Heaven by your Side
By brokenshadow23
Summary:
Eriol Hiiragizawa was the protector Tomoyo could ask for. Despite the number of times she pushed him away, he remained on her side and held her tight. But what if an inevitable thing comes their way? How can he protect her fragile heart?
Disclaimer: Cardcaptor Sakura belongs to Clamp. And the song 'On the Side of Me' that is sung by Corinne May is not mine either.
Author's Notes: First of all I want to thank everyone who is reading this story. ^-^ The views suddenly went up and it really made me happy. :) Anyway, I am really sorry for updating this one late. I found it hard to pick the song at the bottom part. I was battling with one song to another so… hehe..
Again, I want to thank my lovely beta-reader , Bubblewing-luvs-anime, for doing the revisions in this story. Hehe.. :))
Ok. That's it for now. Other notes are at the end of the chapter. Read and review please!
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"Music and silence combine strongly because music is done with silence, and silence is full of music." - Marcel Marceau
Last Chapter:
"oh really?" he asked her, tone already rising. He wasn't able to control it, for after he has been worried deeply yesterday, he couldn't believe that Tomoyo would still be able to say those things. "Don't you remember how you had cried for help when that guy tried to harass you?!"
She kept silent. Once again, tears filled her eyes as the scene fully registered on her mind. She had now been discovered. After all the hard time of getting away from Japan, she had easily been spotted.
Seeing the sadness on her eyes, Eriol felt guilty of saying those things to her. He didn't mean to make her remember, but it slipped on him. He bit his lip as his hands slowly on her shivering ones. "Tomoyo-chan," he called out. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say those, but…"
He paused for a while took a deep breath. "I just wanted to protect you. Who knows when will that guy come back to attack you. If there are things that you wouldn't want me to know then I'll respect your privacy. Just please… Let me protect you."
Tomoyo heard every word and along with it she knew his sincerity. Looking down on his eyes, she took a small step and let him took her into his strong, caring arms.
Chapter Six:
Gentle Surrender
'It's already been a week.' Tomoyo realized as she opened her eyes from a deep slumber. Getting up from her bed, she pushed the window curtains on the side to let the sun rays fill her cold room.
Indeed, meeting Ryoji again made a big impact on her. Simply knowing that he was here in England made all her fears visible on her face. Now, she wanted to run away. But of course, she knew that it couldn't be since someone was stopping her.
Before her thoughts occupied her mind further, Tomoyo decided to prepare for school. She first took a shower then after putting on her uniform, she stepped out of the room.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Tomoyo-chan," a gentle male voice caught her attention. "Did you sleep well?"
Gazing at the direction, Tomoyo saw him in the kitchen. Eriol wore a white apron, and on his hand was a plate filled with omelet and rice. "Hai…" She answered as she stepped forward.
"Are you not taking breakfast?" he asked, stopping the girl again. "I have prepared for—"
She shook her head for his answer. Taking a deep breath, she told him, "I really appreciate the effort, Hiiragizawa-kun. Demo, I have to finish something in school. Ja."
Eriol hadn't been able to say anything. He watched her as she moved swiftly towards the door. Since he had lived with her, that scene was usual to them. Though he understood her actions, he couldn't help wishing that he knew what was disturbing her.
After a few minutes, Eriol also arrived in school. He greeted his friends first before making his way to the girl in front of his seat. "Since you didn't eat anything this morning, please take this with you." he told her
Before Tomoyo could even protest, she felt a small box being placed on her table. She stared at it for a moment, seeing it covered with a purple cloth. There were chopsticks inserted on the middle like their bento box in Japan, and along with a small white envelop. Her fingers then took the envelope, and read it.
"You promised Yumi-chan, don't you?" Eriol smiled at her. Two days ago when Kaho and her child visited the apartment, he had heard Tomoyo's conversation with the young girl.
"Yes." She answered in a small voice. Remembering the angelic face of Kaho's daughter, she didn't have the heart to resist.
"So will she expect you at my house this afternoon?"
With a sigh, Tomoyo closed the paper in her hand and stared at him. "Yes."
xoxoxoxoxox
Riiinnnngggg!!!!!!!!!!!!
The bell had just gone off, signaling the end of the morning class. All students rose from their seats after their professor went out. Some had already rushed out while others stayed for a little chat.
Tomoyo arranged her books and put them into her bag. She stood up, ready to follow the others who decided to go home. For today, the classes in the afternoon were suspended since the professors would be having a meeting.
But then a group of guys blocked the back door.
"Hey," said the guy on the middle named Darwin.
Tomoyo gazed at him, seeing his physical features. He was averagely tall with a medium build. She wasn't surprised by it; after all he was the leader of one of the popular groups in the university.
"It's still too early. Why don't you come and hang out with us?" he offered, smirking like he was expecting her to have a positive answer.
But then Tomoyo answered in a calm tone, "no."
Darwin scowled. He hadn't been rejected by any girl before and he knew that it wasn't about to start now. "I couldn't really see a reason why not."
"Well," She started. "Honestly, I don't hang out with people who did nothing but to mess up with others lives. If you'll excuse me."
Darwin was about to grab her shoulder to force her to come with them, but Eriol saw the whole scene and easily travelled to the girl's side.
"I don't think it's proper to push the girl with power." Eriol said, grasping the leader's wrist.
"Step back, Hiiragizawa."
"No," The blue haired guy muttered and unexpectedly smiled, "after all, Ms. Taylor is my company for the afternoon. I won't allow you to treat her this way."
Darwin didn't believe him. "What's she to you anyway?"
Eriol then pondered. He too didn't know the answer. But he smiled once again and said, "That's none of your concern. Now, if you would be so kind to disappear on our way."
With that, the two easily retreated. They fell into awkward silence as they walked side by side with each other in the hallways. When they were already outside the campus, Tomoyo sighed.
"You know, I can make those people stay away on my own."
"What is done is done don't you think?"
"Hiiragizawa-kun," Tomoyo sighed. "Would you mind to tell me what are you up to?"
He chuckled. "You are really a good mind reader like I have remembered." He paused and said, "You see, I can't go to the party empty handed. What do you think would be a good gift for her?"
xoxoxoxoxox
Like what Eriol had planned, he and Tomoyo went out to search for gifts. Though Eriol knew it wasn't entirely for that; he also wanted her to enjoy some places in England. During the walk, he saw her smile a little. There were things that simply brought joy to her heart probably because it reminded her of some things she left in Japan.
It was already fifteen minutes before three when Tomoyo realized that she hadn't bought anything for Kaho's daughter yet.
"I need to go to a bookstore," she mumbled, scanning the street for a sign.
Eriol smirked. He had the right idea where to take her. "Follow me then."
Tomoyo blushed. 'He heard?'
Seeing that he was already moving from where they have been standing, she followed him. Many people were walking on the sidewalk so without hesitation, she grabbed Eriol's hand.
The blue haired guy smiled wider as he shifted his hand to hold hers tighter. They continued to walk until they found a small bookshop few houses near their apartment.
"I haven't seen this one before." She muttered.
"Maybe because you have lot of things in mind," he told her. "Shall we enter now?"
With a nod, Eriol pushed the door open.
"Have you decided if you're buying something, mister?" a female voice said, annoyed. She had been sitting there all afternoon with only one customer who came back three times and still hadn't bought any books.
Eriol stared at the brown haired woman in the counter then he chuckled.
The woman then turned towards his direction. "Master!"
"Good afternoon, Nakuru." He said. "What's that greeting for?"
"Well," She told him, not noticing the presence on her master's back. "For a certain guy who did nothing but enter and leave. By the way, there was a girl who passed her application form earlier. When do you plan to give her an interview?"
"I won't." He answered, smiling. "The position is taken after all."
Nakuru stared at him, confused. "By whom?"
Eriol stepped aside, showing his guardian an old friend. "Tomoyo-chan."
"W-what?" The raven haired girl gasped, looking at the guy beside her. She saw him again, having the same reassuring smile of his.
"You needed a job, don't you?" Eriol asked. He saw newspapers in her room once, with circles on the classified ads. "You didn't want to be free on the apartment so I am giving you a job."
"Tomoyo-chan!!!" Nakuru suddenly shrieked happily. "I haven't seen you since you were ten! I am really glad to have you here."
"See? Even Nakuru has already approved. So?" he asked, looking expectantly. When he noticed that she was thinking of declining, he told her, "Come on. I will be relieved if you'd accept this."
"I don't remember asking for help."
"But you needed it." Eriol reminded her. "I will not put you at risk again. If you'll work with another, that guy might come again near you."
Tomoyo stiffened. Though what happened didn't have a big impact anymore, she knew that he was right. 'Eriol hasn't asked anything about it yet. He is really keeping with his word.' She realized.
After a while, Tomoyo said, "alright."
Xoxoxoxoxox
-Tomoyo's POV-
Eriol and I arrived at his mansion around four in the afternoon. The party had already started; many children were running around here and there. Knowing that Kaho needed help, Eriol stayed with the children while my former teacher found her way to the kitchen.
"Need any help?" I asked, entering the kitchen door from the garden.
Kaho glanced at me. "If Nakuru or Cedric were here, I would immediately tell you to go stay with Eriol. But now, it seems that I would appreciate it if you will lend me a hand."
With that, I joined her. I sat on the preparation table, and started grating the cheese for the spaghetti.
"So," I heard her start so I listened intently. "How are you and Eriol now?"
"W… W-we're fine," I said in a soft voice, "just needed a little adjustment."
Then she smiled. "I don't expect you to be open with him for a very long time. But don't you think it would be easier for you if you could share things with others?"
Staring at her, I was dumbstruck. I wasn't able to speak.
"Alright, sorry about that," Kaho suddenly told me as she saw my reaction. "I think I have crossed the line."
There was silence for a minute or two then I decided to push a conversation.
"Ne, sensei," I called out, using formalities like the way I used to. "What happened between you and Eriol-kun?"
"Oh," The scarlet haired woman said then smiled sadly. She pondered for a moment before she answered, "You thought that we would be together, don't you?"
I nodded for an answer.
"Well, let's just say," She then moved towards me. Getting the chopped garlic and onion in front of me, she continued talking, "we got this feeling of uncertainty after we both decided to not use our powers anymore. You know the feeling of having something that felt so right, yet so wrong."
Looking down, I tried to imagine how they had taken it for years. "But didn't it hurt both of you to still live in the same house?"
Kaho shook her head. "That's Eriol's wish before I got married. Yes, everything was hard on the first years of deciding to let the relationship go, but then after it we simply knew that where we are now is where we are supposed to be."
After that sentence, I was about to ask something again when the door I had entered earlier opened. A small girl barged in, and her hand was holding a big male one. That's when I saw Eriol, being tagged by his niece.
"Aunt Moyo! Aunt Moyo!" her little voice called my name as she approached me. She halted beside my seat after a few steps.
"What is it, dear Yumi-chan?" I asked, softly. Standing up, I looked down at her with a small smile.
"Uncle Eriol said that I am his princess." She told me, smiling brightly. "But he is too old to be my prince." Yumi immediately reached up for my hand so I surrendered it to hers.
Then after that, she continued. "Uncle Eriol must be the king. So can you be his queen?"
"Yumi," Eriol laughed nervously. He bent down a bit and was about to say something when Yumi pulled my hand. It was too fast.
When I bent down a bit, my amethyst eyes immediately fell on wide sapphire eyes. I breathed unevenly for seconds, lost in his gaze. We were so close, lips almost touching. I blinked once then twice as I managed to get back to earth and regained my posture.
"Can you?" The little girl in between us repeated the question. She was still holding our hands like having no plans of letting go.
Breathing a little, I looked up on Eriol's waiting stare. "I'll be his queen."
Xoxoxoxoxox
Evening came. It was almost midnight, but Tomoyo was still wide awake. She was still thinking about that happening earlier—when she and Eriol almost kissed accidentally.
Pushing the blanket away from her body, she stood up and looked at the window. The moon was perfectly round and bright. The stars spread on the sky left her breathless. She then opened the window, letting the cold air in.
'This might help me calm down.' Tomoyo said to herself. For a few moments, she stood there. Then an idea passed her mind. Slowly, she strolled towards the door and went out.
That was the moment when she admired the beauty of Eriol's mansion. She hadn't had a good look of it earlier because after helping Kaho in the kitchen, Yumi pulled her to the party. Luckily, Eriol and the others insisted her to stay there for the night.
Tomoyo took small steps as she looked at her surroundings. Though the features were almost the same as the one she was living in Japan, the feeling coming to her heart made the difference. Going down the huge stairs in front of the main door, a soft melody from a piano grasped her.
She didn't think twice. She knew very well the person behind it.
As she tried to find where it was coming from, Tomoyo realized that she hadn't heard him play the piano since their duet in their elementary days.
Reaching the last room on the right wing of the first floor, she saw light coming from the slightly opened door. The song was already on its peak so she leaned on the wall, drinking each note that came.
The song then ended after a while. Her eyes were still closed and a smile was playing on her frame.
"Why don't you show yourself," Eriol said in a calm voice, "Tomoyo-chan?"
Her amethyst eyes shot open as she heard her name. At first she thought again to run, but surprisingly she didn't. It took her a few seconds to open the door.
Turning around, Eriol told her, "I apologize for that incident with Yumi-chan earlier. You see I used to play with her wherein she was my princess. Then suddenly, she did that and—"
"Why are you doing all of this?" Suddenly, Tomoyo questioned. For the first time, her amethyst eyes searched his.
"What do you mean?"
"Why do you tend to be soft and give me more even though I try my best to push you away?"
With that, Eriol averted his eyes from her. He turned back to face the piano. His hands touched the keys, playing a simple melody in a very soft manner. "Honestly," he began, "I don't know either. It's just that everything is simply falling that way."
Tomoyo sighed. "Will there be any exchange for this?"
He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes and answered, "yes."
"What?"
"Be the Tomoyo-chan I have known." He told her, smiling as he recalled those things concerning with her before. "The person who give genuine smiles, who trusts and who can easily speak her heart out."
The raven haired girl didn't remove her gaze on his back. She didn't know how he was able to do it, but the walls she had built were simply collapsing at that moment. If only he knew everything without her words, she would have rushed into his arms to let him hold her like what he did just days ago.
"And how will I be able to do that if that girl has already left?"
Eriol shook his head. "That Tomoyo-chan never left. She has just been hidden. And if you want to repay those things you thought you owe me, you can actually start now."
As he said those words, he started to play an introduction of a song. He was sure she knew its lyrics for he had seen it once when she left her iPod on the living room table.
Tomoyo closed her eyes, getting his point clearer. They both knew that singing was a big part of her. Music was her way of expressing herself, but she had limited herself from it since the day her life shook.
'Though tonight, there is really no need to run.' She told herself as she took a deep breath and started to sing.
-
I'm not the easiest person to love
I'm often the one who lets things go unresolved
-
Eriol smiled at the way she started. Though there was a hint of hesitation, it easily vanished as she continued. That gave him more power to continue with his playing and to enjoy the moment.
-
Yet you choose to be
On the side of me
On the side of me
Yet you choose to be on the side of me
On the side of me
-
Unconsciously, Tomoyo moved her feet and started to walk towards him. She was still singing, but there was a sudden surge in her to see his expression.
-
I'm not too proud of some things
I've done in my life
The skeletons in my closet
Are too big for me to hide
Yet you choose to be
On the side of me
On the side of me Blessed Charity
You're on the side of me
On the side of me
-
Looking down, she met his eye the moment the lyrics of the song were starting to pour the words in her heart. She didn't know why he had picked that song, but it really didn't matter now. At least she could make him hear some of those things she wanted to say to him.
-
'Cause everyone needs a friend to hold
When it's cold outside
And there's no place to go
Everyone needs a friend to hold
All alone I cried
There was no place to go
I remember when nobody cared
But you
-
The blue haired guy listened. Indeed, he also knew the song. He also knew its words. 'But the way she was singing it now is so different. It included thousands of genuine feelings inside her.'
-
I'm not the easiest person to love
But you, you've opened your heart to show me what I'm worth
'Cause you choose to be
On the side of me
On the side of me
What a mystery
You're on the side of me
On the side of me
-
The girl didn't want to stop that moment. Though she didn't want to admit that she was grateful with all the help, the song paved way. There she realized that for the first time, nothing mattered to her but him. All disturbing thoughts left her that's why there was a power in her voice.
-
'Cause everyone needs a friend to hold
When it's cold outside
And there's no place to go
Everyone needs a friend to hold
All alone I cried
There was no place to go
-
The song then was coming to an end, but the genuine smiles given by the two wasn't about wear off. They stared in each other's directions, eyes locking.
-
I remember when nobody cared
I remember when nobody cared
Nobody cared
But you...
Yeah you choose to be
On the side of me
On the side of me
-
The notes faded and then died. Silence fell on the large room.
Eriol gently rose from his seat, his hands travelling to Tomoyo's jaw. Then the girl simply leaned forward, closing her eyes. All feelings had overflowed that matter.
When they were few centimeters away, Tomoyo could feel his warm breath. Opening her eyes, she saw his gentle gaze and he smirked.
"Arigatou for that Tomoyo-chan."
Review replies for the previous chapter:
**tina… yay! Your comment made me so happy! Hehe.. ^-^ I thought no one liked that chapter. Oh, and don't worry Kaho will remain as a good person. After all, she already has a daughter. It would really be confusing and predictable if she will try to take away Eriol from Tomoyo right? And don't worry about being too excited, it cheers me up. haha.. :))
**cheng… updated! Thanks for the review. :)
**tomoyo-amethyst… Ryoji? Well, you'll get to know him more in the next chapters so stayed tuned ne?
** Hypermint… oh, sorry about that. Thank you for correcting anyway. :)
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Hmm… I wonder, is using some common Japanese terms disturbing you? I suddenly realized that maybe you don't like it that way. Well, tell me right away whether you like it or not ok?
Yay!!! Eriol and Tomoyo or sort of alright now! So what do you think will happen next? Tell me your thoughts! REVIEW PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! (I promise that I'll update faster if you give me more reviews!) *laughs*
.brokenshadow23.