Heaven by your Side
By brokenshadow23
Summary:
All she wanted to do was to run, to hide and to forget. Everything that was happening was too much for her until he came in once again into her life. He gave back everything that she had lost. But then in one swift moment, she let him go.
Disclaimer: Cardcaptor Sakura belongs to Clamp
Author's Notes:
Well, first of all I wanted to apologize for not updating fast. The month of August is very busy for me since it's the middle of our semester and I really have to do well in school. Hope you understand.
Then… I also wanted to thank you especially for those who are reading then also leaving a review. I really appreciate it. ^.^ My replies to those who reviewed last time will be posted at the end of this chapter.
Read and Enjoy. ^.^
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"Love distills desire upon the eyes, love brings bewitching grace into the heart."-Euripides
Last Chapter: (Eriol's POV)
"You may come in now." The professor said softly as we all glanced at the door.
Then in one moment, the door swung open, showing a tall female walked over to the front and stopped next to the teacher. Indeed, she was breath taking. Her raven colored hair was tied up in a neat bun, but few strands were left down to frame her beautiful face.
I fixed my gaze on her, forgetting every existence on my side. Then after awhile, she shifted her gaze and accidentally locked her sparkling eyes into my sapphire orbs. My throat went closed; I just looked at her in surprise and awe.
'Where have I seen those pair of amethyst eyes?'
Chapter Two:
An angel in disguise
-Normal POV-
Surprise also immediately took the new girl. With just one look, her heart jumped as she recognized those sapphire eyes covered with round glasses. She had gazed at it before, along with that midnight blue hair.
'What is he doing here?' Tomoyo asked herself as she continued to gaze at him. It wasn't surprising that he was here in England, since after all, it was his home. But she never expected to meet him in that town and on a school. He was intelligent enough for his own good so she wondered why he had to take a college degree.
"Please introduce yourself." Professor Bristleford's voice cut her thoughts.
The girl looked at the teacher and nodded. She shifted her eyes back to the other students, took a deep breath and released it. "Umm… Hello. My name is Madison Taylor. I am pleased to see you all."
With that, the most of the students started buzzing. All of them took notice of her one of a kind beauty. Only five people kept their lips shut, but four of them were watching her and their blue haired friend. They noticed that for a minute, the new girl and Eriol didn't remove their gaze on each other's eyes. Then when she was asked for some question, she still looked back to the sapphire eyes on the right side of the room.
"Very well…" The professor said, getting everyone's attention. She stood straight and waited for other students to pipe down. When silence fell over, she spoke once again. "I believe that Ms. Taylor could entertain your questions during break time."
The class groaned. At that very hour and first day of the school, they were still not in the mood to study. The presence of a new face lit up their moods, but it seemed that there was still no way to stop with Professor Bristleford's lecture.
The old woman glanced at the new girl. "As for your seat, please take the one in front of Mr. Hiiragizawa."
Tomoyo shivered. 'Of all names that could be called, why does it had to be him?' She cried on her mind, not liking what was happening. First of all, she travelled overseas to escape the thoughts in Japan. But with him around, it would be hard for her to get out of it.
Eriol raised his hand for her signal. He looked at her and saw that she was hesitant at first. Then with a small sigh, she moved and took small steps towards his direction. Putting back his hand on the table, he gave her a smile. But to his surprise, she answered him with a cold and sad smile. 'What the…?'
Before she took her seat, she had a glimpsed of his surprised and confused reaction. She knew that he was starting to wonder since she felt his intense gaze until she was seated.
'Who are you?' Eriol questioned her on his mind. With only a few seconds of taking a close look on her eyes, he wouldn't doubt that he had met her before. The flecks on her eyes, her pale soft skin and her raven hair were all familiar.
xoxoxoxoxox
"Hey, are you all right?" Julict, the other girl in the group, asked. Worry was drifting on her voice as she shot Eriol a glance.
Realizing that the question was for him, Eriol shook his head to let himself move back on the physical world. He shifted his eyes on his right, fixing it to Julict's light green ones. "Yes. What are you talking about anyway?"
Rolling her eyes, she gave up and sighed. "Never mind, Eriol. You aren't listening since earlier, are you?"
The other two boys chuckled at Julict's question. They saw Eriol felt guilty for the very first time. With that, all attention was focused on him.
"Well, I say you should give him an excuse today, Julict." Louie told the girl beside his girlfriend as he threw Eriol a smirk. "It seems that our dear friend is indeed not in his proper self because he has finally been attracted to someone."
"I have just seen her." Eriol reminded. "how do you manage to think that fast anyway?"
Others simply looked. With the expressions they threw him, he kept silence because he knew that they didn't believed him.
"Speaking of Eriol's dream girl…" Alexander muttered, "Here she is." He stared forward, letting the others follow his lavender eyes. There was a grin on his face since he was pleased on how everything was going.
And when Eriol did the same, an unexpected thing happened. He lost his control by merely glancing at her beautiful frame. He didn't know how she was doing it, or rather if she was even doing something or not to make him feel that way. Normally, he wouldn't let his proper self drop because some certain beauty. But when it came to her, things were simply different. Her mere presence was enough to make him fell on his knees.
With that, Mitch arranged her containers back and put it on a small bag. She stood up to straighten her uniform as she saw others also got up from the grass. She took Eriol's containers and smiled at him. "Go on. This is your chance to introduce yourself to her."
"But—"
"And as a fine young gentleman," Alexander added, acting like he was a genius when it came to that matter. But in reality, it was Eriol who had thought him those kinds of things to remove his childish ways. "You should accompany that beautiful young lady or else…"
"Or else what?" the blue haired guy shot back. He smirked at his friend, hoping that Alexander would let him escape. But little did he know that someone had already read what was on his mind. "You are going to take her? If I can remember it right, I never told you to do such."
Shaking his head, Alexander groaned. "You are in denial. Well yeah," He began as he encircled him. Louie had already positioned himself on Eriol's back so it was his turn to do their little trick. He put his hands on his left shoulder as he positioned him on the angle where he could clearly see the raven haired girl. "I have interest on that girl. But it's very clear to me that you have more. So go!" With that last word, Louie and Alexander pushed him with their strength.
Eriol didn't manage to stop them since his body wasn't prepared. When he had already stopped his tracks, he turned back and glared. They saw it, but waved him goodbye as they walked away.
When the shout of a guy passed through her ears, Tomoyo looked at her side and saw the whole scene. Her amethyst eyes were fully on Eriol as she tried to organize her mind and to stop her rapid breathing. 'Come on, Tomoyo! Act as Madison! Don't let him see the real you for everything would simply be useless!' Instantly, she knew that leaving couldn't be her option since it might raise his suspicions.
He might not have recognized her at first because she had grown better than the girl he had been friends with during their fifth grade. Also, she remembered that back then Eriol rarely observed her because he has to look over Sakura.
Sighing, Eriol turned back once again. Surprised, his sapphire eyes met amethyst ones. But that moment he was pleased that he had easily controlled himself. He settled his hands on his pockets as he walked nearer her. "Umm… Hi."
'And where was the regal young man I have grown up with?' Tomoyo asked herself, for she wasn't expecting that kind of greeting from him. When they were in elementary, Eriol would always greet in a formal way. "Hello." She said back, straight forward.
"I believe that you had only gotten my last name." his voice was turning gentle, lucky that it didn't show the nervousness coming over him. "I am Eriol Hiiragizawa. It's my honor to meet you."
Tomoyo studied him. She didn't know how it happened, but she realized that her right hand was already on his grasp when she felt warm lips touch her knuckles. Flushing for a bit, she bent her head to hid it. Then the moment her hand was released, she spoke in a low stammering voice. "I-is there something you need?"
"Shouldn't I be the one to ask you that?" Eriol said, smiling. He was already all right that moment so he knew he could already start talking to her.
She didn't answer. But instead, she looked up to let her eyes stare at those sapphire orbs more. Then that was the time she had realized that he too had grown different. His midnight blue hair was longer so his bangs perfectly fell on his forehead. "I am fine." She said in a moment.
"Hmm…" He began. His curiosity about her identity was coming over so with a split-second, questions came from him. "So where did you come from and where is your family?"
Those questions easily made Tomoyo shake. She immediately stood up following her own body just to avoid the posted topic. "Umm… I… I think I need to go. Do you know where the library is?"
Eriol then saw the tension gripped her. "Hey… Did I say something wrong?"
The girl shook her head. She avoided his gaze for she didn't want him to see that her silent world was about to collapse once again. "No." She said softly. "I just remembered that I want to grab some book to read for tonight. Where is the library?"
"I'll accompany you."
"I'll be fine." She breathed in a low voice.
With that, Eriol gave up. Sighing at first, he answered her. "It's on the left hallway on the first floor of our building."
"Thank you." Tomoyo told him with a nod. She then moved, still not minding to glance on his face. She left him, standing there on the side of maple trees, with much confusion in mind.
xoxoxoxoxox
The next morning, Eriol arrived on school earlier. One reason was he didn't sleep well the previous night because the image of the new girl was haunting him even on his dreams. Then even though he had only heard her voice a few times, he became familiar with it. With that at hand, he didn't doubt that he knew her.
Taking his seat, he put down his things on the table and stared in front. Just then, he realized that the girl he was thinking about since yesterday morning had came earlier than him. "Good morning."
Tomoyo gulped, knowing that the greeting was for her. She titled her head a bit, just to catch his sapphire eyes on the corner of her amethyst eyes. "Good morning." She greeted back with no visible expression on it. Then when she let her eyes back on the book again, she couldn't help but be conscious since she knew that his eyes were watching her.
Getting uneasy as seconds went by, she stood up and left the room. She didn't think what his reaction would be, but it would be better for her sake.
Eriol raised a brow as he saw her leaving the room. 'What's the matter with her?'
"Hey!" All of a sudden, a cheerful female voice greeted him.
Looking on his right, the blue haired guy found Julict. "Good morning. Where are the others?"
She smiled. "I saw Louie and Mitch at the corridor earlier so they might be going up the stairs now. Then about Alexander… Well, I really don't know where that troublesome guy has gone too."
Eriol chuckled. "Troublesome yet special in your emerald eyes."
Julict felt her cheeks turned red as she fixed him a glare. "Shut up, Hiiragizawa."
With that, their other two friends entered the room. They started their usual conversations until Alexander arrived. "Hey Eriol," The guy called out as he set his bag on the table and stood beside Julict. "You aren't still friends with her, are you?"
"What do you mean?" Louie asked, confused on how did Alexander thought of that thing.
"When I entered the building, I saw her at the garden alone." Alexander explained. "And we all know that Eriol wouldn't let his friends without company. Am I right?"
Eriol leaned on his chair as he left his right hand tapping on the wooden table. He looked down on his hand as he answered. "We only got to exchange a few words yesterday since she told me that she needed to go to the library."
"And you didn't accompany her?" Alexander asked with irritation on his voice.
The other guy ignored him. He expected that kind of reaction especially for Alexander since he was the most eager about him and Madison. Even though he knew that his friends were curious about what exactly happened yesterday, he decided to keep silent first so he could ponder on why she was acting that way to him.
When the bell rang to signal the homeroom, all students went back to their respective classrooms and seats. Their little chats didn't die until the front door opened and showed again Professor Bristleford.
The old woman scanned her eyes on the room. She took a seat as she centered her eyes on the raven haired girl. "How are you Ms. Taylor?"
The question was unusual. Eriol again let his eyes fell on the girl in front of him, trying to figure out why on earth she was asked by that question. 'Something is going on with this girl. But what?'
Tomoyo then stood up to answer. She smiled a bit as she said. "I am doing fine. Only that I am having a hard time find the classrooms for the other classes since I am not familiar with the school grounds."
"You need someone to guide you then." The professor had gotten her point so she stared at the whole class then stopped. "Mitch, are you free this afternoon?"
The dark brown haired girl stood up. But to Tomoyo's disappointment, she shook her head. "Most of the organization officers will be having their meetings for the exposition next week, ma'am."
"I see." When she was about to look for another person, her eyes caught a hand on the side. "Louie, you are on the soccer team right? Why are you volunteering yourself?"
The guy stood up. There was a grin written on his face when he began to speak. "Yes. But I am not actually volunteering myself. I only wanted to suggest that Eriol should do the job since he doesn't belong to any clubs as of now. Then he is even the class representative. We are assured that he can do the job pretty well."
Hearing that, both Tomoyo and Eriol shot a glance at him. Then when they met each other's gazed, they gulped as tension between them entered. Both of them wanted to protest, but didn't have the courage to do such since there wasn't any reason for them to.
xoxoxoxoxox
Afternoon classes were done. After saying goodbye to his friends, who were grinning evilly at him, Eriol went downstairs to proceed with his so-called work. He passed a note to her earlier about their meeting, but since he saw it crumpled under her desk he knew that she had plans not to show up.
'Well, if she thinks that I will give up easily, I better prove her wrong.' Eriol said to himself in determination. His sapphire eyes looked at the entrance of their campus then halted at the tree just beside the huge black metal gate. He smiled, knowing that it was perfect for his hiding place.
Many minutes of waiting for her went along. Most of the students had already gone out of the building, but there was still no trace of her. Eriol just sat comfortably on the tree. Patience was indeed on him since the girl was too mysterious that it took interest in him.
Then finally, the raven haired girl walked out of the building. She took small and careful steps since she knew that he might have been waiting for her. Her heart was throbbing hard on her chest like in any second it would simply go out.
Just then, Eriol spotted her. He jumped down on the tree, regained his balance and stood up on his full height. He looked at her and smirked. "Looking for me?"
Tomoyo swallowed a shriek. Glaring at him, she asked. "What do you want?"
"Well, Ms. Taylor." He started as he slipped his hands on his pocket. He didn't know how easily he had put up with that act. It was even like his body and lips were moving on its own. "If you have forgotten, you should meet me this afternoon for the tour."
"I can manage. I can learn on my own." She answered him. Though it was a lie, she said it in a way that she was like so sure about it.
Sighing, Eriol couldn't believe that one day he could meet someone like her. Yes, he could tell very well that she was unique like Sakura Kinomoto. But she was really hard-headed for some unknown reasons. "All right. I am sorry."
'Sorry?' Tomoyo repeated on her mind. She looked unto his eyes, but he let it fell on the ground.
"I really don't know if I have done something wrong, but let me do the task entrusted to me." He told her in a soft voice. In a second, he looked up. He caught her gaze and held it. "If you don't want to talk to me then it's fine. I'll just guide you this afternoon because you know; I don't want you to be lost again."
His last words struck her. She stiffened not because of the sweetness of his tone, but those were the words she really wanted to hear from someone. Only she wished that Eriol knew everything right from the start. She wished he knew it and told her those words again.
xoxoxoxoxox
It wasn't long when the two finished strolling around the whole university. Eriol was indeed a fantastic guide since he explained different things to her especially at the museum on top of the Archeology building. After visiting the other buildings which were for the sophomore to senior students, who had already had specializations, they found themselves again at the entrance.
Eriol then faced her. "I believe you have remembered all the places you should know."
Nodding, Tomoyo gave him her first genuine smile. Though it was small, the moment he saw it, he took and treasured it. "Yes. Thank you so much, Hiiragizawa." With that, she knew that she had been her real self. Even for a short time she showed to him the person she really was—which she never thought she could do once again.
"I would be honored if you'd call me by my first name." he told her, trying to shake her up.
Her heart raced. His wish was indeed an easy task, but once she would start being close to him like before, she couldn't imagine what would happen. "Umm… I…" She said in a low voice as she removed her eyes off him.
Eriol chuckled, knowing that kind of reaction. "It's alright. I am just kidding." He said though on his mind he continued, 'I know that soon you'll be. For now at least you are comfortable with my company.'
Tomoyo then looked up. She found that the light blue sky earlier was now turning into a shade of orange. "It's already dusk."
"May I walk you home?" he offered. Since being with the day had already started better between them, he thought it would be great to continue.
But she shook her head. "I am going to stay for a while here. After all, I can manage to go home by myself."
'Too independent for her own good.' That was the thing on his mind. He looked at her, smiling. "As you wish. So I'll see you tomorrow?" He asked. With that question, they both knew that their deal earlier that after the tour Eriol would stop bothering her was already forgotten.
"Yes. Goodbye then." She told him softly.
"Goodbye."
When he vanished in her amethyst eyes, Tomoyo turned back. Happiness was indeed on her. She felt at ease because she knew that she felt a little bit of freedom that moment. She didn't know how Eriol had done it, but she was thankful. Walking back, she tried to find a spot where she could ponder not with sad thoughts but on happy ones.
Turning on different paths, she suddenly heard a melody from a piano. She moved faster then stopped when she saw the open window of the small music room. There were three people on the room—a boy on the piano, a girl beside him and another girl on the table. The girl who was standing up was unsure if she could sing, but her friends insisted.
Seeing that, Tomoyo went over the bench across the window. She dropped her things and let her eyes back on the room. Just then, piano started once again. And after it, the girl sang.
There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write
over and over again
I'm awake in the infinite cold
But you sing to me over and over and over again
Tomoyo listened. All of sudden, music came through her. The simple melody and the voice she was hearing that moment let her soul at ease. Then by looking at the three people on the music room, her mind flashed back on the moment when she was also singing in front of her best friend, Sakura, with Eriol on the piano.
So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
And pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope
The first few lyrics struck her. She didn't know if someone had organized it, but what happened that day simply made her remember of everything she had left in Tomoeda. Though her memories were sad, the song was like telling her that someone was coming to get her.
Standing by the tree next to the bench, she leaned on it. Then when the next few notes were struck by the pianist, she took in some air and decided to sing her heart out.
Sing to me the song of the stars
Of your galaxy dancing and laughing
and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that you have
for me over again
She didn't know how that happened. For almost a year now, she hasn't dared to sing. Even though her other friends pushed her, she couldn't manage for she had seen no reason to. But in that moment, she also had no reason either. Everything just simply happened in a click.
So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
And pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope
'Eriol…' Tomoyo imagined him on her mind. She then realized that he might be the reason behind it. His words and his smile were enough for her to shift herself back on the girl she really was. But even though it was like that, she couldn't tell him everything. She didn't want him to worry and she didn't want to see pity on his eyes.
I give you my destiny
I'm giving you all of me
I want your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs I'm giving it back
So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
And pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope
Humming the last notes, Tomoyo smiled. Closing her eyes, she felt the wind blew and caressed the few strands of her hair. Comfortable silence fell upon her. It was indeed the thing she needed.
Staying still for the next few minutes, she cherished the moment. She felt a little bit of freedom and hope in her heart. Then slowly she opened her eyes, laying it to a person she didn't expect to find her that second.
Tomoyo pushed herself of the tree and started to breath in uneven manner. Her freedom shattered and exchanged into tension. She saw his expression—surprised.
'Please let it only be an amazement…' She prayed on her mind repeatedly. Her hands clenched into fists as the person maintained on his position. Then after awhile, his lips parted to say a word.
"Tomoyo…"
Yay, cliffie again! This is the second chapter. So did you like it?
Tell me what you think ok? ^.^
Review replies:
**James Birdsong. Thank you! But the revisions were made by my beta-reader. Hehe..
** Annonymous Amethyst, you are the second. But it's alright. Number two is my favorite number anyway so in a way it's also special. ^.^
** XxThe-Crest-Of-AnubisxX, oh I haven't think about the thing with Kaho and her husband. But I'll try to come up with something to satisfy you ok?
** Tomoyo-amethyst, well just read you'll know everything about the mysterious happenings on Tomoyo's life soon.
** cheng, thank you so much. I am glad that you like it.
**KiNoMoTo18, I don't know. Hehehe… I just love writing as a pass time work. Yep, I am aware of that. But could you help me to change it? Some of your questions will be answered soon.
For these people who reviewed, thank you so much!!! Stay tunned ok?
To those who are also reading this one, please let me know your opinions. Hehehe.
More reviews, faster update. ^.^
So review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(I am so persistent or desperate for reviews, aren't I? hahaha…)
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.brokenshadow23.