"

Eriol rolled his eyes. "Oh, for the love of God, shut up, Daidouji!" The atmosphere of awkwardness was finally gone.

Later that evening, after dinner…

"I'm so tired!"

"Yes, I can see that, Daidouji."

"Hiiragizawa-kun…"

Eriol looked over his shoulder where he was carrying the young Head on his back. Her head was laid on his shoulder, her eyes closed peacefully. After walking along the banks of Thames after dinner, Tomoyo complained that she was too tired to walk and Eriol, being the gentleman that he is, carried her on his back.

"Don't forget about that rose garden, okay?"

"I thought we agreed I won't give you a rose garden," he said pleasantly. "That I'd give you a magnolia garden instead."

"Well, whatever!"

He let out a soft chuckle as he made their way back to his car. Suddenly, he felt her slap his shoulder lightly. "What now?"

"What's so funny?" she demanded, although still looking asleep.

"Nothing," he answered, chuckling.

"You're laughing!" She pointed this one out like she caught him doing something illegal. "That's not nothing!"

"Why, Daidouji? Is laughing prohibited in London?" he inquired. "I've been here all my life and—"

"Oh, stop it, Hiiragizawa-kun! You're stealing my role as the cynic!"

"I apologize, Your Highness!" Eriol replied, his voice thickly layered with sarcasm. "Should I cut off my tongue as punishment?"

Tomoyo giggled. "If you cut your tongue, then who would I challenge to a verbal battle?"

"There's always Li."

"We all know that Li-kun treats me like his sister. He would never say horrible things to me, unlike you."

"Wow, should I take that as a compliment?"

"Hiiragizawa-kun!"

"Okay, okay, I'll stop now. You might blame me if we fall into the river."

"Don't joke about those things!"

By the time he reached his car, the raven-haired heiress had already fallen asleep. He carefully placed her on the passenger seat, lowering its back for her.

He glanced at her face, illuminated by many lights, as he drove back to the estate. She had a soft smile on her face as if having a good dream.

"Hiiragizawa-kun… That garden… Okay?"

He smiled slightly at her. Even in dreams, it seems that she also gets what she wants.

As he gazed at her sleeping face, thoughts filled his head.

She was different from the other girls he had met. She was bubbly, cheerful and bright, but she knew when to stop, when to behave, when to act like a real lady. She was poised, graceful and elegant, but she'd rather play under the rain than go to social gatherings. She was sarcastic, but she was kind. She knew what to say and what not to say. She was indecisive sometimes, but she makes sure that her decisions later would benefit everyone, not just her. She was beautiful and talented but she never boasted her beauty and talents.

Yes, she is different.

And after considering his thoughts, thinking about their conversations, pondering on their laughter, contemplating about their arguments, he asked one thing in his mind.

Am I falling for her?

Review, review, review… This chap is longer than usual because I missed you guys and it's been a long time since I last updated… But the next chapter would take long as well since I'd be very busy sorting out my college papers and enrollment! Sai, kita-kits na lang sa college!

Ja ne!