A/n: Yes! Success! Another chappie! Whooo hooo! R&R please? Enjoy!
…
Teddy Bear Kisses
By: Bloody-Stiletto
Would you rather love someone who completes you?
…or someone who loves you completely…?
….
.:Sakura's P.o.V:.
This is the fifth roll of tissue paper that I handed out to her. I feel like I'm witnessing my best friend drain out all the liquid coming from her eyes.
"A-Arigattou…Sakura-chan…sniff sniff…" Tomoyo managed to say as she blew her nose—which looks like a clown's already by the way, because of its redness.
Once again, I sighed and gently rubbed her back. "It's okay…just let it all out…"
I was supposed to meet Syaoran tonight. It is our 46th monthsary (Yeah… it's a term which means 46 months) and we are actually going to celebrate it—"were" and not "are", actually. You see, Tomoyo here is pretty down. I told Syaoran that my best friend needs me so we have to cancel our dinner date. Being the understanding boyfriend—though he may not look like one—he said that our date can wait and that I should go over here at Tomoyo's and perform my role as her best friend.
So here I am, sitting on Tomoyo's comfy bed as she cried her heart out at me. Her face pressed against my chest and her arms enclosed around me and I felt her shivering as I felt her grief.
I was also saddened by the news that she broke up with Eriol. She told me that she did that to relieve herself from him.
Yeah right. Tell it to the mongrels.
"You know, Tomoyo-chan… you should have thought about it long enough in the first place…" I said as I stroke her long, cascading black hair. Making decisions should never be rushed, especially in relationships. "It might just be a miscommunication thing, you know…"
She gasped for air as she balled her fists. "You don't understand, Sakura…I…I've thought about it more than enough…" She shook her head in disappointment and added meekly, "I've also cried for more than enough as well…."
Well, she does have a point. Come to think of it, she hasn't mentioned anything about how their relationship is going. The last thing I heard was when Eriol forgot about their first anniversary a few months ago. Well, those 'anything' also includes their happy moments together. And since Tomoyo hasn't mentioned 'anything'…does it also mean that there were no happy moments shared together as well…?
What kind of a boyfriend was he?
"How long have you been crying, then…?" I asked as I felt sorry for her. I and our friends— including Syaoran, thought that they will work out together. Considering the fact that they have been together for more than a year now.Yeah, I believed that one, too but it seems that all were hopes that didn't materialize into reality.
There was pregnant silence for a while as she tried her best to gather herself and regain her composure. "I cried every time I realize that I haven't changed anything about him—the way he sees things and even the way he acts around people." She rubbed her eyes hoping that the tears would stop flowing. "…And I have also been crying from the moment I realized that we cannot work out anymore…." Tears poured down her stained face once again as I resumed to comforting her.
"…It's hard… I know that I can't live without him…" she mumbled silently and continued to shed tears.
Seeing her in this state makes me want to cry, too. I know that she still loves Eriol and I know that Eriol himself is her happiness. Being brave enough to sacrifice her desires and demands just to be with Eriol…even if all he offered were dreams that never came true…
Goodness…she was hopelessly in love with him.
And I know that right at this very moment, someone is also experiencing the same thing…
.:Syaoran's P.o.V:.
Eating my dinner alone sure is lonely—especially if it's a special day you're dealing with.
"Anything else, sir?" the waiter asked as he placed the food that I ordered on the table.
"This is it. Thanks, pal." I said and gave my payment together with the menu. The waiter smiled gratefully and walked away leaving me alone with my own thoughts once again.
I admit that I was a bit shocked, too when I heard the news about Eriol and Tomoyo's break-up. It was really unexpected. I don't know if it's because we don't have time to catch up with their lives or they were just too good at hiding these things from us. Even so, I can bet for a thousand bucks that it was Tomoyo who broke up and not that stupid Eriol. He's damn too stubborn and busy to think about Tomoyo anyway.
It's also regretful…the way that their relationship ended. It was an amusing start, though. Several years of not seeing each other made them strangers when they met once again at the airport. It was Eriol's arrival from England. It happened fast, anyway. Fast enough that after a couple of weeks of "friendly dates" and "friendly calls", they were already inseparable.
But now…
"Look who's here… haven't got any date?" a familiar voice asked behind me which really sent my head aching in dismay.
I sighed, accepting my ill fate. "I think I was about to ask the same question, too, Eriol…" Making himself comfortable in my presence, he sat in front of me and motioned the waiter to give him the list of menu.
"Now that, my oh-so kawaii descendant, is what you call a 'cold treatment'." He said and scanned through the menu. I felt myself twitch when he used the annoying endearment he usually call me. Is it just me or is he trying to cover up by being his old self once again?
Sipping my warm green kiwi tea, I scowled at him in a 'that's-not-going-to-work-on-me' manner. A very unnatural smile was plastered on his face as he waited for his ordered food. These actions of his gave me an answer to my question.
He is trying to be the 'old Eriol' to cover up. To tell you frankly, he's doing a very bad job executing it.
"Missing someone already?" I asked as I nibbled my muffin. Now don't get me wrong. I was just trying to keep him company.
He laughed gently and crossed his arms along his chest as he adjusted his eye glasses. "Should I take that as a question or an indirect observation?"
Clever…still the old, clever fool.
"Take it in whatever way you like." I answered. The sure thing is that, he knows that I'm in this restaurant and that this isn't a coincidence at all. Which means… he needs someone to talk to…
…And since he knows that Sakura is pre occupied with Tomoyo at this moment…
…This leaves ME with the job.
"I'll take it as an observation, then." He answered and bowed gratefully at the waiter as his orders were placed on our table. Slicing his steak, he added, "Shouldn't you be with Sakura-san tonight? I believe that if my premonitions are correct, it is your 46th month as Tomoeda lovebirds…"
Now he's beginning to sound like Clow—and I hate it when he does that. "She's with Tomoyo." I glanced at him to check on his reaction. Unfortunately, he remained composed and relaxed—though I saw his grip on his knife tightened at the mere mention of 'Tomoyo'.
He munched on his steak for quite a while and I can tell that he's really being careful in choosing his words. "I see…" was all he said.
I feel sorry for the poor guy, you know. Well, he's stubborn, pathetic and he's not coming out of his shell. For a moment, he had everything he could wish for.
Fame… Luxury… not to mention, an ideal girlfriend…
But I guess not every story has a happy ending, neh?
"Hey…" I said and caught his attention. He looked at me inquiringly and asked, "Yes? What is it?" My eyebrows knotted in confusion as I answered, "Listen. I don't know what has gotten into me but I want to ask you something…"
He sipped his drink and nodded, "Okay… Go on."
I looked at him straight in the eye and he did the same thing. Even without speaking, we both know that this is a man-to-man talk. "Do you want her back?" I asked never letting him slip out of my sight.
A small glint in his eyes was enough to give me an answer. I sighed and leaned back against my chair. "You know, I'm doing this for both of you because you're my friends. You've done so much for me and Sakura to be happy together. I guess it's only right if we patch things up for you and Tomoyo…"
"My…That's very sweet of you, Li…" He said with a hint of—I don't know if it's amusement or mockery.
"Hey! I'm trying to be serious here!" I exclaimed as I felt my face go warmer. His courteous laugh made its way to boil my blood but I have gotten used to it. "As I was saying, Eriol, I—hopefully together with Sakura, will help you patch things up with Tomoyo."
He placed his elbows on top of the table and clasped his hands together. You know, in a 'let's-get-down-to-business' way. "Surely, you do have a plan?" he asked.
With this, I gave him my winning smirk. "Just keep in touch and we'll be in charge…"
.:Tomoyo's P.o.V:.
Ah… another fine day without Eriol…
…Heaven on earth…
I stretched out my arms and made my way to the mirror. There, I stared at my reflection and smiled. "Hello, Tomoyo-chan! It's a brilliant day isn't it?" I greeted myself and giggled. Surely, I've paid no attention to the dark circles that formed underneath my eyes and how thin and pale I look in the mirror.
Doing such things will just ruin my day…
My cell phone's ring tone awakened my senses as I dashed my way to answer it. Throwing away a number of pillows, I found it vibrating underneath my bed sheet cover. Obviously, my room is a bit messy right now. Don't ask why.
"H-Hello?" I asked a bit tipsy.
Ohayou! Tomoyo-chan!
My face beamed in delight. "Ohayou! Sakura-chan! Is there anything that I can do for you?" I walked back in front of the mirror and began combing my hair.
Hoeeee! Don't tell me you forgot!
I stopped in midway and I saw my face turned confused. "Huh?"
Hoeeeee! Tomoyo-chan, it's Syaoran's birthday! Today's our camping in the mountains! I told you about it last week!
From confused, my face went panicked. "Gommen, Sakura-chan! I totally forgot about it!" Oh, how stupid of me. I guess I was too pre occupied with my break-up with Eriol.
It's okay, we'll wait for you. Anyway, they're still eating their breakfast here so you can still catch up.
"They?" I can't help but ask. If 'they' means 'Eriol' with them, I better not go.
Yes, 'THEY'.
"Uh… is Eriol coming?" I heard Sakura's bubbly laughter at the end of the line.
Now, why are you asking about Eriol? Missing him already?
I felt myself blush and there's no need to look at the mirror to confirm how red I was. "N-NO! Of course NOT! I better take a bath now, Sakura! Bye!"
Hihihi… okay, bye! See ya!
I closed my cell phone and dropped it on my bed. With impressive speed, I hurried along my closet and gathered my clothes and stuffed it all inside my not-that-small bag.
What the heck am I thinking? Eriol wouldn't be there. He would be damn too busy and would be damn too isolated with his whole darn wretched life! This would be a great chance to forget about him! I'll leave all our memories there at the mountains so that when I get back, I would be myself again.
Me, Tomoyo Daidouji, a die-hard single!
.:Eriol's P.o.V:.
Of all the cruel things in the world…
"Hey, Li! You didn't say anything about this!" I shouted as my furry hands grabbed Syaoran's collar. Why furry? Take a guess. I'm in my teddy bear stuff toy state and I do currently not love it!
"Such strength for a cutie, squeaky, furry teddy bear, eh Eriol?" Syaoran laughed and carried me by my waist. I struggled from his grip in annoyance as Sakura squealed in delight.
"Hoeee! You look so adorable Eriol-kun!" Sakura giggled and pinched my cheeks. She grabbed me from Syaoran and placed me in front of the mirror. "There! You should agree with me! You look so cute!"
I sighed as I saw myself. I saw myself as a 20-inch tall brown teddy bear with a black, shiny nose. It's funny how my clothes earlier—the blue polo shirt and brown slacks, by the way—actually shrank to my size.
"Why do I have to be in this state?" I asked, obviously irritated.
"Now, you're being cold, Eriol-kun…" I heard Sakura say and she patted my head.
"Who wouldn't? I actually felt Nakuru's lips! It gives me goosebumps you know!" They all roared with laughter. Even if it's only a split second, it really freaks me out.
Unlike when I transformed in Tomoyo's lips…
"You should be like that for a little while Eriol. Tomoyo might leave the moment she sees you." Syaoran said and handed me my eye glasses.
Sakura buttoned my polo shirt as she added, "Yeah, Syaoran's right. By the way, you're going to disguise as MY hand-made gift to Syaoran's birthday so… NO UNNECESSARY MOVEMENTS and don't talk or she might freak out!"
This time, I laughed. "Good luck with that, Sakura-san. I look like 'professionally' stitched. Wouldn't Tomoyo doubt it that you really made me?"
"Eriol, you baka!"
Will Eriol survive in his cute teddy bear state? Find out in the next chapter!
Kip in touch minna-san!
