A/N:
Hi guys! I'm so so sorry for the wait. Some urgent things came up at work and I didn't have time to write at all. Good news though, this chapter's a lot longer than the previous ones. :)
Again, thanks for everyone who left reviews or favorited my story. I'm quite pleased with it so far and I'm loving Eriol and Tomoyo more and more. There's a small part of me that's not so happy about the clear card arc because it's probably going to include tons of ExK hints. But I will continue to read it for my love of CCS (and also because I'm hoping they'll squeeze in a couple of ExT moments as well).
Happy reading!
Chapter 5
It was a sunny morning and the smell of bacon and eggs filled the Hiiragizawa manor kitchen. Nakuru was in her usual apron, setting down the freshly cooked food on the table. Tomoyo muttered a word of thanks and took a bite off her toast. She was in a particularly good mood that morning. She even smiled at Suppi when she entered the dining room, half-expecting the cat to smile back.
Eriol arrived a few minutes later, greeting the occupants of the room and patting Suppi on the head. The cat didn't look happy.
He yawned and looked over Nakuru's shoulder. "What's for breakfast today?"
"The usual, Master." The brunette answered cheerfully. He graciously accepted the cup of coffee that Nakuru held out for him. "And the usual coffee to go with it, of course."
He noticed Tomoyo watching them at the corner of his eye.
"Don't be jealous, princess. I assure you our relationship is strictly platonic." Eriol gave her a side glance and winked.
"I'm not jealous, sensei." Tomoyo gave him a look.
Eriol paused and then shrugged. "Of course. I was jesting."
Tomoyo cleared her throat. "I would like to thank the both of you for taking me in yesterday. I won't stay too long this morning because my doctor is coming to check on me today." Tomoyo looked at Nakuru. "I had so much fun last night, Akizuki-san. Let's have a repeat! Maybe next time you can stay over at my place?"
"Can I?" Nakuru beamed.
"Of course. Of which, is it okay if we exchange numbers?" Tomoyo pulled out her phone. "It would be easier to keep in touch that way."
"Sure, here's my number." Nakuru distractedly looked at the strap dangling from Tomoyo's phone as she held out her own.
"Thanks! I'll drop you a message."
After breakfast, Tomoyo politely declined at Eriol's offer to drive her home. She had already called her driver early in the morning.
Eriol walked in front of Tomoyo towards the gate. He silently mused at the irony of things – the last time they were together like this, roles were switched and the night ended quite unexpectedly. He thanked the heavens Tomoyo didn't make it awkward for the two of them after that.
True enough, a black limo was parked just outside at the driveway. It looked like it was plucked straight out of an after-school scene back in Tomoeda elementary. Eriol opened the car door and offered his other hand to Tomoyo in assistance.
"I'll see you on Monday, Tomoyo."
"See you in school." Tomoyo smiled and gave his hand a gentle squeeze before letting go.
Eriol waved as the black limo drove off.
"Did something happen last night? You guys are acting all funny." Nakuru appeared beside Eriol with Suppi sitting on her shoulder.
"I wonder..." Eriol said.
"Master, I'm really sorry about last night okay? I went overboard with the teasing. That won't happen again."
Eriol waved his hand. "It's fine. I've forgotten about it."
"Good, good." Nakuru paused. "In that case, I also want to remind you that despite being physically asexual, I'm truly a female at heart. You're supposed to know that already so you don't have anything to worry about, sheesh."
"Nakuru, I think you shouldn't push it." Suppi said from her shoulder.
"I wasn't worried." Eriol insisted. "I was...just tired."
"Right..."
They walked back to the house quietly. A little bit too quietly.
"What is it, Nakuru? Spit it out."
She laughed awkwardly. "It's nothing, Master. I'm just happy."
Eriol arched a brow.
"I'm serious. I'm happy because it's been a while since I've seen you this happy."
"I don't think I'm any different from how I usually am."
"Yes you are. Don't you agree, Suppi?"
Suppi closed his eyes and ignored her.
"See? Suppi would voice out if he disagreed."
"So what are you implying?"
"Nothing." Nakuru had a secretive smile on her face. "Don't worry, Master. We won't ask. You're already an adult, you should know what you're doing. Just remember to always keep your hormones in check, alright?"
Eriol frowned. "Excuse me?"
Nakuru walked ahead of him, her arms behind her head. "Of which, Tomoyo-chan seems to have a cute looking strap on her phone. Now I wonder where she got it from?"
Eriol closed his mouth and walked back to the house silently. Nakuru laughed out loud as she followed suit.
The sleepover found Tomoyo a new friendship with Nakuru, spending even more time with her than Mika and Yuta. Nakuru would usually visit Tomoyo's house once a fortnight, sometimes spending a night for extended girl talk – although it was really more Nakuru talking and Tomoyo listening. In more ways than one, Tomoyo was reminded of Sakura whenever she was with Nakuru. The latter seemed like she never ran out of energy and was sometimes clumsy, just like her cousin.
Eriol would typically drive the brunette to Tomoyo's house and pick her up again afterwards if she wasn't staying over. It didn't take much time for her household to get comfortable with Nakuru and Eriol's frequent visits.
"Miss Nakuru, let me get your bags to your room." Elise offered with a smile.
Nakuru laughed. "Have I stayed too frequently that I have earned myself a room?"
"You can have two, Nakuru-san. We have many empty rooms in this house. It wouldn't kill to live in some of them." Tomoyo faced the tall man behind the brunette. "Are you joining us today, sensei?"
"Maybe not today." Eriol removed his glasses and pressed his palms over his eyes. "I had a rough day. I'm really tired."
"What, you had P.E.?"
Eriol returned a blank stare.
"I'm kidding." Tomoyo giggled and crossed her arms. "You can just watch us then, at a spot away from all the fun."
"I'm sure my spot will be the most fun spot in this house."
"Oh shoot, I forgot my apron and recipe in my bag. You guys go ahead to the kitchen." Nakuru rushed after Elise.
Truthfully, Tomoyo looked forward to the days when Eriol would stay and wait for Nakuru instead of going home then returning later to pick her up. She enjoyed his presence more than she liked.
"So what is it today?" Eriol asked as he walked into the kitchen with the raved-haired lady.
"I think Nakuru-san wants to go for a carrot cake."
"Hmm. I love carrot cakes."
"Maybe if you behave, I'll feed you some." Tomoyo smiled in amusement.
Eriol leaned over the counter. "Then you might as well feed me right here. I'm always behaved in the presence of a lady."
"No, Eriol, you're not always behaved." Tomoyo pulled her hair into a ponytail and turned her back to him.
Eriol shrugged, appreciating the quick view of her slender neck.
"The Nakuru has arrived!" Nakuru exclaimed from the kitchen entrance. Elise followed silently behind her. "Sir Eriol, the living room is also ready should you wish to take a nap."
"How timely. A nap sounds perfect right now." Eriol said.
"Thanks as always, Elise." Tomoyo smiled at the young girl.
Eriol slept for the rest of the night that the girls were busy in the kitchen. He only woke up when it was time to go home, and he looked groggy even then. He thought they were still going to serve some carrot cake and looked dejected when he realized they had packed up already. Tomoyo mused that he looked like a little boy deprived of his favorite cookie. She promised she'd bring some carrot cake to school to give him, if he promised he would be discreet about it. He brightened up at the idea.
As promised, Tomoyo brought two containers to school the next day – two slices of carrot cake for Mika and Yuta and another two slices for Eriol and herself. It was almost funny how Eriol walked past her desk more often than usual during classto stare at the container bag on the floor, then he would grin at her when nobody was looking.
At lunchtime, she finished her meal early and opened one container for her two friends. They were very pleasantly surprised at the free dessert. When she was sure that they'd had enough of their fill, she bid her friends farewell and grabbed the container bag from her seat.
"Where are you going?" Mika asked, fork in mouth.
"Just need to meet up with a friend."
"You mean you have other friends than us?"
"Of course. I'll see you guys in class!" Tomoyo laughed before rushing off.
The sunlight and cool air welcomed Tomoyo as she opened the door to the rooftop. She squinted and looked for her teacher around the empty floor.
"Finally." A deep baritone voice came from behind the left wall.
"Excuse you. I'm 10 minutes early." She found Eriol sitting against the wall, his nose buried in an open book.
"Remind me how you were able to enter this place again?" Tomoyo sat behind him and pulled out the container from her bag.
"I have my ways."
"Uh-huh." Tomoyo placed a slice of cake and a fork each on 2 plates and handed out to Eriol. "Your food is served."
"Dig in!" Tomoyo sliced a small portion of the cake with her fork and noticed that Eriol remained unmoving from beside her. He was staring at the dessert plate on his hand.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Go ahead."
She looked at him curiously, not really understanding the expression that he had on his face. She was about to put the slice of cake in her mouth when Eriol stopped her arm midway. Before she could react, Eriol pulled on her arm and leaned forward to eat the tiny piece of cake on her fork.
"You promised you'd feed me." Eriol looked up at her and grinned.
"I-I never said such a thing." Tomoyo stammered. "And you could've just told me you know!"
"But I like teasing you."
She sliced another portion of her cake albeit a bit roughly and put it in her mouth.
"The cake is good. Can I have some more please?" Eriol said.
"Here you go, young master." Tomoyo fed him another slice of cake, smudging the side of his mouth with some icing.
"We're role playing now?" Eriol raised a brow and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "If we are, I suggest you act more appropriately around your master."
Tomoyo glared at him.
"I'm kidding." Eriol laughed. He used his own fork and took a slice off his plate. "Thanks for bringing me dessert, Tomoyo."
"I can't believe you." Tomoyo gave a defeated sigh.
"It's really yummy though."
"Well, we wanted you to try it last night but you were really tired. We didn't want to wake you. Has it been busy at school?"
"You can say that. It'll get busier from now on though."
Tomoyo paused. "Are you having fun?"
"What do you mean?"
"You once told me that you felt like you were trying to prove something when you first entered the academe."
"Oh, that. You know…" Eriol gazed at the horizon and stretched his legs in front of him. "surprisingly enough, I think I'm actually having a lot of fun. I know I jumped into it without really thinking but it has really been a good experience for me. Reading and learning was almost second nature to me, but sharing that knowledge is a totally different matter altogether. Also, I have to say I'm finally getting in touch with this new bo-"
Eriol froze. Too much information.
"This new what?"
"I mean, what I'm trying to say is that I was pleasantly surprised at how this all turned out. Despite being a teacher I feel like I'm learning as much as my students are. The feeling is kind of new to me, but at least my world feels a lot bigger now."
"That's good to hear. I was going to say despite looking really tired, you looked like you were enjoying. I think that you're a really good teacher, Eriol."
"From my own student? Wow, I'm touched."
"I'm serious." Tomoyo said, punching him lightly on the arm. "Well, we both know your students adore you in more ways than one. But I personally think despite being really smart you still keep an open mind and encourage us a lot to think on our own. That's why your students always feel comfortable in your class, myself included."
"Thank you for the feedback. I'm sure I have a lot to learn still. If anything though, I'm starting to think about my options." Eriol smiled sheepishly.
"Options? You're leaving?"
"Not exactly. Let's just say I'm thinking of teaching something else. But that's a topic for another day."
Tomoyo watched as he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. Eriol had his hair loose that day and the light wind played with his dark locks. She reached out and gently pulled on the hair at the back of his head.
"Tomoyo?"
"Your hair is getting longer."
"That's right." Eriol chuckled. "Long enough for me to tie it once in a while."
"I think you should cut it." Tomoyo tugged at his locks.
"I should, actually. Haven't gotten around to it. You don't like it?"
"I like it when you tie your hair, but you look better with a slightly shorter length." She loosened her hold on his hair and let her fingers comb through his messy locks, her fingertips grazing his scalp lightly. She felt Eriol freeze at her touch. "Want me to cut it?"
He reached up and wrapped his fingers around her wrist, slowly pulling her hand a safe distance away from his hair. Eriol looked down at her and smiled wryly.
"I don't think that will be wise."
Tomoyo returned his gaze, appreciating his long lashes and his dark eyes. She realized he hadn't put his glasses back. She flushed slightly, realizing how her actions must have looked like. She pulled her hand back and finished the rest of her cake. "Yeah."
They were both silent for a while.
"By the way, has there been any news from home?" Eriol said, easily shrugging off what had just transpired.
"Yes, actually. My mom has been telling me that there's been some good progress on that surgery and I might hear back from them in a couple of months."
"How are you holding up?"
"So far, so good. I mean I haven't had any of the headaches in months. As for my memory, well it's still missing some pieces." Tomoyo laughed sarcastically.
"I see." Eriol paused. "You're still pushing through with the surgery."
"I don't really have a choice..."
The two suddenly heard the metal door of the rooftop open and close, immediately followed by the sound of a giggle and a deep laughing voice.
"Well, what do you know? The door was unlocked after all."
"You don't think any of the teachers are going to come up here, do you?"
Another thump was heard, followed by a sound which Tomoyo wasn't sure she heard correctly. She stiffened as realization dawned on her. This was bad. Tomoyo slowly gathered her bag in her arms and leaned back against the wall, her knees against her chest. From beside her, she heard Eriol sigh and whisper, "Kids these days."
Tomoyo sat still and stared at nothing in particular. The moaning and groaning made her feel uncomfortable. She looked at Eriol and mouthed, "Do we just wait?"
Eriol put on his glasses. "Let me handle this."
By handling it, Eriol meant coming out of hiding and driving the students away himself. Tomoyo heard the embarrassed students apologizing repeatedly at Eriol, but it was abruptly cut off at the sound of the door closing.
"Well, that's one idea." Tomoyo stepped out from behind the wall.
"They're just going to be awkward around me but I don't really care." Eriol said. "It would be more awkward if they were my students too."
"It could have been worse for us though. Thanks. Also, I think we should leave before another couple comes up to make out."
"You don't want to be seen around my company? I'm hurt."
"You know what I mean, Eriol."
"Just kidding." Eriol grinned as he opened the door for her. "Also, I'm disappointed at how unfazed you were. I was expecting more…"
"What?" Tomoyo raised an eyebrow. "You thought I was a blushing innocent damsel in distress? Oh, please. I'm not a kid."
"I'm sure your mother would be devastated to hear that."
"My mother is more modern that you think. We've talked about this even before." Tomoyo chuckled and turned around, "In what era do you live in, Eriol? You should know that girls are as informed as guys are."
Eriol stopped and stared at her. It wasn't that he disagreed with what she said. It's that it was Tomoyo saying it so casually. They never touched on that topic during the years they exchanged mails. And talking about it with Tomoyo made him feel uncomfortable.
"No smart retort back?"
Eriol frowned.
"I'm still digesting the information you just told me."
Tomoyo laughed and continued walking.
"Is that right…" Eriol muttered to himself as they arrived on the third floor.
"Tomoyo-chaaaaan... and sensei?" Mika stopped in her tracks. "I mean, hi sensei."
Eriol nodded and greeted both Tomoyo and Mika before heading towards the opposite direction from where Mika came from.
Mika pulled on Tomoyo's hand. "When you said you were meeting your friend, did you mean…"
"Sensei and I were just headed in the same direction, Mika."
"I thought you guys seemed like you came from upstairs though…"
"Must be your imagination." Tomoyo smiled at her, her eyes twinkling.
Tomoyo sighed from opposite Yuta in the study hall. The latter part of school year proved more challenging than she initially anticipated. She slept late most days and barely had time to bake with Nakuru nor talk to Sakura at night. She heard from Eriol that Nakuru was busy with school work as well.
"I feel for you." Yuta said with a hoarse voice. He looked as tired as she was. "We're the survivors. Mika couldn't even get out of bed this morning. It's a good thing we weren't required to present our last research paper."
"Yeah…" Tomoyo turned her head sideways on the table and stared out the window. "I hope Mika gets well soon." She wasn't feeling so well herself. She felt a slight throbbing on her temples.
Yuta's phone lightened up. "Well, I think she's partly okay. She just demanded for me to get her results for her and drop it off at her place. Also, she says hi."
Tomoyo smiled. "Please tell her I said hello and that I hope she gets well soon. We only have a few weeks left together after all."
"You're not extending for another year?"
"Well…I haven't talked to my mom about it." Tomoyo lied.
"Mika and I will be extending for another year, so it would be great if you could to. Won't be the same without you." Yuta leaned forward on his elbows and rested his chin on his arm.
Tomoyo looked up. "I would love to, but are you sure you don't want some quality time with Mika instead?"
"What do you mean?"
"Sometimes I just don't understand how men think."
"I really don't understand what you're talking about."
"Okay, if you say so." Tomoyo sat up. "I think we need to head to class now."
"Wait, wait." Yuta leaned over the table and blocked her path with an outstretched arm. "What did you mean? The one you said just now."
"Yuta-san, I think it's better if you just ask Mika-san about it." Tomoyo pushed at his arm weakly. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a figure standing outside the entrance of the study hall. It was Eriol, and it looked like he was frowning at them.
Tomoyo nodded and smiled at him from where she stood. She thought she saw Eriol bow slightly before going on his way.
"Was that sensei?" Yuta asked, adjusting his spectacles.
"It was a friend. Now please let me through." Tomoyo said before sliding out of her side of the bench.
"Fine." Yuta grumbled and stood up. He reached out and grabbed hold of Tomoyo's bag before she could. "And let me help you with that. You don't look well today. Did Mika infect you over the phone?
"Thanks." Tomoyo said. "I do feel a bit weak today."
She knew why. She recalled her talk with Doc Yuri from his visit during the weekend. Apparently, there had been updates on her operation and she might be reuniting with her mother and friends a bit sooner than she expected. She was initially planning on asking her mom if she could extend for another school year, but now that wouldn't be possible. The hospital had finally given the green signal and she was due for her operation in a few months. Doc Yuri stopped her medication in preparation for the surgery. He said her headaches might come back but they shouldn't be as bad as they had previously been.
She felt like lying down and sleeping, but she was sure she could survive one more period. Doct Yuri advised her not to strain herself too much during her medicine-free period, but school in the past week had been too hectic. Some of the fatigue seemed to be catching up to her.
They were going up to the second floor when they crossed paths with Eriol.
"Sensei." They both greeted.
Tomoyo saw her teacher nod back and pause slightly at her bag that was hanging from Yuta's shoulder.
"Yuta-kun, could you help to put my stuff on my desk? I just need to ask sensei something about lecture."
"Okay, sure." Yuta looked hesitant before he left.
"You look tired." Eriol tapped his notebook lightly at the top of Tomoyo's head.
"And you look jealous." She almost laughed out loud at Eriol's reaction. "You don't have to worry. Our relationship is strictly platonic."
"Well played, Tomoyo, well played." Eriol had a sarcastic expression on his face.
"It doesn't feel very nice, does it?"
"I got the point. Kidding aside, you sure you're okay? You have a slightly… fatigued look."
"And I have you to thank for that, Eriol. If it weren't for your difficult papers, I would be having a nice beauty rest every night."
"Ouch." Eriol grimaced. "All that should be over now right? The only thing left to do is to study for final exams."
"Yeah." Tomoyo yawned. "I think I'm just going to sleep the whole weekend."
"Nakuru will be crushed."
"Speaking of which, can I invite you guys over for dinner sometime mid-June? Just after final exams. You and Nakuru, and Suppi too actually."
"What's the occasion?"
"No occasion. I just want to have some nice quality time with friends after all this school craze is over."
"Alright. I'll tell Nakuru. Meanwhile, you try and get some rest please. You look pale." Eriol reached out and pinched her cheek.
Tomoyo smiled apologetically. "Okay, okay, fine."
They had since developed a very close and intimate but friendly relationship. However in the presence of others, they would automatically revert to their formal teacher-student selves. It was like an unspoken rule and secret between the two of them.
The bell rang and the two said their farewells before parting.
Two hours later, Tomoyo could be found sitting on the floor of an empty classroom on the 2nd floor. Their class had just finished and she felt worse. She wasn't sure if she could finish the rest of her classes so she told Yuta she'd get some medicine from the infirmary and get back. She was just on her way to other building when she suddenly felt weak and had to sit down. She picked a random classroom, which turned out to be an empty lab, and let her body slump down on the floor. She leaned her head back on the wall and stared at the blue and white view of the sky from outside the window. 'Such a nice view' She thought. She felt so damn weak she wanted to sleep right then and there.
She recalled Doc Yuri reminding her to be extra careful now that she wasn't taking her medicine, and also to tell her homeroom teacher right away if she wasn't feeling well. She grabbed her phone from inside her pocket and realized in horror that she didn't have Eriol's number.
Tomoyo groaned and massaged her temples with her fingers.
Her lids felt heavy and she knew she would fall asleep soon. 'Screw it. Just one hour…'
She set the alarm on her phone rather clumsily and allowed her eyes to close. She leaned slightly to the side in an attempt to get as comfortable as possible against the cold concrete floor and wall when she felt something warm on her arm and cheek.
"Hey! Are you okay?"
Tomoyo's eyes snapped open and she panicked. If it was anyone from the school faculty she would need a good excuse. Her eyes adjusted to the blurry image of a spectacled guy with dark hair.
"E-Eriol? Is that you?"
"Yes, it's me. What happened? What's wrong? Did you faint?"
She breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed. "Thank god it's just you. No, it's nothing. My head just feels really heavy and I feel so sleepy…"
Eriol frowned at the sleepy mess that was Tomoyo Daidouji. She sounded almost delirious.
"Are you sure? Is your head hurting?"
"No... NO." She repeated in a firmer voice. "I'm just really tired and sleepy. So please let me sleep. How did you find me anyway?"
Eriol sighed. He pulled out his phone and sent out a text.
He had no choice. He sat down beside her on the floor and pulled her close, letting her head rest on his shoulder
"Here. You can lean on me. I sent a message to Doc Yuri. Hopefully he's in the infirmary today."
He got no response. Her gentle breathing was all he heard. Tomoyo was already sound asleep.
'This girl will be the end of me.' Eriol already felt that something was wrong when he saw her that afternoon. He decided to use his magic to check up on her every hour or so. When he felt her consciousness weakening, he jumped to her location immediately.
An odd 30 minutes later, he got a reply. Doc Yuri was in the hospital, but he reassured Eriol that Tomoyo would be fine. It was a normal side effect of fatigue after stopping medication. She just needed to sleep for a few hours and she would be fine afterwards. He also advised to bring Tomoyo to the infirmary to sleep there if she couldn't go home.
Eriol looked worriedly at the sleeping girl beside him. Stop medication? Why should she stop medication?
Tomoyo stirred in her sleep, snuggling closer to him and leaning on his chest. "You're so comfy…" She murmured in her sleep.
Eriol took a deep breath. He needed to wake her up soon. The lab classes were usually late but the cleaners would usually come in beforehand. He grabbed her shoulder gently and gave her a gentle shake.
"Tomoyo… Tomoyo, can you stand? Let's go to the infirmary." He said in a low voice. "Please wake up."
"Hmm?" The girl stirred and lifted her head slowly. When she saw Eriol, she looked confused.
"Eriol…what are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same. Anyway, let's just go before the next class starts."
Tomoyo frowned. "Was I sleeping on you this whole time?"
"Sort of."
"Oh shoot. I told Yuta I was supposed to go back to class."
"It's fine. I can just talk to your teacher later. More importantly, I think we should leave before someone comes."
Tomoyo understood the meaning behind his words. A teacher and student alone in an empty classroom during class hours. It looked inappropriate no matter how you looked at it.
As if on cue, a sound could be heard from outside the door. Tomoyo looked in horror as the door knob twisted open. Someone was coming in.
"E-Eriol!" She grabbed his shirt in panic.
It was all a blur. She just felt herself being moved and before she knew it, she was inside the nearby locker with Eriol.
The space was cramped and could barely fit the two of them. Her body was pressed against his and he had one arm around her waist. She looked up to see Eriol plant his finger in front of his lips to silence her. From the tiny slits of the locker, she saw the cleaner enter the lab with his cleaning cart. That was a close call.
Eriol leaned forward and whispered against her ear. "When he leaves, we only have a few minutes to exit the classroom before the students come. We run away from the direction of the next lab."
Tomoyo tried to reply but couldn't find her voice. When she felt Eriol's hot breath against her ear, she felt the hairs on her arms stand. Instead she whimpered and squirmed in his arms. Eriol froze as stiff as a board.
"Don't." Eriol whispered through gritted teeth. His arms tightening around her against his will. "Please. Stop. Moving."
"S-Sorry."
She was breathing heavily, her chest pressed against his. They were too close for comfort but she dared not move. She was surrounded by his intoxicating scent and felt warm and tingly all over. She was thankful that the darkness concealed her otherwise red face and ears. She prayed for the cleaner to finish soon so they could exit the cramped space.
Tomoyo peeked up at Eriol. He had his eyes closed in what seemed like a look of intense concentration. He was taking quiet but deep breaths. She watched him curiously, wondering what was going on in his head.
Eriol wasn't sure how to feel about their current situation. Truth be told, he knew he could have done something unearthly but better to get rid of the cleaner. At that moment, he just reacted on impulse and pulled Tomoyo into the locker with him. Now he regretted doing so. This was probably the worst situation to be in with the raven-haired girl, aside from being caught of course. It was the ultimate temptation and test for someone who was trying to curb his hormone problem. To make matters worse, Tomoyo was oblivious to the situation and was being ever so delectable in his arms. When she squirmed against him, his control almost broke. It took all his energy to concentrate on not doing anything he would probably regret for the rest of his life. He was more than thankful that Tomoyo's sling bag was placed rather strategically between them, or the girl would be freaking out at his body's natural reaction to being tightly pressed against a girl he was attracted to.
Eriol's eyes snapped open as a hand snaked up his neck.
She frowned at his reaction. He must really be panicking about getting caught.
"You okay?" She mouthed, her hand going up to his cheek. Her big eyes stared up into his.
His knees weakened.
"Tomoyo, please don't." He begged. Hoping against hope that Tomoyo could understand.
Tomoyo didn't know what had come over her. She saw Eriol's tortured look and acted on impulse. She tiptoed and planted a light kiss on his cheek. She leaned closer and whispered against his ear. "Just relax. It'll be over soon"
Eriol pulled her in and hugged her tight, burrowing his head against the curve of her neck. "My dear, you will be the end of me."
The moment they heard the lab door close, Eriol had both of them instantly outside and walking towards the door. He had her hand in his and he walked silently. Tomoyo remained quiet.
They kept quiet all the way to the infirmary. Neither wanted to speak up. When Tomoyo lied down on the infirmary bed, she felt the same exhaustion catch up to her and she fell asleep instantly.
When Tomoyo awoke, the first thing she saw was her teacher's back. Eriol was looking out the window with a pensive look on his face. She glanced at the clock and noticed how late it was. The sun was setting. She was about to reach for her phone but she realized Eriol must have contacted her driver and Elise already. For a fleeting moment, Tomoyo wasn't sure how to talk to Eriol after what happened that afternoon.
"Seems like Déjà vu." Tomoyo said, sitting up on the bed. "I didn't think you'd still be here."
"Why are you even surprised?" She could hear the smile in his voice.
"Well, with the school year almost over I thought you'd be at least busier than you usually are."
"I've finished all my work."
"Of course, you have."
Silence. Tomoyo's fingers fumbled at the sheets. She hated awkward moments like these.
"Doc Yuri told me you stopped your medication. Why did you stop?"
"Oh. He told you about that, huh."
Eriol turned around to face her, his arms crossed in front of him. Tomoyo thought his ruffled hair looked attractive.
"I was supposed to tell you and Nakuru at the same time, hence the dinner invite. I received news from Tomoeda. My operation has been scheduled a few months from now. I had to stop my medication in preparation for that."
"I see." Eriol said. "Are you going to be okay? I thought the medicine was the only thing stopping your headaches?"
"Doc Yuri says that since I'd been on medication for a while, I should be covered from now until the operation. If anything, I just need to make sure I don't tire myself out physically as my immune system is a bit weaker than usual."
"I guess this also means you're not extending for another year."
"Yes, that's right."
"Nakuru's going to be devastated." Eriol gave her a sad smile.
"I suppose you're right. I'll try my best to make it up to her while I'm still here."
The two decided not to address the elephant in the room until they both went home that night. Tomoyo's news also meant farewell for the two of them.
Nakuru didn't handle the news particularly well. She whined about it for weeks, saying incredulous things about going back to Tomoeda with Tomoyo and then asking Eriol to magically stop her from going home.
It wasn't that Eriol didn't feel the same. But he had always known that the fun times wouldn't be forever. He knew their whole ruse would end eventually. They could only enjoy it while it lasted.
"Masterrr." Nakuru whined from in front of Eriol on the sofa. "You know you don't want her to go."
"That's besides the point."
"But I don't want her to go. I want her to stay here forever."
"Nakuru, you have to learn to let go of some things." Suppi said. "We all knew this would happen."
"This trip will be good for Tomoyo. She will regain her memories and she won't have to keep drinking medicine nor forget her memories."
"But what about her memories of us? How is that going to fit in the whole picture?"
Eriol refused to answer and took a sip of his tea.
"Of which, what time is Tomoyo expected to arrive again?" Suppi said.
"She should be arriving in an hour or two." Nakuru covered her eyes. "Noooo. This will be her last sleepover. I still can't believe it."
"I think we should be thankful that she had enough time to squeeze this sleepover in her busy schedule."
"I think Tomoyo will always find time for you." Nakuru popped a grape in her mouth. "I mean, us."
Eriol decided to ignore the insinuation.
"Let me help you with cooking today." He offered.
"No! I want to do all the cooking today. I've decided to make cupcakes too!"
"Come now, this is our farewell party for Tomoyo. I want all of us to help."
Nakuru pouted. "Okay, fine! But only with the dinner. The dessert is all mine."
"Of course." Eriol glanced at Suppi. "Will you accompany Nakuru when she prepares the dessert?"
"I'll take charge of making sure she doesn't put too much sugar in the cupcake."
"That's mean, you two!"
It was a busy time in the Hiiragizawa household when Tomoyo arrived. She was greeted by Eriol at the door, who offered to carry her duffel bag. He offered a light wave to Tomoyo's driver as he drove off.
"That smells nice!" Tomoyo said as Eriol closed the front door. "I can already tell. Dinner's going to be so yummy."
"I have to admit, Nakuru's cooking isn't so bad."
Eriol's arm brushed against hers lightly and they both inched just slightly away from each other. It had been like this since the time they hid in the locker in school. They refused to talk about what happened that day, but they had been slightly more awkward since then. Any skin contact would make the other jump. Save that, they both acted normally around each other.
"I'll bring your things to Nakuru's room. You should head over to the kitchen to greet her. She just started preparing for the cupcakes."
"Thanks, Eriol."
"What's in your bag by the way? Did you bring your whole wardrobe here?" Eriol teased.
"It's clothes for Nakuru. I designed some for her. It's my farewell gift. She doesn't know though so don't tell her."
Eriol's eyes softened. "That's very sweet of you."
Tomoyo smiled back in return.
Saying that Nakuru's cooking was not bad was an understatement. She prepared a full course meal for dinner, and she insisted Eriol only helped for a little bit. The dinner itself was enjoyable as always. They reminisced about the first time she stayed over. Tomoyo felt mixed emotions during the dinner. She had gotten so much used to their company that she dreaded saying farewell to them.
Nakuru noticed the change in Tomoyo's expression. "Okay, time for our much needed dessert!" the brunette exclaimed as she rushed out the room. She arrived afterwards with a tray of nice-looking vanilla cupcakes.
"Aww. You baked the same one we did the first time!" Tomoyo said.
"I hope I made them perfectly. I followed your recipe to a tee."
"I'm sure it is, Nakuru-san. You put so much of your feelings into it after all."
"Tomoyo-chan!" Nakuru hugged the girl. "I can't believe you're really leaving us."
"I wish I could have extended for another year, Nakuru-san. I really do." Tomoyo looked apologetic.
"Come now, the night is too early for this kind of drama. Let's just enjoy the dessert, shall we ladies?" Eriol interjected.
Not long after that, the three could be found huddled together playing pictionary as they finished off the cupcakes. Suppi watched quietly from the other side of the table. They were having a lot of fun but Nakuru was clingy to Tomoyo the whole night. The latter felt like the brunette's emotional mood had rubbed off on her. Often times she would take a quick glance at Eriol at the corner of her eye. His teacher was sitting beside her on the table. She thought his dark v-neck shirt accentuated his toned chest and arms. Besides that, she was almost too conscious of his arm that was casually draped on the back of her chair.
"How is that supposed to be a rooster?" Nakuru complained, pointing at Eriol's drawing.
"That looks like a perfectly healthy rooster to me."
"No, it doesn't. Tomoyo-chan, would you please do the honors?"
Tomoyo giggled and removed the cap from the bright pink lipstick tube in her hand. She drew a small heart on Eriol's right cheek.
"I have to say, this suits you a lot. You look so adorable." Tomoyo said.
"Are you sure you're not guessing incorrectly on purpose?" Eriol said wryly, glaring at Nakuru.
"Of course not. You know how competitive I am when it comes to games."
Tomoyo giggled again.
"Daidouji-san, are you okay? You've been laughing non-stop."
"Because you're all so silly." Tomoyo grabbed the pencil from Eriol's hand. "Okay, it's my turn!"
She grabbed a card from the box and stared at it. She squinted at the card for a few seconds, then she put the card down and stated giggling.
"There you go again." Eriol laughed as the turned the hourglass. "Are you drunk or what."
"Shh! Let me focus." She started scribbling on the notepad, the tip of her tongue touching her upper lip.
Eriol and Nakuru stared at her drawing. They couldn't understand it at first, then Eriol's eyes widened.
"Is that… kissing?"
"Bingo!" Tomoyo beamed and raised both hands in hurrah. "I'm so good at this."
"Damn. I could have guessed that too. But…" Nakuru looked at her drawing curiously. "Is the guy in your drawing wearing glasses?"
"Yep!"
"I see…" Nakuru smirked as her eyes moved to Eriol slowly. Her master glared at her. 'Don't you dare.'
"What's wrong with the guy having glasses?"
"Nothing of course. And the girl here has bangs too! How cute. By any chance is her hair color-"
"OKAY! Your turn next, Nakuru. Don't keep us waiting please." Eriol said in a loud voice.
Nakuru sniggered and gave Eriol a knowing look as she took a card from the box.
'What's wrong with you? You're all acting very funny.' Suppi thoughts entered their minds.
'We're fine, Suppi. Why do you ask?' Eriol answered.
Suppi gestured to Tomoyo who was biting her lip to stop from laughing as she watched Nakuru draw on the paper. Her cheeks looked pink.
'Exhibit A.'
'Aside from her seeming to have inhaled laughing gas, I'd say she's perfectly fine. Maybe because school's over, she has finally let loose.'
'I wonder if there was something in the food.'
'You were watching Nakuru the whole time right?'
'I was, yes.'
'Then there's nothing to worry about. I don't feel like I'm dying.'
'Okay…' Suppi sounded unsure.
Nakuru and Tomoyo stared at Eriol's drawing silently. The sand had just settled at the bottom of the hourglass.
"Sensei…"
"It's a bouquet of flowers." Eriol said flatly.
The two girls burst out laughing.
"Master." Nakuru wiped a tear from her eye. "Those are just a bunch of circles!"
Tomoyo covered her mouth, her own eyes tearing up from too much laughing. "Who would've thought that you couldn't draw?"
"Ouch." Eriol feigned hurt. "You hurt my feelings, Daidouji."
"I think we've pretty much covered your whole face actually." Tomoyo opened the lipstick and stared at his face thoughtfully. "Oh, I know!"
She leaned forward and grabbed Eriol's face by the chin. She started putting lipstick on his lips. She started giggling again.
"Really now." Eriol said incoherently as she stared at Tomoyo's amused face inches from his own.
"I wonder what my classmates would say if they saw you right now? Sensei is such a playboy." She imitated a girly voice.
"Then I'd tell them it was you who put all these on my face."
Tomoyo scoffed. "No one's going to believe you, sensei."
"But it is true, isn't it?"
"Of course not." Tomoyo closed the lipstick and grinned at him. "There you go! You look beautiful, sensei!"
"Don't lie now, Daidouji-san. Or I'll have to punish you too." Eriol reached out and ran his thumb across her lips. "I think it will look nice on you too…"
Two pairs of brows raised at his comment.
Tomoyo raised an eyebrow and raised her chin in defiance. "You think I'm scared of you?"
'Whoa. I'm pretty sure that's bordering on some sexual tension right there.'
Eriol's eyes narrowed.
"Okay, okay! That's enough roleplay, kids. I think we've had enough games for tonight." Nakuru stood between them, forcing the two to separate. She placed the last cupcake on Tomoyo's plate. "Tomoyo-chan, please have the last one."
Tomoyo smiled back up at Nakuru and said thanks.
"Somehow the room feels extra hot today." Nakuru said, fanning her face. "In any case, I need to start washing dishes. Will you kids please stay here and behave?"
'Suppi, will you stay with the master please? And Master, please behave yourself!'
'Sorry about that. I got carried away. No more funny business.'
'I'll stay with Eriol. Please hurry, Nakuru. You realize Tomoyo just thinks of me as a pet cat.'
After Nakuru left, Tomoyo ate her cupcake slowly while Eriol tinkered with his phone. Suppi noticed that the two had remained quiet. They seemed to have snapped out of their reverie.
"So have you finished packing?" Eriol asked.
"Pretty much. Just a few more bags left."
"We can come over and help you out if you want."
"No need. Elise is more than enough help for me." She took another big bite off the cupcake. She heard a soft click and found Eriol holding up his phone in front of her. "Hey!"
Eriol laughed and pulled his phone away from her reach. "Now isn't that adorable? You look like a cute little hamster."
Eriol flipped his phone to show a picture of Tomoyo with her mouth full, cupcake in hands and some crumbs around her mouth. Her cheeks look slightly flushed.
"You could have called me. Would have given you a more decent photo." Tomoyo tried to reach for his phone to no avail.
"Nope. I want this one. It's my keepsake for when you leave."
Tomoyo looked at him in surprise. She sat back down and sighed. What he said left a slight pang on her heart. "Okay fine. You can keep it." For some reason, she felt warm around her ears and neck.
"You don't have to look so bummed. The photo really looked cute." Eriol grinned.
'Oh please, Master. Get a room.' Suppi rolled his eyes from where he sat.
'Don't be a killjoy, Suppi. Tomoyo's leaving and I'm going to miss her a lot.'
Tomoyo was looking gloomily on her remaining cupcake. She was reminded of how she's leaving all her friends in England behind. All her friends and Eriol. She was supposed to have accepted that fact already, but being with him just reminded her of how much she didn't want to leave him yet. She peeked at Eriol beside her. Truthfully, she didn't know what Eriol was to her and likewise what she was to Eriol. She knew they had a special relationship going on, something not quite lovers and not quite friends either. Not that she wanted to make a big deal out of it. Eriol was her teacher. It was complicated and she was leaving after all.
"I can't finish my cupcake." Tomoyo said out loud.
"Eh? Don't tell me this is because of the photo." Eriol faced her fully.
"No. I'm just really full, and feeling very funny." Tomoyo frowned at the cupcake, as if blaming it. She picked up a chunk of icing with her fingertip. "This cupcake is messing with my feelings."
"What are you talking about? You're being silly."
Tomoyo ignored her
Eriol watched her curiously. She was obviously bothered by something. He took a deep breath and reached out for her. Tomoyo was surprised when Eriol took her wrist and leaned forward to put her finger in his mouth. She felt his tongue lap at her fingertip, tasting the icing.
"W-w-what are you doing?" Tomoyo stammered, her face heating up.
'Master!' Suppi jumped up.
"Yummy." Eriol let her go and grinned at her. "Okay. I'll share your cupcake with you."
Tomoyo was in shock. She stared at the Eriol, not knowing how to react. She noticed the cat Suppi walk slowly towards them and lean towards Eriol's arm. It looked like it was glaring up at Eriol.
"Look, it's your last night with us. Stop worrying about whatever it is you're worrying about. You have a long night ahead with Nakuru, doing all your girly things."
'Nothing to worry about, Suppi. I just wanted to distract her. She looked sad.'
'Wait I just finished with the dishes. I'll be back soon.' Nakuru interjected from the kitchen.
'Master, you know fully well that there are a lot of other ways to do that.'
"You're right." Tomoyo pushed the plate with the cupcake towards Eriol. "Here you go."
"Thank you, princess."
"That's the second time you've done that. What is with you and eating food by yourself?"
Eriol refused to answer.
Nakuru came back a few minutes later and ushered Tomoyo out of the dining room, but not before glaring at Eriol.
'Don't try anything funny, Master.'
'I won't. I promise I won't come near your room tonight.'
'By the way, Suppi. I'm not finished cleaning up in the kitchen. I'll go back later so don't have a fit when you see it.'
'Why am I not surprised?'
Tomoyo looked back at Eriol and said goodnight. To Eriol, it didn't look like she wanted to leave at all.
Eriol stepped out of his shower and ran a towel over his wet hair. He just finished his much-needed cold shower. Now all he had to do was wait for all residents to fall asleep so he could have his late-night piano session. He sat down on his bed and opened his phone, staring at the photo of Tomoyo eating her cupcake. It put a bittersweet smile on his face.
The truth is he didn't want her to leave. If he could make her stay, he would. But he should know better. Tomoyo needed this operation more than anything. She's been distressed from her memory problems and just wants everything back to how it used to be. Back to when they hadn't reunited.
Several times he had considered finding a way to make her stay, and he knew he could. But he knew nothing good would come out of it. He was a teacher. Her teacher. And he had never really faced head on how he truly felt about her. He couldn't because he was afraid what he would conclude if he did.
He sighed and let his body slump back down on the bed. Maybe Tomoyo was right. The cupcake was messing with his feelings too.
If there was anything he was sure about, it's that he shouldn't be alone with Tomoyo. He was serious when he said that he wouldn't go near Nakuru's room that night. They've had too much near misses lately and his self-control was wearing thin.
A knock was heard from his door. Must be his midnight tea.
"Come in, Nakuru. You can leave the tea on the table."
Eriol sat back upright when he heard light footsteps, much unlike Nakuru's usual stomping. His eyes widened. Tomoyo stood a few steps from him. She was wearing her nightgown and silk robe, her hair in a wild array around her. She was looking at him hesitantly.
This wasn't good. Eriol panicked.
"Tomoyo. To what do I owe this visit?"
It was then he noticed her holding a small paperbag behind her. He relaxed his shoulders.
"Uhm. I'm sorry for intruding so late at night. I couldn't find the right time to talk to you." She pulled out the paperbag from behind her and handed it to Eriol.
"This is for you. I'm not sure if you'll like it as I'm more used to giving gifts to girls. This is a thank you for everything you've done for me the past year" Tomoyo gave him a big smile, her cheeks flushed. "If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have met Nakuru. I would have passed out and hadn't gotten to the infirmary twice. It felt like you were always there for me whenever I needed you, both as a teacher and a friend."
Eriol received the gift and opened it. Inside it were handsown scarf and gloves. His eyes softened.
"Thank you, Tomoyo. I'll treasure this."
"I know you already have a scarf and gloves but I wanted to leave something you'll remember me by." Tomoyo clasped her hands behind her. "Aside from that silly photo you just took of me."
Eriol watched her and felt a wave of sadness over his heart. She was really leaving.
Tomoyo looked into his eyes. It looked really sad. She felt a lump form in her throat.
"That's all." Tomoyo bowed from where she stood. "Thank you, sensei. And I'll miss you."
She swiftly turned around and walked towards the door.
"Wait." Eriol willed himself not to go up to her. Tomoyo turned around. Her glistened slightly from the dark. He knew she was holding back tears. "I also have you to thank, Tomoyo. Before I met you, I was lost and I was such a mess. Spending all that time with you helped me realize what I really wanted to do in my life."
Tomoyo smiled. "You want to be the best teacher?"
Tomoyo put her hand on the knob. "Will you tell me one thing? Remember the first time you visited me at my place the first time?"
"Yes?"
"You told me you went to all the students to get to know all of them."
"And…?"
"You were lying, weren't you. I was the only one you went to."
Eriol kept quiet for a while. "Yes."
Tomoyo didn't respond. Eriol watched her back curiously. She wasn't moving.
"One more thing. Remember the time we were stuck in that locker room?"
"What about it?"
Tomoyo just opened Pandora's Box.
"What were you thinking about when you were stuck there with me?"
It was then he heard the lock to his door click. 'Shit.'
Nakuru just finished her hot shower and was humming to herself as she walked in the kitchen. She was feeling quite pleased with herself and thought to reward herself with some alcohol. She opened top cupboard and stared at the empty space that used to be her bottle of bourbon.
'Suppi, Master, did you guys touch my drink?'
'Of course not.' Suppi replied. 'What the hell do I need your drink for?'
'Well, it's missing. Master?'
'You know the master prefers whiskey, Nakuru.'
'Suppi, Nakuru, don't come in my room.' Eriol's thoughts left as fast as it came. His voice sounded really firm.
'What's master being grumpy about?' Nakuru whined.
'No idea.'
'Wait a minute…' Nakuru had a look of horror on her face. She rushed over the cupboard next to it and pulled out another bottle. It was full and untouched.
'Oh no. OH NO.'
'Nakuru, what did you do?' Suppi flew in the kitchen.
Nakuru turned around and looked at Suppi in horror. She was holding a bottle of vanilla syrup. "S-Suppi. I made a terrible mistake. I put bourbon instead of the syrup.'
"In the cupcakes?"
"Yes, a-and the cupcakes, the one who ate most of it…"
It was Tomoyo.
'I'm so SO sorry! I knew it. I shouldn't have baked them by myself.'
'Where is she now?' Suppi asked.
'She's safe in my room. I just went out for a shower.'
Both guardians froze in recollection of what Eriol said just a few minutes ago. They both ran up the steps towards Eriol's room. They stood outside the door. Even without knocking, they could feel it. There were two people inside Eriol's room.
+++ END CHAPTER +++
A/N: Voila! Cliffhanger! Hope you guys liked it. I'm still not done with Chapter 6 but I will try to finish it as soon as I can! Do leave a review guys. Thanks!