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.

Author's Notes: I'm quite sad. I only had a review for the previous chapter. *sigh* *sniff* *sniff* Well, it's my fault after all. I haven't updated for a year so everyone maybe went tired of reading or had already forgotten this story. However, I need to write this chapter because it keeps on hunting me and all. I just hope that I can hear from people more. Don't worry suggestions and stuffs are greatly welcomed. :)

Last Chapter:

"Do you want to know more?"

Tomoyo stared at him, not knowing what he up to.

"Click the button on the hand of the bear."

Tomoyo did as she was told. And then -"

I love you. I love you. I love you"

"what?" Tomoyo murmured, confused. What on earth is happening?

"I love you." Eriol muttered, soft and sincere. He didn't know how to actually say it.

"Eriol, I—"

"I just wanted to let you know, Tomoyo." Eriol told her, locking his gaze on her. "I didn't know why, but I have always wanted to protect you. To hold you close. To talk to you. I thought it was only similar to that of Sakura before, but seeing that wreck in your life made me realize that it is more than that of your cousin. I don't expect you to give an answer. If you are not ready I—"

"Shut up." Tomoyo suddenly said, making Eriol close his mouth in shock. A sweet smile went on her face. She stepped forward to touch his face. She waited for him to look at her, to search for her amethyst eyes for her to search for his back. "I love you too, Eriol Hiragizawa."

Chapter Fourteen:

The Tragedy

"Good morning, my princess." Eriol's teasing voice rang in Tomoyo's ears.

"You know not to call me that, Eriol." Tomoyo warned, trying hard to glare and to pretend that she was not pleased with his recognition.

Eriol laughed. No matter how much Tomoyo denied it, he knew very well that his simple words would instantly make her smile. She was not hard to please after all, contrary to what others know. Pausing for a moment, he listened to the rumbling sounds of drawers and things falling on the ground. "What's the noise about? I can hear some falling objects here and there you know."

Tomoyo did not stop running. She gazed at her room, locating the things she needed. "I woke up late. I need to meet Sakura thirty minutes from now with the wedding planner. There are some things I need to check and I'll try to know if they can let me handle the gowns." She answered, halting to the bedside table to put on her earrings and necklace. She smiled. Finally, all things were set.

Four years had passed, and everyone was busy with their own lives. Syaoran went back to Hong Kong two months ago to accept his fate of being the leader of their clan and the president of Li Corporations. Sakura was currently making a name as a model after doing a series of small jobs. Eriol, on the other hand, stayed for a moment in England to work in one of the biggest companies in Europe. And lastly, she was starting her steps into the world of business as well—with her mother exposing her to the job.

"Are you sure that what you are preparing for is for Sakura and Li's wedding or is it for us already?" Eriol started to tease once again to relieve her stress. He knew how much his girlfriend love both Sakura and Syaoran that she tend to give her best to prepare for their big day. Sure, he wanted to support her, but he also knew the bigger responsibilities Tomoyo need to deal on especially now that in a matter of a year or so, she would be the one running their family business.

"Ha!" The young woman exclaimed, but smiled. "You wish Mr. Hiiragizawa."

She waited for his response and could imagine his brow rising. "Why not?" Eriol asked. "It's going to happen sooner or later. Unless you are already seeing someone else?"

Tomoyo laughed. "Are you threatened?" She said. "If I am right, I should be the one worried you know. Ever since we were kids, you can easily attract a bunch of girls with your simple moves."

"And you are an eye catcher too." Eriol said sweetly, remembering how she looked like the first they met. It was true that he first his eyes on Sakura, for his duties, but he saw and admired Tomoyo's beauty as well. If only he had been normal kid, he would probably set his eyes on her for the first time.

Tomoyo blushed at the compliment. No matter how far they apart, Eriol never failed to make her smile or make his presence be felt. "Save you sweet words, Eriol. I have to go." She grabbed her bag and went out of the room.

"What time did you sleep?"

The question was out of nowhere, but was enough to make Tomoyo nervous. She paused, realizing what he wanted to know. Inwardly, she sighed. "I slept a little alright? I really have to finish designing Sakura's gown last night and—"

"Daidouji Tomoyo, how my times do I have to tell you to rest?" Eriol said in a firm tone. Then he paused and sighed. He was not usually a controlling type of person, but sometimes he needed to be protective for Tomoyo's sake. "Did you even eat at least?"

"Err..no?"

"Tomoyo—"

Tomoyo took a deep breath. She could understand his point and was thankful that he cared. However, there were so many things to do and she was left behind. "Alright, already. I can't believe that you could be like my mother." She said, teasing. "I promise to grab something to eat on the rode then after I'll deal on the wedding planner, I'll take a rest alright?"

"Good."

Relieved with Eriol's answer, Tomoyo smiled. "I really have to go."

"I love you, Tomoyo."

"I love you too."

xoxoxoxoxoxox

'Damn it. I should have listened to Eriol earlier.' Tomoyo inwardly cursed as she leaned her head on the driver's seat. She just pulled over few stores away from the wedding planner's since her head started to spin. Closing her eyes, she gave off a long sigh and prayed that her headache would leave her alone in a few minutes.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Tomoyo immediately opened her eyes then turned it to her left. Syaoran was there. She opened the car windows. "Hey Syaoran. I thought you were already with Sakura."

Syaoran nodded. "I was, but I left something in the car then I saw you pull over this area." He answered then threw her a worried look. "Is everything alright?"

Inwardly sighing, Tomoyo chose to smile in return. Even though he would not freak out like Sakura once she told him about her headache, she was so sure that Syaoran would do everything to stop her from doing business with the wedding planner.

"Yes, yes. Don't worry." She assured then immediately gathered her things and moved out. She could feel Syaoran's gaze on her back as she walked toward the wedding planners. "Hi. Sorry, I'm late." Tomoyo greeted Sakura, who was sitting on the sofa.

Sakura looked up and studied Tomoyo's appearance. "Tomoyo, are you alright?" she asked. "You look tired."

"This fast?" Tomoyo asked. "Did Eriol call you or something?"

Sakura shook her head. "Actually, I haven't talked to Eriol for a month now. And it's not hard to tell your condition considering your eyes are sunken and you pale than the usual. Did you have breakfast?"

"I grabbed a sandwich before coming over." Tomoyo lied. She hated it, but at least it was better than Sakura worrying about her the whole day. "Let's go to business now, shall we? I made a lot of sketches for you to choose from."

Glancing at Syaoran, Sakura could only inwardly sigh. Her cousin was as stubborn as her future husband so there was no way she could stop her enthusiasm for the preparations for the wedding that day. Then as if Syaoran was reading her mind, she felt his hand took hers and gave it a squeeze.

"It's alright." Syaoran whispered. "I'll talk to her later."

"Thank you." Sakura mumbled and decided to sit beside Tomoyo to check her designs.

It took a few moments before the wedding planner appeared, but when she did different concepts for the big day started to fill the room. Tomoyo was so happy when the wedding planner accepted her ideas and agreed to her request of dealing with Sakura's gown.

"Done!" Tomoyo announced, jotting the final details she needed. Closing her notebook, she smiled at the wedding planner and shook her hand with hers. There were too much things to do and she only got four months left.

The three went out of the store. Sakura took a deep breath, processing all the information she had just heard. "I just hope the elders would be pleased."

"Don't worry about them." Syaoran assured. "It's not really a matter of having an elegant wedding."

"Then what? The press will write about the new leader of the Li clan in Hong Kong's wedding is like this and like that?" Sakura said, smiling. She did not see it coming before, but now that Syaoran's role was official, their decisions would matter.

"And since when did you care about what they would say?" Syaoran smirked, but understanding what she meant. Ever since last year, the press was disturbing his life. Many people had been tracking his life since too much was expected of him as the new head of one of the famous companies in Asia. "You really don't have to worry, Sakura. It would be perfect, right Tomoyo?"

The other woman blinked, unsure of they were talking about. Her headache had just gotten worse and her body felt heavier. "Sorry, what are you talking about?"

Sakura stared at her. "Are you sure you are alright?"

Tomoyo nodded and smiled. "I'm okay. Headaches won't kill anyway." She said, but made a mental note to take a nap during her break at the office.

"We'll take you home if you want." Syaoran offered, slightly scowling at Tomoyo. Though most of the time, he did not show that he cared for her, he also worried much about her especially when she suddenly left Japan.

"It's alright. I'll take a rest in the office. I have a few meetings for today so I cannot absent myself." Tomoyo insisted. "Anyway, I have to go. See you."

Hesitating, Sakura and Syaoran bid her goodbye and watched her walk towards her car. Then they saw her stop and, "TOMOYO!"

xoxoxoxoxoxox

Tomoyo slowly opened her eyes and was blinded by the bright lights that greeted her. She was not sure where she was so she turned her amethyst eyes at Sakura. Then she remembered—the wedding planner and how she collapsed near her car.

Knock. Knock.

"Come in." Syaoran said, rising from his seat. He saw a tall woman in a white robe enter the room.

The woman instantly smiled at Tomoyo. "How are you, Ms. Daidouji?"

"I'm fine. I just feel a little heavy." Tomoyo said, not wanting to worry anyone in the room. If she had only listen to Eriol, she might not have caused further trouble. "I haven't ate this morning and I didn't get enough sleep last night."

The woman watched and studied her. "Actually, Ms. Daidouji, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Tomoyo nodded. "It's okay. What is it?"

Adjusting her glasses, the doctor considered her words. She needed to be careful, but she needed to gather data for her to prove her initial diagnosis. "It seems to me that you have not consulted a doctor before?"

Tomoyo shook her head. "I always consider my weakness as fatigue so I am just sleeping over it."

"I see." The doctor said. "However, did you experience any hoarseness of voice or palpitations?"

Eyes widening, Tomoyo remembered. She had a series of episodes back then, especially when she was in England. She have not thought of it before since what only mattered that time was for her to get out of all the troubles of her family. Then when she got back in Japan, she did not have the time to think about her condition. "I did."

The doctor attentively listened as Tomoyo answered her series of questions. Syaoran and Sakura remained silent since they did not notice it happening.

"Alright." The doctor said. "Based from the information you have said, it seems to me that we need to run different tests to confirm your condition. I need you to stay here in the hospital for the moment so we can monitor what's happening."

Tomoyo listened and considered.

"If I am right, your condition is called hyperthyroidism. It's not that lethal, but it had been there long enough to cause further problems. We probably can do medications first, then proceed to an operation."

"But the wedding…" Tomoyo said, looking at Sakura and Syaoran.

"It's okay Tomoyo. The wedding can still be delayed since there was no still formal announcement for the dates. I'll talk to my mother about it." Syaoran assured.

"I'm calling Eriol. We need him here." Sakura suddenly said, taking a step back for her retreat.

"No. Please don't." Tomoyo answered and saw Sakura's confused look.

"But—"

Tomoyo shook her head. "Promise me you'll never tell Eriol about this."

Sakura studied her best friend, but did not get any clue of her reasons. "Fine." She answered. "However, you gave to undergo and follow everything the doctors will tell you."

xoxoxoxoxoxox

The treatments started the following day. It lasted for almost a week before they considered undergoing operation. Sakura, Syaoran and Sonomi took turns in accompanying her in the hospital. Sakura still did not give up on insisting to Tomoyo to inform Eriol about it, but there was no use. Tomoyo did not change her mind.

The operation lasted for four hours. Everyone was worried, especially Sakura, who decided to take her day off just to be with her dearest cousin. Syaoran was also present to give her an extra comfort. Sonomi was in the hospital too since yesterday, still with a great anxiety for the condition of her only daughter.

"Will she be alright?"

Tomoyo whimpered, being conscious of the voices surrounding her. It was vague, but she could easily identify her mother's voice. She could feel her warm hand on top of hers. She wanted to open her eyes, but she was still so weak to do so.

"Ssshhh… It's alright honey. Take a rest first." Sonomi said, giving her an assuring squeeze.

With that, Tomoyo went back to sleep and woke up. It was already night, but Sakura and Syaoran were still there. They were sitting across the room, talking about some details of the wedding. Yelan agreed to postpone the wedding for a month or so, but Sakura and Syaoran promised her to deal with the small details to make progress.

Hearing a slight movement, Sakura turned her emerald eyes to her left and gasped. "Tomoyo!" she rushed to her side with Syaoran following behind.

Tomoyo smiled weakly, for she was glad to see her best friend once again. "Hi Sakura." She tried to say, but no sound came out. Her heart raced in terror, but she repeated once again.

Sakura and Syaoran held their breaths, surprised on what was happening.

"Tomoyo what's wrong?" Sakura asked, worried.

Tomoyo struggled to speak, but nothing came out. With that, a tear fell from her eyes. She couldn't believe it. She didn't want to believe it, but for some unknown reason, her precious voice simply wasn't there anymore.

Done! Sorry for the ending. I am not in my proper self to edit that. I just hope you get the idea. Haha. REVIEW PLEASE! :D