I'm up to my 5th chapter! This is a record! scatters confetti around :-p Usually when I get to the 3rd chapter I don't bother to finish it. I chuck it at the Recycle Bin… har de har! But thanks to my reviewers…you kept me going on…. Please people, if you have a comment on how I can be better at this fic…feel free to tell me… I really value your opinion! Let me present to you…Chapter 5: Tomoyo's Recital
Disclaimer: Not mine!
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Small recap:
"I told him to take the night off. I thought 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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"5, 6, 7, 8…"
Syaoran threw a helpless glance at his fiancée as Tomoyo counted to his doom.
"9, 10, 11, 12. You lose Syaoran!" shouted Tomoyo gleefully as she set the green token on it's proper place on the Monopoly table. "You are in my place now pay up!"
"Are, are you sure you got it right?" Syaoran asked meekly, counting the remaining money in his hand.
"Ah, my dear descendant, we've been counting back and forth a dozen times already. Pay up." Eriol said, grinning. Even Sakura can't help smiling although she threw sympathetic glances at him.
Syaoran groaned and handed his money and titles. "You pretty much robbed me, Tomoyo. I'm bankrupt."
"Tomoyo-chan, I didn't know you were such an expert at Monopoly." Sakura added, counting the few bills at her hand.
Tomoyo and Eriol had joined Sakura and Syaoran at the Kinimoto residence and had dinner with them on Sunday evening. After that, they played Monopoly to decide who will wash the dishes.
Tomoyo laughed, some of the bills scattering around her. "No use evading it this time, Syaoran. You're on dish duty."
Syaoran groaned but got up from his place on the floor. Sakura also immediately stood up. "I'll help you sweetie."
Together they went to the kitchen, while Eriol and Tomoyo fixed the cards and paper money.
"Haven't you noticed anything between those two?" whispered Syaoran, stacking the dirty plates and handing them to Sakura. "They seemed to be getting along with each other pretty well."
"Really? I haven't noticed." replied Sakura cheerfully, putting the dishes on the sink and turning on the tap.
Syaoran rolled his eyes and reached for the sponge. "For the past hour, they've been sharing glances and smiles. You don't reckon –"
"Eriol-kun and Tomoyo-chan?" Sakura laughed at the absurdness as she rinsed the dished and handed them to Syaoran. "Impossible. If anything, those two are just friends."
"If you say so. As long as Hiiragizawa doesn't do anything to hurt her." Syaoran growled, soaping the dish he was holding a little too harshly.
Sakura laughed again and spread soapy foam on the tip of Syaoran's nose. "Stop acting like a big brother. Tomoyo-chan's a big girl. Besides, if what you're saying is true," Sakura sneaked a peep at the living room where Tomoyo is now throwing tokens at Eriol. Eriol is retaliating by trying to tickle her. "He'll be good for her, no doubt."
Syaoran blushed at the prospect of Eriol and Tomoyo being a couple.
"Syaoran-kun, have I told you how cute you look when you blush?" teased Sakura as she handed the last plate to Syaoran.
Syaoran reached for it and kissed her, spreading the foam on her nose. "Oh, shut up."
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"Do you have to leave?" Sakura asked tearfully at Eriol and Tomoyo.
The two of them were already at outside, and the couple was seeing them off. Behind them, the Monopoly was still in a mess.
"Oh Sakura-chan, we'll see each other at school tomorrow." Tomoyo said, very distressed.
"Demo…"
"Ah, my cute descendant must be a bore of a company for you to long for Tomoyo, Sakura-san." Eriol said lightly.
Syaoran scowled at Eriol, while the latter smiled back.
"Ok, ok, just be safe at driving, ok? I'll miss the two of you!" Sakura hugged Tomoyo and Tomoyo hugged back. Syaoran threw a Don't-even-think-about-it look at Eriol.
When the two girls finally released each other and said their goodnights, Tomoyo and Eriol settled in Tomoyo's midnight blue car and drove off.
Sakura stared after them then smiled. "You're right Syao-chan."
"Hmm?" Syaoran asked, piling the scattered cards.
"Those two belong to each other. They just don't realize it yet." Sakura smiled secretly to herself. 'Not if I can help it.' She closed the door and helped her fiancé.
Meanwhile, Eriol was congratulating Tomoyo on the act she pulled at Sakura's house and her beating Syaoran as a form of revenge.
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The next morning, Tomoyo was such in an unhappy mood that Sakura and Syaoran got a little bit worried. When she handed a note to their teacher and left the room, the two started really panicking.
Sakura passed a note to Syaoran.
Sakura: What's with Tomoyo-chan?
Syaoran: I dunno. Do you know?
Sakura: Sweetie, I won't bother asking if I knew."
Syaoran: I wonder if it has anything to do with Hiiragizawa."
Sakura: Don't be ridiculous. They came to school this morning with each other."
Syaoran: I'll bet you anything Eriol did something to her last night.
Sakura (scribbling furiously while blushing): Li Syaoran! Why are you thinking like that? Pervert!
Syaoran (also blushing): Huh? I was NOT thinking about THAT Sakura! I merely thought that they had an argument or something!
Sakura: oh. Sorry. (threws Syaoran a smile.)
Syaoran: Maybe you should ask Hiiragizawa.
Sakura wasn't able to read the note as Syaoran swallowed it instead of handing it over to the strict hand of the teacher.
"I will NOT tolerate passing notes! Li! Kinimoto! Outside!"
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They learned the answer from Eriol at lunch. They cornered him under the Sakura tree, staring off into space.
"It's Tomoyo's recital tomorrow. She was excused to go and practice her piece at the music room."
"Oh I've forgot about her big recital!" exclaimed Sakura, her green eyes growing wide. She dropped down next to Eriol, horrified.
"She had been busy last week so Padja-sensei demanded that she practice today." Eriol kindly didn't add that it was because of Sakura's wedding that Tomoyo hadn't been able to practice at all.
"I bet she'll be good. She has a voice of an angel!" Syaorn exclaimed, also joining Eriol at the ground.
"I've been such a lousy friend. How can I forget about something that's so important?" Sakura asked, starting to cry.
Syaoran immediately produced a handkerchief and handed it to her.
"It's not your fault, Sakura-san. We're all distracted by the wedding. She does not blame you in the slightest." Eriol said, still staring off to space.
Syaoran rubbed Sakura's back. He frowned and followed Eriol's line of vision. 'What is he staring at? A girl, perhaps?'
Little did he know that Eriol was indeed staring at a girl at the music room with luxurious hair tied in a ponytail; large, expressive eyes; and has an incomparable a voice of an angel.
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"One last time, Padja-sensei." Tomoyo said, wiping her face with her handkerchief.
"It's enough, Tomoyo-san. You go home and rest those vocals of yours." Her kind instructor said, then got out of the piano bench. It was 5:30, 2 hours and 30 minutes since the school bell rang. "You are more than prepared to be at the concert, so stop pushing yourself so hard."
These were kind words, but it didn't replace the guilt in her heart. She was going to let tons of people down tomorrow by not practicing hard enough for this concert. They hade been preparing this for a whole month, and being one of the directors, she felt that it was irresponsible not to practice.
Padja Kohr waited at the door, smiling. Tomoyo shook her head and motioned for her to go on. "I'll practice a little bit more a capella, Padja-sensei. You go ahead."
Padja sighed, then reluctantly left the room. 'It's NOT perfect. Far from it. The song was uined by her lack of emotions. But I can't replace her, tomorrow's the big recital and it will break the poor girl's heart. I'll just cross my fingers and hope for the best.' She trekked across the school grounds, not noticing another figure coming in the school.
Tomoyo closed her eyes and started with her breathing exercises once again. It seems that Sakura has already known about her practice, and she was quite glad that she didn't stop by the music room, or else she'll be distracted.
"You are not yet finished?"
Tomoyo smiled and opened her eyes. Sure enough, Eriol was sanding at the doorway, smiling at her. "Hi. Yeah, I'm not yet finished."
"I'm sorry. I dropped by because I saw Padja-sensei leave, so I guess I'll just go ahead then." Eriol turned around to leave.
"No!" Tomoyo exclaimed, and rushed to hold on his arm. "I, I want you here, please."
Eriol was surprised, but shrugged and closed the room behind him. "If I'm staying at least let me be useful. I'll play for you while you sing." He dropped his bag next to hers and winked.
"That would be great."
Tomoyo stood at the middle of the room while Eriol deposited himself on the piano bench.
"Ready when you are, Tomoyo." Eriol said, thankful that their teacher left the music sheets on the piano.
Tomoyo closed her eyes, her heart pounding. She tried to calm her self with the breathing exercises again. 'Calm down, it's only Eriol. Your buddy, remember? Hang on, it's because of Eriol that I can't calm down. Arghh I can't concentrate!'
"I'm ready." She said, opening her eyes. And so she sang. She sang like she never did before. The accompaniment was like no other, following her vocals effortlessly and so naturally. Anyone who might have heard her song will think it's done by a professional.
At the end of her song, her face was flushed, but she was exhilarated. Refreshed. She smiled at Eriol who smiled back at her.
"That was lovely."
"I think, I think it was much better than a while ago." Tomoyo confessed.
"Yes, I think so to. Sing like that and you'll make the crowd go wild." Eriol said, smiling and standing next to her. "Come on, let's go home."
They left the music room, and Tomoyo was still asking herself on her sudden improvement.
'All that practice with Padja-sensei has earned it. Yeah that must be it. It was her gentle guidance, my determination, my discipline …'
Tomoyo stole a look at her companion, then smiled.
'Maybe…maybe it's just the company.'
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Tomoyo sat in front of the mirror, feeling nervous. Tonight was the big night. She adjusted the sleeves of her costume then let them down again. She tried smiling at her reflection, but all it turned out was a grimace.
'You can do it, Daidouji. You are good at singing, even Eriol says so…'
"Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura bounded inside the dressing room and hugged Tomoyo from behind. "Good luck! Do your best, okay?"
"Okay." Tomoyo said. She hang on her friends arm, feeling a wave of sadness.
"Now let me brush your hair as you've always done for me before!" Sakura said, releasing her then reaching for the brush at the table. She started brushing her hair, while gushing at how wonderful it is. "Have I ever told you how beautiful your hair is? It's so long and elegant, while mine is short and awkward…and it shines like a river on a starry night…"
Tomoyo tuned out Sakura's babble, feeling contented at just being together again.
"All set! Now for the finishing touch…" Sakura tucked a white lily on her hair. "There, you're perfect!"
Tomoyo stared at her reflection. The lily contrasted with her dark hair and it set out her pale complexion beautifully, as it was her only ornament.
"I…thank you, Sakura-chan. But I don't think fairy godmothers are supposed to have lilies in their hair." Tomoyo said ruefully, while touching the petals softly. She started to take it out, but Sakura stopped her, smiling softly.
"You're a one of a kind godmother, Tomoyo-chan. And you're welcome, although it's not from me."
"It's not?" Tomoyo asked, surprised.
"Nope. It's from Eriol-kun. He couldn't give it to you personally coz it's a lady's dressing room and he was just so shy." Sakura giggled and handed hera piece of card.
On a pale violet card, Eriol wrote on loopy letters:
Sing like you've never sang before, my angel of music. From your friend.
Feeling no more trace of sadness and nostalgia, Tomoyo got up and tucked the card in her pocket. She didn't say anything, but Sakura understood.
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The recital was a musical piece of Cinderella. Tomoyo was acting as a godmother, since being the director, costume designer, and casting, she didn't have a lot of time to practice. A younger girl got the part of Cinderella, but it was clear who the best singer of the night was.
When Tomoyo sang the last notes of how glad she was that the two lonely hearts have found each other, the crowd gave a standing ovation. They didn't sit down until the last bowing of the actors and the final drop of the curtains. Sakura, Syaoran, and Eriol were the last to stop clapping.
The three of them fought their way to their friend's dressing room. They found it full of adoring fans, whether male or female. Sakura was uncharacteristically pushing people away while Eriol was smiling and saying "Pardon me" while taking care of the bouquet of Lilies on his arms. Syaoran was behind them, holding two large bouquets of cherryblossoms.
When they finally reached the door, Eriol heard someone yelling his name. He saw Arthur waving his arms also clutching a bouquet of roses. "Eriol, hey Eriol!"
Eriol turned his head away and wished Sakura would speed up unlocking the door with her key.
"Friend of yours?" Syaoran asked, smirking.
"Hardly." Eriol said, with an identical smirk on his face. To his dismay, Arthur was fighting his way towards them and was getting closer and closer.
"Yes! It's open! Come in, guys." Sakura pushed open the door. Syaoran and Eriol immediately followed her. Arthur was close to their heels but Eriol slammed the door on his face.
Tomoyo turned and smiled. She had already changed from the pale blue costume of the godmother and into her dress. She was wearing her glasses and had her hair up into a ponytail, but left the lily in her hair, which Eriol was pleased to see.
Sakura immediately enveloped her into a hug. "You were great, Tomoyo-chan!"
Syaoran handed her the flowers and kissed her on the forehead. "As usual, you were great! You put the others in the shadow when you sang!"
Tomoyo laughed and gently disengaged herself from her friend's bone crushing hug. "You're exaggerating, Syaoran, but thanks." She accepted the flowers and turned to Eriol. "Angel of music?" she said, her mouth curving into a smile.
"You know how corny I can get." He said, his eyes twinkling. Then he turned serious. "Syaoran wasn't exaggerating. You were really…fantastic." Eriol said, as if words cannot simply justify on how great Tomoyo was. "These are for you." He said, handing over the lilies. After a moment's hesitation, he followed it with a bashfull kiss on her cheek.
Tomoyo blushed and smiled. "Thank you, Eriol. These are beautiful." She added, inhaling the fresh scent of the flowers.
"You are beautiful." Eriol said simply.
Sakura and Syaoran exchanged knowing smiles.
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Ah, another end of a chapter…I'm getting a hang of this writing business. And now, my favorite part…
WALL OF FAME!
T&E fanfic rater …
(passes handkerchief) wow, you really think this fic deserves five stars? I'm really flattered…starts crying thanks for reviewing…sniff…please read on…hope you won't lose interest… much hugs and kisses!
pin0ts …
Yes, thank you for pointing that one out:) And thanks so much for your review…I hope you keep on reading! much hugs and kisses!
Glory…
wow…really, you've been reading this rubbish?
thanks a lot…..yes, I'll try to finish it, and I really would
value your opinion on how to finish this…thank again much hugs and
kisses!
