TITLE: When You Need Me
DISCLAIMER: lol. If I owned ANYTHING to do with CCS, do you think I'd be sitting here writing fics??? ^_-
ME: HIYA!!! Finally, I know I said I'd get this fic done in one day...... *sigh* but I started late in the afternoon yesterday and it's taking a wee bit longer then I thought ^.- but hey! Here it is! The fifth and final chapter of my 'When You Need Me' story! Aren't ya happy??? ^.^
KERO: They'll be happier if ya STOP BABBLING and get on with the FIC DFS!
R.M.: hehehe....... *evil laughter* Wanna cookie SUPPI????
Spinel: NO!!!!! ARG!! I'm outta here!!
R.M.: SUUUPPPPII!!! COME BACK! We haven't finished DFS's fic yet!
KERO: You mean the one where she KILLED TOMOYO?!?!? *death glares*
ME: *cries* SHE'S NOT DEAD!!!! *whacks Kero with a hammer over and over* I TOLD you that!!! SHE IS ALIVE! *glances at readers* I mean- um- well...... guess I kinda ruined it, uh? ^.^;
KERO: *snickers* ON WITH THE FIC!
ME: warnings of death, romancy stuff, and more! ^.^
* * * * * * *
*****WHEN YOU NEED ME*****
Chapter 5!
The gunshot echoed across the empty beach, mixing with the wind. Tomoyo gasped, shuddering at the sound that had sounded right next to her ear. But there had been no bullet. Thank god.
"Hear that, Daidouji?" Brian sneered, grabbing the back of her neck so hard she cried out in pain, "THAT is the sound of death. But next time that happens, the gun will be loaded."
Finally he let go, and Tomoyo immediately turned around to face Brian and his gang, though still on her knees in the sand. When she tried to get up, however, both Brian and another gang member pushed her back down. Everyone had sneers on their faces, especially Brian as he slowly loaded the gun in his hand. Then there was a click as he set it.
"So...... Daidouji. I think I can find it in my heart to give you one more chance. Take it or leave it."
The words were out of Tomoyo's mouth before she had a chance to think. "Leave it,"
Her voice was hoarse and scared, but her pride and stubbornness still shown through. Brian narrowed his eyes, his sneer twisting into a frown. "That was the wrong answer."
~When does the sparrow crow atop his twig-like throne?~
Tomoyo's violet eyes went wide as Brian approached, the gun still firmly in his hand. She could feel her shoulders trembling uncontrollably, from both the wind and her own fears. But there was nothing she could do. She didn't want to die...... but if it was going to happen anyway, maybe she could at least go down with a fight.
Finally the prideful glint was back in her eyes, and her shuddering had stopped. That was it...... she could at least show them that they couldn't kick her around like this, even if they still shot her.
Brian was inches away, brushing strands of black out of her face as he drew the gun closer. It was either now or never, Tomoyo knew. Tomoyo Daidouji, the mistress of masks, was totally unreadable. Even Brian, who was a couple inches from her face, couldn't read her expression. He saw her pale shoulders, lit by the moon above, twitch slightly. He saw her muscles tense. But by the time her brought the gun up to her head it was too late.
In seconds the young man was sprawled on his back, holding his stomach in pain. Tomoyo was on her feet, cursing herself for having worn a tight dress, and staring haughtily at the rest of the flabbergasted gang. But they didn't stay frozen for long...... and neither did she. In seconds Tomoyo was taking off down the beach, her hands still bound tightly behind her back. She had left her shoes behind, knowing they would slow her down, and was already yards away before she heard the gang begin to follow, yelling and cursing.
Tomoyo squeezed her eye's shut as she ran, fear pumping the adrenaline in her body and forcing her to run faster. A single tear was already making its way down her pale cheek. She knew what would happen eventually...... she already knew they'd catch up to her. She had no where to go. But at least she had to try..... right?
~When does the mountain cry just to be left alone?~
Tomoyo let out a heart-splitting cry as she felt something hit the back of her knee, and in seconds she had fallen to her knee's, tears now streaming freely down her cheeks. She blinked them away the best she could, knowing she couldn't get up. Something had hit her leg..... but the pain was numb like the rest of her body. All she could feel was fear.
The young woman slowly stood up, turning to face the oncoming gang. It had been a rock...... someone had thrown a rock at her knee. She knew she would probably fall if she tried to walk, so she stood perfectly still, her back straight and her chin up. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion before her eyes. Brian and his gang stopped a few feet in front of her, spraying sand all around them and panting. With a look of contempt furrowing his brow, Brian slowly raised the gun. And seconds later, a gunshot echoed across the beach once more.
Tomoyo watched, her own shaky breaths echoing in her ears, expecting pain any second. There was a flash of light, a crack like thunder, but no pain. Tomoyo shuddered, looking up to see Brian staring at her with a look of disbelief. He was holding his chest, his eyes were wide and dilated...... and a small stream of blood had appeared in the corner of his mouth. Without a word he sunk to the sand, waves licking at his feet.
~When does the panther roar in hopes of going home?~
"What the HELL?!?!" Someone yelled from the crowd of people, as a strong-looking girl quickly picked up Brian's gun and aimed it at Tomoyo again.
"Bitch!" She yelled, pulling the trigger. Tomoyo stumbled backwards, but once again there was a flash of light, a crack of thunder, and the bullet was in the other girl's chest instead. Tomoyo gasped as blood began to soak the sandy shore, and she tried to back up again. This time her back ran straight into someone's chest, and she immediately felt warm hands wrap around her waist. Whispered words reached her ears through the wind, and immediately she sunk into a deep sleep.
~Little do they know, their fates are already sown~
* * * * * *
Tomoyo was laying across Eriol's couch once again when she woke up, wrapped in bundles of blankets with a warm pack on her forehead. She could still feel parts of her that were numb, but mostly she just felt warm and tired. But this wasn't the time to fall back asleep. What exactly had happened?!
Sitting up and looking over immediately, Tomoyo came face to face with a very pleased Ruby Moon.
"She's AWAKE!!" The excitable guardian immediately shrieked, wrapping Tomoyo in a large bear hug. Tomoyo raised her eyebrows in confusion, pulling away as soon as possible.
"Ruby Moon? Wh- what happened?"
Before the young woman in front of her could answer, a deep voice came from the doorway.
"Well, look who's finally awake!"
~In our cages we wait, white mice waiting to flee~
Her head snapped towards the doorway immediately where a very battered looking Eriol stood. He still had on black jeans and a grey shirt, but there was tear marks all over his clothes. A long scratch ran down the side of his face, while bloodstained bandages were wrapped around his forehead and one of his hands. His glasses were gone for the moment and his hair was a mess. But somehow..... it fit him. Minus the blood.
"What happened?" Tomoyo repeated quietly, a perplexed look taking hold of her face. Eriol smiled slightly, but it was a strained smile, as he slowly walked over and sat down on the couch she was laying on. With a wide smile Ruby Moon left the room, only glancing back once as she shut the door behind her. Eriol kept his eyes on Tomoyo.
"Are you still cold? I can get you another blanket if you want."
Tomoyo shot him a hard look and pushed away the blankets, crossing her arms expectantly. Eriol chuckled.
~In our chests our hearts ache, longing to be free~
"Obviously I just saved your life Tomoyo Daidouji." He said with a wink, turning his body slowly around to face her. He winced slightly as she gently touched the bloodied bandage on his forehead, but continued to study her with his piercing bluish-grey eyes. She frowned.
"Tell me what happened Hiiragizawa. How'd you find me? And how did you get all these cuts?!"
Eriol smiled slowly, a real smile that touched his eyes and seemed to make them dance. "I'm a magician. I have ways of finding people. As for these, " he gently traced a hand across the cut going down the side of his face, "When you fight gangs they usually fight back. And these guys had blades."
Tomoyo's eyes went wide as a horrified expression crossed her face, and then she punched Eriol hard in the shoulder. "Thank you for saving me Eriol, but you could have gotten KILLED! Are you crazy?!"
He playfully winced, rubbing his shoulder as a smile flitted across his face. "That's one way to put it."
Tomoyo finally smiled too, but this time it was a soft, shy one. Her violet eyes examined him closely. "What happened to the gang?"
Eriol looked away, his stormy eye's growing cloudy. "Well..... a couple are dead. But most of them are back home, all memories of ever being in a gang erased. They don't remember you either."
The girl winced as she remembered the pools of blood staining the sand, and immediately looked away.
~What happens to us all day is something that's meant to be~
"I'm sorry Eriol...... I've been nothing but trouble this whole time."
The young man's face grew serious as he snapped is gaze back towards her. His eyes were narrowed. "You have never been trouble for me once Tomoyo...... even after tonight. There's nothing to be sorry about. I clearly remember being the one to telling YOU that I'd be there whenever you needed me."
Finally she met his gaze, a smile appearing on her face then slowly growing. She shook her head, giggling. "Eriol Hiiragizawa, you have to be the most CONFUSIING person I've ever met!"
The young man smiled calmly, taking Tomoyo's hand gently in his hand and raising it to his lips to kiss it softly. His warm breath tickled the back of her hand. "As are you Tomoyo Daidouji."
Tomoyo froze, her dark violet eyes wide as her heart skipped a beat. His face gave away nothing, and neither did hers, but deep inside she could feel a strange warmth bubbling up as butterflies beat their wings against her stomach.
Eriol was having trouble maintaining his control. Inside, he knew what he wanted to do. But would he scare her? There was no was to tell with his lovely mistress of masks...... her face was as blank as is. Vaguely he realized that he should probably let go of her hand, which was still inches away from his lips, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He didn't want to let go, not after he had almost lost her tonight. And her skin felt so warm.......
~But I'll always be there for you whenever you need me.~
"I have to be getting home," Tomoyo said, breaking the uncomfortable silence as she drew back her hand and made to stand up. Instantly Eriol put a hand on her shoulder, smiling again.
"Don't worry, your going to be staying in one of my guestrooms tonight. It's already 2:00 in the morning. I called your house awhile ago to tell them that you'd be staying over here. Some story about you getting lost or something. Very vague........ your mother was too tired to come pick you up."
Tomoyo actually laughed, shaking her head and sitting back down. She really didn't want to leave anyway. But....... but what would happen if she stayed? Eriol suddenly leaned forward at the same time she had sat back down, his breath warming the side of her cheek as he whispered in her ear.
"Take off your masks mistress...... and I'll take off mine."
She didn't have to ask what that meant....... she knew. And at the same time her eyes grew wide, their thoughts seemed to merge.
'I don't know......'
'Just take off your masks.'
'I don't know how........'
'Then I'll show you.'
~You'll never figure me out Eriol Hiiragizawa, not in a thousand years. I made sure of that when I started my game of masks.~
~I don't need to figure you out anymore Tomoyo Daidouji........ there's only one thing I need now. Let your masks go, and I will drop mine.~
Before Tomoyo knew what was happening, Eriol had already cupped her chin gently in his hands. Slowly he leaned forward, his eye's half closed and a seductive smile on his face. She froze as his lips touched hers, soft and gentle. Massaging hers slowly and begging ever so slightly to receive something in return.
At first Tomoyo couldn't move, her violet eyes wide open. She was no longer aware of the couch they were sitting on, or of the numbness that still claimed her fingers from the night at the beach. All she could feel was his warm hands cupping her face, and his lips against hers. ERIOL, of all people, was kissing HER.
With a soft smile Eriol pulled away, a triumphant gleam in his eyes. Her masks were gone, replaced with a look of confusion...... and something else he could not read. Good enough.
"There, was that so hard?"
Tomoyo looked confused for only a second longer before she leaned towards him, a mysterious glint in her eyes and an evil smile on her face. "But you FORGOT something, oh master of masks."
Eriol cocked an eyebrow at her, hiding his surprise beneath a smirk. "And what's that?"
Tomoyo immediately lunged forward, surprising him so badly that he almost fell backwards. In seconds her hands were cupping HIS face, and she had her lips crushed to his, strands of her raven hair mixing with his blue locks. In seconds she had forced her tongue into his mouth, exploring slowly, teasing his tongue.
Eriol trembled under her touch, his eyes wide...... but only for a second. After that he lost all self-control and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her whole body closer as he kissed her back. He was so close to her he could breath in her beautiful scent...... a mix of honey and blossoms. Nothing he had ever done had felt the same....... nothing he had ever done had made him feel like this; like he was in heaven.
Pulling away to breath, Tomoyo opened her eyes to stare into Eriol's. He had a look of pure longing on his face, mixed in with a smirk and an evil glint in his eyes. "And what was that, Tomoyo Daidouji?"
"You forgot to take YOUR mask off." she said with a smirk, realizing she was still cupping his face. Letting go immediately, and suddenly embarrassed, she tried to pull away. Eriol just tightened his grip around her waist, leaning his forehead gently against hers. He could feel her heart pounding as he stared deep into her violet eyes.
"So I did." And he kissed her again, cherishing the way she squirmed in his grasp, fighting to get closer as she returned his kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a deeper embrace then before. And soon all Eriol could see was stars.
Pulling away finally, Tomoyo absent-mindedly slipped lower on the couch, one hand still wrapped around Eriol's neck, and nuzzled her head against his chest, closing her eyes. Eriol understood...... she was tired. It had been a long night. But what if she woke up the next morning thinking that his kiss right now had just been...... a dream? Did she even really know what she was doing to him? Gently he leaned his chin against the top of her head, treasuring the warmth he was holding tightly in his arms. It was either now or never.
"Tomoyo?"
"Hmm?" She mumbled, nuzzling her face deeper into Eriol's warm chest. He closed his eyes and took a breath, his stomach doing flip-flops. How did she DO that??
"I- I...." he trailed off as she lifted her head, looking up to stare him straight in the eyes. Her face was tired but calm, with an innocent smile playing on her lips. Finally he smiled back, leaning forward to whisper into her hair.
"I love you Tomoyo."
The room seemed to stop as both of them froze, neither breathing. Eriol was afraid when at first she didn't answer. Had he scared her? How could he think she'd even really love him back?
Finally Tomoyo smiled, grabbing his chin and forcing him to look her straight in the eyes. "That's good then, isn't it?"
Her elfish smile made him chuckle as she snuggled back up against his chest, yawning slightly. Eriol held her tighter, closing his eyes as a single tear drifted down his cheek. He leaned his head against Tomoyo's, trying not to let her feel his sadness. So she didn't feel the same way...... that was logical. After all, he was just some reincarnation of the greatest magician of all time...... and she was-
"I love you to Eriol," she suddenly whispered against his chest, before falling into a light sleep. Eriol jerked in surprise, looking down at the girl in his arms with a gentle smile.
"Goodnight Tomoyo."
* * * * * *
(TWO DAYS LATER: At School)
Tomoyo was sifting through her locker at the end of the day, cleaning it up slightly and placing some book inside. A small envelope caught her eye as she did, and she immediately picked it up. Opening the small package, she unfolded the paper and realized it was the picture she had drawn of all her friends just weeks ago. There was Sakura and Syaoran in the middle, a wolf and a cherry blossom, and Eriol overhead, represented by the black panther. But something else had been added. Above both the wolf and the blossom was the picture of a beautiful snow-white leopard, watching down on all of them. On the back, in Eriol's usual neat handwriting, were the words 'There's always enough room.'
Suddenly Eriol came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning his chin against her shoulder.
"You draw very well," Tomoyo mumbled, ignoring the tear running down her cheek as she stuffed the picture back into her locker and closed it. Eriol smiled, wiping the tear away and nuzzling his face deep into her neck.
"Only for you."
Tomoyo laughed, turning around and kissing Eriol softly on the cheek, "Thank you then. Would you care to walk home with me Eriol?"
"Oh, and why should I do that?" he purred, eye's shining as he leaned his forehead against hers.
He smiled, arms still wrapped around her waist as he stared deep into her eyes. And Tomoyo couldn't help it. She knew she shouldn't...... but she couldn't stop herself. It was just...... so...... tempting.
"Please?" She asked, giving him the puppy dog eyes. The same puppy dog eyes that made him stutter, go pale, blush, and squirm all at the same time.
Eriol finally looked away, making a face as Tomoyo giggled. She loved the way he did that..... the way he cocked his eyebrows and groaned every time she gave him that face. He couldn't resist it...... not that he hadn't wanted to walk her home in the first place.
"You're hopeless." She laughed, pulling him towards the school door.
"And you're evil." He replied, making sure she looked away before he smiled. God, he loved that girl.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
THE END!
ME: *laugh* That was WAY too romancy at the end, I know, but what else could I do? ^.^ anyway, I hope you liked it! I got tired of seeing so many unhappy endings for a lot of ExT stories, so I decided to make a happy one ^.^
Oh, and do me a favor...... if you've written any happy or unhappy ExT's, plz tell me cuz I wanna read em!! ^.^'
KERO: *rolls eyes* DFS your hopeless...... but I'm glad you didn't kill Tomoyo at least.
ME: Of course not! I never kill off main chars! *grins evilly* Well, I do get them drunk sometimes though... *snickers*
KERO: *sweat-drops*
ME: Well, anyway, thanks for reading the fic everyone!!! ^.^ I really hope ya enjoyed it! If you saw anything you liked, plz tell me.
KERO: But now me an DFS have to go figure out something else too write!
ME: ^.^ yup! Ciao!
DISCLAIMER: lol. If I owned ANYTHING to do with CCS, do you think I'd be sitting here writing fics??? ^_-
ME: HIYA!!! Finally, I know I said I'd get this fic done in one day...... *sigh* but I started late in the afternoon yesterday and it's taking a wee bit longer then I thought ^.- but hey! Here it is! The fifth and final chapter of my 'When You Need Me' story! Aren't ya happy??? ^.^
KERO: They'll be happier if ya STOP BABBLING and get on with the FIC DFS!
R.M.: hehehe....... *evil laughter* Wanna cookie SUPPI????
Spinel: NO!!!!! ARG!! I'm outta here!!
R.M.: SUUUPPPPII!!! COME BACK! We haven't finished DFS's fic yet!
KERO: You mean the one where she KILLED TOMOYO?!?!? *death glares*
ME: *cries* SHE'S NOT DEAD!!!! *whacks Kero with a hammer over and over* I TOLD you that!!! SHE IS ALIVE! *glances at readers* I mean- um- well...... guess I kinda ruined it, uh? ^.^;
KERO: *snickers* ON WITH THE FIC!
ME: warnings of death, romancy stuff, and more! ^.^
* * * * * * *
*****WHEN YOU NEED ME*****
Chapter 5!
The gunshot echoed across the empty beach, mixing with the wind. Tomoyo gasped, shuddering at the sound that had sounded right next to her ear. But there had been no bullet. Thank god.
"Hear that, Daidouji?" Brian sneered, grabbing the back of her neck so hard she cried out in pain, "THAT is the sound of death. But next time that happens, the gun will be loaded."
Finally he let go, and Tomoyo immediately turned around to face Brian and his gang, though still on her knees in the sand. When she tried to get up, however, both Brian and another gang member pushed her back down. Everyone had sneers on their faces, especially Brian as he slowly loaded the gun in his hand. Then there was a click as he set it.
"So...... Daidouji. I think I can find it in my heart to give you one more chance. Take it or leave it."
The words were out of Tomoyo's mouth before she had a chance to think. "Leave it,"
Her voice was hoarse and scared, but her pride and stubbornness still shown through. Brian narrowed his eyes, his sneer twisting into a frown. "That was the wrong answer."
~When does the sparrow crow atop his twig-like throne?~
Tomoyo's violet eyes went wide as Brian approached, the gun still firmly in his hand. She could feel her shoulders trembling uncontrollably, from both the wind and her own fears. But there was nothing she could do. She didn't want to die...... but if it was going to happen anyway, maybe she could at least go down with a fight.
Finally the prideful glint was back in her eyes, and her shuddering had stopped. That was it...... she could at least show them that they couldn't kick her around like this, even if they still shot her.
Brian was inches away, brushing strands of black out of her face as he drew the gun closer. It was either now or never, Tomoyo knew. Tomoyo Daidouji, the mistress of masks, was totally unreadable. Even Brian, who was a couple inches from her face, couldn't read her expression. He saw her pale shoulders, lit by the moon above, twitch slightly. He saw her muscles tense. But by the time her brought the gun up to her head it was too late.
In seconds the young man was sprawled on his back, holding his stomach in pain. Tomoyo was on her feet, cursing herself for having worn a tight dress, and staring haughtily at the rest of the flabbergasted gang. But they didn't stay frozen for long...... and neither did she. In seconds Tomoyo was taking off down the beach, her hands still bound tightly behind her back. She had left her shoes behind, knowing they would slow her down, and was already yards away before she heard the gang begin to follow, yelling and cursing.
Tomoyo squeezed her eye's shut as she ran, fear pumping the adrenaline in her body and forcing her to run faster. A single tear was already making its way down her pale cheek. She knew what would happen eventually...... she already knew they'd catch up to her. She had no where to go. But at least she had to try..... right?
~When does the mountain cry just to be left alone?~
Tomoyo let out a heart-splitting cry as she felt something hit the back of her knee, and in seconds she had fallen to her knee's, tears now streaming freely down her cheeks. She blinked them away the best she could, knowing she couldn't get up. Something had hit her leg..... but the pain was numb like the rest of her body. All she could feel was fear.
The young woman slowly stood up, turning to face the oncoming gang. It had been a rock...... someone had thrown a rock at her knee. She knew she would probably fall if she tried to walk, so she stood perfectly still, her back straight and her chin up. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion before her eyes. Brian and his gang stopped a few feet in front of her, spraying sand all around them and panting. With a look of contempt furrowing his brow, Brian slowly raised the gun. And seconds later, a gunshot echoed across the beach once more.
Tomoyo watched, her own shaky breaths echoing in her ears, expecting pain any second. There was a flash of light, a crack like thunder, but no pain. Tomoyo shuddered, looking up to see Brian staring at her with a look of disbelief. He was holding his chest, his eyes were wide and dilated...... and a small stream of blood had appeared in the corner of his mouth. Without a word he sunk to the sand, waves licking at his feet.
~When does the panther roar in hopes of going home?~
"What the HELL?!?!" Someone yelled from the crowd of people, as a strong-looking girl quickly picked up Brian's gun and aimed it at Tomoyo again.
"Bitch!" She yelled, pulling the trigger. Tomoyo stumbled backwards, but once again there was a flash of light, a crack of thunder, and the bullet was in the other girl's chest instead. Tomoyo gasped as blood began to soak the sandy shore, and she tried to back up again. This time her back ran straight into someone's chest, and she immediately felt warm hands wrap around her waist. Whispered words reached her ears through the wind, and immediately she sunk into a deep sleep.
~Little do they know, their fates are already sown~
* * * * * *
Tomoyo was laying across Eriol's couch once again when she woke up, wrapped in bundles of blankets with a warm pack on her forehead. She could still feel parts of her that were numb, but mostly she just felt warm and tired. But this wasn't the time to fall back asleep. What exactly had happened?!
Sitting up and looking over immediately, Tomoyo came face to face with a very pleased Ruby Moon.
"She's AWAKE!!" The excitable guardian immediately shrieked, wrapping Tomoyo in a large bear hug. Tomoyo raised her eyebrows in confusion, pulling away as soon as possible.
"Ruby Moon? Wh- what happened?"
Before the young woman in front of her could answer, a deep voice came from the doorway.
"Well, look who's finally awake!"
~In our cages we wait, white mice waiting to flee~
Her head snapped towards the doorway immediately where a very battered looking Eriol stood. He still had on black jeans and a grey shirt, but there was tear marks all over his clothes. A long scratch ran down the side of his face, while bloodstained bandages were wrapped around his forehead and one of his hands. His glasses were gone for the moment and his hair was a mess. But somehow..... it fit him. Minus the blood.
"What happened?" Tomoyo repeated quietly, a perplexed look taking hold of her face. Eriol smiled slightly, but it was a strained smile, as he slowly walked over and sat down on the couch she was laying on. With a wide smile Ruby Moon left the room, only glancing back once as she shut the door behind her. Eriol kept his eyes on Tomoyo.
"Are you still cold? I can get you another blanket if you want."
Tomoyo shot him a hard look and pushed away the blankets, crossing her arms expectantly. Eriol chuckled.
~In our chests our hearts ache, longing to be free~
"Obviously I just saved your life Tomoyo Daidouji." He said with a wink, turning his body slowly around to face her. He winced slightly as she gently touched the bloodied bandage on his forehead, but continued to study her with his piercing bluish-grey eyes. She frowned.
"Tell me what happened Hiiragizawa. How'd you find me? And how did you get all these cuts?!"
Eriol smiled slowly, a real smile that touched his eyes and seemed to make them dance. "I'm a magician. I have ways of finding people. As for these, " he gently traced a hand across the cut going down the side of his face, "When you fight gangs they usually fight back. And these guys had blades."
Tomoyo's eyes went wide as a horrified expression crossed her face, and then she punched Eriol hard in the shoulder. "Thank you for saving me Eriol, but you could have gotten KILLED! Are you crazy?!"
He playfully winced, rubbing his shoulder as a smile flitted across his face. "That's one way to put it."
Tomoyo finally smiled too, but this time it was a soft, shy one. Her violet eyes examined him closely. "What happened to the gang?"
Eriol looked away, his stormy eye's growing cloudy. "Well..... a couple are dead. But most of them are back home, all memories of ever being in a gang erased. They don't remember you either."
The girl winced as she remembered the pools of blood staining the sand, and immediately looked away.
~What happens to us all day is something that's meant to be~
"I'm sorry Eriol...... I've been nothing but trouble this whole time."
The young man's face grew serious as he snapped is gaze back towards her. His eyes were narrowed. "You have never been trouble for me once Tomoyo...... even after tonight. There's nothing to be sorry about. I clearly remember being the one to telling YOU that I'd be there whenever you needed me."
Finally she met his gaze, a smile appearing on her face then slowly growing. She shook her head, giggling. "Eriol Hiiragizawa, you have to be the most CONFUSIING person I've ever met!"
The young man smiled calmly, taking Tomoyo's hand gently in his hand and raising it to his lips to kiss it softly. His warm breath tickled the back of her hand. "As are you Tomoyo Daidouji."
Tomoyo froze, her dark violet eyes wide as her heart skipped a beat. His face gave away nothing, and neither did hers, but deep inside she could feel a strange warmth bubbling up as butterflies beat their wings against her stomach.
Eriol was having trouble maintaining his control. Inside, he knew what he wanted to do. But would he scare her? There was no was to tell with his lovely mistress of masks...... her face was as blank as is. Vaguely he realized that he should probably let go of her hand, which was still inches away from his lips, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He didn't want to let go, not after he had almost lost her tonight. And her skin felt so warm.......
~But I'll always be there for you whenever you need me.~
"I have to be getting home," Tomoyo said, breaking the uncomfortable silence as she drew back her hand and made to stand up. Instantly Eriol put a hand on her shoulder, smiling again.
"Don't worry, your going to be staying in one of my guestrooms tonight. It's already 2:00 in the morning. I called your house awhile ago to tell them that you'd be staying over here. Some story about you getting lost or something. Very vague........ your mother was too tired to come pick you up."
Tomoyo actually laughed, shaking her head and sitting back down. She really didn't want to leave anyway. But....... but what would happen if she stayed? Eriol suddenly leaned forward at the same time she had sat back down, his breath warming the side of her cheek as he whispered in her ear.
"Take off your masks mistress...... and I'll take off mine."
She didn't have to ask what that meant....... she knew. And at the same time her eyes grew wide, their thoughts seemed to merge.
'I don't know......'
'Just take off your masks.'
'I don't know how........'
'Then I'll show you.'
~You'll never figure me out Eriol Hiiragizawa, not in a thousand years. I made sure of that when I started my game of masks.~
~I don't need to figure you out anymore Tomoyo Daidouji........ there's only one thing I need now. Let your masks go, and I will drop mine.~
Before Tomoyo knew what was happening, Eriol had already cupped her chin gently in his hands. Slowly he leaned forward, his eye's half closed and a seductive smile on his face. She froze as his lips touched hers, soft and gentle. Massaging hers slowly and begging ever so slightly to receive something in return.
At first Tomoyo couldn't move, her violet eyes wide open. She was no longer aware of the couch they were sitting on, or of the numbness that still claimed her fingers from the night at the beach. All she could feel was his warm hands cupping her face, and his lips against hers. ERIOL, of all people, was kissing HER.
With a soft smile Eriol pulled away, a triumphant gleam in his eyes. Her masks were gone, replaced with a look of confusion...... and something else he could not read. Good enough.
"There, was that so hard?"
Tomoyo looked confused for only a second longer before she leaned towards him, a mysterious glint in her eyes and an evil smile on her face. "But you FORGOT something, oh master of masks."
Eriol cocked an eyebrow at her, hiding his surprise beneath a smirk. "And what's that?"
Tomoyo immediately lunged forward, surprising him so badly that he almost fell backwards. In seconds her hands were cupping HIS face, and she had her lips crushed to his, strands of her raven hair mixing with his blue locks. In seconds she had forced her tongue into his mouth, exploring slowly, teasing his tongue.
Eriol trembled under her touch, his eyes wide...... but only for a second. After that he lost all self-control and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her whole body closer as he kissed her back. He was so close to her he could breath in her beautiful scent...... a mix of honey and blossoms. Nothing he had ever done had felt the same....... nothing he had ever done had made him feel like this; like he was in heaven.
Pulling away to breath, Tomoyo opened her eyes to stare into Eriol's. He had a look of pure longing on his face, mixed in with a smirk and an evil glint in his eyes. "And what was that, Tomoyo Daidouji?"
"You forgot to take YOUR mask off." she said with a smirk, realizing she was still cupping his face. Letting go immediately, and suddenly embarrassed, she tried to pull away. Eriol just tightened his grip around her waist, leaning his forehead gently against hers. He could feel her heart pounding as he stared deep into her violet eyes.
"So I did." And he kissed her again, cherishing the way she squirmed in his grasp, fighting to get closer as she returned his kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a deeper embrace then before. And soon all Eriol could see was stars.
Pulling away finally, Tomoyo absent-mindedly slipped lower on the couch, one hand still wrapped around Eriol's neck, and nuzzled her head against his chest, closing her eyes. Eriol understood...... she was tired. It had been a long night. But what if she woke up the next morning thinking that his kiss right now had just been...... a dream? Did she even really know what she was doing to him? Gently he leaned his chin against the top of her head, treasuring the warmth he was holding tightly in his arms. It was either now or never.
"Tomoyo?"
"Hmm?" She mumbled, nuzzling her face deeper into Eriol's warm chest. He closed his eyes and took a breath, his stomach doing flip-flops. How did she DO that??
"I- I...." he trailed off as she lifted her head, looking up to stare him straight in the eyes. Her face was tired but calm, with an innocent smile playing on her lips. Finally he smiled back, leaning forward to whisper into her hair.
"I love you Tomoyo."
The room seemed to stop as both of them froze, neither breathing. Eriol was afraid when at first she didn't answer. Had he scared her? How could he think she'd even really love him back?
Finally Tomoyo smiled, grabbing his chin and forcing him to look her straight in the eyes. "That's good then, isn't it?"
Her elfish smile made him chuckle as she snuggled back up against his chest, yawning slightly. Eriol held her tighter, closing his eyes as a single tear drifted down his cheek. He leaned his head against Tomoyo's, trying not to let her feel his sadness. So she didn't feel the same way...... that was logical. After all, he was just some reincarnation of the greatest magician of all time...... and she was-
"I love you to Eriol," she suddenly whispered against his chest, before falling into a light sleep. Eriol jerked in surprise, looking down at the girl in his arms with a gentle smile.
"Goodnight Tomoyo."
* * * * * *
(TWO DAYS LATER: At School)
Tomoyo was sifting through her locker at the end of the day, cleaning it up slightly and placing some book inside. A small envelope caught her eye as she did, and she immediately picked it up. Opening the small package, she unfolded the paper and realized it was the picture she had drawn of all her friends just weeks ago. There was Sakura and Syaoran in the middle, a wolf and a cherry blossom, and Eriol overhead, represented by the black panther. But something else had been added. Above both the wolf and the blossom was the picture of a beautiful snow-white leopard, watching down on all of them. On the back, in Eriol's usual neat handwriting, were the words 'There's always enough room.'
Suddenly Eriol came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning his chin against her shoulder.
"You draw very well," Tomoyo mumbled, ignoring the tear running down her cheek as she stuffed the picture back into her locker and closed it. Eriol smiled, wiping the tear away and nuzzling his face deep into her neck.
"Only for you."
Tomoyo laughed, turning around and kissing Eriol softly on the cheek, "Thank you then. Would you care to walk home with me Eriol?"
"Oh, and why should I do that?" he purred, eye's shining as he leaned his forehead against hers.
He smiled, arms still wrapped around her waist as he stared deep into her eyes. And Tomoyo couldn't help it. She knew she shouldn't...... but she couldn't stop herself. It was just...... so...... tempting.
"Please?" She asked, giving him the puppy dog eyes. The same puppy dog eyes that made him stutter, go pale, blush, and squirm all at the same time.
Eriol finally looked away, making a face as Tomoyo giggled. She loved the way he did that..... the way he cocked his eyebrows and groaned every time she gave him that face. He couldn't resist it...... not that he hadn't wanted to walk her home in the first place.
"You're hopeless." She laughed, pulling him towards the school door.
"And you're evil." He replied, making sure she looked away before he smiled. God, he loved that girl.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
THE END!
ME: *laugh* That was WAY too romancy at the end, I know, but what else could I do? ^.^ anyway, I hope you liked it! I got tired of seeing so many unhappy endings for a lot of ExT stories, so I decided to make a happy one ^.^
Oh, and do me a favor...... if you've written any happy or unhappy ExT's, plz tell me cuz I wanna read em!! ^.^'
KERO: *rolls eyes* DFS your hopeless...... but I'm glad you didn't kill Tomoyo at least.
ME: Of course not! I never kill off main chars! *grins evilly* Well, I do get them drunk sometimes though... *snickers*
KERO: *sweat-drops*
ME: Well, anyway, thanks for reading the fic everyone!!! ^.^ I really hope ya enjoyed it! If you saw anything you liked, plz tell me.
KERO: But now me an DFS have to go figure out something else too write!
ME: ^.^ yup! Ciao!