Fourth chapter, fourth chapter…lah lih lah lih lah… :-) This one is dedicated to boredjl, love you dude:) People, I need help. I think I'm doing a lousy job here… no one wants to read my story BOO HOO… anyway here's chapter 4: Close to you…by me!

BTW, italic words mean either thoughts or flashbacks.

Disclaimer: still not mine, so would you people get off my back?

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Small recap:

Eriol sat at the edge of Tomoyo's bed and gazed at her sleeping form. He pulled her purple comforter up to her chin. He simply stood there for several minutes, then kissed her forehead, and murmured "Goodnight, Daidouji-san."

Eriol turned to exit the room, when he heard a low, sleepy murmur. "Goodnight, Hiirigizawa-kun."

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Sunrise.

For many, it was one of the most beautiful scenery one can behold, as the breaking of a new day is truly breathtaking. Who can resist the magic in the slow light brought by the sun spreading through the darkened land? As said, sunrise signifies hope, and love.

But for others, it just signifies another day. Another time where they must battle themselves, and make themselves believe they had a reason for existence in this world.

Thus was the chain of thought of the lone violet haired girl as her brush lovingly spread color on the bare palette in from of her. There was a thin line on her brow as she concentrated, making sure that the colors blend well. How long she had been there she did not know. All she cares about is the breathtaking view in front of her.

She was so deep in thought that she didn't notice the man behind her, a slightly amused smile playing across his lips. He had been watching her ever since she came to paint.

"What a masterpiece, Daidouji-san."

Tomoyo jumped, her brush flew from her hand and it smeared a bright yellow line on the canvas. She closed her eyes, and slowly counted from one to ten. "Don't lose your temper, don't lose your temper, don't lose your temper…' ha chanted in her head. When she opened her eyes again, the intruder was already at her side, holding out the fallen paint brush with an apologetic smile. "Ohayo gozaimasu, Hiriigizawa-kun." She said, trying to smile back as she took the paintbrush from him.

"I startled you. I'm sorry."

"It's nothing." Tomoyo said, and tried to blot the paint. It made the matters much worse. She sighed, and settled down her brush. "Darn it, it's ruined. Oh well, I'll just start again tomorrow. Let's go down stairs and have our breakfast then, ne?" said Tomoyo, as she stood up from her chair and smiled at Eriol.

"Actually, I already set up our breakfast here." Eriol replied, stepping aside to let Tomoyo see the breakfast on the small table. Pancakes, bacon, and eggs were arranged artfully; no doubt Eriol had done them himself. There was also a pitcher of Tomoyo's favorite pineapple and lychee juice, and the table arrangement was very like the ones in La Blanche restaurant. It was complete with a solitary white lily on a crystal vase.

Tomoyo raised an eyebrow but let Eriol lead her to one of the chairs. "You've prepared all of this and I haven't even noticed you? Am I that dense?"

Eriol laughed and settled to his chair. "You were mesmerized in your painting, Daidouji-san." He took his napkin from the plate and settled it on his lap. "I never knew that you paint."

"Well, it was a pretty recent development." Tomoyo said, also setting the napkin on her lap and piled breakfast on her plate. She only realized how hungry she was. Dinner last night seemed ages ago. She felt the intensity of Eriol's stare. Frowning, she looked up. "What?"

"Nothing." Eriol poured juice on both of their glasses. "I hope you like blueberry pancakes. I made them myself."

"Oh, blueberry pancakes are my favorite. These are really good." Tomoyo said, taking a bite and smiling at him. Her eyes grew wide. She was surprised how sincere her praise was. This out leveled her cook's pancakes, yet he was boasted to be one of the best in Japan. "How did you know I'll be painting here?" She asked, slicing her eggs.

"Kiffy." Eriol said shortly, and helped himself to breakfast. "I wanted to do something as a token of my appreciation, and she said that I can find you here, at the rooftop. So…here I am."

Tomoyo smiled once again at her companion but said nothing. 'He went through all this trouble…how sweet…'

They were about to finish breakfast when Eriol suddenly spoke up. "I've been meaning to ask you, why don't you finish your paintings, Daidouji-san?"

Frozen, Tomoyo tried to force out a laugh. "Just how much did Kiffy tell you, eh?" She asked, trying to keep her voice light. She set down her fork and pushed her plate away. Suddenly, she don't feel that hungry anymore.

Eriol glanced thoughtfully at the unfinished painting, an exact epitome of the rising sun. "It wasn't ruined, Daidouji-san. You just didn't want to finish it." He said quietly. "None of your paintings are finished. I saw them at the art room. A pity, they are so beautiful."

Tomoyo sighed and also glanced at the once empty canvas. How many futile attempts did she try to finish a painting? Somehow, no matter how hard she tried, she can't do it. She can't go on. It was visually perfect, but Tomoyo can't feel the emotion on the painting. Just like her songs. Nowadays whenever she tries to sing, she can't feel the true meaning of the song. Unlike then. She stole a look at Eriol, who was gazing at her intently above his intertwined fingers. He too seemed forgot breakfast. 'How can I possibly explain to him how empty I feel? We're like strangers, for heaven's sake!'

"Is this about…Sakura-san?" he asked softly.

Something inside Tomoyo snapped at the mention of her best friend's name. Usually, she can keep her cool even though the others had lost it. But Sakura was a pretty touchy subject for her at the moment.

"Thank you for the lovely breakfast, Hiirigizawa-san. I -"

"I know how it feels, Tomoyo. You can trust me." Eriol said gently, trying to reach for her hand.

"You know nothing about me, Hiriigizawa. If you think that setting up a breakfast for me will make us closer, you thought wrong." Tomoyo stood up; her violet eyes seemed to be blazing with fire as she stared at the guy she was so comfortable with until a minute ago. She threw down her napkin and strode off towards the stairs, her eyes filling with tears. 'How dare he…' she thought angrily, and she wiped her face.

Eriol looked at the departing girl and sighed. 'I know better than you think…Daidouji-san.'

He proceeded to clear their table, sighing to himself.

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"Mademoiselle –"

"Later, Kiffy." Tomoyo said shortly, heading for her room and locking the door behind her. She threw herself on her bed, thinking about Eriol's words.

'Is this about…Sakura-san'

'How can he guess about Sakura?' Tomoyo groaned, ignoring the insistent knocking on the door. 'Am I that obvious?'

Tomoyo closed her eyes, fearing she might cry again. 'No! I won't cry. I told myself I won't cry for Sakura anymore. I need to be strong.' Even as she thought this, she can't stop her eyes tearing. Her eyes fluttered shut.

The knocking on the door became more insistent and loud. Tomoyo tried to muffle the sounds by covering her ears with one of her pillows but still the rapping continued. Angrily, Tomoyo threw herself off her bed and marched to the door. She threw open the door and shouted "I TOLD YOU I –"

Tomoyo stopped short, because it wasn't the freckled face of her maid that greeted her on the doorway, in fact it was a pleasantly smiling face of a boy. Kiffy was at the side, politely bowed with the I-tried-to-warn-you expression all over her face.

The guy was clearly American with his confident air. His deep blue eyes were sparkling, and his blond curly hair seemed worthy of being a commercial model of shampoo. Even his white teeth are perfect.

"Tomoyo, I-"

Tomoyo slammed the door on his face, her heart beating wildly. 'Oh shit.' She ran to the bathroom tearing her clothes off along the way. In 20 minutes flat, Tomoyo was in a black dress, her hair damp but combed neatly and her glasses have no tear stains on them.

'Let's hope Kiffy had the sense to entertain Arthur at the living room.'

She took a deep breath, and then got out of her room. As she descended the stairs to the living room, she met Kiffy at the stairway looking quite pink on the face.

"Kiffy? What…but I thought…where's Arthur?" demanded Tomoyo. Had Arthur lost interest and decided to go? After all, she did slam the door on his face.

Kiffy bowed immediately. "He's in the living room waiting for you, Mademoiselle –" Tomoyo drew a sigh of relief and continued to descend the stairs. "- with Monsieur Eriol." finished Kiffy. Next she heard heavy footsteps thundering down the stairs. Blinking, Kiffy stood up straight and saw Tomoyo ran down in an undignified pace. She shrugged and continued to trek upstairs.

Panting, Tomoyo turned and stopped at the doorway of the living room. She tried to collect her breath, cursing.

The two boys rose at her arrival, one of them looking particularly happy while the other extremely grim and pale.

"Tomoyo! How lovely to see you again!" Arthur exclaimed, striding over to her and handing a single red rose.

Tomoyo smiled and, clutching a stitch at her side, accepted the rose. "Thank you, Arthur." She glanced at Eriol who was still staring at them with the grim expression. "You were not bored while waiting for me?" she asked Arthur, making sure her smile was radiant.

"Oh no, not at all. Waiting was definitely worth it." Arthur ran a glance up and down her body which made Tomoyo shiver. "Besides, Eriol was keeping me company. He already beat me at chess 3 times." Arthur laughed, and Tomoyo tried to smile weakly. Eriol didn't join in but continued to stare at them coolly. "This guy is something else."

"Um…then, shall we go?" Tomoyo asked. She was ready to drag Arthur out of the house. Eriol's stare was definitely creeping her out. Arthur, however, seemed unconscious of the murderous intent of Eriol.

"Oh yes! My parents are waiting for us at the clubhouse. Goodbye, Eriol. We will meet again, and I will definitely beat you at chess by then." Arthur bowed politely at Eriol, which earned him the slightest inclination of head from the pale teenager. Arthur put a hand on Tomoyo's waist and urged her out to the room.

As they came to the Great Hall it was a surprise that Eriol had followed them there. He had now an easy smile on his face. "Let me see you out to the door, Daidouji-san." He already have Tomoyo's coat on his hand.

Tomoyo glared at him for a moment, but held her tounge and slipped in her coat. As she did so, Eriol whispered to her "I'm sorry about a while ago. Be careful with this guy."

Tomoyo was surprised, but felt her anger ebbing away with Eriol's soft words of concern. She instead smiled and waved before stepping inside Arthur's limousine.

The car pulled out of the driveway, and she didn't have to turn back to know that a certain pair of azure eyes haven't left their gaze on her, despite of the heavily tinted windows.

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Around 5:00, Tomoyo came home, feeling exhausted but deeply satisfied with her work.

She didn't bother ringing the doorbell; instead, let herself in with her key. Soft music filled the hall, which Tomoyo found was very relaxing. She tried to make as much small noise as possible, as she didn't want the musician disturbed.

'I haven't played the piano for a long time. I forgot how beautiful it can sing.' She thought, tiptoeing to the Music Hall where the source of music can be found. 'unless Kiffy had incredible talents she have forgot to mention to me, it must be my lonely guest.' A smile crossed her lips. 'Silly guy, he forgot to close the door.' Tomoyo slid inside the room, where Eriol, as she suspected, was playing the piano. Eriol didn't notice Tomoyo come in as his eyes were closed (or so she thought….).

'What beautiful music! Truly, Hiirigizawa-san is a genius at pianos. But…his song…it's beautiful yet so sad…and empty…'

Tomoyo watched Eriol sway along his music, his eyes shut, deep in concentration. Tomoyo also closed her eyes, enjoying the soft rhythm. She felt emotions rising in her, and she fought back tears. 'Why do I seem to keep back tears these past few days?' She thought irritated.

Suddenly, the song was cut abruptly. Tomoyo opened her eyes, surprised. Eriol was no longer playing, but smiling at her. "You're back." It was not a question.

Tomoyo blushed to the roots of her hair. "Go-Gomen, Hiirigizawa-kun. I thought…I –"

"You're not disturbing me, Daidouji-san. I just simply…can't go on." Said Eriol, smiling sadly. "Please…sit down…" Eriol patted the seat on the piano bench next to him. Tomoyo reluctantly smiled and sat down.

"Can't…can't go on? I'm not sure I understand you…Hiirgizawa-kun."

"Ah, but my dear…I think you understand perfectly." His eyes were full of meaning, of sympathy for both her and himself. They captured hers, and Tomoyo can't help herself but look even deeper to them.

Tomoyo gasped and turned away, frightened. 'He's same as me…he lost someone he loves dearly…'

"Playing the piano, as you see, makes me calm and relaxed. Most of the times I manage to forget my problems. But these past few weeks, I seem to have lost my touch." Eriol said bitterly. He was now staring at his reflection on the polished headboard, running his hands along the black and white keys absentmindedly. "I cannot even play the simplest tunes."

"That's not true! Your song was beautiful, Eriol, I love it! You didn't lose your touch at all!" In the prospect of trying to convince him (and herself, though she can't admit it) Tomoyo grabbed his pale hand and held it on her own. Her heart was hammering fast. Eriol once again returned his gaze on her deep violet eyes, a satisfaction at hearing his name from her.

"No…you heard it. It's empty. No meaning, no emotions." He smiled ruefully at her. "Don't you see…it's just like your songs and paintings. Do you know why?" Tomoyo shook her head, mesmerized at Eriol's voice and his speech. "I think it's because we're not happy."

Tomoyo reared back as if slapped. To her horror, a single tear drop made its way down. She didn't bother to stop them from flowing though. It just felt oddly refreshing, to let it all out. She haven't released her friend's hand, but instead clasped her both hands on tightly, as if a little child seeking guidance. Every night, she tries to convince herself that wherever Sakura's happy…she's also happy. Upon hearing somebody else voice out her emotions…it was too much for her.

Eriol sighed again and raised his free hand to her cheek, wet with tears. "Are you happy, Daidouji Tomoyo?"

Tomoyo didn't bother to answer that. She was fully aware how close they are, and how handsome Eriol look up close. If Eriol leaned a little lower, or Tomoyo had tilted her head a little higher, their lips would have met.

Eriol felt a strong surge of emotion for the crying girl in front of him. He felt a very powerful and oddly familiar thump at his heart. 'No, not yet. It's too soon.'

He sighed then instead kissed Tomoyo on the forehead. He inhaled the soft scent of lilac drifting from her hair before murmuring "Stop crying, I'm here for you."

Instead of stopping, Tomoyo even cried harder and fell on his arms. Eriol hugged her, feeling that he will give all his power in the world if he can just stop Tomoyo from crying. He let down her ponytail then stroke the lustrous hair that came tumbling down.

Neither of them noticed the reflection from the camera lens and a soft click.

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Tomoyo reached for her robe and put it on. After her crying fit at the music room, Eriol had kindly escorted her to her room and ordered her to take a bath to 'calm her senses.' She grimaced, feeling the headache coming down on her. She left the bathtub without draining it, feeling like all she wanted was to sink into her bed and hibernate. Unfortunately for her, she had other plans for the evening. She consulted the kitty wall clock (a gift from Sakura) which now read as 7:15. Good. She has at least 45 minutes to relax around the house. Tomoyo extracted a cream white suit and threw it on her bed, her lips curling in disgust. Then she changed into a butterfly t-shirt and jeans. After brushing her hair, she went downstairs again. To her surprise, there was something good smelling coming from the kitchen. She went there, feeling lost in her own house. How many times did she spend there? Answer: Rarely.

Tomoyo took a peek at the doorway then was convulsed by laughter. Eriol was standing at the stove, stirring something on a gigantic pot. He was wearing an ultra frilly pink apron, complete with bows, flowers, and lace. He even wore the matching hat that is certified for women only.

Eriol turn around at the laughter and smiled. "Like it?" he asked, extracting a post.

Tomoyo laughed again. It was weird for the serious reincarnation of Clow to act this way, but she was enjoying his comical side. "Where did you found that?" Tomoyo asked within gasps of laughter.

Eriol beamed and resumed stirring. "I found this wonderfully designed outfit at the guest room. I was unpacking my things, and I saw this hanging inside the cabinet. I thought that fate led me to this apron and therefore I decided to try it on."

"Oh, your luggage came from the airport, then?" Tomoyo asked, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.

"Yeah."

"You do know your cousin will have a fit with you looking like that." Tomoyo said, laughing again as she imagined the look on Syaoran's face.

"Well, I take it that it would be a little secret between us." Eriol said lightly, glad that his apron was making Tomoyo laugh. "Now quit laughing and taste it."

Tomoyo obliged and took a sip. "Wow! This is delicious!" Tomoyo then frowned and take a look around. "But why are you the one cooking dinner? Where's the chef?"

"I told him to take the night off. I though we should celebrate our newfound friendship, and I didn't want to spoil it by the meal of some stranger." Eriol said, smiling underneath his frilly cap.

"Oh, that's a great idea! I'll even set the table! It would be fun!" Tomoyo bounded to the shelves and began opening drawers. Eriol smiled secretly, enjoying himself as Tomoyo bobbed up and down like a child.

In the end, they had a dinner for two (Tomoyo had to call Kiffy as she can't set the table though she won't admit that to Eriol) and all plans of Tomoyo were out of the window as she laugh and talk with her friend.

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There are only two reviewers for the 3rd chapter, but I'm very grateful for the two of you, remember that:)

WALL OF FAME!

boredjl …

Yes, yes, thank you for that kind review (Shaznay wipes tears from her eyes). I do hope you'll keep on reading, and this chappie is for you:p Just so you know, I'm neither rich nor famous, that's why I'm having a hard time to imagine this things…anyway thanks a lot! much hugs and kisses!

Esme

Again, I update! My dear, you're a very consistent reviewer, and I love you for it:) I'm sorry I updated this long…about the cars…I like the black car, but if you want, I'll put a midnight blue one too… :-) you're a new member at ryt? Come on, start writing, I want to read ur fics too…:) anyway that's all! Mwah! much hugs and kisses!