Graduation day dawned.

Tomoyo woke up earlier than usual.

She took a long bath in her bathroom, dressed and ate breakfast with her mother. Sonomi braided her long hair with pride. Facing the mirror, they smiled. They resembled each other a lot more now though Tomoyo looked like Nadeshiko Kinomoto sometimes.

She closed her eyes and enjoyed her mother's gentle hands. Excitement flooded her being. Graduating from high school brought pride and joy to their hearts. It meant that she was only a step away from the success that her mother envisioned.

Although she didn't want to become a toy company president, she'd gladly study to become it. She'd always believed that she'd be happy if her loved ones were happy. If her mother was happy with her, she was happy too. There was plenty of time to pursue other aspirations. Tomoyo was in no hurry.

While she was awake last night, she decided to confess to Eriol about her secret feelings.

Tomoyo had an inkling that it might not be so secret anymore but she didn't care. It was time to put things in perspective. She didn't want to dangle in the canyon of doom and uncertainty anymore. She believed that she was strong and she was ready.

Staying at his house was fun while it lasted. She hadn't anticipated his revelation of the true owner of the dress. Though relieved, she was exasperated that he didn't admit it in the first place. It would have saved her a lot of agonizing thoughts.

But she was very glad that she had something beautiful to wear for her solo today. If he rejected her, he'd see what he was missing.

Sonomi stopped braiding her daughter's hair and tied it with dark purple ribbons. She kissed Tomoyo's forehead. "I'm so proud of you, dear."

"Oh Mama," the dark-haired heiress murmured. They hugged each other tightly. Joy shone in her eyes. "Thank you so much for being with me."

"I won't miss it for the world," the Amamiya matriarch said gently. "I cancelled all of my appointments because I want today to be about you. We'll go out to dinner and you can invite that witty friend of yours again."

Roses bloomed in Tomoyo's cheeks. She looked down and nodded. Her mother got up and glanced at the wall clock. "Oh, look at the time! I'm just going to touch-up and we're going, darling!"

Tomoyo watched the smartly dressed woman exit her bedroom. Her mother was still a beautiful lady. Sometimes she wondered why Sonomi wasn't dating anyone until she saw her with Fujitaka Kinomoto. The brown-haired woman looked so happy that she had no doubt that her mother's heart was already taken.

It would make her very happy if they got together. She giggled. That would make her and Sakura sisters.

The dark-haired young woman stood up and stared at herself in the mirror. She wore a crisp white sleeveless shift dress under her toga. On her delicate feet and ankles was a pair of beautiful white high-heeled shoes. As a graduation gift, her mother had given her a pair of luminous fire opal earrings that she wore especially for today.

She smiled to stop feeling so nervous. "I'm ready," Tomoyo said, smiling widely. "I can do anything."

"Let's go, Tomoyo-chan," Sonomi knocked twice. "We don't want to be late."

The heiress brushed imaginary lint away one last time before turning around. She picked up the paper bag that contained her new dress and spare shoes. Purposefully, she walked out of the bedroom and followed her mother to the garage where their limousine waited.

oOoOoOo

"Kaijuu, are you done?" Touya Kinomoto yelled from the bottom of the stairs. He was tall, handsome and eligible. All of Konoha's women vied for his attention just as all the men wanted his sister's. (Unfortunately for them and Touya, Sakura's eyes were always on Syaoran.)

They were running late for his little sister's graduation. She slept in again. He went to get breakfast ready while listening to her run around upstairs, getting dressed. The elder brother was glad that she was still the same cute kid sister he'd left while he was away at college.

"I'm coming!" The cherry blossom yelled back.

Touya shook his head and went back to the kitchen. Their father was calmly reading the newspaper and sipping coffee. They were both dressed in smart suits that made them feel stiff and formal. The brown-haired young man sat down and poured a cup of coffee for himself.

"It's the day," Fujitaka said quietly. He lowered the newspaper to smile at his wife's photograph. Nadeshiko's graduation photo smiled back at him. It was his proudest day when his wife rushed forward to kiss him after receiving her diploma. Now it was his daughter who would.

"Yes, it is," Touya muttered. He blew on his mug to cool the dark liquid. His insides squirmed. Sakura was leaving high school. She was going away to college like he did. It was a bit hard to swallow that she wasn't a little girl anymore.

He thought that it would have been more comforting if Sakura remained as the sweet, baton-twirling, card-catching ten-year-old that she was. She would've been easier to tease and to protect…

"Are we late yet?" Sakura burst into the room, breathless.

The men stared.

The young woman blinked. She looked down on her outfit to check. "Hoe?"

"Sakura-san, good morning," Fujitaka greeted, smiling. He felt pride well up in his heart. His daughter looked more and more like mother everyday. In her beautiful vintage white lace dress and heels, she looked elegant and radiant like Nadeshiko on her wedding day.

Touya was quite surprised at how much his little sister had grown up. She was a slim, energetic and lovely young woman already. Though Sakura was not a delicate and romantic beauty like their mother, she was beautiful on her own right. He didn't want to think about the day that she would stop wanting to be called monster.

"I'm bringing Keroberos," Sakura said cheerfully "and you must hold him, Papa. I'm not a monster, Oniichan."

Touya removed his foot just in time. They glared at each other. Sakura started on her breakfast, giggling. It was a morning ritual that they never forgot to do whenever he was home.

Yukito Tsukishiro entered the kitchen and greeted everybody cordially. He stayed at the Kinomoto household whenever he was in town because they considered him as a part of the family. And it was far more practical for Yue to be near his mistress at all times.

"We'll have cake and ice cream today," Yukito said cheerfully. He leaned forward to kiss Sakura's forhead. His hazel eyes were twinkling brightly. "Congratulations, Sakura-chan."

The Card Mistress crimsoned.

In their eyes, she glowed.

oOoOoOo

"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo greeted as her best friend ran forward to give her a hug. Cherry blossom perfume engulfed her. She patted her best friend's head and smiled sweetly. "You look so beautiful, Sakura-chan. Though you won't wear one of my designs, I'm still very glad. You fit into your mother's dress perfectly!"

Northwest High School was abuzz with laughter and congratulations. Today was the day. It was their graduation day.

"So do you," Sakura smiled back. She giggled as she pointed to her boyfriend before whispering, "Syaoran says he hates his suit."

"They all do," she whispered back. The dark-haired beauty felt unusually fond of their best friends and classmates. Most of them had stopped by to give her a hug or a handshake.

Some boys went as far as asking her out but she'd turned them all down gently. She thought that they were just searching for some closure. The large pile of love letters in the trash can were testament on how desired she was.

They giggled and greeted and waved as their classmates passed them on the way to the auditorium. They watched as a prettily dressed Mihara Chiharu dragged a storytelling Yamazaki Takashi to the stage; the inseparable two were the appointed emcees. Yanagizawa Naoko and a blushing Sasaki Rika chatted with Terada-sensei as they searched for their seats.

Syaoran approached them, looking very handsome in his new suit. He wrapped a casual arm around his girlfriend. His eyes were appreciative as he looked on his other best friend. "You're both so beautiful. Why isn't anyone taking pictures?"

Tomoyo pointed to their right. Her bodyguards were all carrying cameras and video recorders. The other two laughed uncomfortably when they realized that they were being taped all along. "They won't miss a thing. I wanted to do it but Mother insisted that I should stay in front of the camera this time. "

They stopped talking and listened as Chiharu's voice beckoned all of them to the auditorium. The program was about to start. All of the seniors were invited back to their seats to start the ceremony.

Tomoyo and Sakura laughed openly as they waved to their parents who were obviously flirting under the guise of trading insults. Touya, Yukito and Nakuru were seated together. Spinel Sun and Keroberos had a great view as well on the shoulders of Sakura's father. Syaoran nodded to his Wei, his butler, who was holding a camera. The presence of their family made this occasion more special.

The graduation ceremony passed like a blur. They waited impatiently on their seats. They shifted uncomfortably in their new dresses and suits. They listened to their teachers, their valedictorian and class speakers while wishing that it was over. How can they remain in their seats when their lives were about to start?

One by one they climbed the stairs to receive their diplomas. They laughed and waved to flashing and clicking cameras. Their parents beamed with pride and delight. Teachers murmured encouragement and congratulations to their ears before they said goodbye. There were a lot of misty eyes and bright smiles.

Tomoyo tried not to look around for Eriol. She was sure that he was seated somewhere else because he wasn't in their row. All throughout the program, she fancied that she could feel his eyes on her. She looked confident and calm but she felt so nervous.

"I'm here," a soft, husky voice whispered on her ear.

She looked up, startled. A very handsome Hiiragizawa Eriol was standing just behind her in a dark suit and a warm smile.

"Don't read my thoughts," Tomoyo chided gently. "We're up next, aren't we?"

"Nervous?" Eriol teased.

"Never in a million years," laughed the heiress. He offered his arm and she took it. They made their way towards the back of the stage where the piano waited. Chiharu and Yamazaki waved to them as they went to the dressing rooms.

Tomoyo took a deep breath and went in.

"I'll wait for you," Eriol murmured as she closed the door.

She felt soothed as if his words had magic in them. There was no need to be nervous. Because she can count on him to catch her if she stumbled or fell. Feeling hopeful, Tomoyo smiled to her reflection on the vanity mirror.

oOoOoOo

The lights dimmed as they were introduced.

Eriol climbed up the stage and bowed to the rapt audience. Warm applause followed him as he sat in front of the pure black grand piano with the flourish of a seasoned pianist.

The audience drew a collective gasp of admiration as his muse ascended.

Tomoyo was like an angel, a goddess. Her long wavy hair flowed down to her waist like a dark waterfall but was held back by a headband studded with little sparkling gems. The midnight blue of the dress glowed faintly in the spotlight and set off her smooth alabaster skin. The tasteful design of the dress only emphasized her womanly curves and tiny waist. She moved so gracefully that they were convinced that she was gliding towards her place in front of the piano.

Everyone held their breaths. Sakura and Syaoran sat on the edge of their seat. Nobody took their eyes off of her.

Violet-blue eyes drank in the faces and feelings of her audience. Closing her eyes, she began to sing.

Kiss me sweet,

I'm sleeping in silence,

All alone,

in ice and snow

Eriol stole glances at her as he played.

He let the melody weave serene magic on the audience. Music had its own brand of magic that soothed, aroused and awed. His fingers danced across the keys. He didn't even need to look at the score.

She was so beautiful and so utterly enchanting. With her eyes closed and her voice soaring, she was a vision of heaven.

In my dream

I'm calling your name

You're my love

It was a love song she was singing.

Certainly not meant for a graduation ceremony but what else can she do? Most of her classmates had approved of her choice. If they had any misgivings, they wouldn't dare tell her. They all knew that this song would sear their young loves into their memories. If they looked back on this day, they'd remember the sweetness of her voice and the earnestness of her heart.

Love was their fuel and drive. Without it, they wouldn't have bothered going to school or working hard. It was an inspiration that spurred them on.

Tomoyo was weaving love into her song.

In your eyes

I search for my memory

lost in vain

So far in the scenery

Hold me tight

and swear again and again

We'll never be apart

Sakura and Syaoran held hands under the cover of darkness.

They had endured so many things and lasted for so long. Their relationship was a love permitted by heaven. Love and magic had woven their destinies so tightly that they didn't know where they began and ended.

The future was a vision of smoke and dreams. Though Sakura saw the future clearly in her dreams, she put faith and hopes into their choices. Because it was choices that shaped their destinies, she believed that by loving Syaoran she was creating her future.

Meeting Tomoyo's loving gaze was a joy. She was singing for them. How she had hoped, loved and endured while Sakura's eyes were on another person. She was free from that now. Her heart had flown to nestle in her soul mate's hands.

Sakura and Syaoran exchanged glances.

I love you, her emerald green eyes said. Forever and always, my love.

I'll love you forever too, he answered.

Their hands tightened their hold.

If you could touch my feathers softly

I'll give you my love

We set sail in the darkness of the night

out to the sea

To find me there

To find you there

Love me now

if you dare ...

Tomoyo glanced at Eriol.

Their eyes met. She lowered her gaze, aware of how red her cheeks were. To think that she saw desire in his eyes! To know that he admired her in his intense stare! It was knowledge that flattered her.

She was talking to him. Her voice reached out to touch his heart and catch his attention. She was more eloquent with words in a song. If he could understand the secrets of flowers and mysteries of the world then he'd know her feelings.

Seeing Sakura and Syaoran together nearly brought tears to her eyes. Instead of letting it break her composure, she allowed it to seep into her voice to bring more pathos. They were so in love. She wished that she'd experience the same heartbreaking and earth-shattering love and passion in this lifetime.

Stealing another glance at her pianist, she smiled sweetly.

He didn't take his eyes off of her. Feeling the intensity of his stare, she became convinced.

There was no way he'd ever turn her down.

Because he was feeling the same thing all along…

Kiss me sweet

I'm sleeping in sorrow

all alone,

To see you tomorrow

Eriol read the hidden messages in her song. He felt her heart reaching out for him. She was calling out for him. It was in her heart, her soul. He'd always known.

Sweetest girl, he thought, I'll be there.

After this song, he would say the three simple words that would tie their destinies together. If love was an inspiration then she would be his muse. They belonged to each other.

In my dream

I'm calling your name

You're my love ...

My love ...

Tomoyo exhaled slowly as the song ended.

A few moments later, thunderous applause erupted. The audience- classmates, teachers, family members- clapped and whistled like they couldn't stop. Eriol stood up, stepped forward and offered his hand. She took it; he led them to the center of the stage to take their bows.

They basked in the precious golden moments of their triumph.

Eriol gripped her hand tightly as if afraid to let her go. She, flushed with delight, reveled in his sure touch and strong grip. They exited the stage amidst standing ovations, still holding hands.

As Chiharu and Yamazaki ended the program with their witty remarks, they looked at each other.

Tomoyo looked up to him with expectant eyes. He realized that he was looking into enigmatic amethyst gems that gleamed violet-blue under the weak overhead light. She was breathing hard; he could see the gentle rise and fall of her chest.

Eriol didn't need to think twice.

Tipping her face upward with his hand, he leaned forward to kiss her pretty pink lips. The kiss seemed to last forever. Time and space melted into the background. All of their senses were engulfed with pleasure as they savored their second kiss.

"Do I have permission to kiss you again?" he asked huskily. "I can't believe I wasted so much time…"

Tomoyo cupped his cheek and pulled it. She smiled sweetly when he winced with pain. "Yes, you do."

"I'm glad," Eriol said wryly as he rubbed his cheek gingerly. "You don't have to be so cruel, my dear Tomoyo-san."

"You love me too much to complain," she whispered sweetly as she cupped his cheek. He didn't want to complain when she stood up on tiptoes to kiss him again. As his arms wrapped around her, he thought that nothing in this world had ever felt this right.

"I love you," Eriol murmured in her ear. "Always have and always will… I hate myself for not saying it any earlier."

She placed a finger on his lips. Her eyes understood. "You knew how I felt all this time. But it doesn't matter. We have the future in our hands."

Eriol smiled and brushed a stray curl from her forehead. "Would you like to go to the party with me?"

He let her go.

Tomoyo laced her hand tightly with his.

"I'll go anywhere as long as I'm with you," she said.

The door opened and they smiled at their friends. Congratulations rained on them. They reveled quietly in their admiration and praise. Sakura and Syaoran took a look at their linked hands. They smiled.

It was inevitable.

They were ready to let go of the past and move into the future together.

oOoOoOo