"Tomoyo-chan, good morning!" Sakura sang as she ran towards her best friend. She hugged the dark-haired girl impulsively. "You look radiant! What happened last night?"
"Eriol-kun had dinner at my house," the heiress said modestly. She wished that she could control her cheeks. Sakura noticed the rosy color that bloomed there and smiled. "I'm so happy."
The Card Mistress took her hand and led her towards the classroom. "I'm so happy too. I wish you called me last night! I was so bored at home."
"I'm sorry, Sakura-chan," Tomoyo smiled soothingly "We'll catch up in the classroom though."
They entered the empty classroom. There were no classes today to give more time and effort to the preparations. Seniors drifted in and out of the classroom to do as they pleased. Some of their best friends were gathered around Mihara Chiharu and Yamazaki Takashi, talking. They sat down on their regular seats.
Tomoyo filled in her best friend with the latest details. She couldn't help but smile widely at her story. Sharing gossip and laughter with her best friend was definitely one of the things that she'd miss. She felt that Sakura was the only person she could talk to in the entire world.
"I'm sure he likes you," Sakura decided "Why should he pay you a compliment if he doesn't?"
"It's probably because that's what's expected of him?" Tomoyo said speculatively. They exchanged glances. The dark-haired heiress wished that her best friend had a magical Card that could decipher the male mind. "I'm still hoping."
Sakura squeezed her hand. "Everything will be all right!"
The well-loved motto brought a smile to her lips. Whenever her best friend says it, she can bet on it. "I know."
"Good morning," Eriol greeted as he sat down behind Tomoyo. His blue eyes were twinkling. "Can I join your conversation?"
"Sure, you can!" Sakura answered cheerfully. The girls met each other's eyes before exchanging secret smiles. "Did you have fun last night?"
"I did," the dark-haired boy said smiling "Tomoyo-san's tiramisu was delicious. I also met her mother. She's a spirited woman, isn't she?"
"Yes, she is." The Card Mistress agreed. "Papa thinks she's amazing though. I think so too. She always treats me nicely and dotes on me."
"That's because your Nadeshiko-san's daughter," Tomoyo chimed in.
"I'm also your best friend," Sakura teased "Can I sleep over after the party tomorrow?"
Tomoyo nodded. Sleeping over was one of their favorite bonding activities. "Sure, you can bring Kero-chan too."
"Can Li-kun and I crash in your little party?" Eriol said suggestively. He winked. "Our group deserves a last hurrah, don't you think?"
The dark-haired heiress smiled indulgently. "Of course, I'll see to it. Mama won't mind at all. I'd love to host our post-graduation party."
"It's settled then," Sakura beamed.
Eriol and Tomoyo nodded at each other. They stared at each other's eyes for a moment. Involuntarily, they thought about last night and the events that led up to it. Color rushed up to their cheeks simultaneously. It was not lost to Sakura.
"I'll go and talk to Rika-chan and Chiharu-chan, okay?" the brown-haired girl said suddenly "I'm going to leave you two to plan it. Thanks so much for your suggestion, Eriol-kun. Wait, Chiharu-chan, don't go yet!"
They watched the cheerful girl approach their other friends before looking at each other. Love and affection were mirrored in their eyes. Sakura was very dear to them. They'd shared the duty of watching over her, guiding her and loving her. As Tomoyo had once said, they looked at Sakura with gentle and patient eyes.
"I cannot bring the dress," Tomoyo spoke up. "I'm not yet finished with it. Can I bring it tomorrow instead?"
Eriol shook his head. He gazed at her steadily. "That's fine. Yes, maybe tomorrow would be the best day for it. Would it really be okay if you host our last party? Won't we interfere or disturb your house?"
He trailed off when she reached forward to squeeze his hand. Blue met violet. The smile on her face was calm and beautiful. "It will be all right. I'd like to be with you for one last time."
Tomoyo withdrew her hand and looked away. The meaning of her words went straight to his heart. She didn't want to know what he thought. It was unplanned and unexpected. She wished that she didn't give her feelings away so easily.
His expression softened. "You're a good girl, Tomoyo-san."
"Thank you," she said sweetly. A quick glance around the room confirmed her suspicion that Sakura had deliberately conspired with the others to leave them alone. The dark-haired girl got up. "Shall we go out and join our friends?"
"That's a great idea." Eriol said agreeably. He got up as well. With a mock bow, he extended a hand to her which she took. They exited the classroom, smiling.
oOoOoOo
The day ended too soon, in Tomoyo's opinion.
The seniors wished desperately that they could buy more time. Someone had suggested that they should make the most of it. They had played games, told stories and enjoyed a whole day with their classmates. Most of them took pictures. Some of them had cried.
They knew that it was the first time they said goodbye. But it would definitely be not the last time.
Tomoyo caught Eriol looking melancholic once. She thought that someone who was so old and so experienced would be immune but that was not the case. It warmed her heart to know that he was fond of them all.
She didn't know how she and Eriol became joined at the hip throughout the whole ordeal.
All she knew was that they ate lunch, walked, frolicked and practiced together. They gravitated towards each other whenever they were in the same room. If he was standing next to his other best friend Yamazaki, she'd drift gracefully towards his side. Or if she was joking around with their classmates, he'd pass by casually to catch her eye and wink. It was as if they were a pair of magnets that would automatically stick together.
She thought that nobody would notice. But their classmates noticed all right.
Throughout the day, they endured the teasing and joking. More than once she heard comments about how perfect they looked together. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment and pride. She wished that he heard them but it was childish.
If Eriol heard, he didn't say anything.
Tomoyo also had to endure several episodes of shy lower classmen who had the nerve to pass Eriol notes and love letters. The rabid fan-girls approached him at the most random and inconvenient times too. They had spent a good part of the afternoon laughing over the hysterical and often embarrassingly hilarious things that the foolish girls wrote. She envied their audacity but was glad that she had her pride.
He asked for her help to dispose of them in the recycling bin. Again, she wondered if she would ever meet the mysterious woman who was the apple of his eye. If she was from their school, Tomoyo was sure that she could track her down. But he was giving her no clues so far.
She decided that she wasn't so perceptive after all.
Practicing their music number didn't go well though. They were both distracted and absent-minded. Tomoyo didn't hit the right notes while Eriol missed a few. The afternoon aged. They couldn't find the heart and spirit to continue.
Tomoyo counted to three before saying. "It's not working. I think we should stop practicing and give it a rest."
"I agree," he said, unexpectedly. "Would you like to practice at my house?"
She glanced at him sharply. Her mouth was slightly open with surprise. "Practice at your house? Are you sure?"
Eriol nodded, serious. "I have a grand piano. If you don't mind my guardians, we'll have a grand time."
Tomoyo smiled. "I won't mind at all. Thank you for inviting me."
"It's a pleasure," was the smooth reply. They left the music room and went to get their things. They discovered that most of their classmates, including Sakura and Syaoran, had left already. The locker room was deserted too.
Tomoyo opened her locker and pulled out her black shoes. She slipped them on and placed her school slippers inside. Again, she wondered about the mysterious girl that he liked so much.
"Shall we go?" Eriol's voice interrupted her thoughts. She followed him out of the locker room with a heavy heart.
Thoughts flitted in and out of her head. She didn't want to know who the mysterious recipient was. She didn't want to see her creation of someone else. She didn't want Eriol to confess to just anyone.
He didn't say anything when he noticed her expression.
Tomoyo decided that she wouldn't badger him about it. She'd give it to him if he asked.
The journey to Eriol's house was surprisingly short. Tomoyo had been there only once. The mansion, he explained, was Clow Reed's but it was renovated. She loved the old house, the gardens and the cheerful welcome that she got. Akizuki Nakuru bounded out of the front door to give her master a tight hug and gushed about her while dragging her inside. Spinel Sun gave her a tentative nod before returning to his book. Eriol was smiling the whole time.
She didn't feel uncomfortable inside Eriol's house.
Nakuru was also a cheerful and likeable woman. The Moon Guardian readily told her stories of her new job and her adventures outside of Tomoeda. She didn't grow out of her hyper and energetic attitude that amused Tomoyo. It was hard not to get caught up in Nakuru's whirlwind of energy.
Tomoyo offered to make snacks.
"Let's go to the kitchen!" Nakuru said happily. "It's this way!"
Eriol followed them, grinning. His Guardian was too hyper but he liked her that way. Tomoyo managed Nakuru quietly by giving subtle suggestions. He sat down on one of the chairs and watched her gather her voluminous dark gray hair into a ponytail. Cheerful chatter filled the air. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the sweet sound of their voices.
Nakuru noticed her master's peaceful expression. Smiling, she gave Tomoyo an apron. She donned an apron as well. "What shall we make today, Tomoyo-chan? You were always a wonderful cook, Sakura-sama said. I want to know what kind of sweet specialty you'll make for us!"
"Oh, yes," Tomoyo said thoughtfully "How about cupcakes?"
"Yay, cupcakes, cupcakes," The Moon Guardian squealed happily. She hugged the younger girl and twirled her around. "We love cupcakes with sweet sprinkles and icing and chocolate kisses!"
"That sounds delicious." Tomoyo giggled as she was reluctantly released. "Shall we start making them?"
"We'll practice later," Eriol cut in gently. "I'll be in the library if you need me."
"Yeah, sure," Nakuru sang. "We're having cupcakes! Cupcakes!"
The mage smiled and left the room.
oOoOoOo
"Why is she here, Eriol-sama?" asked Spinel Sun. His master plopped down on his favorite armchair with a sigh. Peppermint blue eyes stared at him, curious. The Sun Guardian abandoned his book to sit on his master's lap.
"We're going to practice our song number for tomorrow," Eriol answered serenely. "I thought that a change of scenery would do nicely."
"She's the girl that you want?" the Sun Guardian prodded. A nod answered him. He pursed his lips. "She looks like she doesn't have any magic at all."
The mage rubbed Spinel's head affectionately. "Tomoyo-san is the Card Mistress's best friend. You've met her before. Yes, she doesn't have powers but she's not helpless at all."
"You need a woman with magic," was the pointed reply.
"I need a woman who makes me happy," Eriol said gently. His blue eyes saddened. "A woman with magic is not worth it if she doesn't love you at all."
Spinel Sun looked at him thoughtfully. "You're still not over Kaho-san?"
"I've moved on, yes, because I cannot live in the past." The dark-haired mage continued "Loving Kaho was a foolish thing. She will never want me for who I really am… Kaho had magic. That's true. But she never loved me."
"Why do you think that Daidouji-san loves you?" was the pragmatic question.
Eriol gazed at his creation with a mischievous smile. He tapped Spinel's nose, chuckling. "Because she kissed me, that's why."
"You kissed her first." Spinel Sun said as though he was pointing out a fact.
A flush climbed up his neck and cheeks. "Yes, I did. Because I couldn't help myself! I'm still battling my hormones here."
"You've outgrown them, remember?" the Sun Guardian reminded him. "Don't try to fool me. What do you intend to do with her, Master?"
"I'm going to tell her that I love her." Eriol said softly. He looked out into the early summer evening with serene eyes. "I don't want to lose her because I'm too late."
Spinel flew up to rest in his shoulder. He rubbed his body on his master's cheek with returned affection. "Are you having those dreams again?"
Eriol reached up to run his fingertips on the Guardian's soft fur. He looked troubled. It was on one of his prophetic dreams. He didn't tell his Guardians because he didn't want to worry them. Splitting his magic in half didn't guarantee total freedom from his innate ability to foresee.
"I did. I saw Tomoyo-san walking away from me. She was going to meet a handsome stranger who would make her happy. He'd probably cook for her, bring flowers to her and sing to her every night. He'd erase me from her memories just by being there…" Eriol's voice softened with sorrow "I didn't know it would hurt me."
"You're really in love, huh?" Spinel said dryly.
"I guess so," the mage chuckled "Four years was a long time. I hope I'm not too late… You never know when her feelings will fade away."
"You're a coward, that's why." The Sun Guardian pointed out. "She's always liked you. It's your fault for being too slow."
"It's not my fault I go red and run away. Li genes are hard to shake off, you know."
"You're still a coward for not walking forward and declaring your feelings."
"I'm not. I was waiting for the right time."
"Waiting got you nowhere. Now you're graduating and you'll never see her again. It's also unfair that you made her believe that you're in love with somebody else. You're hurting her, I know…"
"When did you get so perceptive and insightful?"
"When did you become foolish and cowardly?"
"Am I interrupting something?" Tomoyo piped up. She peeked from the doorway, smiling. Amusement danced in her eyes. "Nakuru-chan told me that the piano was in the living room. We're serving tea now."
Eriol shot dagger looks at his Guardian before picking him up. He followed Tomoyo down the hall and into the living room. She hadn't removed her ponytail and he watched, hypnotized the seductive sway of her dark hair. He could also smell the faint and mesmerizing scent of strawberries and champagne. It was making him lightheaded.
"Did you have fun with Nakuru?" he asked, interested.
"Yes," Tomoyo answered as she glanced at him "She's really enthusiastic. You've never made cupcakes before?"
He shook his head.
"It's fairly easy to do," she said "I left the recipe with her. You can try your hand at it later."
The mage nodded, smiling. They entered the living room where Nakuru was busy playing with the piano. She got up immediately and presented the fruits of their labor happily. He accepted a cupcake with a smile.
Eriol looked at it and smiled indulgently. It was fairly large for a cupcake with white icing at the top with colorful sprinkles and chocolate kisses. He judged that it was sweeter than recommended because of Nakuru's enthusiasm for sugar. But it still looked delicious.
"Would you like some, Spinel?" he offered. The Sun Guardian threw a dirty look at him.
"I made one for you," Tomoyo said gently "It doesn't have sugar at all. There's more in the kitchen if you'd like some later too."
The Sun Guardian stared at her for a moment before nodding. He flew towards the offered cupcake and took an experimental bite. It didn't taste sweet at all. Tomoyo and Eriol smiled at each other.
"It was nice of you to make more for Spinel," he said "Thank you for the snacks."
"It's nothing," she replied sweetly "I loved making them with Nakuru."
Nakuru pranced around the room with a cupcake in one hand. She liked Tomoyo more than her master's former lover. Because Tomoyo was fun, witty and really good at making snacks, Nakuru will put a good word for her. She knew that Tomoyo liked her master more than she'd care to admit.
They ate the cupcakes and tea in comfortable silence. Eriol had told her not to mind Nakuru's antics so much. The Moon Guardian settled down after a polite request from her master was issued. Tomoyo felt strangely comfortable in Eriol's house.
"Sweets aren't good for the voice, yes?" Nakuru spoke up. She looked troubled. "Are you sure that you can still sing, Tomoyo-chan?"
The dark-haired heiress nodded. She was thinking about her conversation with Nakuru. A sweet-sad feeling washed over her.
oOoOoOo
"Nakuru-san, can I ask you something?" she'd asked tentatively.
"Yes, you can ask me anything except Math!" The Moon Guardian answered cheerfully. She pouted. "I can't answer that."
"Well," Tomoyo started carefully "did Eriol-kun mention anything about giving a dress to you?"
Nakuru turned to her, surprised. "No, he didn't…"
"Oh, I see," she lowered her head and bit her lip "Is he dating anyone?"
The Moon Guardian stirred the batter thoughtfully before she shook her head. The red-headed girl smiled down at Tomoyo. "You don't have to worry. He isn't dating anybody, as far as I know. But I can tell that he likes you."
"Eh?" Tomoyo murmured, her eyes widening. "What do you mean?"
"He's a good boy, Eriol-sama," Nakuru said gently "He doesn't bring just anyone to our house. I'm sure that he likes you enough because he invited you here. Didn't you know that my master is very fond of you?"
She shook her head.
"Well, he is!" the Moon Guardian declared "He always has something nice to say about you. I'm not gossiping or anything but I know he likes you a lot. He's smiling and teasing when he's around you… It's nice."
"When he dated Mizuki-sensei," Tomoyo spoke softly "was he happy?"
"Oh, he was at first." Nakuru said, saddening. "But when she moved away to England, he became very sad and angry. She was his first love, you see. But after a while, he became better… That's when I got the feeling that you were making him happy."
"Me?" The heiress murmured, stunned. She didn't expect that. "Does he mention me?"
"He does… It's funny because he never got all sweet and thoughtful when we used to talk about Mizuki-sama." Nakuru said matter-of-factly. She smiled at Tomoyo sweetly. "Eriol-sama let Mizuki-sensei go when she told him that she can see someone else in his eyes."
oOoOoOo
"I'll walk you home," Eriol offered as he escorted her out of the house.
"Thanks but no thanks," Tomoyo said, smiling. She waved goodbye to the Guardians. They waved back. "You're sweet but my bodyguards are picking me up. They're on the way."
The mage looked surprised but he recovered quickly. "If that's the case then I'd wait with you outside."
They headed to the bench in the yard and sat down. Early summer was in the air. The evening was warm and fragrant with Eriol's flowers. Stars twinkled in the sky.
"Eriol-kun, can I ask you something?" Tomoyo started, looking down on her hands. She was nervous.
He smiled at her. "Yes, you can."
"Whom will you give the dress to?"
The mage chuckled. He stared at her eyes steadily. They blushed. Eriol reached for her hand and held it tightly. "It's for you."
Tomoyo gasped. Her blue eyes grew big. She couldn't believe it. It was so obvious and she didn't see it coming. "You're kidding."
"I'm not," Eriol said sheepishly "I didn't know what to say that day… Getting your attention was hard."
She stared at him, shocked.
"You made me believe you were seeing someone else, you evil and manipulative man! How do you think I feel?" Tomoyo blurted out. She was confused and relieved at the same time. Her heart took a while to settle down. "So what's that dress for?"
Eriol grinned shyly. He wished that he could rely on his centuries-old stock of knowledge but they didn't include tips on girls. Clow Reed wasn't a ladies' man so he wasn't much help. Maybe Spinel Sun was really right about his cowardice…
"It's for tomorrow," he said quietly. "If you knew that it was yours then you won't put so much effort into it. All eyes will be on you when you sing."
Tomoyo pinched his cheek. Her blue eyes were flashing. "You're crazy."
"I am," Eriol admitted, wincing "But it worked out anyway. I got my wish."
"What wish?" She let go of him. "How can you smile and pretend that it's nothing? You made a fool of me, Eriol-kun. Li-kun was correct. You're manipulative and heartless and selfish."
He looked sincerely contrite.
"I want to hate you," Tomoyo said darkly "But I won't. So tell me why you asked for a favor from me without telling your true intentions. You asked for a dress. I made you one thinking it was for someone else but then it was for me… Eriol-kun, if you don't start talking, I'm going to kill you."
Eriol backed away slowly from her. He had never seen her freak out so it was quite a new experience. The mage made a mental note never to anger Tomoyo again. "I wanted to spend time with you, Tomoyo-san…"
"What kind of excuse is that?" she said, frowning. "That doesn't cut it at all!"
"I know it's hopeless but I did it with the best intentions. It's hard to approach you and try to be friends with you…" he said gently "so I tried something else. It's selfish of me. I'm sorry. But I just wanted to be around you more."
Tomoyo sat down and breathed deeply. She never lost her temper except for this once. Her knees were weak as though she had run a marathon. "You have the weirdest reasons, Eriol-kun."
"I'm sorry." Eriol said quietly. "Can you forgive me, Tomoyo-san? Please?"
She pinched his cheek. With a last glare, she released him. "You're lucky that I'm a nice girl."
A small smile spread across his face.
They jumped when they heard a car horn. Tomoyo got up and picked up her bag. She smiled at him. "Shall I bring my new dress to school tomorrow?"
Eriol nodded.
Tomoyo wagged a warning finger at him. "Don't lie to me ever again, okay? Let's promise to tell each other everything."
He stared at her extended pinky. Smiling widely, he wrapped his pinky finger around hers. "I promise."
"See you tomorrow," Tomoyo said, smiling. She waved as she exited the Hiiragizawa residence. Her bodyguards bowed to her as she boarded the limousine. The dark-haired heiress smiled to herself.
Eriol was strange but that's what she liked about him. Tomoyo couldn't help but laugh out loud. She decided that she can't make the same mistake twice. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at her reflection in the window.
He was good at manipulation but he couldn't hide his motives entirely.
oOoOoOo
Tsuzuku…
oOoOoOo