Author's Comments: It has been too long since I last updated, but I'm really glad I'm back working on this story. I have a lot of faith that this story will finally be a work I can put lots of my effort into and it's something I can be proud of, but if it wasn't for all the reviews I got from you guys this would never have come about. Also special thanks to my good friend Hikaru, your beta reading and encouragement really helped with the developments of this story. All of you guys are always motivating me, so I want to give everyone a big thank you and have a good winter holiday!

Beta Reader (Hikaru-Kun): Hehehe.

Disclaimer: I do not own Card Captor Sakura.

Hikaru-Kun: It's true! (But I'm sure she wishes she does OWN IT!)

Revelations

Chapter 4: Beginning

Dewdrops shimmered upon leaves of assorted spring flowers, and light gay birdsong could be heard just beyond the verandah. The charming ambience was suddenly interrupted by a loud ring from inside the bedroom.

The sleeping lump between the purple bed sheets moved, and a pale arm quickly shot out to stop the unpleasant ringing phone.

"Hello?" Answered a throaty voice.

"You Jezebel!" yelled a voice from the other line.

"Uh, who is this? Is that you, Fernando?" Asked the young woman, yawning. For some reason she had a hard time falling asleep last night and her mind kept drifting back to the great time she had at the café, which invariably made her think of a certain man.

"Yes, it iz me! And you say hee was not yourz! I ams hurt that joo vould lie to me,-"

"Wait, I don't understand. Who's this he you're talking about?" Asked the woman groggily.

"Why, dat handsum teacher friend ob yours, now I vant to hear a good excuse why-"

"You couldn't possibly mean Touya? It's probably just some misunderstanding; I told you he already has a girlfriend." Replied the woman closing her eyes, trying to go back to sleep.

"Yez, I know. Dat girlfriend is you! But for me to hab to hear it from those nasty gossips and notz you-"

"Alright, who's at it this time? Is it Tom, you, or maybe both of you guys?" Questioned the young woman recalling the countless number of pranks her hair stylist loves pulling on her.

"First you lie to meeh, now you deny eberything! Fine! Go, go turn on the television and we seez who iz mizunderstood."

"Oh, Fernando you can be such a baby sometimes," yawned the young woman as a loud 'humph' was heard from the other line. The tall slim woman went into her living room and pressed the remote. The large plasma screen turned on to Tokyo Morning News.

"Now for the hottest story in the fashion industry, it seems super model Tomoyo Daidouji has a new man in her life. The two were seen spotted yesterday afternoon at the Del Rio Café. A coffeehouse not too far from where Dr. Touya Kinomoto works as a professor at Tokyo University. Eyewitnesses say they saw the high profile couple cuddled together as they enjoyed their coffee." The screen moves from the news anchor to a clip of a coffee waitress.

"I immediately recognized the two of them when they came in, but I didn't want to disturb them. They looked like such a cute couple, sitting in the back, cuddling up to one another," gushed the ecstatic waitress to the microphone.

"See, I toldz you," said Fernando triumphantly hearing the news report.

"Why that's ridiculous. We were in no way 'cuddling up to one another'. We were just –…" Halting in mid-sentence, she heard a beep on the line, which signaled an incoming call.

"Sorry Fernando, there's a call on the other line; I'll have to get back to you and explain everything later," said the woman as she quickly ended the call. Giving a small sigh of relief, she was happy to end the call. It wasn't that she disliked Fernando; it was quite the opposite. However, it was just way too early to deal with him. She quickly intercepted the other call.

"Tomoyo! My office is being swamped with hundreds of calls, and via every type of communication system known to mankind! I need you here ASAP, we need to settle everything as quickly as we can," came a stressed voice.

"Sure, hold on Rika. I'll be there in fifteen." Ending the call, Tomoyo quickly went back into the bedroom to get dressed, and rang for her chauffeur to meet her in five minutes.

"Hey guys, settle down. Doc's coming, so remember what to do!" Yelled a young man to his classmates. The class quickly complied and shortly after, the professor walked in with tired eyes and a dazed expression. He quickly lifted his head at the startling sound of claps and whistling.

"Go sensei! And she said you guys were only friends!" The rowdy young man with streaks in his hair smiled mockingly.

"I don't know what you guys are going on about, but it won't get you out of taking the exam," said Touya, as he began writing on the chalkboard looking unfazed, although he was mainly lost in his own thoughts.

Tomoyo laughing and smiling at the coffee house. God, ever since yesterday, the only thing I seem to be able to do is think about her. The conversation, the way she savored the latté, and the way her eyes seemed to glow and shine at the same time.

"Sensei, what's Ms. Daidouji's favorite designer? I've been dying to know, but she never tells the press," asked the blonde girl in the front row.

"Uh, I don't know," replied Touya, not really listening to what the girl asked.

"How can you not know what your girlfriend likes?" The girl gasped in shock. At the mention of girlfriend, Touya quickly gave her his full attention.

"My girlfriend?"

"Yes, your girlfriend, Tomoyo Daidouji, the super model that was here yesterday. Everyone knows about it," said the blond, looking a bit uncertain at her professor, wondering if one of his many artifacts fell on his head.

"What, where did you guys hear such a thing from?" But even as he asked the question, somewhere in the back of his head he knew it had something to do with the memorable afternoon he spent the prior day.

"Oh, stop the charade sensei, look at the papers yourself," the young man in the back tossed the paper to Touya. Touya looked down at the front story with the large headline "A Steamy New Relationship for Tomoyo Daidouji?" with a picture of the two smiling and drinking cups of hot lattés.

Quickly skimming the story and grasping the content, Touya slowly raised his head to a group of expectant eyes.

Wonder how Tomoyo is faring right about now.

She mentally agreed that it could have been a great deal worse, but the current situation warranted some anxiety and the room full of reporters and cameras added to the tension that had been building in the back of her neck since she first saw the shocking report just hours before. God, was that this morning? She could have sworn it felt like months had gone by when in reality the day had just barely reached midway. Nevertheless, she continued standing erect behind the podium and delicately answered the questions aimed at her by an unforgiving pack of hounds.

"How long has the relationship been going on?"

"Once again, the relationship I share with Mr. Kinomoto is purely platonic."

"How does Mr. Hiiragizawa feel about Mr. Kinomoto?" Asked a gleaming-eyed woman. "I'm sure it came as a shock, as it did for all of us."

Tomoyo bit down hard for control, but May Junko had just snapped the last tenuous holds of her patience. She was not going to rein in her anger anymore, and her fermented remarks were clawing their way up her throat, urging her to say what she had wanted to this woman since last year's fall fashion show when she realized Junko was out for her blood.

"I'm afraid that's all the time Ms. Doudouji has today," a polite but firm voice quickly interjected. The young publicist guided Tomoyo out of the room, as the security men held back the eager reporters and paparazzi.

"I guess you saved me from making a complete spectacle out of myself. But who knows, maybe it could have given us a big PR boost," grinned the model uncharacteristically.

"Tomoyo, you know letting Junko get to you like that is exactly what she wants." Rika gently maneuvered the tall woman through the glass revolving doors and out to the waiting black Town Car.

"Yeah, I know that. I guess I'm just bitter that I didn't get to eat that woman's head off. But, you're right again; if I do that, she wins," sighed Tomoyo as she massages her stiff neck. At least the press conference was over.

"I always wondered why she was out to get you," murmured Rika as she focused her attention between her Palm Pilot and ear phone.

"That makes the two of us," replied Tomoyo with her eyes resting closed.

"It was just terrible what that Junko woman said to you, Tomoyo! It was obvious to everyone that she and her columns were screwed up, ever since she wrote that story about how badly you modeled at the fall show. I wouldn't have been able to stand five seconds being in the same room with that - that woman!" Passionately vented a heated voice from the phone, which made Tomoyo smile.

"I have no doubt about that, my hot-headed best friend," laughed Tomoyo.

"Hey Sakura, I…..I was wondering have you talked to your brother yet?" Slowly asked Tomoyo.

Seemingly able to perceive the important change, but not clearly understanding, Sakura gave a small nod. Then realizing Tomoyo couldn't see her reaction, she quickly answered with a "yes".

"Why do you ask?"

"Well…"

"Oh, never mind, I know why you're asking. Don't worry about it, Tomoyo. Everyone knows it was just a misunderstanding," comforted Sakura, and had to say a quick goodbye, for she was late again for an appointment that just came back to her mind.

"This thing'll blow over itself in a matter of days. Just wait and see. I'll call you back later tonight!"

Tomoyo gently smiled as she put down the phone. Even though Sakura meant well with the comforting, it did not have the desired effect. Instead of grasping the reason why Tomoyo asked about Touya, Sakura assumed good faith was ill-placed and this made Tomoyo feel guilt she didn't quite understand. Of course, it was just a misunderstanding; it was just some coffee with an old, close friend. Nothing more than that, right?

Unwilling to dwell further with her thoughts, she headed for the other room, or "the workshop" as she liked to call it. It was her own little nickname for her sanctuary. Whenever her mind was troubled or it was just a bad day, she would simply come to this large high-ceiling room with French shades and doors opening out to a big terrace. On one side of the room was a small platform used to model clothes that had a walkway leading into closed lavender curtains. Lined against the wall of wood-shuttered windows, sat four tall canvas tables. Propped at an angle accompanied with stool chairs were white sheets of paper ready to be graced with lines and color. The remaining left side of the room housed an assortment of fabrics with the latest sewing equipment. Pinned on the cork wallboards were diagrams of models donning stylish dresses to casual blouses.

Tomoyo quickly approached one of the drawing tables and, with a feverish passion, began venting her emotions through an assortment of pens and markers. Without Eriol, who usually brought her back to reality with either the idea of dinner, or kindly bringing her some subsistence, she continued working without realizing that day had turned to night. With Eriol on a business trip, it was just her and the house. That was until she heard the doorbell ring and an urgent rapping at the door.

She forgot she cut off all communication when she was in her "workshop", one of the few indulgences she allowed herself. She was shocked to look out the window and see the bright city skyline with the dark backdrop of night. She checked the clock and saw it was ten, but her attention was quickly brought back to the loud knocking at the door.

I wonder who it could be?

"Coming!" She yelled, and the knocking stopped abruptly. She opened the door and thought her tired eyes were playing tricks on her. No, he was real. Standing and looking relieved?

"Touya? What are you doing here?"

She was in casual wear, a simple long skirt, and a sleeved cotton shirt, but she made even that look good. Her elegant presence along with the beautiful décor of the large penthouse made him a bit uncomfortable.

"Sorry, it's nothing. I just- well I wanted….. I'll just be going," stumbling over words, and losing his verbal ability was not very impressing. He quickly tried to leave before he made a total fool of himself, but Tomoyo quickly stopped him.

"No wait. Please, come in." Tomoyo swung the door open and indicated for him to go in.

He slowly stepped in, looking a bit embarrassed.

After they were settled in the living room and Tomoyo had served tea, he explained his sudden visit.

"I don't usually barge into people's homes at odd hours," said Touya as he rubbed his neck.

"I don't suspect that you do. But it's good that you're here, I was thinking of paying you a visit." Tomoyo gave him a reassuring smile which quickly put him at ease.

"I am curious though, why did you drop by?"

"Uh, well it's… you're going to laugh when I tell you," Touya looked into her eyes that encouraged him to continue.

"Well, I saw the news with the statement you gave to the press this morning, and you didn't look too well after being hounded by those reporters. Then Sakura mentioned that Eriol happened to be out of town and you didn't sound too well on the phone." By now, Touya was focusing on the floor with a barely perceptible blush. He didn't notice the intent gaze that was on him.

"So then I wanted to check on you, just to see if you were OK, but your cell phone was turned off and I couldn't get through to your house. I started to get worried and that's pretty much how I ended up here." Uncertain of how she would respond, he was ready for her to look at him like he was stupid five year old, or even worse, that he was some kind of stalker. Her response caught him completely off guard.

"Do I want to check how many 'missed calls' I have on my phone?" He looked back at her just as she started laughing. The laughter was contagious and they both ended up having a hard time stopping.

"That was really kind of you, but it seems I've only been repaying you with trouble," Tomoyo briefly looked down at her clasped hands resting in her lap.

"What I mean to say is that I'm the one that should be sorry. I should have known better, the paparazzi are everywhere and no doubt it must have given you trouble."

"No one that matters would believe those gossiping hens." Touya gave her a smile.

"How about your students?" Asked Tomoyo, not convinced that he didn't get at least some trouble.

"Like I said no one that matters," he gave her a wink.

"No, those guys were simply born to wreak havoc on this earth, they use me as a test subject at every possible chance," explained Touya as he takes a gulp of the tea.

"But you love them as much as they adore you," grinned Tomoyo, seeing through his act.

"They just acted super good when you were there, you should see them at their worst."

"Perhaps I'll drop by one of these days."

"Fine by me, just warn me ahead of time, I'd like to know when I'll have to clear one day's schedule, no chance of work being done when you're in the room," replied Touya with a smile.

By some unforeseen force, the room suddenly felt charged. The walls seemed to be getting closer and the space between the two getting smaller. Red blaring alarms were going off in her head, taking action, Tomoyo sprung out of her seat for the empty cups.

"Let me clear these out of the way."

Feeling a similar intensity, Touya involuntarily reacted as well.

"No, let me." Bent above her, with both of his hands gently grasping her arm.

A magnetic pool, both couldn't seem to resist, slowly drew them closer. When their lips finally met, both seemed to have lost all sensation of weight. A mind-whirling feeling of weightlessness. It felt natural and yet was beyond all reason.

Forgetting the china, they both gravitated closer to one another. One of his arms held her securely around her waist. Both her hands came up to his chest, one desperately holding onto the black cotton fabric of the sweater.

The kisses were gentle and soft. His other hand held her face, with his thumb delicately rubbing her cheek. The kisses became more passionate, with fire coursing through their veins, both seeking a common outlet.

"No, no, we can't."

Her push was gentle, but was full of purpose. They were both out of breath. Both not knowing what to say, merely staring at each other for what felt like eternity as their heartbeats calmed.

"You should go." He looked into her brilliant eyes. Her voice sounded normal, but he caught the underlying message: she didn't need words, she needed to be alone.

He wordlessly conveyed he understood, but there was no remorse nor guilt in his burning amber eyes. On his way out he paused, but seemed to think the better of it. With the 'thud' of the front door, Tomoyo brought her right hand up to cover her mouth, a gesture more of shock than anything else. It seemed to be a scene out of dream, but she only needed to touch her slightly swollen lips to remember it was all real.

I can't think like this. I'll get a hot bath and a good night's sleep. I'll have a solution to this problem tomorrow, after a large cup of tongue blistering coffee. God knows I'll need it.

Slowly making her way into her bedroom, she catches the sight of her cell phone sitting innocuously on her bed. Deciding it was better to get it over with, she turns it on and almost instantaneously a chorus of loud 'beeps' go off, telling her she has messages. Lo and behold, her missed calls from Touya outnumbered Eriol's 3:1. Seeing her boyfriend's name juxtaposed alongside Touya who isn't her boyfriend, but who she just kissed, seemed like one of fate's cruel jokes.

The first voice message was from Eriol. He saw the latest news about her and the so called "steamy relationship" she had with Touya, and he says he does not believe a single word of it (which made Tomoyo cringe), he also mentions that he caught her statement made to the reporters and didn't like how she looked so pale. She is to get more rest and not to worry about the "nasty rumor."

The next message made Tomoyo unconsciously smile. It was Touya's worried voice asking where she is and if she needs someone to talk to. Catching herself smiling in the bathroom mirror made her quickly frown, and she hurriedly deleted the messages and started for the bath.

After coming out of the bath in her silk lavender robe, Tomoyo made a call to Eriol. Her call was answered by a voicebox. It was morning in England; he must have left the hotel already, which was probably better anyway. She wasn't sure how she could actually have a normal conversation with him after what just happened less than an hour ago. In the voice message she told him she was doing fine and that he shouldn't worry, and she wished him luck with his client and to have a safe trip back.

With that done, she snuggled into her bed covers and tried to get much needed sleep.

She wouldn't admit it verbally, but seeing Touya concentrating on the floor as he explained his reasons for suddenly showing up at her door was adorable. With his dark bangs covering her view of his eyes, and her artistic eye catching the faint hue of pink dusting his cheeks. He showed her an innocence and vulnerability that was both humbling and heart-warming.

Tomoyo groaned as she covered her eyes with her arm.

Yes, she was in trouble.

Make sure you drop a comment, enjoy the holidays!

Thanks a bunch Hikaru!