Chapter 16: Truly Magical

Tomoyo and Sakura are again talking over the phone going over the events that happened at school today.

"I think Naoko's starting her own novel. She's always with her laptop and refused to be bothered by anyone."

"I'm so happy for Rika! She's now the official photographer of the school paper."

"Well, considering that she takes pictures of every little event at school, its just suitable, I think."

"Don't you notice that Chiharu and Yamazaki are both acting weird around each other? They're not fighting as much as before?"

"Maybe one of them confessed their feelings. Remember the way you were before with Syaoran?"

After they exhausted every possible topic about school today, Tomoyo asked Sakura "What do you think I can give Mother for her birthday?"

"Aunt Sonomi isn't exactly the easiest person to buy a gift. I think I'm going to make a scrapbook for her."

"Scrapbook?"

"Containing pictures of her and Mother while they were still are our age. You do know that Mother is very dear to her."

"That's nice Sakura. But what can I give her?"

"You can sing for her, you know," Sakura answered.

"But I've done that a lot of times already. I want to do something different."

"But your mother really loves it when you sing. I think it wouldn't matter to her if you've done it a thousand times."

"You're right Sakura," Tomoyo relented.

"You might consider asking Eriol to accompany you," Sakura suggested.

"Why?" Tomoyo asked, confused.

"Remember that time during elementary when he played the piano while you sang?"

"Yes, I also remember that on the same afternoon, I was chased by a piano," Tomoyo commented.

"Aside from that, that afternoon, seeing the two of you making music together is something I would always remember. That moment is truly magical," Sakura said softly.

Tomoyo doesn't have a response to that.

"Eriol! Can I talk to you for a second?" Tomoyo glanced apologetically to his teammates. Eriol excused himself from his friends.

"What's the matter Tomoyo?" Eriol asked, once they were out of earshot.

"Sakura have this crazy idea," Tomoyo started.

"Which is?" Eriol prodded her to continue.

"I'm thinking that I will sing for Mother on her birthday, as a gift, you see. Sakura suggested that I ask you to accompany me with the piano. Can you?" Tomoyo asked.

Eriol was quiet for a long time, thinking about it. "I'll be delighted," he finally answered.

Tomoyo let out a breath she didn't realized she was holding. "Thank you. It really means a lot to me."

"I know. That's why I agreed." Eriol said, his expression unreadable. Then he smiled, the easygoing smile. Her favourite smile.

And she smiled back at him.

Tomoyo was being stared at. Not to mention, it makes her really uncomfortable. Finally, breaking the silence that reigns in the room, she spoke, "Spinel Sun, if you really don't mind my saying, it makes me really uncomfortable being stared at for almost," looking at her watch, "three minutes now."

"My apologies, Miss Daidouji," Spinel said lazily. "I'm merely observing that you've changed over the years. You even became blunt," he said pointedly. "I'm going to look what's taking Master long," he said, and left the room.

Eriol suggested that she come over for them to choose a song. Tomoyo looked around the room. Nothing much changed. It's the same as it has been last time she was here. The day Eriol left. Alone in her memories, she began to remember that day.

She was already at the door, about to leave when Eriol came up behind her.

"Daidouji," he called her.

She motioned to Sakura and Syaoran to go without her. It might get them talking, she thought.

"Yes, Eriol?" She asked, curious. She wasn't really friends with Eriol, truth to tell, which is why she can't understand what would he want to say to her.

"I…" Eriol began.

Tomoyo was just silent. Maybe he also wants to give Sakura and Syaoran time alone that's why he detained her. But why does Hiiragizawa looked nervous? .

"I love.. chocolate cake," he suddenly blurted.

Tomoyo laughed. Can't Eriol think of anything better to say? He could just easily say that she should just give Sakura and Li time alone, she understand that. "I love it too. I'm sorry, but I really have to leave Hiiragizawa. Have a safe trip," Tomoyo said simply.

"Take care of Sakura and of yourself. Goodbye Tomoyo," his voice so soft, she can barely make out the words.

She just nodded and left.

Unknown to her, a pair of silver eyes were watching this exchange.

Eriol was in the kitchen, also remembering that day.

"She already left. You can now show yourself, Yue." Eriol said.

Absolutely unembarrassed by being caught eavesdropping, "You lost your chance."

"My chance?"

"The chance you could easily said to my Mistress' best friend your feelings," Yue observed.

"My feelings are none of your concerns," Eriol retorted.

"Maybe. But I'd wager my powers, that you'll come back here in Tomoeda," Yue said, his expression serious.

"Of course, I'll come back. I'll still visit Sakura."

"That will be your excuse. But we both know that you will be coming back for her. For the chabce you just lost."

At that time, Eriol couldn't voice his denial.

"Master, your visitor is still waiting in the room," Spinel Sun reminded him, breaking his reverie, then promptly left the room.

"I believe you are right," carrying out the tray with the tea and pastries, "Yue."

Don't you think that Sakura was trying to be Little Miss MatchMaker? (grins) Did you understand the last part? What Eriol was referring was his talk with Yue. And that's how Tomoyo knew that Eriol loves chocolate cake (previous chapter). Because Tomoyo and Eriol will spend a lot of time practicing, they will spend a lot of time together. We all know what Eriol feels about Tomoyo, but what about Tomoyo?

Please read and review. It's actually my birthday today. Please help me reach 100 reviews. Or more. It will be a real nice birthday gift. Thanks!