Disclaimer: I do not own CCS.

Note: Hello readers! Here is the next update and I'm managing to deliver it every Friday so you can read it during the weekend! Thank you for telling me about Suppie, I didn't even think about writing his part of the story, but please wait for his part later on in the future chapters! So far I am focusing on Tomoyo and Eriol, Suppiel can wait a bit ;p But I did add a small little preview in this chapter! Well enough of babbling, please enjoy the story :)

Past & Present

Tomoyo had found herself staring at the wooden double doors of the library waiting impatiently for them to open. Since their arrival back from their trip to the beach that evening, Kaho Mizuki had suddenly showed up and asked to talk to Eriol. Eriol had agreed and led her into the library where they now were for more than over an hour. Tomoyo felt worried and concerned for Eriol as she had noticed before inside the car that his azure eyes were stiff and cautious. Nakuru, worried as well, paced herself in front of the doors nervously. She would occasionally press her ears to the doors, but to her dismay, she couldn't hear a sound. After a few more torturous minutes the door suddenly clicked open. Tomoyo's eyes immediately jumped up to the wooden door and Nakuru stopped her pacing to stare in anticipation. Slowly Kaho walked out with a blank expression on her face, but judging by the redness of her eyes there was no denying that Kaho had cried. Tomoyo watched carefully as she nodded to them with a weak smile before walking towards the front doors. She opened it silently and left without any word of departure.

Nakuru caught her attention. "He is still inside."

Tomoyo then realized that Eriol had not followed Kaho out of the library. She then risked a peek through the small gap and found Eriol sitting on his armchair near the windows.

"Should we go in?" Tomoyo asked concerned.

"I think we should let him come out when he is ready." Nakuru advised. "After all it was Kaho who he just talked to."

Tomoyo must have looked perplexed because Nakuru smiled back at her sheepishly. "I forgot, you weren't there that day. You were recovering from your injuries Suppi."

Her injuries? She was hurt again in the past? Tomoyo's eyes widen in realization as she recalled how Eriol was being too cautious with his plans and how worried he looked when he watched her recover. His carefulness had to do with Spinel's past injuries. This explained Eriol's actions and why he was very worried for the past few days.

"What happened?" She voiced her curiosity.

Nakuru hesitated for a moment before proceeding. "Please don't blame yourself for anything Suppi."

Tomoyo had a bad feeling. "They fought because of me." She concluded.

Nakuru nodded her head, "Not only you Suppi, but our existence. Eriol was defending our existence, something he thought Kaho understood, but it turned out that she only cared for Eriol and herself."

Tomoyo stared in shock to know that the gentle Kaho Mizuki from Tomoeda Elementary School was not at all what she seemed from the outside. Even though she had witnessed her kindness towards her students and had even gone out of her way to help Sakura, she would have never guessed that Nakuru and Spinel held no special meaning for her. But why, it didn't make any sense? Weren't Spinel and Nakuru as much alive as anyone else? They also held emotions and feelings like everyone else.

"I don't understand." Tomoyo heard her voice crack. "I thought it didn't matter."

Nakuru shook her head, trying to hold her tears as she remembered that day. "Kaho complained to Eriol that he shouldn't exhaust his powers over us anymore than he did. After all, she said, we were only creatures that could be made again and again like dolls. It didn't matter to her that we were injured, it only mattered that Eriol did not waist his energy on us. Kaho concerned herself with Eriol."

"Kaho was his lover." Tomoyo realized.

"Yes she was, but that quickly changed for Eriol when she uttered those words that have hurt him deeply to hear." Nakuru answered.

"But not as deep as it hurt you." Tomoyo whispered as she herself felt a pain inside her heart.

Tomoyo found herself hugging Nakuru's leg, since she couldn't reach up to embrace her fully. She smiled in appreciation at her effort and kneeled down to pick her up. They hugged each other tightly. Tomoyo knew enough to know that Eriol would have never abandoned Nakuru and Spinel. They were his family and not dolls like Kaho claimed they were. Like Eriol had said before, they were made to be his best friends. Even though Tomoyo understood Kaho's good intention in helping Eriol, Kaho had not realized how important Spinel and Nakuru was for him.

Tomoyo looked up at Nakuru and saw her eyes filled with tears. Kaho had left a sad mark on their past. She must have been a big part of their lives and the impact Kaho had caused towards the two members, and she might as well include Spinel, must have been great to have caused such hurt.

"She was our mother for the longest time." Nakuru voiced. "I am glad that you didn't have to hear all those words back then. I don't think you would have been able to handle your rage."

Tomoyo nodded her head and added with a small grin. "I would have teared the roof over her head."

She managed to make Nakuru giggle softly as she agreed. "I wouldn't doubt that. I would actually be part of the act."

"We are fine without her Nakuru. We are happy now." Tomoyo stated something that she knew was true during her stay in the mansion. She had seen them all smile and laugh together. Those were true emotions and true memories that would be hard to forget.

Nakuru was able to smile in agreement. "Yes. It has been more cheerful lately since your recovery from that incident."

"Maybe it had to do with my head being injured." Tomoyo grinned making Nakuru laugh.

"I am going to go cook something delicious!" Nakuru announced sounding a bit cheerful, but concern was still evident in her eyes as she stared momentarily at the door. "Yes. I bet Eriol will love some beef stew tonight!"

She watched as Nakuru placed her back on the ground before she left towards the kitchen. Tomoyo then peeked inside the library once again to find Eriol still in his armchair. She took a deep breath and ventured inside slowly. Tomoyo made her way towards the gentleman who was staring outside the window at nothing in particular, as he was silent, deep in his own thoughts. It was easy for her to leap up to his lap, where she gently sat looking up at him, wishing that the hurt in his azure pools would vanish. His hands slowly came to caress her head.

"I thought I had made it clear." Eriol finally spoke as he broke the silence around them. "That it would be impossible for us to be together if her mind was still unchanged."

Tomoyo watched him breath out as the pain caused him to grimace. "A part of me was hoping, when I saw her smiling, that she had changed her mind and I would be able to forgive her. That Kaho would accept you and Nakuru, but I was wrong."

Tomoyo quickly leapt forward and faced him, keeping her balance as she stood against his chest. Her face was an inch away from Eriol's face. He looked surprised for a moment at the proximity and her sudden move, but he just watched her carefully. Tomoyo softly smiled and found herself caressing her head against his cheek, trying to comfort him the best way she could.

"It's alright now. Nakuru and I have never asked for much, but you have given us life and more than we have ever dreamed of having. Your love and care is enough." Tomoyo stated as she felt Eriol wrap his arms around her small body and embrace her warmly.

"I just wish that she could see how important you both are." Eriol whispered in pain as his embrace tightened. "I was never lonely because of you and Nakuru. Since the day I was born I had a mission to accomplish and a huge responsibility as the reincarnation of Clow Reed."

Hearing that shocked her momentarily, but it made sense as to why he was so powerful. "You never judged me or expected anything from me. Enemies and fake friends were always surrounding me because of Clow Reed's powers, but I could really call you and Nakuru not only my best friends but also my true family."

Tomoyo had always assumed Eriol had no troubles or anything that would cause him pain. His attitude and bright disposition at school had never given out his deep secret and past. It was a relief to know that she could be here soothing him when he most needed her, after all Eriol would have never seek Tomoyo's help if she wasn't Spinel.

"We are always here for you." Tomoyo mentioned as he softly smiled back.

He then stood up and carefully settled her in his arms. "Lets not think about the past anymore than we have tonight. I have already buried them away a long time ago, there is no use bringing them back up when we are already content thus this far."

She nodded her head in agreement. "We better head to the kitchen."

"Why's that?" He asked a bit curious.

"I think Nakuru might burn it down if we allow her to continue with her cooking." Tomoyo joked.

Eriol laughed before nodding his head, and they headed out the library, leaving behind the sadness.

The next morning Tomoyo found herself curled around Eriol's head. Blushing madly, Tomoyo slowly pushed away as quietly as possible. She had learned not to leap away in case she startled Eriol. It was shocking for her that she would find herself in such compromising positions while sleeping, but it was even more surprising to her that she felt very comfortable and relaxed having Eriol around. Calming her beating heart, Tomoyo then gazed at Eriol's peaceful face and recalled the incident last night. It was a relief to know that Eriol was not hurting anymore. Tomoyo was gradually getting to know his past. She couldn't help to admire him for smiling after all he had been through.

Tomoyo decided then to head downstairs to the kitchen, wondering if Nakuru was making breakfast and hopefully be able to assist her in the cooking. Once she reached the first floor, she noticed a shadow approaching the front door. Quickly she made her way to the entrance and peeked through the peephole to find Kaho Mizuki climbing the few steps up towards the door. Before allowing Kaho to press the doorbell, Tomoyo greeted her. She did not wish for anyone else to know about Kaho's arrival this early in the morning, especially not after what happened last night.

Kaho surprised that the door opened, gazed inside to see Spinel oddly smile. She smiled back pleasantly back. "Good morning Spinel. I brought breakfast." She announced, while showing a bag she held.

"Why are you here?" Tomoyo inquired a bit suspicious of her motives.

Kaho sadly smiled back. "I know what you think, but I am not here to upset Eriol or anyone else. I just want a chance to talk to your master."

"Haven't you said everything you had to say last night?" Tomoyo replied a bit uncertain rather to let her inside the house.

"No. I still have to ask him one last question and I promise I will be satisfied." Kaho explained as she kept her gaze on Tomoyo, who still kept still, not allowing her entrance. "Spinel please, I leave Tomoeda tonight. I just need to ask him one more question."

After some thought, Tomoyo nodded her head in understanding as she saw her eyes plea for consent. Kaho smiled as Tomoyo stepped aside allowing her to step inside before she closed the door behind her. Kaho was familiar to her surrounding as she knew her way towards the dining area where she deposited her bag and started to take out from inside some lunch boxes. Opening them, Kaho had brought donuts, apple pie, sausages, pancakes, and fruits. Tomoyo just closely watched her as she stood behind, wondering what she wanted to ask Eriol. She just hoped there wouldn't be a wave of sadness and that letting Kaho in was the right choice.

"Would you like to eat something first Suppi?" Asked Kaho as her gaze fell upon her.

"You speak with such familiarity." Tomoyo noticed aloud, as Kaho suddenly flinched at her words, but that wasn't the effect she wanted to cause upon the lady. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude." She proceeded to explain. "I just can't imagine how you could not accept us with open arms."

Kaho's eyes closed for a brief moment before she reopened it with sadness. "I love Eriol and I couldn't see him hurt himself and use up his powers. You know what I am speaking of Spinel. You saw him weak to the point of not being able to stand up on his own."

Tomoyo surprised to the new information understood perfectly well why Kaho would want to prevent Eriol from using his powers on Spinel, but it was still wrong for her to suggest him such absurdity. Did she not understand how her words had hurt Eriol more mentally than he was hurt physically?

Tomoyo looked at Kaho's eyes that glowed with concern, but that only made Tomoyo sadden as she voiced her thoughts. "Don't you understand Kaho, riol doesn't want you to be concerned about his powers or his own health. He wants you to be concerned with the people he loves."

"Why do you think I am here Spinel?" She replied softly. "I need time to readjust. I want another chance."

"But it's too late." Spoke a voice from the doorway. Both of them gazed upon Eriol, who was leaning against the doorway with a blank face.

"Good morning Eriol." Greeted Kaho with a small smile.

Eriol pushed himself away from the doorway and walked towards them. In a swift move he picked up Tomoyo onto his arms and softly caressed her head. Tomoyo watched his azure eyes soften as he greeted her with a smile. His smile then vanished as his eyes looked up and became dull. He faced Kaho who stood there calmly and determined to talk to him.

"I want another chance." Kaho spoke. "I regret saying those words to you, but if you still love me, please forgive me and we can try again."

Eriol only shook his head. "Kaho how many years have we lived together?"

She looked at him, wondering why he asked, but she answered his question. "Three years."

"How many more years will you need to accept them as your family?" Eriol spoke as his eyes hardened.

Kaho stepped back, stung by his words, but she proceeded to explain. "I know you are mad, but I promise you that I will grow to love them."

Eriol sighed as he closed his eyes, but when he reopened his azure pools were not cold anymore. He showed kindness towards Kaho and seeing the change Kaho smiled back in hope. "I forgive you Kaho, because I know your intentions were not of malice, but I will not give you a second chance. Our thoughts and opinions differ and I believe time won't amend what you have already have paved inside me."

Kaho's smile diminished. "You don't love me anymore."

"No I don't. I can only treat you as a friend." Eriol admitted. "I have moved on after you left. It has been two long years since that night."

Kaho nodded her head in understanding. "I still love you Eriol." She spoke as her voice cracked. "But if your decision has already been made I will respect that."

"I have already decided a long time ago." Eriol spoke as he slowly came to caress Tomoyo's head once again as his eyes softly glowed.

Kaho observed. "You love someone else, don't you?"

Eriol nodded his head. "I do, but that is not important now. I need to finish what I came here for. My priority is my mission for now."

"I understand. Eriol I am leaving Tomoeda and going to China for business. I won't be back in Japan for another two years, and if by then you allow me to come back I will."

Eriol watched as Kaho grabbed her purse and approached him. She hesitated before leaning forward and kissing his cheek. Eriol stood there unfazed as she pulled back in sadness and left the house. Tomoyo carefully leaned forward and wiped the kiss away from his cheek with her paw. She didn't know why it bothered her so much, but she unexpectedly found herself feeling jealous. It was a surprising feeling that somehow came without any warning, but she didn't dwell too much upon it, as Eriol's azure eyes looked upon her.

"What are you doing?" He chuckled as she was still pawing his face.

"Nothing." Tomoyo answered back blushing as she settled back down in his arms.

Eriol set her carefully on the dining table and eyed the breakfast that Kaho had brought. "Shall we eat it?"

Tomoyo nodded her head and smelling the delicious aroma. "It would be such a waste to throw it all away."

"I agree with you. Just don't mention it to Nakuru. Let's just say we ordered take out." Eriol concluded as he took his seat.

"Are you alright Eriol?" Tomoyo asked as she watched him smile back softly.

"I am." He spoke truthfully. "As I have mentioned before I don't want to reopen the past. Hopefully I have moved on."

"You found someone new." Tomoyo asked cautiously, very curious to know who it was. "May I ask who it is?"

Eriol chuckled. "You know who it Spinel." His eyes glowed in mischief, causing Tomoyo to be even more curious.

"I hope whoever it is, she will love not only you, but the rest of us as well." Tomoyo replied.

Eriol leaned forward towards her and pressed his nose against hers. She blushed at the proximity as his smile broaden, making him look so boyishly cute. She felt her face burn as he brought his hand to caress her head.

"Don't worry. I believe she will." He answered knowingly.

P.S.

Upstairs, Nakuru was striding down the long corridor towards the staircase. She could smell the nice aroma of food, making her stomach call out for some of that delicious stuff. She quickened her pace but her eyes fell upon the small wooden table with a blinking light flashing. Her attention was now on the telephone, curious to know who would leave them a message. They hadn't bothered to check anything since they hardly had anyone calling them. A bit excited that it might be something important, Nakuru quickly pressed the button and heard the phone speak.

"You have thirty seven saved messages." Nakuru blinked in surprise as she eagerly leaned forward in anticipation.

"Message one: HELLO?...HELLO!"

Nakuru stared at the speakerphone as her ear was numbed by the loud female voice coming out and shouting urgently. She tried to familiarize with the voice, but it was hard to identify the person, who in her opinion was very rude to be leaving a strange message. Maybe it was a prank.

"Message two: Hello!...CAN YOU HEAR ME?...HELLO!"

"Message three: I AM IN HAWA- AH!"

"Message four: HELP! HELLLLLOOOOO!...hello?"

"Message five: Hello...PICK THE PHONE! IT IS ME-"

"All your messages have been erased. There are no more messages. Main menu."

"Phew." Nakuru sighed as she let go of the button and hung up the phone. "Crazy chick."

Smiling again as Nakuru smelled the food, she quickly forgot about the messages and turned to make her way downstairs happily for breakfast.

TBC