Are You Gonna Let Her Get Away?
Chapter 8: What We Were Waiting For
Up A Lonely Pedestal
Eriol nearly jumped when his phone rang. His composure since leaving Syaoran's office was nonexistent. It doesn't make sense, he thought. Tomoyo's just a girl! I should be able to treat her like anyone else, right?
Yeah right, Eriol, his mind scolded him. In the past, maybe. You even managed to sleep over at her place without incident. But your secret's out now. Vulnerability city!
The caller ID told him it was Tomoyo calling, and against his will, he quickly picked up.
"Tomoyo?"
"Hey Eriol! I need you to come over to the Seasons early. I'm in the penthouse, and I've got some papers for you to sign. Is that OK with you?" Her voice, always a delicious contralto, had never caused him to be this nervous before.
"Sure. See you in twenty minutes." He cut off the call before he could stammer. Gone was his self-assured demeanor. Having admitted to Syaoran what he felt, Eriol found he had made himself vulnerable.
He carefully put on his deep purple magician's outfit and cape—which Eriol had deliberately ordered from a costumer instead of asking Tomoyo to make for him—and drove to the Seasons Hotel.
The elevators took forever to arrive; too many people were headed up towards the ballroom, and by the time it got to the lobby, Eriol had sprinted up the stairs to the penthouse. He didn't want to be late, not where Tomoyo was concerned.
By the entrance to the penthouse, Syaoran fidgeted in his outfit as he rang the bell. He'd decided to pick up Sakura, supposedly for convenience's sake, but the truth was that he missed his little blossom terribly.
And when she came out, he lost his breath. Tomoyo had respected his wishes for light makeup on his beloved blossom, and what little she had on accented her best features. Sakura's costume floated about her with each movement, and for once he was glad he'd let Tomoyo talk him into wearing a costume that complemented hers.
Sakura blushed when she saw Syaoran. He looked every bit the handsome prince, tall, regal, and gorgeous. His green tunic brought out the copper and bronze in his eyes and hair; she ran her hands happily through his thick chocolate hair, and he smiled.
And she had missed him the whole day. She gratefully walked into his arms and nestled her head on his chest as he embraced her, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Oh, he smelled wonderful; she was reminded of crisp cotton with a hint of pine.
"Missed you, Syaoran," she breathed softly. He closed his eyes, breathing in her berry scent, now mixed with some lavender and freesia oil, as he stroked her cheeks. They were soft and smooth, and he ran his finger pads over them, relishing the way her skin felt.
"I missed you too, Sakura," Syaoran smiled at her softly. "I have something to tell you…"
"Oh!" Her eyes lit up. "Thank you so much for the earrings. Tomoyo said you sent them for me."
He laughed. "Nothing's too good for you, remember?" And he bent down, eager to kiss her. She tiptoed up and met him halfway; though they had kissed less than half a day ago, she wanted to remind herself of what his lips tasted like. Sakura's arms wrapped around Syaoran's lean waist; he had her chin in one hand and her nape in the other. As their lips met, she was thankful that sealant had been placed over her lipstick, or Syaoran would have lips the same color as hers. They kissed over and over, lips touching gently, both of them almost forgetting where they were.
Sakura pulled away, her cheeks flushed with color. "You were about to say something earlier, Syaoran?" she asked breathlessly.
Neither of them saw Tomoyo watching them; she'd gone two floors down to get some papers from her assistants for Eriol to sign, gotten impatient waiting for the elevators, and used the stairs. As she stepped out of the stairwell, she'd found Sakura and Syaoran in a loving embrace, and backed into the stairwell, embarrassed that she'd caught them again.
But watching them affected Tomoyo. She touched her lips as Syaoran slid his tongue into Sakura's waiting mouth and pinned her against the wall gently, their bodies pressing against each other. What did it feel like? she wondered. Her large library of movies would never provide the answer she needed.
She had lied earlier to Mei Ling and Sakura; she had never been kissed before. Every boy she'd known who had evinced some interest in her had placed her on a pedestal, an impossible pedestal she could only fall from in disgrace. They placed her so high that she was forced to be perfect…which she could never be…and then somehow it would be her fault when nothing happened.
It had simply gotten worse when she became a vice president at the Picayune. She was now labeled "a beautiful career woman"…which to most men meant, "not interested". Ridiculous! Who said she couldn't have love with a career? But that was how she was featured in the press, and she couldn't remember the last time she'd been on a date. No one dared ask her out.
A tear ran down Tomoyo's cheek, but she was unable to tear her eyes from the lovers. Will I ever be loved that way? I'm twenty five and I've never been kissed. I'm not ugly, I'm not stupid, I'm not a bimbo, so why isn't anyone interested? Is something wrong with me? There has to be something wrong with me if even Eriol, who chases anything with a skirt, hasn't made a pass at me!
Outside, Syaoran's lips met Sakura's again for a long, passionate kiss. When he finally pulled away, he looked into her jade-green eyes with his bronze ones, and said, clearly and firmly, "I wanted to tell you that I love you, Sakura Kinomoto."
"Oh!" And she turned red again, giggling as she nuzzled his cheek and tightened her embrace. Perfect. Now she didn't have to be afraid to tell him what she felt for him.
"What do you say to that?" He was waiting expectantly, stroking her cheek gently with his hand.
She decided to tease him. "I'll tell you on the dance floor later," she said, and squeezed his hand with hers. "In the meantime, convince me that you love me."
"Gladly." And with that, Syaoran bent down to kiss her again.
Tomoyo swallowed a sob, and gasped when she felt someone move behind her.
Eriol was shocked to find Tomoyo in the stairwell watching Syaoran and Sakura. She looked like a Greek goddess in her gown. Glitter spread in arcane lines from the corners of her eyes; her long dark hair, through which gold ribbons had been interwoven at intervals, fell in loose waves down her back; and the gold accents on her gown reminded him of how beautiful her body was.
He was about to touch her shoulder when he'd heard Syaoran tell Sakura that he loved her, and was frozen in his tracks. How the hell did I miss that? he wondered. He was about to make a sarcastic comment when Tomoyo turned a tear-streaked face to him.
"Eriol?" she said softly, wonderingly.
"Tomoyo," he echoed.
She was beautiful even when she cried, and when Tomoyo bent her head to hide her tears, Eriol opened his arms and enfolded her in them. He had imagined this moment for so long, for so often, but not under these circumstances; when Eriol imagined hugging Tomoyo, she was always smiling, never crying except for tears of joy.
He comforted her as best he could, stroking her hair gently, and holding her close. Sakura and Syaoran had left, and Eriol could feel Tomoyo's knees shaking, so he picked her up gently and carried her into the suite, placing her on the large divan in the sitting room without letting go of his hold on her.
She was so light, so lovely…and when her arms wrapped around his neck, he started.
"Kiss me, Eriol," and she raised her dark, teary violet eyes to his. "You have so much ex…experience…you know how…I…never…no one wants me! You have to want me!" The last was said in a pitiful wail.
It took all he had not to take advantage of her. Instead, he moved her head to the crook of his chin, and held her tighter. He breathed in her tears, the chamomile and jasmine oil on her skin, the sweetness of Tomoyo under all the other scents.
To his surprise, she cried even harder, breaking into wrenching sobs, balling her fists and pounding them on her thighs.
"Tomoyo!" He called her name, alarmed at how she was breaking down. Eriol had never seen her that way, and he was overcome with a surge of anger. What happened? Why was she so upset? Was she secretly in love with Syaoran, or, heaven forbid, Sakura? He couldn't understand what she'd been trying to tell him earlier, but he didn't dare ask her now, not when she was so close to really breaking down.
She ignored him, and in desperation, Eriol did exactly what Tomoyo had asked him to do earlier; he took her chin firmly in his hands, used his thumbs to wipe away her tears, and kissed her firmly but gently. She responded by pressing herself closer to him, but did not make a move to deepen the kiss, to his surprise. He opened his eyes, and saw she had closed hers tight. Curiously, he captured her lower lip between his, and she sighed, and tried clumsily to do the same.
It's impossible, Eriol thought, as his years of experience with women was telling him something. Could it be? No way!
He pulled his lips away gently. Tomoyo's eyes flew open, and while she had stopped crying, she looked bewildered.
"What? I'm not as pretty as the other girls you've kissed? Not good enough for you?" she asked in a brittle voice.
"Tomoyo. Tell me what's wrong," he said firmly but gently.
She sighed, and tried to stand up, but her knees gave way under her, and she collapsed on Eriol's lap. Tomoyo gave up, and instead turned to him.
"Um. Could you get the tissue pack in my room? It's the first on the right," she asked softly.
Eriol grabbed the tissue pack quickly, and a glass of water, then handed them to Tomoyo. She wiped her face and drank in large, greedy gulps. He sat next to her, and pushed some stray strands of hair out of her face.
"Please, Tomoyo. Tell me what's wrong," he repeated.
She looked away from him then said so quietly, he had to strain to hear, "I've never been kissed before."
In response to his look of surprise, she said bitterly, "Go ahead. You can laugh now."
"No. Never gonna laugh at you." Eriol took her hands in his. "Why did you give it to me then?"
"You were there," and she laughed hollowly. "And you're Tokyo's hottest playboy. Figured you would know your way around a loser like me."
Eriol winced. Tomoyo had hit on the one thing he didn't need reminding of. But right now, she needed to be consoled, not to have to worry about his feelings.
"You are not a loser!" Eriol said sternly. She wasn't his perfect goddess after all, then, but her vulnerability, her anger…Eriol felt something in him beginning to hope that perhaps there was a chance with her. He tilted her chin towards his to make sure she was looking into his eyes.
"Do you know how beautiful you are? You make men—even those like me—feel inadequate, because you're so perfect. You don't look like you need anyone."
"But I do!" The words were torn out of her. "Do you know what it's like to never have had anyone special to come home to, to laugh with, to show your designs to and have him say something like, 'Tomoyo, I love you but I'm not wearing that!' To watch Sakura and Syaoran fall in love, the kind of love you wish someone had for you? If I were really perfect, then why am I alone?" Her voice had gone high in agitation, and tears were threatening to fall from the corners of her eyes again.
Eriol grabbed her, and held her tight. So that's what it was for her? But she had seemed so happy with her designs and her cameras…she had seemed as though she needed no one…
Moron. You couldn't even see past her mask, Eriol thought. And was instantly shamed of how self-indulgent he'd been when it had come to Tomoyo, wallowing in his perception that he was undeserving of her when she had needed someone.
Syaoran was right, he admitted reluctantly.
When Tomoyo stopped shaking, he raised her chin again to have a look at her. Though she still looked lovely, anyone could tell she'd been crying. What to do? After a while, he smiled, went to the bathroom to grab something then pulled her to her feet.
"We have to go to the ball," she protested.
"Screw the ball," Eriol said. "We're leaving."
"Eriol!" Her eyes flew wide open in surprise. "Yelan will murder us!"
Eriol was grinning. "We're not going far," he said. "Come on," and he tugged on her hand, leading her back to the stairwell.
"What…" Tomoyo was unable to complete her question as Eriol whisked her to the rooftop of the Seasons Hotel. He spread out the towels he'd taken from the bathroom, and gestured at her to lie down. As she did, he lay down next to her and took her hand in his.
"What are we doing here?" Tomoyo felt slightly foolish, but also a bit thrilled. No one had ever done this with her before.
"Look," and Eriol pointed, with the hand that was holding hers, upwards. He felt proud when Tomoyo gasped. Up above were the stars. It was a romantic cliché, sure, but one he had never done with anyone before. He was beginning to understand that girls liked romantic clichés for good reason.
She deserves a real courtship, he thought. I have to know what girls want, really want, from guys, and I'm going to give it all to her. Eriol smiled, and as Tomoyo sighed, he turned to watch her. She was smiling, and when she turned to him, his midnight-blue eyes smiled back.
"They're lovely, aren't they? The stars?"
"Yeah," she nodded. "I can't believe I never noticed them before."
"Neither did I," he said truthfully.
"Why are you so nice to me?"
And Eriol made a decision to say something he had never told anyone ever before.
"Because you're you. And I want you to be happy."
Tomoyo squeezed his hand happily. He pointed upwards again.
"Sometimes stars streak through the sky," Eriol said. "If you see that, you are granted one wish."
"You mean, like that?" And on cue, a single bolt of light flashed across the heavens. Eriol smiled; it was mystical, it was romantic, and had it been some other woman, it would have been absolutely corny. But this was Tomoyo, and he felt as though the hand of destiny had touched him.
Eriol knew he'd already gotten his wish, and he smiled up at the dark blue sky in gratitude as he felt the warmth of Tomoyo's hand in his.
Don't Run, Mei Ling Li!
In the ballroom, Mei Ling was impatiently manning the reception line for VIPs with Yelan Li, who was graciously receiving ambassadors, government officials, and later, the Prime Minister himself. Both women were annoyed that Eriol, Tomoyo, and Syaoran were all missing, but they hid their irritation under gracious smiles.
Mei Ling was distracted when her intended target for the evening, the watercolorist Fai Flourite, arrived. She excused herself from Yelan's side, and walked over to the tall, handsome, slender blond artist, making sure her strides were graceful while revealing enough thigh to attract attention.
He seemed to be waiting for her; he made eye contact just as she began to walk towards him. His smile was at once both affable and mysteriously seductive. Can it be this easy? she wondered.
Of course it was; few men could resist her anyway.
"Welcome to the Picayune Christmas Ball," she said. "I am…"
"Mei Ling Li, and I'm Fai Flourite," he finished for her. He took her right hand in his, and raised it to his lips, brushing it gently. "The pleasure is all mine." He was wearing a body-hugging white tunic and pants, with dark blue accents; he looked for all the world like a young wizard
She laughed in pleasure. "And how is it that you know me?"
"Now that would be telling," and he laughed easily.
His brilliant blue eyes were fixed on her, and though he had a smile almost permanently on his face, Mei Ling was vaguely unsettled. She couldn't explain why, though.
"May I have the honor of dancing with you tonight?" Fai asked cheerfully.
"You may," and Mei Ling smiled back. Just as the fanfare for the short program began, he caught her hand in his, and squeezed it gently. He likes me, that's why he's staring at me, Mei Ling thought. Time for me to take control again.
Mei Ling flirting with Fai aggressively as they listened to the speeches. She touched his collarbone while pretending to fix his collar, and stroked his arm suggestively. He closed his eyes, enjoying her caresses. I'm in control, she thought triumphantly, just the way I like it.
And when the first waltz played on the sound system, she was not surprised when Fai took her by the hand and escorted her to the dance floor. Fai kept his gaze firmly on hers, and she only noticed that Sakura and Syaoran were also on the dance floor when they danced close by.
Sakura was having the time of her life, happily waltzing with Syaoran across the dance floor. His bronze eyes stood out behind his jade green mask, and they were fixed on hers all the time. Syaoran smiled gently at her, and as he twirled her around the dance floor, they never noticed Yelan Li's eyes on them.
Yelan concealed her delight when she saw Syaoran with Sakura; her son's messy brown hair was easy to spot in a crowd because he towered over most people. He was willingly dancing with Sakura, and Yelan almost didn't recognize him because he was smiling. At one point, he bent down to listen to what Sakura was saying then threw his head back and laughed. In public.
Syaoran motioned an assistant over and handed a small disk to him. The assistant seemed surprised, but obeyed Syaoran anyway, heading over to the sound booth.
"What was that about?" Sakura asked curiously.
"You'll see," and he grinned.
The next waltz was the one he had taught her to dance to, a piece called "Potter Waltz". She laughed, and happily launched into the routine he'd taught her. They were oblivious to the crowd's eyes on them; they made a magnificent couple in their costumes, after all.
When "Potter Waltz" finished, he pulled her close, and said into her ear, "You said you would tell me your answer on the dance floor. I imagine I was quite convincing earlier, Sakura," and he grinned.
"Oh, Syaoran," and she twirled away, When she twirled back, she came close to whisper in his ear. "Don't you know what I'm going to say?" she flirted.
"No, I don't" he whispered back. "Tell me."
"Silly." And she laughed again. "I love you, Syaoran."
As the music to the next dance started, he laughed, picked her up, and lifted her off her feet. She was laughing back happily, and suddenly, Syaoran pulled Sakura close, and kissed her tenderly.
Yelan gasped. In the middle of the dance floor, Syaoran had kissed Sakura. In front of over a thousand other guests, he had made it very clear how he felt about her. She almost cheered before she remembered where she was. Ah, my grandchildren are coming! She immediately reinforced her stern face, not wanting anyone to have seen her momentary weakness, because she needed to see just how much Syaoran loved this woman. Impulses and passions of the moment do not make good foundations for marriage, she reminded herself.
Beside Syaoran and Sakura, Mei Ling cheered, and Syaoran pulled away from Sakura. When he realized his mother was staring, he blushed, but pulled Sakura close.
"Come, little blossom. There's someone I want you to meet." And with Sakura's hand in his, he made his way to where his mother sat, expressionless.
"I presume you played a role in their love story," Fai said softly, his lips very close to her ear. Mei Ling turned. "You have no idea," she giggled.
Mei Ling was delighted at how Syaoran had gone public with Sakura. Although she didn't understand how it had happened (what about the grey-haired guy? What about Syaoran's society girl? What did I miss?), she was nonetheless pleased with the outcome.
And with her own success. Fai had danced every dance with her, and they moved perfectly together. When she suggested it, the sensitive young artist gladly accompanied her to a dark corner of the ballroom, behind the thick velvet draperies. They exchanged numbers and addresses happily, Mei Ling purring at him to be sure to call her.
"You're the handsomest guy here," she said, batting her lashes at him in the way she knew would reduce most men to putty. Instead, Fai stiffened.
Nothing could have prepared her for what happened next.
"I know you're flirting with me, Mei Ling Li," the handsome blond told her sternly. Then he put his arms on either side of her, pinning her to the wall, leaving her breathless. "But I don't want to be another one of those guys you flirt with then drop after a while."
Mei Ling felt her defenses falling. How is this guy reading me so easily? Why can he see right through me?
He brought his face closer to hers, so close that their noses touched, and he was speaking against her lips.
"You are going to love me, Mei Ling. You are going to want me the way I have wanted you for all these years, even if you don't remember me. And then," he seized her lips with his, almost biting down in his passion for her, giving her a kiss that made her realize almost fearfully how much he wanted her, "you are going to become my wife."
His brilliant blue eyes stared into her burgundy ones. Mei Ling could feel the heat from him; her mouth was still open, and it felt swollen. Part of her wanted to pull him back onto her lips. But the other part of her began to scream at her: don't be like a deer in headlights! Stupid!
This can't be! Mei Ling tore herself away from him and ran. Why, she did not understand, only that she wasn't in control, and she was scared. She never wanted to be scared again, not after what happened in college. Control a man and he would never reach your emotions far enough to hurt you, ever.
Fai watched her run, his eyes darkening.
"I love you, Mei Ling Li. And I'm not going to let you get away this time," he said softly.
Chapter 9 preview:
When the door closed behind Syaoran, Sakura turned to the older woman nervously. Yelan Li was tall like her son, with a haughty and regal demeanor, like a queen. Sakura cleared her throat, then plunged into the speech she had hastily composed.
"Madam Li, please forgive my speaking openly, but I love your son. I know you might want someone else, someone better, for him. But I would like for us to at least have a cordial relationship for Syaoran's sake. Please, Madam Li, I will do anything to spare Syaoran from having to choose between me and your family. I am very sorry about this."
Sakura shrank into herself as Yelan's eyes passed over her assessingly.
This story will end soon, but don't worry; the sequel featuring Eriol, Tomoyo, and Mei Ling will be up immediately.
A shout out to any artists reading this: I will gladly write a fanfic to your specifications if you can do art of S&S and the Terrible Trio in their ball outfits. Tracing not a problem :D Mail me if interested! Please?
Hearty thanks to: animelover0328 (hope you got the PM!), lhaine07 (You know they WILL have a happy ending, otherwise I'm going to get flamed! Besides, I love those two too much, haha), midnightblue123,winterkaguya (This story leads into E&T and M&F's story :D), Esa MaRie, ccsread (aw, thanks!), ccssy -little wolf- (I've always loved her, and I think she's the perfect best friend for Sakura-hearts!),principita17 (Thanks for checking it out, and I hope you continue to enjoy! Intersections has fewer spoilers but I understand, no problem if you want to avoid the heartbreakers in TRC right now :D), Pipi-Chan (gosh, thanks so much for the links! Re Kurogane as priest...I can just imagine: Kuro- Are you gonna marry this girl or what, stupid guy? No divorce! Stop acting sappy!" LOL. But I'm only borrowing Fai's character- devious, plots-and-plans-intensive, cheerful on the surface tormented on the inside...), SakuraLover (Welcome back! Re Syaoran's ex: Yes, but only for a very brief part which will wind up as fluff. Re Mei Ling- Fai loved her, she never knew. You know those high school crush things? He's from back then),Laendra,Houoza (Like mother, like son, although Eriol's resolution will come after Syaoran's :D), ffgirl-07,Akane Naomi (No one can win against Eriol in a staring contest! Mwaha! Kidding aside, thanks so much for the "food". I can handle most things with chopsticks but face me with ramen and you get...a mess! Too bad Syaoran isn't here to teach me- giggle), parma-violets (Ooh, thanks! Re Fai, I will try to keep him as delightful as he normally is, especially since it's a weird pairing, haha), iNuQTpIe (Yes, well, I succumbed to the temptation of pairing them! XD)infiniteternity (putting on outdoor gear too...sigh, I wish they made guys like Syaoran, ne? I love what you said about Sakura, can I borrow it and use it as a line for Syaoran? Re Fai, he comes from Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles, and I adore him!), Ngoc1231 (I fully intend to finish all my fics because it drives me nuts to read a lovely story and then see that it's not continued...wah! Yes, I put in the Trio for comic relief, and they took on a life of their own XD), AngelEmCuti (God, I would gladly trade a fanfic written to the artist's specifications in exchange for art!), Nightmares of Love (Ooh, fight scene! I was about to, honestly, but I remembered that Syaoran isn't the type, not unless someone is physically threatening Sakura. And the "not gonna be pretty in the morning"- LOL! I can imagine Eriol saying that right before he gets one to the kisser!),hearts-stars (Will Eriol get his happy ending?), Teruna Hime (welcome back, wait till Sakura has to face Yelan!), and harmony (Thanks and I hope you keep reading!)