Disclaimer Cardcaptor Sakura is not a property of mine. It rightfully belongs to CLAMP. The poem which I will be using in this chapter, 'Discovery', is owned by Toyohiko Kagawa.

Chapter 8: 'weird dreams, videos, and a flirty Eriol'

---At Sakura's class---

Sakura's eyelids began to droop. She tried to hide a yawn behind her hand, but Tomoyo, who was sitting beside her, still heard the sound.

"I cannot invent new things, like the airships which sail on silver wings…" Makoto-sensei started reading a poem. "But today, a wonderful thought in the dawn was given, and the stripes on my robe, shining from wear, were suddenly fair."

She fought hard not to fall asleep, but eventually her eyes closed and her head fell forward on her arms as a substitute for a pillow. In minutes, she was sleeping peacefully as the teacher droned on. "…Bright with a light falling from heaven- gold, and silver, and bronze; lights from the windows of Heaven…"

Tomoyo looked at her friend with worried eyes. It was the second time that week Sakura had fallen asleep in class, and she, as her best friend, couldn't help but feel worried about it. She had tried asking Sakura about it but she just kept on denying it, saying it wasn't a big deal.

"And the thought was this:" Makoto-sensei read aloud. "That a secret plan is hid in my hand; that my hand is big, Big, because of this plan."

She wasn't listening anymore. As each minute, each second passed by, she grew more and more worried. Tomoyo focused her gaze on the chestnut haired boy behind Sakura's seat. She guessed right. He was also aware of his sister. The worried look he had on his face said it all.

Normally, Sakura would actively listen to Makoto-sensei when she reads one of her interesting poems. But today…

Sakura's eyes were still closed. She was snoring faintly, indicating that she was in a deep sleep. In front of the class, Makoto-sensei was deeply engrossed by the poem that she still hadn't noticed the quietly slumbering girl. "That god, who dwells in my hand, knows this secret plan. Of all the things He will do for the world, using my hand!"

The teacher finished the poem just in time when the bell rang, signaling the end of classes for the whole day. Tomoyo quickly got up from her seat.

…

Sakura could hear a soft voice whispering her name. A voice so soft, she guessed it belonged to a girl

"Sakura-chan…" It called out to her.

"Sakura-chan…" There it was again. Then she felt a force on her shoulder as if someone was nudging to awake her.

"Hmmm?" Sakura mumbled drowsily.

"Sakura-chan…" It was a little louder now, and a bit insistent.

Then, silence.

When she thought the voice has stopped, another voice called out…except it was masculine and more adamant than the first. "SAKURA!"

"Wha-!" Sakura jolted upward and would've fallen backward on the floor if Syaoran didn't catch her on time.

"Class is over, Sakura. What is wrong with you today?" He asked while positioning her back to her seat. There was a hint of concern in his voice that made Sakura cringe in guilt. She didn't want anyone to worry about her, especially her brother.

"Umm…" She started, thinking of what to say. "Nothing's wrong with me. You shouldn't worry yourself too much. I'm just sleepy, that's all." She let out a nervous laugh as Syaoran looked at her with those scrutinizing eyes.

"Are you really alright, Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo asked, putting a hand on her friend's shoulder. The warmth was overwhelming for Sakura. It was far better than the look on Syaoran's face. Actually, anything could be better than that look on his face. Sometimes, her brother just creep her out.

"I'm very sure, Tomoyo-chan." Sakura then smiled at the raven-haired girl and stood up. "I promise I'll get some rest when I get home."

Tomoyo nodded. Though she knew quite well that her friend was lying, she threw an understanding smile nonetheless. As long as Sakura keeps her promise, it'll be alright. She trusts her that much.

"I still don't believe you." That firm unwavering statement alone made Sakura twist her head to her right where her brother was standing. He was frowning. No surprise about that. Her gaze trailed from the frown on his lips up toward his eyes.

His eyes, she thought as realization dawned on her as if her head had been hit with a brick, hard. His eyes… They are…amber. She gasped. Just like…just like…

She was so lost in thought and her sleepiness wasn't making things any better. Her legs were wobbling now and she fought hard to keep her balance. Tomoyo grew more worried now, and so did Syaoran, though he showed no sign at all that he was.

"Sakura-chan, I think you should go home right now." Tomoyo said, helping the other girl to find her balance while Syaoran got hold of her brown backpack. He was carrying two now, his and Sakura's.

…

It was a quarter past four when the three of them reached the fork road where they would split up. Tomoyo would turn left while Syaoran and Sakura to the right. They bid their goodbyes and with much reluctance from Tomoyo, they separated.

Sakura had gotten more awake now and it was one of the two reasons why Tomoyo agreed not to go along with them on their way to the Kinomoto residence. The other reason was because Sakura said - more like insisted - that she didn't need to go with them. At first, Tomoyo argued with that, but Sakura kept on insisting. She even used her infamous puppy eyes. This, Syaoran watched with much interest.

So after a lot of persuading from Sakura and a bit of arguing form Tomoyo, the latter eventually agreed. Who knew how much power the emerald eyed girl had over the Daidouji heiress? Syaoran had to wonder.

"Bye, Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura waved as she and Syaoran walked towards their way home. "We'll see each other tomorrow!"

"Bye, Sakura-chan, Syaoran!" Tomoyo waved back and continued her way on the opposite direction.

…

After what seemed like a very tiring day, Tomoyo was ready to march in her room, leap into her bed and sleep. But the sight that greeted her when she arrived home surprised her. No, wait. Surprise wasn't enough to describe how she felt the moment her feet landed on the very first step towards the mansion's front door.

She was shocked, dumfounded, flabbergasted! The sight that greeted her…the young man standing on her front porch… His blue eyes twinkling as they made contact with her amethyst ones… That awfully familiar smile… and his voice, a deep baritone…

"Hello, Daoidouji-san." He greeted her as if unaware of the situation they were in. His glasses glistened under the sun and the ever mischievous smile never left his lips.

"Hiiragizawa…" She heard herself whisper. The boy in front of her only smiled wider and didn't even bother to break eye contact. Not that he wanted to.

She squirmed underneath his gaze, hoping for the tension to break. The awkwardness of the situation made her uncomfortable. When she's uncomfortable, she sweats, and when she sweats, she gets distracted and she'll lose her perfect composure. And that irked her to no end. It's not like she doesn't see him everyday in school. It's just the fact that he is in her house…again.

At last, the tension was broken by the one person who started it in the first place. "Daidouji-san, although I am deeply glad that we are able to meet again, I think it would be best if you would go inside right now. The weather is quite cold." He said so casually as if complementing on the weather, which he did…on the last part, anyway.

"You're just standing there, gaping as if you've seen a ghost." And he just might be a ghost himself, popping out of nowhere. His skin was so pale that in a split second, Tomoyo thought that he really is a ghost.

Still not getting a response from her, he urged. "You'd get a cold."

That seemed to have worked. Tomoyo shook her head, getting herself back to reality. She struggled for a proper response, and when she couldn't think of one, she grew apprehensive.

But she was saved because just then, the front door opened. Sonomi, dressed in her work clothes, looked at her daughter then at Eriol, then back at Tomoyo again. It was as if she was watching a very interesting tennis match. "Tomoyo?" She looked at her daughter with inquiring eyes. Tomoyo knew what she wanted to ask.

"Ano…Okaa-sama…" She stuttered but she was stopped when Eriol spoke for her.

"Good afternoon, Daidouji-san." He said, referring to the elder Daidouji. "Tomoyo and I just arrived from school, and we were so tired and hungry. The two of us planned on raiding your kitchen until there's no food left."

He had spoken so casually and calmly Tomoyo could hardly believe her ears. She had expected Sonomi to snap at his remark but surprisingly, she didn't. Instead, however, she laughed. Yes, laughed.

Tomoyo could not believe her eyes. This must be a dream, she silently thought. Somebody pinch me!

Unexpectedly, she felt a quick sharp pain on her arm, the spot where Eriol pinched her. So he's psychic now? But the boy just smiled at her. If he had read her mind just then, she didn't know for sure.

…

"Sakura! Syaoran! Dinner's ready." She heard Touya shout from the kitchen. Although, she was really hungry, she waited until Syaoran's footsteps outside were gone. When she was absolutely sure her brother had gone downstairs, she went out of her room.

She didn't want to face Syaoran. It was certain that he would bombard her with questions. She was lucky he didn't do that when they walked home. A concerned Syaoran was a scary Syaoran, and she didn't want that.

She would just have to face him when they are not alone. At dinner, their father and Touya would be there, so she didn't have to worry. It was a good thing Syaoran isn't one who would just blurt something out. She silently thanked him for that. A worried Syaoran was enough. She certainly didn't want Touya or her father to know that she's been drifting off to sleep in school.

As she entered the dining room, a pleasant aroma greeted her. They would be having udon noodles tonight, her favorite. Swiftly, she made her way to her seat which was on the left side of Syaoran, and sat down.

"I'm hungry!" Sakura cried out. Her stomach growled as if agreeing with her. Just then, Touya entered from the kitchen carrying their plates.

"Dad, I think the monster really is hungry." he teased. "I could just hear it growling."

Sakura glared at him. "I am not a monster!" and when Touya took his seat in front of her, she stomped on his foot, hard. Touya howled in pain, and for her, it was a good enough reward.

"Touya, stop teasing your sister." Fujitaka scolded him when he entered the room. Touya just 'hmph'-ed in return. Her brother could be so childish at times; she doubted if he really was seventeen.

Sakura was ready to devour her food the moment Fujitaka sat down. Unnoticed, Syaoran watched her from the corner of his eye. There was something odd about her today, and it worried him. When they were in the classroom a few hours ago, she gave him a very weird look as if he had grown two heads.

When they arrived home, all she did was ignore him. Probably because she knew he would shower her with questions. But she had always confided in him in practically all her problems…until now. Was it something he said? Or did? He didn't know. But what he did know is that it has something to do with him. He was sure. The look she shot him gave it all away, and he wasn't giving up until he finds out exactly what.

In her seat, Sakura continued to devour her food. When she said she was hungry, she really meant it. Touya teased her a few times now and then, but she was too hungry to argue and her mouth was still full that all she could do was glare.

But inside, she was deep in thought. Different images swirled around I her head. That dream…and her brother… Were they connected in any way? It seemed impossible.

But then, that boy… He looks exactly like Syaoran when we were younger. How is that possible? She frowned, but no one on the table noticed even Syaoran, who was now the victim of Touya's 'torment'.

"Call me gaki again or I'll kick you!"

"Gaki! Gaki! Gaki!"

-kick-

-kick-

-kick-

"Ow! Ow! OW!" Touya howled, clutching his left leg where Syaoran kicked him. "The last one really hurt!"

"Serves you right."

Sakura sighed. She couldn't deny that the boy in her dream and her brother looked the same, but she still wasn't sure. It is just pure coincidence, she kept telling herself over and over again. Just pure coincidence.

But what about those five women? Who were they? If Syaoran is the boy in her dream, then those women must be his family. His real family. But how can that be, She asked herself.It was impossible. She had never seen Syaoran's real family before.

Maybe it's just some random people. After all, it was just a dream. Anything can happen in a dream, and they are not real. Nope, nuh-uh, never. Not real at all… right?

…

"So, Tomoyo, I heard you like videotaping." The blue eyed boy spoke as the two of them sat down together on the sofa. Sonomi had gone to her office, leaving the two of them alone. To talk, she said with a rather mischievous smile and even winked at Eriol. God knows what she was planning then. Tomoyo had a pretty good idea.

"Where did you hear that?" Tomoyo asked, although the answer was quite obvious to her. Eriol just smirked.

"From your mother. She told me a lot of things about you." Tomoyo groaned. She knew her mother would do something like this. Just yesterday, when Sonomi was on the phone talking to Eriol's uncle, Tomoyo 'overheard' their conversation. Well, at least her mother's side of the conversation, anyway.

She had heard her mother say enthusiastically on the phone, 'Oh, that's a fantastic idea, Reed-san. I'm sure they have a lot in common.' 'Your nephew is a nice and wonderful boy.' And 'Tomoyo would be delighted, I'm sure.'

Tomoyo knew pretty well who 'they' are. It didn't take a genius to figure that out. Her mother was never a matchmaker. But somehow, meeting Eriol changed everything. It's not like Tomoyo hated him or anything. She likes him actually…as friends.

It's just the fact that whenever Hiiragizawa is around, she feels nervous all of a sudden. And his ever present smile was a bit annoying, and the way he looks at her…

Tomoyo was apparently lost in her thoughts that Eriol had to call her name ten times before she finally took notice of him.

"I'm sorry. What did you say?" The boy beside her smirked as he watched her confused expression.

"I said, would you mind if I watch one of your videos?" Tomoyo just blinked in response, her mind struggling to understand what he said. Then comprehension dawned on her.

"Oh! Why, sure, Hiiragizawa-kun. I don't mind at all." She threw him a kind smile and began to stand up when Eriol grabbed her hand. A shock ran through her arm and she was sure the other boy felt it, too. Although his face was as calm as ever.

"Please, just call me Eriol." He spoke, still not letting go of her hand. "It's like that in England. I'm still not accustomed to Japanese traditions, if you don't mind."

Tomoyo's thoughts were still in a haze that all she could do was stand there, her mouth opening and closing without words coming out, not knowing what to say. Her mind urged her to say something. "Uh, okay, sure, um…After all, we are friends, right…Eriol?"

She stuttered at first and she was a bit hesitant when she said his first name. But, she had to admit, it felt kinda…nice. Eriol smiled at her when she called him by his first name. Although the real reason why he wanted her to do that wasn't because he came from England. Actually, he was quite comfortable with Japanese traditions, being half-Japanese himself. He just didn't want to tell her the real reason. He didn't believe she was ready for it. "Thank you, Tomoyo-san."

After moments of just staring into each other's eyes, Eriol let go of Tomoyo's hand, bringing her back to reality again. "I think you should get the video now, Tomoyo-san." Then, with mischief written all over his face, he added. "or do you want me to come with you?"

She blushed, partly because of embarrassment and partly because of something else she would rather not talk about. "Oh, no. Please, just stay here. I'll be back in a minute." She left the room, a little too quickly she almost bumped herself on the couch. She really didn't need to be embarrassed anymore. She had enough of that lately.

Eriol's gaze lingered on her back until she stepped out of the room. He was sure to have more fun! The Daidouji heiress was very fun to tease.

…

The two of them silently watched the video being played on the TV screen. A little girl about the age of six, with huge emerald eyes giggled happily, facing the camera. Beside her stood a boy about her age, looking down on the ground as if he didn't want to face the camera. The background was the local park. The huge Penguin slide stood majestically under the shining sun.

Then the scene changed. The same girl, but a few years older, was cheerfully showing off her pink kimono, clasping a cute brown teddy bear. In the background, fireworks were in display. A few seconds later, a boy with chestnut hair was being pushed to her side and the girl smiled even wider. Then an older boy, his hair short and black, came towards them, making the younger boy glare at him. He glared back. In the middle, the girl was trapped between the two and she muttered a soft 'hoe'.

The scene changed again. Two persons, a girl and a boy, stood next to each other. Both were blushing with embarrassed smiles, though the boy was frowning. The odd thing was; the girl had prince's clothes on and the boy beside her was wearing a frilly dress of a princess. He also had a blond wig on with curly ends. His face was as red as a ripe tomato, if not, even redder.

Watching the scene, Tomoyo had to stifle a loud 'kawaii'. Sitting next to her, Eriol kept himself from laughing, hiding his chuckles behind his hand. After half an hour or so, the movie ended, much to Eriol's disappointment. All throughout the ending, he laughed uncontrollably unable to hide it any longer. Who could, after watching poor Syaoran being pummeled, hit, and beat up by an angry Sakura? Eriol felt sorry for the guy. But really, how stupid was Syaoran to call Sakura a big fat overweight mammoth? One thing to never call a girl is fat. Much less a big and overweight mammoth! He gave him credit for bravely - more like stupidly – calling her that.

Tomoyo giggled madly even though she had seen this tape over and over again. With Eriol by her side, it was more entertaining, in a way. She was still laughing when Eriol spoke. "They do have fun together even though Syaoran is adopted."

Her eyes widened, jaw dropped, stopping in the middle of her laughter. She looked at him apprehensively. "H-how did you know Syaoran is adopted?"

He grinned, pushing his eyeglasses a little farther up his nose. "It really is quite obvious, Tomoyo-san. Brother and sister could not be the same age unless of course they are twins or one is adopted, and I'm sure Sakura-san and Syaoran are not twins."

Tomoyo stared at him for a while until she spoke. "I guess you have a point there."

"They are really close to each other. To the point they're inseparable." Then his smile disappeared and his expression changed into a more mysterious one Tomoyo had never seen him wear before. "Sakura-san would surely be devastated if ever Syaoran will find his real family and leave her."

Hearing his remark, Tomoyo turned to look at him. Confusion was written all over her face. "What do you mean, Eriol-san?"

The mysterious look on his face vanished as quickly as it appeared, and he was grinning at her again. "Nothing, Tomoyo-san." Then he reached inside his bag, which Tomoyo had noticed just now. "Do you want a cookie? I almost forgot I brought some with me."

She looked at him, wide-eyed at the quick change of subject. Nonetheless, she gladly accepted the cookie that was handed to her. She would have to ask him later. For now, she would satisfy herself by eating those delicious cookies.

To be continued…

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A/n: I know, I should have updated sooner. I was grounded so I couldn't use the computer for three weeks. I'm really sorry. But hey! Why should I be the one apologizing? Blame the strict parents! It's all their fault!

Me want Eri-kun's cookies! WAH!