A/N: Uh oh. It's coming. I can feel it in the air... it's tense and ready to strike. Even in the supply stores... Office Depot...
School.
The ending of summer vacation as well as the beginning of a fresh new school year, meaning... us authors and readers don't have as much free time to frolic happily in world as we did during the summer. Thus, the marking of the end of a magnificent era... I have no idea what I mean by that, actually. So if you read my nonsense, thank you, and I'm sorry. Please enjoy the... 10th Chapter! And yet another beginning of an era...
Disclaimer: I don't own Card Captors. Got it?
Chapter Ten: Is the Past really past?
Eriol's POV
Jealousy. That envious feeling that surges angrily through one's body when they feel a strong desire of wanting something that another person has... a resentful awareness of another's advantage. It's a feeling... a sin... that shouldn't be embraced very often. Jealousy is a feeling that throws off one's practical sense of good against bad. It is something that humans like us don't need...
But that's what I felt when those words came out of her mouth.
"I... have a boyfriend."
Jealousy.
For the first time in a long time, I felt the overwhelming presence of jealousy consume my entire self. It reminded me... because I, too, need to be reminded over and over... that I'm human. It showed me what a helpless human I was.
It made me sick.
I felt pathetic for feeling such disgusting feelings. I'm far from the perfect being everyone accuses me of. And yet... the only consolation I have is that she knows I'm not perfect. She may point it out in a hateful way, but she still understands me better than most of this entire world. It's that knowledge that keeps me calm. I'm still the "cool" Eriol Hiiragizawa—the one that knows everything. The wise one.
I didn't let her see my true reaction. She saw the shock on my face, which revealed that I didn't know she had a boyfriend. True...but I still hid my jealousy. I'm good at that... masking my true feelings. Lying. Hiding. She's right. I'm nothing special. At least she has the honesty of letting her heart clear to everyone. Though she keeps her secrets... At least she has every intention of making people happy.
Sick. I'm sick of myself. Why do I keep thinking I have an advantage? That anything and everything I do has some sort of ulterior motive that will raise me above everyone else? I'm not acting like an idiot on purpose and trying to goad her into paying more attention to me. No. That's not it, because... I realized that I'm only human.
I'm falling for her. And I'm mistaking my foolish actions as wise moves that will ultimately lead me to my goal.
I want her to want me. As pathetic as that sounds, it's very much true. And that's not even it...
I want Tomoyo Daidouji to love me.
Just as I love her.
Tomoyo's POV
"Go away!"
"NO! Give me a second chance! Let me explain—"
"I don't want any of you're explanations! I don't need to know why you chose to sleep with that… that slut behind my back and lie to my face about it! Just go away! Leave me alone!"
"Rhea—"
SLAP. "Don't 'Rhea' me, Kent! I said leave me ALONE!"
I watched silently at the screen as Rhea stormed off, leaving a shocked Kent clutching his red cheek to stand alone, staring after the girl with a sad, mourning expression. It reminded me of a sad puppy, that expression. Frankly, it made me sick. "Huh," I muttered, grabbing a handful of popcorn from the huge bowl in my lap. "Serves him right. He was a jerk to mess around with her behind her back. Stupid bastard. Stupid men. All males have no sense of humanity! Stupid bastard of a jerk. Pshaw! MEN." I moodily stuffed my face of my recent replacement of PeBuCCC (the kitchen ran out of supply and I found that popcorn was a close enough substitute for those yummy, peanut-buttery goodness) and flicked a corn at the screen where there was a close-up of Kent's pathetic face as he whispered some nonsense about his lost love. Hah, take that you cheating piece of dirt!
I wasn't in the best of moods, to say the least. I was still angry with Hiiragizawa (when have I never been, besides those random moments in time when he confused me silly?) and now Sakura was mad at me. Well, not exactly mad, more like...
Breathing-fire-raging-mad. Yeah. That's more like it.
It turned out that what I saw in the library between Sakura and Syaoran was... well... Agh, it's too embarrassing to say it. Okay, fine. Well... they weren't kissing. No, they weren't kissing. I was wrong. I was completely wrong. I had made the wrong assumptions and accused them of kissing. Yes, I know. I'm stupid. I mean you don't just go around and mistaken people for kissing, albeit very intimately at that. Kissing is an action that is so intimate, so emotional, and... and... so personal that you can't just go about making mistakes about it! And I made a mistake.
...But it's not my fault that they just happened to look like they were kissing! How would I know that Syaoran had something in his eye and was crying because it hurt so bad, and Sakura was just trying to get a closer look at it to blow it out? Yeah, that's what I thought. I wouldn't know. Of course, I could have just stayed a little longer and saw that they weren't kissing, because Sakura yelled, "I got it!"
...But it's still not my fault! And I tried to convince Sakura of that over the phone, but she wouldn't listen. No matter how many times I said I didn't even spread that rumor (well, not on purpose) she just wouldn't listen. Naturally, I would have to talk to Chiharu (how did she spread the rumor?), but I didn't have to tell Sakura that. I said I was sorry. To be honest, I was trying to convince myself that it wasn't my fault, but, well, we all know how well that's going. Note how I'm still sulking and chucking corn at the screen where Kent was now on his knees, trying to beg Rhea to listen to him. I was sulking because Sakura was mad at me and Hiiragizawa was really making my head hurt.
The only upside to this was that I had a date with Len Muraki tomorrow at lunch. No, correction(s): I had a lunch meeting with Len Muraki today at twelve thirty in the afternoon, which was about twelve hours from now. Oh, and I invited my mother to watch a chick flick movie with me tonight. At midnight. Yes, yes, a mother-daughter outing... er, at home. Except, she wasn't here yet, meaning she was late. Probably because of some extra long meeting with a stubborn company president. I'm glad I don't have to put up with that kind of torture... yet. Mom and I were still discussing who would inherit the company after she retired, seeing as I was an only child and a woman at that, and she didn't want to force any decisions onto me. Yeah, if she were any other person she would just make me become the next President of the Daidouji Corporation without consulting me. But my Mom's nice and loves me, so I get a choice. Love, love!
"Tomoyo? I'm home!" My mother's tired voice came from the hallway, and I scrambled up to meet her. I opened my door and hugged her just as she was about to come in. "Whoa, sweetie. How can you still be so energetic this late at night?" Energetic? Me? She stifled a yawn and rubbed her sleepy, blue eyes, patting my shoulder. I smiled, guiding her to my room. She was so cute when she didn't act all professional and business-like and all fire-breathing-eyes-flashing-boss-lady-like. Of course, I'm not saying this from experience. It's just that I saw her yelling at a lot of lazy bodyguards over at the company building and they totally cowered before her. I hope Sakura's not taking any pointers from her.
My loving mother sighed and fell back on my king-size bed, letting her purse flop carelessly on the ground. I sat down besides her, asking, "Was there a meeting?" Normally my energetic mother would be bustling about, fixing up a quick cup of tea down in the kitchens before going to sleep. She would stop by my room if she was early enough, and talk with me before saying goodnight. She wouldn't drag herself into my room and collapse down on my bed, nearly asleep like she is right now. Not unless something happened at the company that was particularly stressful.
"Yes," she nodded, yawning. "I can't believe the nerve of those people. They think they own the world... flashing those shiny cards and boasting about their stupid companies. Particularly one guy... The President of that game company or something... what's it called... Mirror? Yeah. What a jerk. He thinks I should marry him and merge our companies together so we can create 'the most ultimate company'... huh, sounds pretty crappy to me." She sighed. I gaped at her, blinking with all my might. Someone actually had the guts to propose to my mother? THE Sonomi Daidouji? The official dragon lady with a fiery temper? The woman with the army of bodyguards? Someone wanted to marry her? It sounds pretty mean of me to be so shocked, but to be honest, I've never really thought of my mother as a wife. I mean, she's a great mother, and a very good daughter, and a spectacular cousin (to Sakura's mother) but it's been so long since she was a wife. After all, my father passed away when I was only one and a half years old.
Besides, Mom's, like, practically Ms. Independent. Only with a 'Mrs.'
Someone I'd like to be when I got older.
She continued, keeping her eyes closed. "Then he had the nerve to mention you." I blinked. Me? Who? "That stupid Mirror President suggested that if I didn't want to marry, then you, as the current heiress, should marry his son." This I understood. Anything to do with arranged marriages I have no trouble understanding. And I felt immediate outrage. "But of course I wouldn't marry you off against your will. There was enough of that in history. Besides, his son's like thirty five years old."
I gagged mentally. Thirty five? That was twice my age! I'd rather marry someone like... like... Hiiragizawa than that kind of guy!
...Or not. The thought of the blue-eyed young man being by my side for all eternity made me want to... run away. Run away to an island far away. Extremely far away.
I sighed and placed the sleeping figure of Sonomi Daidouji, my dear, President-of-a mother, more comfortably on the bed, turned off the television, switched off the lights, and went out of the room. Tomorrow was a late morning for Mom, so she could sleep in for as long as she wanted. She would need the rest too.
Come to think of it, where was I going to sleep? Heh, not in the living room. I'd just steal my mom's room, then.
Sonomi Amamiya/Daidouji POV
That day... I was angry. I was angry, pissed, enraged, jealous, furious, livid, fire breathing dragon mad...
I was sad.
...so sad...
"...What are you going to do now?"
What am I going to do...? What else was I going to do but stand by and watch over my Nadeshiko being happy with him... Kinomoto...? I had nothing else to do in my life because my life was Nadeshiko. She was everything to me... my reason to be born, my reason to live, my reason to be happy, my reason to die... I was her protector. And so I lived for her.
There was nothing else for me to do.
"Are you going to wallow in your self-pity?"
Of course not. I would never pity myself. I have too much respect for that. However... sacrificing my life for the one I love... and then drowning in sadness... that's not pity. That's selfishness. Greed. It's shameful. I should be happy. And I am. I'm happy for my cousin. I would do anything for her... because her happiness is my happiness.
"So why don't you smile?"
I do. I smile... inside. Whenever I see Nadeshiko smiling so happily, I smile with all my heart. I smile for her. You see? I would do anything for her. I would even smile...
Anything.
"Will you love again... for her?"
...Love... Again...? Yes... Yes, she will want that for me... She'll want me to love again. She's kind-hearted like that. But if there isn't someone to love... Then I know she won't ask. I know that it's impossible for me to love again.
"You can love me."
...What...?
What do you mean...?
...Why...? How...?
"Because I can love you."
You... could do that... for me?
"I love you, Sonomi."
That day... you made me happy. Your eyes were so warm... such a warm amethyst. When you took my hands... I felt that warmth spread into my heart. And your lips... I knew that I could do anything with you. Not only for you... but together, with you.
I knew Nadeshiko would be happy for me... too.
And for you... Erik Daidouji...
I love you.
Tomoyo's POV
I woke up with a start.
Something happened.
Something incredibly important.
Something... good.
Like, peanut butter-covered chocolates with coconuts good.
It was early morning and the less-than bright sun had not risen yet. Never the less, I bounded out of my bed and then blinked, realizing it was not my bed. Then I remembered that I'd stolen Mom's room after she stole my own. Hmm, her bed was comfy. I'll have to steal her mattress some time...
Anyway. I jumped around the spacious room, giggling giddily and smiling at the mirrors that smiled back at me. Something good had happened and I was happy. Beyond happy.
IT... has been vanquished!
Yes! Haha! I was free! I was victorious! I was a WOMAN! Rejoice and beware... of me... because... because... Rr... RRAAAR!
It looks like my feminine pride level has returned. And that's a good thing, because I'm— GASP! I'm eating lunch with Len Muraki today!
And so another bout of jumping and giggling commences. After a fifth round about the room, I halted and took out my cell phone, which was miraculously still in my PJ pocket. I just had to call Sakura about this. Maybe she could come over and we could dress up together! I could tell her how handsome Mr. Muraki is and how much better than a certain someone he can be.
Or not. Flashbacks of the phone call last night and how furious Sakura was when she heard a certain little rumor lowered my spirits a bit. It reminded me of something. I think I need to have a little talk with Chiharu. Not only about the rumors, but the tiny connection she has with Yamazaki.
Just then the door opened and my mom stumbled in, her eyes in a daze and her normally perfect hair limp and ruffled. She didn't look at anything else but the bed, and she collapsed onto it with a sigh. Then she said gruffly, "Mornin' T'moyo..." and fell asleep. I only smiled and crept quietly out of the room so as not to wake my slumbering mother up.
And now... I am on a mission.
"Sakura, I'm—"
"No."
"No, I'm really—"
"Nuh uh."
"Come on, I'm s—"
"Nope."
"Please, I'm really—"
"Uh uh."
"Sakura, I won't—"
"No way."
"Hello Syaoran!"
"…"
Well, at least that got her to be quiet.
I went to school early, hoping to catch Sakura. The moment I saw her, I pounced on her, ready to apologize like I never did, which is incorrect because I apologized most profusely last night. However, the mission wasn't proving to be very successful, obviously, seeing as my cousin is not being cooperative. I watched amusedly at the Cherry Blossom as she turned red, seeing Syaoran walking towards us. I noted that he came alone. No friends. No fans. No entourage. No poodle. Nothing. Just him. Not too bad of a start when trying to woo a girl.
The tall, brown-haired guy had a different sort of aura about him as he walked unsurely towards us. I frowned. This was interesting. He wasn't even smirking. His eyes kept glancing around nervously (nervous?) and he didn't seem to want to be noticed, which was near impossible because nearly everybody looked at him as he walked past. Sigh. Popularity is so overrated.
He nodded at me in acknowledgement, and then turned to face his slave for the week, apparently not caring if I was there or not. I wondered briefly where Hiiragizawa was, but then brushed it aside, not wanting to be disturbed from this rare moment between my cousin and her rival. Syaoran took a deep breath and greeted the honey-haired girl, "Hey."
She had switched to her 'I-really-don't-like-this-guy-so-I'm-going-to-act-cold-and-impassive' act, nodding back stiffly despite the pink in her cheeks.
"Uh..." he uttered, clearly not knowing what to say. "Um... well... uh, people are starting to... uh, talk about... us." Oh my... well, well, what's this I see? Syaoran Li is actually starting to blush. And around the Cherry Blossom none the less.
"I've heard," Sakura replied neutrally. She gave me a glance and sighed shortly. I only smiled innocently. Syaoran didn't notice the exchange and nodded, running a hand through his messy hair. His cheeks were steadily turning red.
"So, er... I think it would be better if... you know... we just play along with them. The rumors, you know... and, well... maybe it'll all die down," he suggested in a not very suggestive tone. He looked extremely nervous. Sakura's emerald eyes narrowed. I stifled a giggle, knowing where this was all going.
"What are you getting at, Li?" she asked suspiciously. Humph, apparently she wasn't getting any news flash. He sighed, looking around as his face turned redder. I watched him closely, anticipating his answer.
"Let's go out."
Ooh. Straight forward, isn't he? I mentally cheered for the guy. When I looked at Sakura, my party died. The look on her face was a mix of shock, disbelief, anger, confusion, embarrassment, and... oh, is that a flash of happiness I see? Well, at any rate, I didn't think she was going to give him an answer any time soon...
"Fine."
Never mind.
Syaoran and I blinked at her in surprise, but he recovered swiftly and nodded. "Meet me at the new café tonight at 7 PM." When Sakura nodded calmly, he turned to me (which was totally unexpected) and said, "Can I speak with you?" I nodded dumbly and let him lead me away. I was about to apologize as a desperate attempt to Sakura, but the words froze in my mouth when a familiar blue-eyed guy walked up to her. I watched as he talked to her, smiling pleasantly. I only stopped looking back when Syaoran stopped.
Uh... We were in the middle of a clump of bushes and trees. What exactly did he want to talk about?
He sighed, looking at the ground. "Daidouji, I know this is probably weird of me, but I need your help." I blinked. Well... this was really unexpected. But more than anything, I wanted to know why Hiiragizawa was talking to Sakura. Was he asking her if I really had a boyfriend? Damn. I knew it was careless of me to just say that. Now he's going to find out I lied and I won't be able to look him in the eye for the rest of my life. Not that I did a very good job of that in the first place. "Hello? Daidouji?" I broke out of my daze as Syaoran waved a hand in front of my eyes.
"Uh...what? What did you say?" I asked, a little out of it.
He shifted uncomfortably. "Well... Can you come with us to the café tonight?" Whoa. Whoa! Is he asking me to come to their date? But... that would ruin the whole idea! There was no third person at a date. Before I could inform him of this he continued, "I sort of need help... you know, I need to know what to... say." He ran a hand through his hair. I started to understand. He wanted me to help him grab Sakura's interest. Jeez, about time!
The inner matchmaker inside of me sparked to life.
However... "Of course I'll help," I said amiably. I smiled when he relaxed visibly. "But..." He immediately stiffened, staring at me. "I don't think I can actually be with you guys... I mean, Sakura will think it's weird and..." Hint, hint.
He quickly said, "That's okay! You see, I thought, maybe... you know, you used to follow Sakura around back then when we were capturing cards, and I thought you could... kind of... follow us without us seeing you." My surprised expression didn't escape his notice. He knew what I was thinking.
He was asking me to spy on them! I mean I was going to do it anyways, but to actually be asked to do it... and by Syaoran Li, never the less!
"Okay," I agreed, smiling. Then I had a flash of inspiration. "Oh... actually, why don't you meet me at my house tonight at 6:30. I have the perfect idea." My smile turned a mischievous. Syaoran blinked.
"Uh... all right," he said, looking nervously at me. I didn't blame him. I was probably freaking him out by my unfamiliar switch of personality. I even let out a cackle, just for fun. "Um, I'll be going then..." he said, turning around quickly.
"Wait," I commanded, holding up my hand. He halted, his face a little fearful. Muah ha hah! Fear me! Bow before me! "Before I help you, I need you to tell me something." I smiled widely, showing my teeth. I think I just saw him gulp. "Do you like Sakura?"
Dum, dum, dummm... And the final answer is...!
Syaoran scowled at me, kicking the dirt a little. "Yes," he muttered. His face immediately burned red. I cackled, loudly this time, triumphant that I got him to finally admit he liked my cousin. This was fantastic. Now I could make plans to bring the two together... ah, it's just like the old days when we were in elementary school! Me, following them around with my video ca...
...No.
"WHAT! The brat likes Sakura? You've got to be kidding me!" I was brought out of my thoughts by the voice. Syaoran and I blinked, looking around for the familiar speaker. The voice undeniably belonged to the sun guardian's... "Please tell me that was a joke! He can't possibly be in love with her again! I mean, him and her... holding hands? Ew! Yuck!" We both looked down and saw the golden plush-toy like Kero gagging on the ground between our feet. Instantly, Syaoran picked up the false form of the guardian by his tail. "Hey!" Kero looked into the narrowed eyes of the 'brat' he was complaining about.
"What the hell are you doing here?" the brown-haired guy fumed, shaking the golden tiger/something-like-that hard. Kero bit his finger and Syaoran released him, yelling in pain. The small animal sniffed and flew onto my shoulder.
"Really, what are you doing here?" I asked him as he brushed his fur huffily.
"Well, Sakura said I couldn't have sweets for the next year, and of course, I couldn't survive for that long, so I snuck into her bag where she packed her chocolate cake." Kero smiled dreamily with drool hanging from his mouth as he fantasized about the cake. I tried not to think what had become of the poor cake. "Anyways, that's not important!" Kero waved the matter aside with his tiny paw. "What's this I hear about liking Sakura? Don't tell the brat still has the hots for her! That's just sad!"
Syaoran glared fiercely at him, nursing his finger. "Shut up, plushie! At least I don't have dreams about cake! You really need to get a life!"
The insulted 'plushie' danced in rage on my shoulder. Hmm, now that I noticed, Kero was standing on my right shoulder. Hehe. How ironic. "Hey! I'm on my second life, brat! And if you call me plushie one more time I'll show you my true form!" Hastily, so that a fight wouldn't break out on school grounds, I pulled Kero down from the air and told Syaoran, "Please don't argue with him anymore. Look, be at my house by 6:30, all right?" I didn't wait for an answer as I took Kero and placed him in my back, leaving the zipper open a little. "Come on, Kero. We need to bring you back to Sakura."
I walked to class because it was almost time for school to start, and because Sakura was probably there. Syaoran followed me, grumbling about stupid toy animals and freaky best friends. When I got to the classroom doorway, I saw Sakura... chatting with Hiiragizawa. I froze, causing Syaoran to bump into my back, crushing Kero who let out a strangled yelp.
Sakura knew that voice. She lived with it for years; I'd be surprised if she didn't recognize it by now. She whipped her head around and looked at Syaoran and me. It seemed Hiiragizawa heard it too, because he turned around also. When his eyes met mine I looked away, knowing something bad would happen if I let him look into the 'windows of my soul'.
"Hey, what's the hold up?" I turned my head and saw over Syaoran's shoulder a line of students. Kei Inasu and Yamazaki were behind us. I quickly scooted into the class, sitting beside Sakura after letting Hiiragizawa get up. As the rest of the class filed in, I saw Kei go to the teacher. Why was he in here? He didn't have this class first period. When I turned to carefully take my backpack off, I saw Hiiragizawa still standing behind me. Why was he in here?
I felt someone nudge me. Sakura was trying to get my attention. "Tomoyo, I heard Kero's voice!" she hissed, glancing furtively at my backpack. I smiled wryly and opened the bag a little. We both peeked in and saw the golden bunch of fur look up, a guilty look on his face. His cheeks were puffed from the bag of extra PeBuCCC I stuffed in my backpack. Hiiragizawa snorted in amusement behind us.
Sakura was far from amused. "So you're the one who ate my cake!" she accused furiously. Kero quailed under his mistress' glare and chuckled nervously, crumbs from the disgusting snack (when I'm not on IT those peanut-butter-covered chocolates with coconuts are never within my sight) flying from his mouth. Great. Now I had to clean out my bag over winter break. "Kero," Sakura continued sternly, "you're not getting any sweets from me for two years." With that she zipped up my bag, muffling Kero's indignant yells.
"Class," our teacher called out. We turned to face her. Kei was standing at the front and holding a sheet of paper. "Your President will be telling when the Committee groups are going to be held, so pay attention."
I, for one, paid close attention. I'd almost forgotten about the Committee. Now the prospect of actually working alongside Hiiragizawa increased my dislike of him (if it were possible). Speaking of him, he was now standing beside the auburn-haired President (since when did he get there?), who had started to list off the meetings.
"The sports section will be meeting in the main gym tomorrow after school. Crafts people will be meeting at the member's own houses, so decide the routine today at the library. Drama section, there will be rehearsal tomorrow after school. Refreshments will be provided for so you won't get hungry." Kei grinned quite cutely at the class, causing many girls to sigh appreciatively. Sakura and I raised our eyebrows. "The Cooking section will..."
So the drama people are meeting tomorrow, huh? I tightened my lips and leaned back in my seat. I was really regretting signing up for the Committee. Not that I had a choice in the first place. When I glanced at Hiiragizawa, he was staring at me with unreadable blue eyes. I quickly looked away and busied myself with twirling my pencil, unwilling to have anything to do with him at the moment. "Hey," I heard a whisper, and looked down at where Kero's head was poking out of my bag. There was a frown on his face. "Isn't that the Hiiragizawa kid? Clow's reincarnation?" Sakura merely glared, still not in good terms with him. I nodded. "Hmm, I sense something different about him. Why is he so depressed?"
Before I had a chance to question him, Sakura quickly shoved his head back into the bag, whispering, "People will see you if you keep talking!" He muttered under his breath and sulked in my bag. Then Sakura turned to me with curious eyes. "Tomoyo, why are you dressed up?"
Oh. So I normally wasn't dressed properly, was I? Was that it? Huh? Huh? I tossed my hair back and replied quietly, "I have a... meeting at lunch." She blinked, her emerald eyes a bit puzzled.
"A meeting? With who?" I concealed a smile and sighed.
"Well... if you say you forgive me for that incident I'll tell you." I could hardly keep my triumphant laugh in. Now Sakura will have to forgive me because she was too curious about whom I was going to meet.
My cousin raised an eyebrow. "What incident?" she asked blankly. I blinked and stared at her. Did she know?
"You know, Sakura... that incident... the rumor," I reminded her in a soft voice so that the teacher couldn't hear. When the oblivious girl only blinked back, I gave up. "Never mind. Okay, you know that day at the library?" She nodded slowly. "Well, I bumped into someone... and it turned out to be the most handsomest, charming and sweetest guy in this whole entire world! And now he asked me out to lunch today!" I smiled happily, eager to see Sakura's reaction.
She blinked and stared at me. "Tomoyo... do you... do you have a boyfriend?"
Eh? Huh? Now where did she get that idea? ...Aside from the lunch meeting. I shook my head. "No, of course not! But..." I grinned a little. "I wouldn't mind if he was my boyfriend." I was too busy dreaming about Len that I didn't see the frown on my best friend's face.
When Kei finished speaking, and Hiiragizawa finished talking about the basketball tournament that was being held by the real varsity basketball players, our teacher told us to take out our text books. As students moaned and groaned about math and how much it sucked, something landed on my desk. I stared at the crumpled ball of paper, wondering how it got there. Then I turned around and saw a crowd of girls glaring at me, who were in the 'I Love Syaoran' fan club. The leader of the club pointed frantically to Sakura, who was staring out the window, already starting to doze off. I picked up the ball curiously and opened it, making sure the girls didn't see me.
'Kinomoto. Stay away from Syaoran while you still have a face. This is a warning. The next time we won't be so lenient. –ILS'
Oh my. Aren't we getting a bit... shall I say, jealous? Hmm. I folded the paper neatly, and suddenly had an idea. If I knew Sakura, she would be quite fired up reading this note. In fact, she would be quite willing to take up this challenge. So, with that thought in mind, I casually slid the note over to Sakura's desk, making sure the lecturing teacher didn't see. The honey-haired girl glanced at me and then took the note, reading it.
A minute later, she burst out laughing. The whole class stared at her, and the teacher asked her to please be quiet. Sakura, after stifling her giggles, turned back in her chair and waved pleasantly at the crowd of ILS girls, who were outraged at her blatant behavior towards their threat. I smiled. Everything was going according to my plan. Muah ha ha!
Sakura nudged me, whispering, "Tomoyo, I know this is a little weird of me, but I need your help... dressing up for tonight." Ho, ho, ho. And this is coming from the same person that insulted my dressing style just a few minutes ago? Never less, I was extremely pleased. She continued, "I want to give those girls a little wake up call... maybe wearing something different will clear things up." She smirked.
I was ready to cry from joy. My cousin... she was finally growing up! Sniff. I was determined to give Sakura the best outfit I've ever given her yet. I smiled joyfully. "Okay. Meet me at my house, 4:00." I thought about what kind of clothes I had in my closet, barely able to hide my excitement. I had so much to do!
At lunch when the bell rang I quickly ran out of class, calling goodbye to Sakura as she passed me in the hall. I looked at my watch and realized I only had five minutes to get to the café. Fortunately the café was only a few blocks away from school, and if I ran I could get there in time to go to the bathroom. As I sprinted down the sidewalk some passing cars slowed down. I didn't think too much of them, but then, I just figured they were curious as of why a high school student was running away from the high school.
I arrived at the café and burst through the door, panting like no tomorrow. The waitress, who I was the same waitress that worked at the café the last time I came here, gave me a startled look but didn't say anything. I cleared my throat, patted my haywire hair and looked around to see if there were any seats.
"Ah! Miss Daidouji." I turned and nearly melted. Len Muraki, in all his splendor and glory, was already sitting at a table. He smiled at me warmly and stood up, offering me a chair. I blushed and stammered a thank you as he asked what I wanted to order. Being the naturally eat-a lot girl I was, I almost ordered a mocha cream cheesecake and a cappuccino, but stopped myself. I couldn't look like a pig in front of him. So, with great difficulty, I ordered a small cup of coffee, no sugar. Bleh. My mom's least favorite. Which was impossible because she doesn't have a favorite. We chatted a little, talking about what schools we went to and what kind of things we were interested in. I realized he was about three years older than me—we were the perfect age!
"So, Miss Daidouji," he said as we got our food. No, correction. Drinks. I sipped my coffee and hid a grimace, then looked up and smiled at him. "I couldn't help but wonder, but last night you mentioned the name Hiiragizawa..." He raised an eyebrow, making him look more elegant. "Is that a person?"
I blinked and tried not to look surprised. He was interested that much in a name? Hmm... perhaps he was curious to know if I have a love interest...? Hah. Yeah right. Dream on, Tomoyo. ...But maybe... "Um... yes," I replied reluctantly. "Eriol Hiiragizawa. He's a... a classmate." When I stopped at that, Len only gave me a skeptical look. I sighed a little and said, "Well, we don't really... get along. I've known him for years, but I've never really gotten to know him. So, really... he's just an acquaintance." I gave him a bright smile, hoping he'd lose interest in the topic. Len looked a little distant, like he was thinking deeply about something.
When he broke out of his thoughts he gave me a smile and said, "I'm sorry. I was just thinking about what you said. But, well... I've heard of Eriol Hiiragizawa from where I came from, so naturally, I was curious." He laughed a little and leaned forward, saying, "So what do you plan to do after high school?" I was kind of curious about where he came from and what kind of things he heard about Hiiragizawa, but willingly answered his question.
Tomoyo, you've really hit jackpot this time... not that I've hit jackpot in the first place. This man was kind, courteous, polite, humorous, and overall an interesting guy. I was even starting to say some witty things of my own. Everything was going great... until he had to show up.
I was laughing at something funny Len said, when a shadow loomed over me. I looked up and blinked. It was Hiiragizawa. He had this weird expression on his face like he was... I don't know, irritated? Annoyed, maybe? I could hardly read that mask behind his face. That is, until I looked at his eyes. There was something very sharp in those blue orbs... like he had an emotion that he was suppressing. I broke eye contact first and stared down at my forgotten cup of coffee. What was Hiiragizawa doing here?
Len was looking at him curiously, obviously wondering whether I knew this guy or not. I wished I didn't know him. Hiiragizawa kept his gaze on me, and when he spoke, I almost jerked in surprise at his cold voice.
"What are you doing here?" he asked me. I frowned slightly. What right did he have to know my business? What was he doing here?
"What are you doing here, Hiiragizawa?" I countered, partially glaring at his dark jacket.
"I asked first," he replied, smirking. Then, without waiting for me to respond, he turned to look at Len, who was watching us. "Are you her friend?" Hiiragizawa asked in monotone. What exactly was he trying to pull asking that question...? Wait. If he was still trying to find out whether I had a boyfriend or not... then this could be bad. I bit my lip as Len glanced at me. Please, say you're my boyfriend, please, please, please...! Heh, let's see how far you get with that kind of action, Tomoyo.
"Yes," Len finally answered. "In fact, I'm her boyfriend." He smiled serenely at Hiiragizawa, and then at me as I gaped at him in shock. He actually said that... he actually said... he was my boyfriend... how did he know...? Then, quickly, I smiled, clearing away any shock. Pretending I knew all along he was going to say that. "My name's Len Muraki," he introduced himself. "You must be Eriol Hiiragizawa... no?"
I was almost afraid to look at Hiiragizawa, but I could tell from his tone that he was as shocked as I was at Len's answer. "I am." He then seemed to gain his composure as he added, "Pleased to meet you." I blinked. Did Hiiragizawa just... say that? He was so polite. Then he turned to me, saying, "We should be heading back to school." Oh... darn. He was right.
I gave Len the sweetest smile I could muster and said, "Thank you so much for the time. I had fun." Len smiled at me, his hazel eyes twinkling. Then, to my great surprise, he took my hand gently and kissed it.
"I had a great time. Thank you. Well I'll see you again, Miss Tomoyo." I nodded, smiling dazedly as he took his coat and left the café. When I finally came back to Earth, which was a good ten seconds later, I looked at Hiiragizawa. He was glaring at the door, looking like he wanted it to burn and... and die. Whoa. What was up with him? Then, shrugging mentally, I passed Hiiragizawa and exited the café also. When I walked onto the sidewalk I checked my watch and nearly had a heart attack. I was going to be late!
Just then, a sleek, black car drove up beside me and the tinted window on the passenger seat slid down. It was Hiiragizawa. I blinked. Since when did he drive a car like this? He didn't look at me but asked unemotionally, "Do you want a ride?" There he goes, being polite again. Normally I would have stuck my head up in the air and refused. But now was not the time to do that. My permanent record, my future, my life was at stake here. So, without a word, I opened the door and got in. As the car raced down the street, my cell phone rang. Thank goodness. Answering the phone was better than enduring the cold silence. Perhaps it was the car's AC that was creating the cold atmosphere...
"Hello?" I answered.
"Tomoyo? Honey, it's Mom. Listen, remember that Mirror Company I told you about last night?"
"Yes," I nodded slowly. What did that geezer company have to do with me?
"Well, the president wasn't too happy when I refused to marry you to his son. And just recently I got a threat call saying your life was in danger. I'm right in guessing you're safe at school?"
Ooops. Guilty. "Um, of course, Mom. I'm safe. Here." Well, relatively safe. Assuming Hiiragizawa doesn't kill me right now... hehe, not funny.
"Good." Her voice was stern, as if she could tell I wasn't being honest but wasn't going to say anything about it yet. "I'll be sending bodyguards over to escort you after school ends. Don't go out of their sight until you're safe at home. I don't want some old geezer touching a hair on my daughter. Understood?" Sheesh. It's like she's ordering me not to get kidnapped. Which is completely understandable, if you think about it. But, of course, I didn't think about it.
"Yes, Mom," I said. The car had stopped. I heard Hiiragizawa clear his throat. I guess it was time to go. "Is that all? I have to go class now." I could hear my mother ordering some people to get to work, and then a crashing sound could be heard over the line. "Uh, Mom? Mom? I have to go now! Bye!" I quickly shut off the phone and released a sigh. Why is it so silent? Then realizing the silent blue-eyed guy was waiting for me, I quickly apologized, "Sorry! Um, thank you for the ride."
I turned to open the door, but Hiiragizawa suddenly said, "Daidouji." I halted, looking at him over my shoulder. He was looking over the wheel out the windshield, an unreadable expression on his face. I suddenly found that his side profile was very handsome. Blinking, I shook my head mentally reminding myself I had Len. "It's off."
Huh? What? "...What's off?" I asked, completely puzzled.
He continued to look out the glass. "The bet. It's off." Then, without even glancing at me, he got out of the car. I stared after him.
Wow. That was a little random. He just called of the bet. The bet that he started. I blinked, wondering why and how my ex-enemy came to this decision. Just then the bell rung, signaling the end of lunch. I shook my head, physically this time, and got out of the car, hurrying back into school. It was no use thinking about it right now. I'd have to analyze it totally when I got home.
With bodyguards. I winced, almost forgetting about what my mom told me a minute ago. I was going to relive my childhood... The bodyguards were coming back. And so was the video camera, if Syaoran had his way. It was all coming back to me. All of it.
And so were the memories that I thought I'd buried.
"So Eriol called off the bet?" asked Sakura, her voice a little muffled from the door. She was dressing into an outfit I had picked out especially for her. I told her about my "date" with Len and how he said he was my boyfriend. She was glad for me, but wasn't as enthusiastic as I hoped she'd be. Then I told her about Er—Hiiragizawa and his odd behavior. I sat on my bed as she mused out loud, hearing her voice her frustration as she fit into the outfit. The door opened and she stepped out. "Finally! I thought I'd never get into this dress!" she grumbled.
I'm a genius. Seriously. Who would've thought of using an old dress and then remodeling it into a new one? Yes, that was me, ever the modest one. Ahem.
The dress was the gown that Sakura wore when she and Syaoran were in a school play. I believe it was the one where she 'sort of' confessed her love to a certain prince. I thought it was perfect for her to wear it on her first "date" with Syaoran tonight. The skirt part of the dress was exactly the same as before: light pink with the front part fashionably shorter than the back. But since she grew at least a foot over the past six, seven years, I had to tear off the top bodice and make a new one. The top one would have been too young looking anyway. So instead, I created a light pink silk top that had spaghetti straps and a fancy neckline.
I gave her the two red ribbons she'd worn back then also, knowing they might come in handy. Her honey-colored hair was longer now, past her shoulder. I smiled triumphantly and nodded in approval. "You look so cute, Sakura!" I remarked, clasping my hands together.
Sakura, being quite shy when it came to compliments, blushed and waved it aside. "Haha! It reminds me of the times when you used to bring out the video camera!" She laughed as she remembered the past. I for one only smiled.
That video camera is in the past now. Past is past.
"Tomoyo. Hey, Tomoyo!" I blinked as Sakura grinned in front of me. "I'm dressing out of this and going home to finish homework." She went into the bathroom to change. I sighed and lied back on my bed.
Why did people suddenly bring up the past? I mean... it was like they all planned out how to bring up history in my presence. Perhaps I'm just complaining, since I'm pretty good at whining... but I really don't want to think about anything other than the present. The past was something that I didn't need right now... and the future would come when it came. As long as everything was happy right now it didn't matter about the past and future, right? Right. That's exactly what I thought.
Video camera. My video camera. That thing was of the past now. I thought it was gone. I thought I'd left it behind... buried under all those years. Years in which I'd been building my new personality... Did people still remember it? That video camera symbolized everything I tried to forget. That sadness... that loneliness... that empty feeling...
Sakura.
CRASH.
"AH! Get away from me! I've never hit a woman, so don't make me start now! You—ARGH!"
BANG. SLAM.
"Okay, that's it! I didn't want to go hard on—"
SLAP.
I winced. Though I had no idea what was going on, I had a pretty clear mental image of what those sounds implied.
...Uh, no, it's not like that, though it can kind of... NO! That's disgusting! Of course not! You sicko! I can't believe... EW.
Anyways. I was in my room thinking... about some things... and was about to go watch some TV, when these sounds came from outside. At first I had no idea who were screaming, but then I heard a familiar voice.
"Hey, do you have any idea who I am! I'm the descendent of Clow Reed, heir of the Li Clan, one of the most powerful—OMPH, get your hands off me!"
Syaoran Li. Heh. I wonder why he was in the unmerciful hands of my bodyguards...?
...Maybe because he's a male...?
Hmm, suspicions, suspicions. I should have known. I sighed and hurried out the door, where an odd scene met my eyes. The tall, proud heir of the Li Clan and one of the most popular guys in school was on the ground with half the women bodyguards keeping him down. The Head of Bodyguards was poking his face whenever he yelled, making him grow red and struggle even more.
You know, I thought bodyguards were mature, dignified and did not stoop to ganging up on a young, er... innocent guy. But I guess I can be wrong sometimes, too.
Syaoran looked up from his position on the grass and his eyes widened. "Daidouji, get your bodyguards off of me! Please!" I suddenly felt a rushing sense of power, but then pushed it down and nodded. No need for me to get a swelled head just because I had the advantage. No, no indeed. It was not kind or wise.
Besides, he said please, which is the most polite and proper form of submitting to the one who does have an advantage of power... Muah ha ha!
"Please get off of him, he's a friend," I told the bodyguards calmly. They Head of Bodyguards pouted for a fleeting second, and then stood up and ordered the rest of the women to get off him. When they did, they bowed to me, and then walked briskly back to their stations around the mansion. Syaoran got up slowly, wincing as he stretched his limbs and brushed grass off his clothes. I noticed he was wearing pretty nice, expensive clothes, and guiltily realized they were probably picked for tonight's date. Well...
The chocolate-eyed guy glared, I don't know if it was at the world, or me and then asked shortly, "So what's your great plan for tonight?" I brightened as I remembered the whole point of him coming here and grinned brightly.
"Well, Syaoran Li," I stated grandly, stepping inside the mansion, "I'm going to form a plan of magnificence... the total essence of brilliance. It's a plan that will sweep both you and Sakura off your feet!" He glanced around the mansion warily as I led him up to my room. Then, deciding to be more sudden, I whirled around, stopping abruptly to face the tall, brown-haired guy with narrowed eyes. He halted also, staring at me with a nervous and almost frightened expression on his face. I mentally grinned. "But...!" I gestured towards my clothes closet, where many male and female clothing resided. "First we need to get you dressed."
If possible, his eyes grew wider and he looked down at his clothes, protesting, "But I already am dressed! What are you—" I didn't let him finish and grabbed sleeve, pulling him into the closet. He stood beside me, looking around the large closet with apprehension. I could see why he was feeling that way. To a non-fashion-and-clothes-lover, the sight of racks and hangers overflowing with all sorts of clothes would probably render them speechless. Much like what was happening to little Syaoran over here. Muah ha ha ha! I'm so evil.
Oh my... I've finally gone over to the dark side. I'm not undecided anymore! Or wait... maybe I'm normally like this.
Yeeaaah.
I happily skipped around the crowded closet, picking clothes and then flinging them back if I didn't like it. Let's see, I needed something light... a light shaded clothing that had color, but not too much... Sakura was wearing a light pink material, and her purse would be white... so... AHA! I snapped my fingers with delight as I spotted the perfect clothes. I pivoted gracefully and flew out of the closet, dragging a bewildered Syaoran with me.
Once in my room, I gave the clothes to him and shoved him into my changing room, and then waited impatiently. He came out in a shorter time than Sakura had, and I had to keep from clapping my hands in joy. His shirt was a black, slightly collared t-shirt that wasn't too tight or too loose. His cargo pants were white and slightly baggy. The clothing style fitted him perfectly. And he would match Sakura so well... I could just imagine them together! They were so cute!
Sniff. Daidouji, you're such a genius. An evil genius, that is. Muah ha ha ha HA!
There is a strange light in my eyes... hehe.
"Er..." Syaoran tugged his collar a little nervously, his eyes darting around the room. "So, you like it?"
Did I like it? Was he KIDDING me!
I smiled widely and answered simply, "Yes." But my eyes... oh ho ho, they had an evil twinkle in them indeed. I think he noticed them and his nervousness increased. But we didn't have time for this. I clapped my hands decisively and hurried into my other smaller room that had all my gadgets and gizmos that Mom gave me when I was younger. Well... she still gives me some now, but it's not like I use them as often.
I mean, who would go around wearing wristbands that yelled at you every time you had an appointment? Yeah, that's right. I'm not a dork.
Well, sort of...
Okay, I am. Stop rubbing it in.
As I searched the room that was littered with devices, Syaoran glanced around curiously also. He picked up a tiny pen that was supposed to work as a cell phone, but instead transformed into a blow dryer. He spluttered a bit as a blast of air came out of the pen. I spotted what I was looking for and picked it up triumphantly.
I beckoned Syaoran to come with me into my room and sat on the bed. He stared at the objects I had in my hand and raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment. Picking up the first item, I held it up so he could see it clearly. "This," I showed him an earphone that hooked behind the ear, "is so you can hear me. I'll be speaking to you and telling you what to do and so forth." His eyes widened at the James Bond spy material, but he took it and placed it behind his ear.
Then I held up a thin, chain necklace with a fake diamond. "I'll be talking into this." I put it on and went to the corner of my room. "Hello, hello," I said softly. From across the room Syaoran made a slight noise of surprise. It worked. I smirked a very unlike-Tomoyo smirk and then walked back to him.
Finally, I gave him a thin wristband that had a strip of metal on it. "And this will enable me to hear everything you guys say," I informed, "and it will connect with this thing." I held up a pair of earrings that had a familiar metal material on it.
Syaoran gave me a look of surprise and reluctant admiration. "Not too bad, Daidouji," he said gruffly. "I suppose your mother gave you all this." I nodded pleasantly. He sighed and brushed a hand through his hair. I frowned.
"First of all," I said, "Sakura hates it when you brush your hair like that. She says your hair's messy as it is and you doing a 'James Potter' on it doesn't help at all."
He gave me a confused look. "James Pot-ter? Who the hell is that? Is he her friend?" His look turned slightly envious. I thought I saw a green tinge in his chocolate eyes. You know, sometimes, when he was his normal, arrogant, "Sakura-hating" self, his eyes were a normal chocolate color. But whenever something happened to hint that Sakura had a love interest or she was hurt, or he was just pissed, which was when Sakura had a love interest or she was hurt, his eyes turned an interest shade of amber.
"Never mind," I said, brushing it aside. "Okay, for the date tonight," I glanced down at my watch and did a double take: it was 6. "Okay, make that the date right now," I corrected, ignoring his gulp, "make sure you look like you're caring about her." Hmmm. What a lame way of putting it. "Wait, forget that. Just… just imagine this is a real date between you two and you both are madly in love with each other. Then just go with the flow." I gave him a gentle smile and patted his shoulder. He looked like he was frozen on the spot. "Syaoran? Syaoran?"
"Tomoyo?" Sakura's voice came from outside my bedroom door. "Tomoyo, who are you talking to?"
Holy crap.
What was Sakura doing here?
A/N: Ooh! I think I've successfully written a "cliff-hanger". I never really liked those... but in this case, it is mandatory. Sorry... Well, there were a lot of weird phrases and stuff... oh well, I wanted to finish this chapter as soon as possible. So here it is!
