------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Accidental

Chapter Twelve

Moon Kitty 2005

May 25th, 2006

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tomoyo sat on the couch, her arms wrapped around her knees, staring off into space as the clock ticked precariously in the background. She was still waiting for Sakura and Eriol to return from their 'date', and with each tick of the hand, she felt like her heart was breaking.

This was never meant to happen, she thought miserably, a tear escaping from her eye. She couldn't believe how much it hurt to watch them together. What if the worst happened? What if Sakura actually falls in love with Eriol?

She curled further into a ball, the worst thoughts running through her head, and a sudden insistent knock on the door brought her from her state of self-misery. She wiped her palms across her cheeks, standing and brushing her skirt off before opening the door to reveal a consternated Syaoran. She blinked in surprise. "Syaoran, what are you doing here?"

He rested his hands against the doorway and stared at Tomoyo angrily, his features confused and hurt. "Who was that guy Sakura left with this afternoon?"

She smiled bitterly and turned her head, avoiding his eyes. "That's someone I met on a dating website."

"Huh?" he inquired, the anger melting off his features to look utterly confused.

She ushered him to enter the apartment. "It's a long story, so I suggest you just sit down and let me explain everything."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sakura placed the menu on the table and smiled across it to Eriol, who was stirring his tea absentmindedly, gazing at her. "W-what?" she asked, blushing as his eyes twinkled.

He simply shook his head. "I just can't believe how pretty you are. I was surprised when I first saw your picture, but I can't say that your picture does you justice."

She blushed even harder and muttered, "I'm not that good looking. Tomoyo is much prettier than I am."

Eriol perked up at her name. "She's your roommate, right? What's wrong with her?"

Sakura's eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

He chuckled. "She just seems a little on edge... she's very quiet and shy. She also seems to be a little awkward around me and she blushes a lot. Not that I mind. She's really a beautiful girl... and her voice is really familiar and soft, but... I don't know, I can't really say she's not my type until I get to know her better."

Sakura leaned forward eagerly, her hands resting on the table. "She's a great person, Eriol. You have no idea how many times I've been in trouble and she was there to help me. She's really sweet and funny and kind. Sometimes I thank God I have such a good friend as her. You really should get to know her better."

"Can't really do that when it seems like she's avoiding me."

She smiled softly. "Just give her time. I'm sure you two will be good friends, and maybe more," she finished, winking.

He laughed once more and reached across the table, patting her hand. "I think I've already found the one for me, Sakura." And he glanced at her intently, then smiled a little and looked down at his menu again.

Sakura shook her head a scant inch and tears threatened to fall from her eyes. This is so confusing...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Syaoran stared at Tomoyo, the muscle in his cheek flexing as he struggled to understand what she had just finished explaining to him. "So now she has to go out with him so you won't be figured out?"

She nodded, tears trailing down her cheeks. "But the problem is that I really love him and it hurts. But I never meant to hurt you, Syaoran!" she gasped, grabbing his hand and looking at him intensely. "You have to believe me! I never meant to-"

He shrugged, pulling his hand away from hers. "Who said I was hurt? I mean, it's not my business. Sakura can date whoever she wan-"

Tomoyo raised a hand and cut him off, crossing her arms and gazing at him. "Syaoran... I know you love Sakura. It's not rocket science."

He stared at her, eyes wide and his mouth hanging open slightly. "What the hell are you talking about!" he thundered, rising from the couch to stare her down. "I do not love Sakura! Not at all! She's infuriating, annoying, self-righteous... kind, smart, beautiful, and even her being annoying at times is really nice..." he trailed off, staring into space.

Tomoyo simply smirked.

He glared down at her, fire burning in his amber eyes. "Fine! I love Sakura! There! Are you happy!"

She smiled up at him kindly. "Then I suggest you tell her before it's too late, Syaoran. It's already too late for me. I don't want you to lose your chance, either."

Syaoran threw his hands in the air and growled. "It's not that easy! Sakura doesn't love me back. She probably likes that Eriol guy."

Tomoyo's eyes saddened and she stood, placing a hand on his arm. "Just... don't give up. I know that Sakura cares about you, even if you think she doesn't. Just don't try to dress it up in silly analogies or puzzles. Just... tell her. And don't wait until it's too late."

He watched her walk to her room and sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.

I'll tell her, Tomoyo... I'll tell her at the wedding...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authoress Notes

Kitty: Now we're finally getting somewhere!

Moon: You're the one that made this so long... People have been wanting to know, but would you let them? Nooo.

Kitty: (glares at Moon) I'm about to turn this story into a horror if you don't shut yer mouth.

Moon: (rolls eyes)

Kitty: See y'all next chapter!