Author's Notes: I don't own the song Fall For You by Secondhand Serenade. This would be the last chapter, do enjoy.
Chapter Three: His True Feelings
Tomoyo fixed herself in the mirror for the tenth time. Seeing Eriol again makes her nervous. Be still my fragile heart, she thought, tying her dark hair in a ponytail. She sighed as some tresses fall to the side of her face. Terrific, if only I'm not nervous then my hand won't be this cold. A soft knock came to the door, startling her. "W-Who is it?"
"Ojou-sama, your friends are waiting for you downstairs", Aira, her personal maid said. She looked at the clock on her bedside table. Exactly five o'clock as what Sakura promised.
"Tell them to wait for me in the salon, Aira", Tomoyo instructed, looking at the mirror for the last time. "Tell them I'm coming down".
"Hai, Ojou-sama", Aira said and heard her footsteps as she left. Tomoyo couldn't describe her feelings right then and there. She was nervous, nervous to see him again.
Everything would be okay, she thought as she left her room. For three years, still my feelings for him didn't vanish. She wondered if Eriol had a girlfriend already. A wry smile was on her face. If that is the case, how could she handle the pain?
~*~*~*~*~
Sakura was telling Syaoran and Eriol that she was exited about their performance tomorrow when the door opened. Tomoyo Daidouji peek inside the room and smiled when she saw the three. "Long time no see", Tomoyo said as she closed the doors. Sakura was almost near to tears.
"T-Tomoyo-san!" Sakura exclaimed as she hugged her best friend slash second degree cousin immediately. Tomoyo gave a slight laugh.
"I miss you dear cousin", she said softly. Sakura was still not letting her go as Syaoran and Eriol stood up.
"Now Sakura, you better released Tomoyo before she would be choke to death", Syaoran reminded and shook his head. Sakura released Tomoyo and looked at her boyfriend.
"You're mean Syao. You would feel how I feel when your best friend and cousin left and is back after three years!" Syaoran held his hand up in surrender.
"Believe me I missed Meilin now that I've studied here in Japan", he said softly. Tomoyo shook her head at the scene. Still the old Sakura and Syaoran. Syaoran went to Tomoyo and gave a kiss on the cheek. "Welcome back Tomoyo".
"It's good to be back Syaoran", was all she could say. Her eyes turned to Eriol immediately. He hasn't changed too. Still handsome as always. The guy who have captured her heart for three years. "Hi Eriol-kun", she said softly, too softly. As if only the two of them are in the salon. Eriol nodded as he went near her, took her hand and kissed it. A faint blush crept to her cheeks. As always, he has this effect on her.
"It's nice to see you again, Tomoyo-san", Eriol said, looking at her and smiled. She smiled back at him.
"Right. So shall we sit down?" Tomoyo said as she extends her hand indicating the chairs. She sat down right next to Sakura. "Now that I'm back, what's new?" she asked, looking at Sakura. She looked at Sakura instead since Eriol was sitting across from her. She was still nervous.
"Tomorrow is the Sakura Festival and at five o'clock tomorrow, Eriol, Syaoran, and Yamazaki are gonna perform! In short Eriol's gonna sing a song! But they're just going to perform in school. There are no classes in the afternoon because of the activities." Eriol almost sputtered the tea that he was drinking when he grabbed the table napkin and wiped his mouth. Tomoyo's amethyst eyes looked at him.
"Y-You are going to sing tomorrow? You never told me in your mails that you had formed a band already! Eriol-kun your cruel", Tomoyo said, a naughty look was on her face. When Tomoyo left, she and Eriol mailed everyday but Eriol never told her through mail how he really feels about her.
"I was about to tell you but I didn't expect Sakura would told you in advance", he replied, as he lean back on the chair. "I'm not a good singer, mind you".
"Like hell Eriol, you have so many fan girls throwing at your feet whenever you sing", Syaoran added. Eriol tried his best not to blush.
"Oh really?" Tomoyo said eyeing him, an evil smile playing on her lips. To save his face, Eriol just rolled his eyes.
"Oh please, heaven help me", was all the Londoner could say. He heard the three laughs on what he said. He hid a smile when he saw Tomoyo laugh. It's been a while that I hear her laugh. Like an angel. Then her eyes met his at that instant. He was somewhat frozen.
"I'll be there to see their performance tomorrow", Tomoyo replied with a smile. "So do your best, okay?"
"R-Right, we'll do our best", Eriol replied. What the heck, he was acting like a high school boy in love for the first time. I can't help it; I am in love with her. Then he noticed her eyes turned to Syaoran.
"Ganbatte also, Syaoran-kun".
"I'll do my best Tomoyo-san, arigatou", Syaoran replied. Lucky for Syaoran he could act normal towards her. Of course, his cute descendant is in love with the Card Mistress after all and he is not in love with Tomoyo.
Unlike me, Eriol thought, drinking his tea the second time. I wonder when is the right time to tell her.
"We won't stay long, right Syaoran?" Sakura said as she looked at her boyfriend with a smile. Syaoran looked at her like "Are we leaving?" then as if he got the picture, he nodded absentmindedly.
"R-Right, we are leaving. I have to take Sakura home. She has her curfew actually. Don't want her Otousan to get angry", Syaoran said as the two stood up.
"Neh, you are leaving? I thought you were staying for a long time!" Tomoyo said standing up also. Eriol also stood up, approving on what Tomoyo said.
"She's right my dear Sakura. I thought that we were staying longer for a while since Tomoyo just got back", Eriol added.
"We've got appointments Eriol-kun". Sakura turned to her cousin. "Gomen, Tomoyo-san. I'll make it up to you, okay?" she added, her hands in a prayer position. Tomoyo just shook her head.
"All right. Do take care you two", was all she could say. Sakura went to her and hug her for the last time.
"Thanks dear cousin".
"You are always welcome", was all the raven haired lass could say. Sakura's emerald eyes turned to Eriol.
"See you tomorrow then Eriol-kun. Bye to both of you", Sakura added, holding Syaoran's hand.
"Sayonara", the two said in unison. The two looked at each other then shyly looked away. After a moment's pause and realizing that Sakura and Syaoran had left, Tomoyo cleared her throat before speaking. "I-I think I'll go and get some cakes". When she was about to leave, Eriol was quick enough to grab her hand. "H-Huh?" A smile was formed on his lips as she turned around to face him.
"I guess I should be thankful that Sakura and Syaoran left for I want to spend this moment with you…just for a while", Eriol began. He freed her hand as Tomoyo slowly went to him and hug him. Dumbfounded for a while, his arms went around her waist, bringing her close.
"I miss you…"she said shyly, her voice almost fading but still he could hear her. He smiled when she said that.
"I miss you too. So much, in fact". He was wondering if this is the right time to tell her how he feels. But when she looked at him with that smile again he forgot what he wanted to tell her.
"I'm glad. Three years is such a long time", Tomoyo added, looking at him. Eriol nodded to what she said. He lifted her chin and said, "I've waited for this day to come".
"H-Huh? What-"before she could finish what she wanted to say his lips fell on hers. Demanding, urging, exploring. Pouring out his feelings through this kiss, how he missed her so bad. For three years. Three years of longing for her.
I guess my confession could wait until tomorrow, Eriol thought as he realized that Tomoyo's arms were around this neck. For now, I want to enjoy this moment. His arms on his waist, pulling her closer, wanting to feel her, wanted to know that this is not a dream. Please tell me this is real. I don't ever want to wake up. He was lost in a kiss. His confession to her already forgotten.
~*~*~*~*~
Tomoyo visited their school the next day. She saw the stage where Eriol, Syaoran, and Yamazaki would perform. Many people, especially girls, were waiting for the three to perform. Leaning on the tree, she recalled how he kissed her yesterday. As if he was telling her something through that kiss. He couldn't be in love with me right? I mean, I know he would never be in love with me. A sigh escaped from her as she absently touched her lips. Does this mean I just let him kiss me for kicks? Before she could argue with herself she heard Sakura's voice. "There you are Tomoyo!" she looked at Sakura and smiled.
"Sakura, you're here at last. Can't wait to see them perform", Tomoyo said as she saw Eriol, Syaoran, and Yamazaki come up on stage.
"Actually we left earlier yesterday because I want the two of you could spend time together", the Card Mistress said. Tomoyo stiffened to what she said and turned to her cousin.
"Hontou ni?" her cousin just nodded.
"Did Eriol-kun say something to you?" the raven haired shook her head in dismay. "Something important?" another shook of her cousin's head.
"He just…well…"Tomoyo's cheeks flushed recalling their shared kiss. But before she could tell Sakura an excuse, Eriol announced something.
"It's the Sakura Festival after all. I hope you guys are enjoying yourselves". The girls go wild as Eriol spoke. Tomoyo laugh when she saw their reaction.
"No wonder the girls love him".
"Told you", Sakura said with a wink.
"Anyway, we hope that you'll love this song that we're going to sing right now. This song is dedicated to the girl that I've been waiting for so long, for three years". Girls were whispering already, wondering who that girl is. Tomoyo was somewhat dumbfounded and Sakura hid a smile. "Hope through this song she'll realize how much I love her". His fingers began to play the piano as he sang the song that they've been practicing for a while.
Best thing about tonight's that we're not fighting
Could it be that we have been this way before
I know you don't think that I am trying
I know you're wearing thin down to the core
But hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again, don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
You're impossible to find
~*~*~*~*~
It was their graduation ball and a few days from now Tomoyo's gonna leave Japan. She excused herself to Sakura that she'll be going out in the garden to get some fresh air. She sighed heavily when she reached the gardens. She couldn't believe she'll leave Japan…leave her friends…leave him. She shook her head mentally as if forgetting the pain. "You are not enjoying". Turning around, she saw Eriol, a wry smile on her face.
"Of course I am", she replied but Eriol knew her to well that he let it passed this time. She was so beautiful. Wearing an off shoulder purple gown, the gown clung to her body in perfection. Her hair was hung lose and a purple head band she wore on her head. The moon's light shining down on her. He never saw such beauty before and she was really beautiful especially tonight. He went to her and bowed down.
"Since you are leaving, mind if I have this dance my lady?" Eriol asked. The music could be heard from the inside and Tomoyo gave a slight laugh.
"I'm sorry my lord but I'm not good on the subject called dancing". He took her hand, his other hand on her waist. "E-Eriol-kun matte-"
"Then I have to teach you then", he replied with a teasing smile. "You'll see that I teach very well". She returned his teasing smile.
"As you wish maestro". And he danced with her, savoring the moment. Never forgetting this night that he was dancing with an angel. An angel he has learned to love but still couldn't tell her how he feels.
~*~*~*~*~
This is not what I intended
I always swore to you I'd never fall apart
You always thought that I was stronger
I may have failed but I have loved you from the start
Oh, but hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again, don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day, I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
It's impossible
~*~*~*~*~
Tomoyo was leaving that day. Her bodyguards were waiting for her, carrying her bags. Sakura was crying so bad that Tomoyo doesn't know what to do. "I'll be back someday Sakura-san", Tomoyo said gently.
"D-Demo…it would be a long time Tomoyo", Sakura replied. Her cousin sighed.
"I promise you, I'll be back". Sakura looked at her, hope in her eyes.
"You keep that promise?" Tomoyo gave a slight laugh.
"You know I do, dear cousin".
"Ojou-sama, the plane will leave in ten minutes", her bodyguard Ai reminded. Tomoyo looked at Ai and smiled.
"I'm coming Ai". She looked at the entrance at the airport hoping that he would come. "Guess I'm hoping too much", she thought. She looked at Sakura and Syaoran and gave a wry smile. "I'm leaving now".
"You are not going to wait for Eriol?" Syaoran asked. Tomoyo shook her head sadly. "Tomoyo-"
"Tell him to take care always. And may he find the right girl someday", she said with a wink. She hugged Sakura and Syaoran and turned away from them. Just when she was a little bit far from the two, someone grabbed her hand. "H-Huh?" she turned and the person pulled her in an embrace. She was somewhat shock. Eriol was here. She could hear his ragged breathing in her ear. "E-Eriol-kun…"
"I-I just want to say…"he released her and looked intently in her eyes. "That I'm going to wait for you. When you get back I want to tell you something". A smile formed at her lips as she touched his face. He savors the moment of her gentle touch. "Tomoyo…"
"I'll wait for that day then". She kissed his cheek and whispered to his ear. "Till then…Eriol Hiiragizawa". She turned away quickly, not wanting him to see her tears. She knew he could never love him like the way she did.
~*~*~*~*~
So breathe in so deep
Breathe me in I'm yours to keep
And hold onto your words cause talk is cheap
And remember me tonight when you're asleep
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again, don't make me change my mind
For I won't live to see another day, I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
Tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again, don't make me change my mind
For I won't live to see another day, I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find,
You're impossible to find…
~*~*~*~*~
The crowd cheered after Eriol sang the song. "Thank you for listening. Do enjoy the Sakura Festival", he began. Syaoran and Yamazaki gave him a high five. "Thanks guys", he added as they went down the stage.
"It was a nice song you chose Eriol. The crowd did go wild", Yamazaki began.
"You mean the girls go wild", Syaoran corrected. Eriol gave a slight laugh. "Anyways, see you around Yamazaki. Eriol and I will go to where Sakura and Tomoyo are", he added. Yamazaki was shocked.
"Tomoyo's here?" the two nodded. "You didn't tell me!"
"I think she won't leave…just yet", Eriol replied. Not until I tell her how I feel.
"Give my regards to her. I have a date with Chiharu. See you around guys", Yamazaki said with a wave.
"See you Yamazaki", the two said in unison as they went to where the girls are.
"Another band is performing", is what they've heard from Sakura. "I didn't know that".
"I think there are five bands that will perform today", Syaoran said as Sakura and Tomoyo turned to look at him. "Hi". His girlfriend hugged him. "Whoa!"
"You were great back there", she whispered in his ear. He had an evil smile on his lips.
"Thanks, so does Eriol. He was the one singing the song anyway", he added. Tomoyo wanted to tell Eriol that she liked their performance but was too shy to ask because of what he announced back there.
"So shall we go to the festival?" Sakura asked as she looked at Eriol and Tomoyo.
"Hai", the two said in unison. Eriol looked away, scratching his cheek, as Tomoyo cleared her throat and looked the other way. Their faces were flushed. Sakura and Syaoran gave a slight laugh. "Then let's go".
~*~*~*~*~
They arrived at the shrine as they saw many stalls. Sakura's eyes looked to every food stalls. "I wanna try all the food!" Sakura exclaimed. Her eyes turned to Tomoyo and Eriol. "Excuse us for a while you two, but Syaoran and I will go food hunting".
"Food hunting?" Syaoran asked, somewhat dazed. But he was already dragged by his girlfriend. Tomoyo gave a slight laugh.
"Those two…"she left her sentence hanging as Eriol dragged her hand and started walking. "W-Where are we going Eriol-kun?"
"Some place private", he replied. Her cheeks reddened. "Don't worry you'll like this place. You'll see". She just let him dragged to that place where he would take her.
~*~*~*~*~
She was somewhat shocked when he brought her to the lake. "Kirei neh", Tomoyo said softly, looking at the moon.
"Hai. Kirei", he replied then told her what he really wanted to tell her. "Tomoyo about what I said a while ago…"she slowly faced him, her eyes smiling. "I wanted to tell you three years ago that I've loved you but I don't want you to be bothered by my feelings. I was waiting for you to return and tell it to you when you get back".
"I remember what you told me in the airport that you were going to tell me something when I get back", she said as she slowly went to him. "You wanted to tell me how you feel", she added, a teasing smile on her lips.
"W-Well, I'm not really good at expressing how I feel that's why I let it out in a kiss", he admitted, cheeks flushed. Tomoyo gave a slight laugh.
"I thought it was just for kicks". Eriol looked at her like I-don't-believe-you-look. "W-Well I really thought it was that".
"I would never do that, if you want to know. How did that enter your mind for heaven's sake?" she shrugged as she was playing with her hair.
"Probably because you never told me why you always kiss me", she replied. He lifted her chin using his thumb.
"I would never do that". A blush crept to her cheeks because he was close. "I can understand if you couldn't love me like you did three years ago". She chuckled on what he said. "N-Nani?"
"Did you really think that I'll stop loving you even if I transferred to another place?" she asked, her hands on his collar. "You're wrong Eriol Hiiragizawa. I still feel the same way towards you after three years. I-love-you". A smile formed on his lips when he heard that from her.
"I love you so much Tomoyo Daidouji", he said gently. He bends over, kissing her softly. Finally he had told her how he feels as fireflies surrounded them in the dark. He knew he had found the girl he could share his love with…forever.
End
Author's Notes: Sorry if this chapter is long. I couldn't help it. It had to be long. Don't want to write until chapter four. I need to finish my To Be With You story. Waaaa….till then guys. Thank you for reading First Kiss, Last Hug. Hope the ending was okay. XD