Disclaimer: I do not own CCS.
Note: Hello everyone! Thank you for the lovely reviews~ It made my day :) I am glad that you enjoyed the last chapter, because this chapter is very plain and simple. Might be a bit boring because nothing major happens and there is no action going on, but hopefully it is enough for you to like it. The next chapter will be the last one, I want to give this story a closure since I feel like it is about the right time. If I keep going on I am afraid that I will drag it and it will be uninteresting! So please enjoy this update and thank you :)
Simple Day
Tomoyo heard a groaning sound very faintly in the dark of the silent room. She squinted her eyes and found Eriol trying to sit up but lying back down on the bed looking very exhausted. Instinctively she woke up and pushed sleep aside as she quickly made her way towards his side. He looked at her with a faint smile.
"I'm sorry did I wake you up?" He asked in a silent tone.
Tomoyo saw him frown as his eyes suddenly closed shut. He breathed rapidly taking a minute before calming down and reopening his eyes. She knew he was in pain as her paw had already touched his cheeks softly, trying to sooth him. Tomoyo couldn't help but to feel very guilty and she saw him grin back at her, knowing he didn't want her to feel apologetic. It was his own decision when he had overused his powers and drained himself out of energy. His body was now suffering the consequences.
"Don't worry Spinel." Eriol spoke as he managed to ruffle her fur. "I just need a good night sleep."
Eriol shut his eyes close tightly once again and tried to suppress a groan from escaping his lips. Even though it was dark, Tomoyo's feline sharp eyes showed his pained expression clearly before her eyes. Tomoyo quickly headed towards the edge of the bed and leaped off towards the bathroom. There she found a towel and grabbed it with her mouth since she had no hands. She turned the sink on and soaked the towel and with great effort twisted the water out. Tripping over the towel on her way back into the room, Tomoyo tried her best to jump up on the bed and keep her balance. She then proceeded to fold the towel into a neat rectangular shape and gently placed it on top of Eriol's forehead. Eriol feeling the cool object opened his eyes and saw Tomoyo placing it neatly while trying to avoid stepping on his nose.
"Thank you." He spoke gratefully. Tomoyo smiled back. "You should go sleep now Spinel."
Tomoyo was still worried and he could tell. He caressed her head with his face and leaned closer to her body. She blushed at his contact but saw how glad he was with her company. Tomoyo wanted to do more. Without hesitation she leaped off the bed once again but this time she headed to the kitchen downstairs. She turned on the light and searched for a pot. Being small was a big disadvantage for her right now, as Tomoyo lifted the heavy pot out of the cabinet with all her might and placed it on the stove. Leaping onto the switch and starting the fire, she quickly filled the pot with filtered water. Next she searched the cupboard for some herbal tea and found the tea bags she wanted. With her sharp teeth she tore the wrapping apart and placed the tea bag inside a mug. Soon she heard the boiling water and quickly turned the stove off. Carefully she poured some of the hot water into the mug, but accidentally spilled some onto the floor as the pot slipped off her grip and clattered down.
"Ops." Tomoyo whispered, flinching at the loud noise that echoed. "I'll clean it up in the morning."
At least she had her herbal tea finished and ready to be taken upstairs. Slowly Tomoyo placed the mug onto a small tray and stood up on her two legs like a human. Walking was more difficult than she had thought it would be, as Tomoyo swayed here and there, always careful to keep the tray in balance and avoid the tea from spilling. It took her a very long time to reach Eriol's room and when she did she found him sitting up waiting for her worriedly.
"I heard a loud noise. I was going downstairs to help you." Eriol mentioned as Tomoyo gave him a disapproving look for even daring to leave the bed.
"Don't worry." Tomoyo spoke as she headed towards him, still awkwardly walking.
Eriol chuckled before taking the tray from her paws once she was near enough from him. He looked at the mug that was filled half way with herbal tea, the other half was spilled onto the tray. He smiled at the effort. Tomoyo leaped up beside him once again and observed him drink carefully. He then placed the mug on the night table with a smile.
"Please get some rest now." Tomoyo voiced her concern, but saw that he looked less pained.
Eriol nodded his head and then slowly circled Tomoyo into his arms and brought her onto his chest. He smiled and snuggled her, causing her heart to pound wildly against her ribcage. He laid back onto the bed and brought her against his warm chest. Tomoyo still blushing couldn't bring her weak knees to move, but even if she could move Eriol had placed his hand over her body, preventing her from going anywhere else. Tomoyo only smiled, there was actually nothing to complain about. It felt really comfortable and warm where she was right now.
Tomoyo woke up to the sound of rain hitting against the window, making a repetitive sound that echoed in the silent room that afternoon. She sat up comfortably and found herself still lying on Eriol's warm chest. She blushed. Tomoyo thought that by now she would be used to waking up with Eriol always by her side, but her nerves would always follow her heart's fast beating. Her eyes gazed up towards his strong jaw line and his lips. He was handsome even in his sleep. Tomoyo then quickly lift up and started her way towards the edge of the bed. She knew that her face must have warmed up even more as her mind couldn't rid of itself of Eriol's image. She already admitted to herself that she loved him, but confessing the truth as Spinel was not what she wanted. Tomoyo needed to tell him once she was back in her form and most importantly she needed to tell him that she now knew the whole truth. Would he be angry that she had kept this a secret and was lying to him? She was afraid that he would be more than upset.
A hand slowly appeared and picked her from the edge. Tomoyo was pulled away form her thoughts as she quickly gazed to find herself being cradled into Eriol's warm arms. He caressed her head affectionately. Her eyes must have showed concern as he chuckled softly.
"I am fine Spinel. Just a bit tired but nothing to worry about." Eriol explained as Tomoyo nodded her head.
She remembered how she had woken up in the middle of the night to hear him groaning in pain. There was no medicine to heal him from overusing his magical powers. Only a good night sleep was the solution and now seeing Eriol smiling at her was a big relief for Tomoyo, who kept waking up constantly to check on his state.
"Thank you for your concern." spoke Eriol in gratefulness as he brought her closer and brushed his face against her furry head.
Tomoyo unconsciously purred as she blushed to feel his warmth surround her like a blanket.
"Good morning!" Greeted Nakuru cheerfully as she loudly made her entrance into the room carrying a tray with breakfast on it.
She quickly settled the food on the wooden desk before heading towards them with a bright smile.
"Eriol, Eriol, Eriol!" She started and made Tomoyo laugh at her excitement.
"What is it this time Nakuru." Eriol replied with a knowing chuckle at her antics.
"I got invited out on a date! May I go?" Nakuru spoke fast with her eyes sparkling bright.
"A date?" Tomoyo asked curiously.
"Yes Suppi! I have a date with one of my classmates. He is the president of the student council." Nakuru explained. "He called me earlier today telling me if he could met me up this late afternoon."
"Oh this sounds nice!" Tomoyo replied happy that Nakuru was also enjoying her high school life and might potentially have a boyfriend.
"Well can I go?" Nakuru then asked pleadingly.
Eriol chuckled amused. "Since when did you ever ask me permission to do anything?"
"True, but I don't want to leave you in this condition." Nakuru explained feeling a bit guilty that her master was weak because of yesterday's mission.
"Don't be silly Nakuru. Go ahead and have fun." Eriol replied and thankful for her concern. "Is that why you brought me breakfast in bed?"
Nakuru sheepishly smiled. "Yes. Plus I cleaned the mess in the kitchen. Although I don't know who did it, I got the feeling that I might have sleepwalked and done something!"
Tomoyo laughed and Eriol chuckled. "Don't worry Na-chan, it wasn't you. It was me." Tomoyo confessed.
"You sleepwalk Suppi?" Nakuru inquired with surprised eyes. "That is wonderful!" She then exclaimed as her eyes glowed in mischief.
Tomoyo had a feeling that Nakuru was looking forward in teasing her about her sleepwalking. "Sorry Na-chan but I was fully awake." Tomoyo grinned back, bursting Nakuru's bubble.
"Oh well." Nakuru shrugged defeated.
Tomoyo then eyed the food and knew that what Nakuru had made wasn't breakfast. There were rice balls, sausages, eggs, broccoli, miso soup, sushi roll, and mashed potato. "That looks like food you would take in a lunch box. Were you making lunch for your date Na-chan?" Tomoyo voiced her thoughts as she teased Nakuru.
Nakuru looked down shyly as she played with her hands. "Well you know. I wanted to impress him, since I have improved on my cooking skills recently. I also made extra so you can enjoy it too."
Eriol chuckled. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Now go on ahead Nakuru. Have fun."
She looked up with a bright smile. "Well I'll see you later then. Bye bye and enjoy the food." In a second Nakuru had dashed out of the door excitedly as she cheered happily down the corridor.
"Well I guess that just leaves you and me." Eriol spoke as Tomoyo gazed away from the door towards Eriol's handsome face.
She blushed. Clearly there was no possibility for intimacy, but the fact that she was with him alone already made her very nervous. Eriol carefully got out of bed, feeling much better and refreshed. He then started to unbutton his shirt off, startling Tomoyo as she covered her eyes with her long ears and quickly looked away.
"What are you doing?" She demanded feeling embarrassed.
"I am fine Spinel. Don't worry, my conditions aren't that bad." Eriol replied as he walked towards his closet in search of some clothes.
That wasn't what Tomoyo meant when she asked, but she let is slip knowing that Spinel would never act in such manners. She then dared a peek and what greeted her was Eriol's well shaped body as he picked a shirt from the hanger. Her cheeks instantly warmed up as she saw his muscles flex. Tomoyo cursed him silently for being unconcerned and oblivious to the effects he was having over her. Eriol then put his hands on his waist and was about to pull off his trouser, but Tomoyo was quick enough to cover her eyes again with her ears and dig her head on the blanket. It was too much for her beating heart. She was only able to look up again when she heard his muffled footsteps enter the bathroom and the door closing behind.
Tomoyo sighed in relief and decided to quickly head downstairs before she had any heart attack. She made it safely to the living room. The place was very silent and empty, but it wasn't lonely. Tomoyo smiled, when did she feel so comfortable in a mansion? Tomoyo heard Eriol's footstep down the staircase and went to greet him in the landing. He grabbed his coat from the hanging before kneeling down to face her.
"Do you want to go out for a walk?" Eriol asked.
"What about Na-chan's food?" Tomoyo inquired.
Eriol grinned. "Lets just save it for later."
Tomoyo laughed. Although the rain had not stopped, Tomoyo nodded her head in agreement, and Eriol stretched his hand out. She looked at him confused as she stepped forward. He carefully picked her up and placed her inside his jacket, but leaving an opening in the top where she rested her head. Tomoyo blushed, as her heart raced. Was this how Spinel usually traveled with Eriol? Well it made sense, since she was a feline creature and would look very strange if she walked beside him. Although she could pretend to be his domestic cat, but Eriol would never allow such a thing.
"Normally you would sit on my shoulders." Eriol spoke, answering her unspoken question. "But since it's raining outside, I would like to keep you warm and safe. You don't mind, do you Spinel?"
Tomoyo wanted to say that she minded and that she was feeling very embarrassed and shy, but this would not be what Spinel would have said. So she obediently nodded her head and kept still inside the jacket as Eriol opened the door. He held the umbrella close as they headed out the front gates and into the street. Tomoyo was very silent as she was trying to calm herself down. It was hard for her to enjoy the surrounding when she felt Eriol's warm chest against her feline body and his breath caressing her head gently. She could feel and hear his heart beat and wondered if he felt her heart racing.
"Spinel?" Eriol asked.
Tomoyo quickly gazed up at his grinning face. "Are you alright? I have been calling your name for a while."
She blushed and quickly came up with an excuse. "I just was fascinated by those cherry blossoms trees."
He smiled before asking once again. "There is a nice coffee shop over there. Care to go inside?"
"Yes of course." Tomoyo replied rather too quickly, hoping that she could get out of the jacket.
Eriol nodded his head and entered the quite coffee shop that was nearly empty today. He opened his jacket and slowly set Tomoyo on his shoulder. She was very thankful to be out and she stayed very still on Eriol's shoulder as he whispered.
"Please pretend to be a plush toy for a while. They don't allow pets in here."
She understood and followed his order as Eriol asked for a cappuccino and paid the flirtatious cashier who was eyeing Eriol appreciatively. She even offered a free cupcake, but to her dismay Eriol had not shown any sign of interest as he left the front counter to find a comfortable armchair in the corner of the shop near a window. He settled the cupcake and his drink on the table before placing Tomoyo onto his lap. Tomoyo smiled as he strategically fed her some cupcake without anyone noticing his movement, and occasionally he managed to give her a sip of his cappuccino.
"Eriol." Asked a very sweet voice from behind.
Tomoyo knew who that voice belonged to as the girl came into view with her bright smile. Her emerald eyes glowed with happiness and her brown hair framed her delicate face. Sakura waved at Eriol as she stood in front of him. Tomoyo quickly sat still knowing that she needed to pretend to be a toy. It was strange that she was hiding from her best friend instead of running towards her in joy. She would have been glad to have revealed Eriol's secret and stay by Sakura's side a few weeks ago, but right now these thoughts were impossible and the opposite of what she really wanted. Tomoyo more than anything hoped that Sakura would not sense that she was actually her best friend and find out about Eriol's mission. She wanted to aid Eriol instead of aiding Sakura, which for a moment shocked her, but she knew the reason why.
"Sakura what a pleasant surprise." Eriol greeted with his own bright smile. "Care to join me?" He asked.
Sakura nodded her head. "Let me order a drink first and I'll join you soon." Sakura replied as she quickly went to the counter.
Tomoyo looked up at Eriol who gazed back a bit concerned at her. "Will it be hard for you?"
She smiled and then shook her head. "It'll be alright, besides I haven't seen Sakura for a while, its nice knowing she is well." Tomoyo admitted.
Sakura soon came back with her drink and a slice of cake. She took a seat opposite Eriol and settled down comfortably before taking a bite of her food. Her emerald eyes then spotted Tomoyo, who sensed her gaze upon her. She nervously sat there quietly. She saw Sakura smile and point towards Tomoyo curiously.
"Is that yours?" Sakura asked. "It's really cute. Looks like Kero in a way." She then suddenly realized what she had said and immediately clammed her mouth close.
Eriol chuckled. "Yes this is mine." He spoke as Eriol's hand affectionately caressed Tomoyo's head making her blush not because of the contact but because of the innuendo of his words.
Sakura gazed at Tomoyo for a second longer before tilting her head and shrugging. Her gaze then was directed to Eriol and she proceeded to ask. "How is your summer so far? You look different somehow."
Eriol looked at her curiously. "Different? In what way?"
Sakura smiled and pointed at his lips. "You are smiling more often and your eyes are glowing."
"Is that so." He thought amusedly. "My summer has been very interesting and unexpected." Eriol admitted. "More fun than I imagined it would be."
Tomoyo inwardly smiled, very glad to know that he was enjoying his vacation and knowing that he was happy with them.
"How have you been?" Eriol in turn asked. "Any special plans with Syaoran?"
Eriol knowingly chuckled as he saw Sakura softly blush. "It has been great! Syaoran will take me to the amusement park tomorrow, when it is not raining."
Eriol looked out the window and saw the rain still pouring. "Yes, a very unfortunate weather." But he didn't sound sadden.
"I just wished Tomoyo could be here for this summer." Sakura spoke as she took a sip of her drink.
Tomoyo warmed up. Sakura was always very sweet. It was nice to know that she was being missed.
"She must be enjoying the hot sun with her mother in Hawaii." Eriol spoke as his eyes sparkled in mischief, making Tomoyo wonder why he looked like he wanted to grin.
"How do you know Tomoyo is in Hawaii?" Sakura asked curiously surprised, also voicing Tomoyo's thoughts.
Eriol chuckled. "Did she not mention to the class on the last day of school." Tomoyo did not recall telling everyone except Sakura, Syaoran, and some of her close friends.
Sakura nodded her head smiling sheepishly. "Yes, I guess you are right, must have forgotten. Even though I miss her now, I am glad she had some free time with her mother."
Tomoyo felt guilty as she realized what she was missing. The real Spinel was with her mother. She was looking forward to having this vacation for a very long time now and in the end it did not happen. Tomoyo was still in Tomoeda, although she did not regret turning into Spinel, she wished she could see her mother. Eriol sensed her sadness and softly caressed her head gently. Tomoyo smiled at his concern, but she managed to cheer herself up because her summer was not entirely bad. She was actually very happy that she had the chance to know the real Eriol. Tomoyo had found out more than she had bargained for and even found herself loving someone again. Tomoyo knew that this once in a life time accident had only brought great surprises that made her grateful.
Sakura and Eriol ended up chatting for more than an hour before Sakura realized she was late for an appointment she had with Syaoran. She blushed feeling embarrassed and left with a bright smile as she headed out the door waving back. Sakura was glad to see Eriol feeling more cheerful than usual, even though she didn't know the real reason why, she concluded that it was because of summer.
Eriol tucked Tomoyo once again inside his jacket before venturing outside in the rain with the umbrella. She felt safe and warm next to him. Tomoyo observed how calm he looked while walking under the pouring rain. He was a big contrast from the weather, making her feel like it was bright and sunny and cloudless outside. He softly hummed a tune while they walked and Tomoyo found herself wondering where she had heard that familiar tune.
"That song." Tomoyo voiced her thoughts. "I've heard it before."
"Have you?" Eriol asked a bit curious as he looked down at Tomoyo with glowing eyes. "It's one of my favorites."
She blushed at his charming smile. "Yes. I think I have heard it."
Tomoyo suddenly recalled what song it was. It was the same tune from the song she had rehearsed over and over again after school in the music room. This song was her final presentation for the school festival. It was one of her favorite songs as well, but she wouldn't have guessed that Eriol would enjoy it as much as she did. She closed her eyes and hummed the tune, clearly remembering the time and effort she had put in her performance.
"I didn't know you would like such a simple unknown song." Tomoyo spoke as she opened her eyes and gazed at him curiously at his taste. She would imagine him preferring and listening to classical music instead.
Eriol grinned. "There is always a first time." He then softly smiled. "To tell you the truth I only fell in love with the song because of the singer whose voice was mesmerizing."
Tomoyo's eyes widen in surprise to his confession. "You mean at the school festival?" She inquired.
Eriol's smile broaden. "Yes. You should have heard it. I was enchanted."
Tomoyo blushed and felt her cheeks warm up at his compliment. She had always heard people praise her for her singing skills, but his words somehow meant a lot to her, especially when his eyes glowed with such sincerity. Tomoyo looked away shyly and kept her focus on the ground.
Eriol chuckled, "Keep it a secret, won't you?"
Tomoyo nodded her head, afraid to look up to his intense gaze. Eriol then resumed his humming which managed to calm her nerves down and made her relax. Curiosity suddenly aroused in her as a question popped into her head. Tomoyo looked up and dared to ask, as she began to feel nervous.
"What do you think of Tomoyo Daidoujii?"
Eriol looked back down curiously at her, and she knew her cheeks were bright red, but she tried to pretend she was Spinel. A very curious Spinel that had nothing related to Tomoyo and just happened to be asking a simple question to her master. Eriol mused and then smiled back.
"She is a lovely girl." He simply stated.
Tomoyo only stared back waiting for him to continue, but he began to hum the song once again, leaving her very curious and unsatisfied. Looking back down, Tomoyo decided not to be persistent, although it was difficult to keep her mind from wanting to question him further. For now Tomoyo had to be satisfied with that simple answer. She really couldn't blame Eriol for not elaborating. Since the beginning Eriol was never a close friend of hers but just another classmate in Tomoeda High. It was a pity that they never got to create a strong bond, but this all changed since the day she became Spinel. Tomoyo could only smile at the fond memories they had created together. For now, his answer was enough.
"Eriol!" Called Nakuru as she happened to come from the opposite direction. She waved cheerfully and reached them.
Tomoyo looked at her curiously, wondering why she was standing before them alone and not with her date. "Weren't you suppose to met someone?"
Nakuru shrugged and sighed. "I just couldn't accept his love."
"How so?" Eriol asked as they watched Nakuru's eyes glitter.
"Because I can't just leave poor Touya Kinomoto alone." Nakuru stated matter-of-factly.
Tomoyo burst out laughing as she recalled how persistent she had seen Nakuru chase Touya during break and lunch time. It was comical to watch the brunette girl run around and jumping on Touya to grab his attention. Nakuru without fail would be wherever Touya happened to be. She seemed not to care what Touya actually felt towards her.
"Why are you laughing Spinel?" Nakuru demanded as she pinched Tomoyo's cheek.
"Nothing Na-chan." Tomoyo cried as she tried to release her face from her grip.
Nakuru proceeded to take Spinel away from Eriol's jacket, but what happened next surprised both girls as Eriol suddenly snatched Tomoyo away from Nakuru's grip and protectively held her in his arms. Nakuru blinked several times as she stared at her master in surprise. Eriol grinned and started to run. Nakuru gazed at him before smiling and chasing after them.
"Come back here! I am not done with Suppi!" Nakuru called laughing, "Eriol you can't take Suppi's side! You are always suppose to be neutral!"
Eriol and Tomoyo laughed as they dashed down the street, not caring that the rain was pouring. Eriol had not troubled shielding them with the umbrella as he focused on running, while Nakuru was catching up right behind them. Tomoyo gazed up and smiled to see Eriol act like a small child and in this moment she stretched up and licked the closest part of his face to her, which was his chin. Surprised he gazed down and his eyes turned soft. Tomoyo felt her heart beat faster and before she could look away, Eriol leaned down and kissed the top of her head.
"Caught you!" Nakuru called in triumphal, as she grabbed Eriol by the shoulder and stopped him from running any further.
Tomoyo broke off from her daze as Eriol looked toward Nakuru and laughed. The rain and wind made Nakuru seem like a ghost as her hair was covering half of her face in a disheveled state. Tomoyo began to laugh as well as Nakuru quickly took a mirror from inside her purse. She stared at her reflection before bursting out in laughter.
"Oh here we are. Home." Eriol announced as they all looked sideways to see the mansion.
Tomoyo smiled. She had never felt in such ease and comfort. "Home. Let's go inside."
Eriol smiled back at her before opening the gates and walking through with Nakuru following behind singing an obnoxious song that only broaden their smiles.
TBC