AUTHOR's NOTE: Sorry for the very very very late update. It took me more than a year to update this story... and to end this. This is the last chapter. I hope you enjoy it.

CHAPTER 6: Magic

Ten months after his departure from Tomoeda.

London.

"You're worried."

At the sound of the raspy and weak voice, Eriol's eyes turned from his phone and looked at the bed-ridden man at the left side of the room. He smiled and never spoke a word, since he was worried indeed, and a word to falsify it wasn't right (his uncle would know) and a word to confirm it wasn't necessary.

There was guilt in his uncle's eyes and Eriol could see it. His old lips trembled. He was about to say something. Eriol knew the upcoming words. He anticipated and talked beforehand, "You need me, uncle." As if to justify, he added, "I need you. Please, don't say such words anymore."

A laugh. "I haven't yet said a word."

"They are already in your mind, and I am pretty much against the idea. No, uncle, I won't come back." After a pause, he added, "No, not yet."

He turned to his phone again and reread the content of the e-mail. From Li Syaoran – "Why can't you just return to Tomoeda and stay? You're being missed." Eriol smiled a bit. With one swift motion, he shut the screen and put the device inside his pocket. He casted another comforting and caring smile towards his uncle, "You need another set of records. Would you mind if I buy you music?" This was their connection – music.

"Yes, of course, I won't. You know my taste."

"Right."

And then, he left – opening the doors, carrying an umbrella with him. Pluck. Typical weather. It was raining.

"I won't leave, Uncle. I'll stay."

Some people are ought to leave.

Some things are ought to change…

…and fade…

…and be forgotten.

7 YEARS AFTER.

Spring. Pink petals rained down over Tomoeda High. The sun was at its peak. Holiday. It was quiet. The grounds were empty and so were the rooms. It was a beautiful day, and it felt quite… nostalgic.

One step and then another. For the first time in so many years, Tomoyo found herself stepping on the grounds of Tomoeda High. Seven years seemed so long, and yet… it seemed just yesterday. The memories were still fresh, as if it was just yesterday when she said her goodbyes to move on and have a life elsewhere and to start her career, just like what Sakura did, and just like what others did.

It was around the time when the others had decided to take their own paths, when Sakura and Syaoran had decided theirs as well. They both moved to Hong Kong and became the keeper of the cards along with the Li Clan. Yukito-san, being the alter ego of Yue, stayed beside his master, as well as Kero-chan. However, Touya started his own family and stayed in Japan. Kinomoto Fujitaka – no, otto-san – had miraculously became her stepdad, making Sakura her stepsister. And… it was quite bizarre for Tomoyo, but she was truly happy about it.

Chiharu-chan and Yamazaki-san went to the upper parts of Japan and started their own business together. Naoko, on the other hand, started being a writer with her once-senpai-now-fiancé in Osaka. Along with her was Rika-chan who started her own bakeshop around the same prefecture.

Every one of them moved on, and that was why she did as well – packed her bags and settled in Tokyo, where she started her own firm. She became successful ever since, as expected to a Daidouji. She remembered what one genius had once said to her – "…We will be separated for certain, in some ways. But, it doesn't mean we are no longer connected. If one needs his or her friends, they will come and aid. That's also a form of true friendship."

She knew. She believes. Although they were all far from each other, they were still close, and for that she was grateful.

"Oh, Daidouji-san… You're here!"

Tomoyo was slightly startled, hearing her name. Oh right – she was back in Tomoeda for a reason. She casted a smile to the principal and greeted her close to the entrance of the lobby, "Good day, ma'am…"

"It has been years, hasn't it?" said the principal, as she walked Tomoyo towards the door.

Tomoyo stepped out of the office. She replied, "Yes. It seemed like yesterday."

The principal laughed and continued talking, "I was relieved when you volunteered to make this project and won the bid. There were two or three firms that offered their bids, but I guess fate has favored you because you studied here, and I know you cherish this place so much."

"I am so glad mine was chosen, ma'am. Yes, I cherish this place. Renovating this, where I have been taught, is an honor. I will do my best." Tomoyo bowed with utmost respect.

"Thank you." The principal returned the bow. Then, she smiled, "You might want to look around."

"I would like to. Thank you."

Nothing much had changed. Their classroom, the school yard, the court, the student council office, the rooftop, were all the same. Looking at these places reminds her of the good old days, when they were all gathered up, laughing, and talking, and her (and him) observing.

Taking a turn, Tomoyo caught sight of a small room. She walked towards it and decided to open the door. There sat, in the middle of the room, the piano. The music room – where it all started.

She could still remember it clearly – the darkened room with only the afternoon sun sipping through the wide glass windows, the black and white keys, his slender fingers working over it, his serene face, his indigo eyes, and the music which she was quite familiar with.

"Happy birthday, Daidouji-san."

Tomoyo smiled at the memory. It has been more than ten years since then, when Hiiragizawa Eriol became a close good friend to her. Speaking of the genius mage – "I wonder what he's up to now," Tomoyo sighed.

After Hiiragizawa departed from Japan, the two had been keeping in touch with each other, had exchanged 'hi', 'hello', 'good morning', and 'good night' almost every day. He became as successful as she was, built his own Architectural firm in London, just like what she did in Japan. Both were focused on their careers. Still, they kept in touch. That was until… 'everyday' turned to 'every week', then three times a 'month', then 'once a month'…

Maybe it was because they were both living in different places, time zones, and both have their own lives. Maybe that's how it really works, and that it's natural – that two people would naturally and slowly drift apart, considering the distance, and she would have to accept that, like with Sakura and others, she didn't have to know their whereabouts daily.

But, why was it when it comes to Hiiragizawa, losing connection and not-knowing seemed so sad? She didn't want that to happen to them. But, sadly, they did. Hiiragizawa had already missed four months. She had already e-mailed him three times and yet, she couldn't reach him. She only got one confirmation from Sakura – his magic was still intact, which means, he was pretty much alive and fine – just out of the radar. It was bad he wasn't really into social media, leaving her with nothing but his last e-mail.

It had been seven years already – "Maybe it was time to really drift apart." Because, the truth was, unlike what he promised, ever since he landed and lived in London, he never once visited Japan.

Once, Tomoyo tried to visit him and surprise him when she had a business trip two years ago, but unfortunately, he wasn't there, left Europe for the meantime, and was said to have gone to States.

"I miss him."

It frightens her. She might have lost him already. Gone... forever. He might not be feeling the same way again, because yes - she was the one who rejected him, and she had no rights to ask for his heart in return. No, not anymore. What scared her the most was, she might not be able to say what she really felt, that despite the distance and the years, she still feels the same.

Regrets. How bitter...

Taking one last glance to the music room, Tomoyo sighed once more and closed the door.

Tomoyo decided to walk and look around Tomoeda. Cherry blossom trees were all over the town. It was serene. It was beautiful. It was nostalgic.

Deep amethyst eyes, pale white skin, and silky dark locks. Incredibly smart and professional. Tomoyo had grown to a beautiful and well-respected woman.

One fine lady walking on a fine day. Click. Click. Click – her heels on the pavement. Her beige coat over her. Her skirt swaying, following her slow movement. One hand on her bag, while the other was free. Her dark long locks falling behind, half gathered with one floral clip.

Tomoyo stopped on her tracks as she spotted the Penguin Park. It remained the way it was when she last saw it. Same structures. Same trees. Some had grown a bit. Some had withered, barely surviving. But still there, nonetheless. She smiled. Again, there were too many memories, and she was happy remembering them.

Looking around, she noticed there was no one in the area, except her and a man sitting on one swing. It was almost empty. She took one glance at the area, and then, she decided to leave.

One step.

Two steps.

Another one…

…and another.

Stop.

She turned around and took a second look. Heavens! The one sitting on one swing was none other than Hiiragizawa Eriol.

"Hiiragizawa-kun?!"

Plastered on his face was his wide honest smile. "Daidouji-san."

Dreamlike.

'Miracle? Magic?' It was too surreal to believe. Just an hour ago, she was thinking about this certain mage, and then suddenly, she spotted him sitting freely at the park, under the shade of the old trees.

She found herself sitting along with him, taking the other swing just like before, seven years ago.

The afternoon was as still as it was.

Tomoyo couldn't help but look at him. He had grown and had changed physically, but not that much. She could still see the old Hiiragizawa-kun she had in mind years ago. Same silky midnight locks, deep indigo eyes, spectacles, slim figure, confident posture – same old Hiiragizawa Eriol, only tall and matured.

"Am I that really missed for you to look at me like that?"

Same humor.

With that, Tomoyo's face contorted. "Seven years without any reappearance, Hiiragizawa-kun? Really? You deserve more than an odd look." She folded her arms together and gave him one raised eyebrow.

Hiiragizawa angled his head and gave her a short smile. "I see. An apology isn't enough here, but," he gave her an honest look, "I am sorry."

Hearing that, Tomoyo's eyes softened. Her face turned blank. She wanted to say more, but surprisingly, she couldn't bring herself to. Surprisingly, seeing him in person was enough. 'I miss you,' she mentally noted, but couldn't speak the words out loud.

Hiiragizawa silently waited for her to say something. Oddly, Tomoyo remained silent, and turned to look at her surroundings instead, hands on the swing.

The park remained silent.

It took Tomoyo five minutes to speak up and break the silence. "You returned without even noticing us that you would."

"Actually, I was planning to surprise you all but you spotted me here first."

Without looking at him, she asked, "Then, what brought you here?"

"…'Just wanted to look, wondering what has become of this place. Nothing much has changed." Tomoyo turned to him, bearing a flat expression. It wasn't the answer she wanted to hear. Hiiragizawa chuckled a bit. Then, he looked up to the sky…

The wind blew and passed them. The surrounding trees rustled. Petals flew up, circled through the air, and swept the floor.

"When it's time to go back, you will go back."

It wasn't enough. He knew that it wasn't exactly an answer, and she didn't deserve such a shallow and general response from him. Still, he knew that she understood – as always. She was indeed the same Daidouji Tomoyo, that one friend who always understands… no matter how complex he turns into.

Indeed, Tomoyo knew. Hiiragizawa had finally returned. That means, his reasons for leaving Tomoeda had ended as well. It was over. And with that, she had figured out the reasons – his disappearance for the past few months. He must have struggled for a long time – his family, and what was left of it.

Again, Tomoyo turned to him, eyes softening, looking into his, "Condolence." – for your uncle.

"Thank you." Then he added, looking back at her. "You know my reasons."

"I always do." He gave a look saying – I knew it. Then, he gave her another softened gaze for another unspoken gratitude – Thank you for not mentioning anything.

Tomoyo was certain, there were many reasons behind why he didn't mention a thing. One thing was, whenever he's in pain, troubled, and mourning, he always hides away. He was complex, scared to show his weakness to anyone. He was difficult to deal with. Yet for her, Hiiragizawa was typical, very typical. They were the same, and so she understood those silent messages of "I don't want to burden you with my troubles", "I don't want to make you worry", and "let me handle this on my own". He needed to be Eriol for that reason. She had to set him free and let him be.

That was why she kept silent. That was why she… waited.

She smiled. He smiled. There was another silence, though they remained looking at each other. Seven years had passed, and still… they stayed the same. It was warm. It was comfortable. It felt like home.

Hiiragizawa leaned back, changing the subject, "Anyways, Congratulations. You won the bid." Tomoyo was puzzled. He explained further, "I also studied here. I also wanted to work on the project and so, we joined the bid. But, as you see, we didn't win." He laughed, "You did. Congratulations."

Tomoyo was puzzled more, "But how? They were looking for local firms."

Hiiragizawa's Cheshire Cat's smile surfaced. "I built another base here in Japan… just recently. From now on, I will work here." He laughed. "And now we're back competing with each other." His eyes glistened, excitement was obvious.

Somehow, Tomoyo was left speechless, though she felt uplifted. After a moment, she managed to ask, "You'll stay…?"

"Yes." He nodded and gave her an 'isn't-it-obvious' look. "This is home." He took a moment to look around them. With serene voice, he added, "It always is."

After a moment or so, Hiiragizawa checked his watch. "I have to go, or Ruby Moon will tear up the mansion." There, he stood up and turned to her, smiling sincerely, "Would you like to come?"

Tomoyo was still speechless – though remained composed on the outside. She just nodded back and slowly stood up. With lack of verbal response, Hiiragizawa turned to leave, knowing that she would follow.

One step, and another. Hiiragizawa was walking out of the park. For the second time, a strong wind blew past them. Along with it were soft pink petals, raining down the area… dancing… swirling…

Tomoyo remained standing on her spot, carefully watching his every move, remembering every detail – because, finally, Hiiragizawa Eriol was there to stay. With them. With her.

Silence.

"Eriol…" Tomoyo called.

Stop. For the first time, she called him by his first name. Eriol turned to her. Eyes wide open.

Grateful. Tomoyo was smiling. Her eyes were screaming her heart out. Grateful, indeed. "I'm really happy…" One step, she advanced towards him. She took a few more, "…you're here." Tears fell from her glistening pools. She was just a meter.

Eriol was glued standing on where he was, waiting… surprised – because it was his first name she called, and he knew what that means, he knew what those eyes mean.

Tomoyo raised her arms, and then slowly, hugged him in the middle. Arms around his waist. Face on his broad chest. She closed her eyes, feeling his warmth after a long time. It felt like home. Longing. Finally, the waiting was over…

"Thank you for coming back."

The wind blew and passed through.

Pink petals rained down.

Two figures in the middle of the park.

'Do you still feel the same?'

.

.

.

Eriol raised his arms and returned the hug. Tightly. Head settled beside hers. Eyes closed…

"Thank you for waiting for me… Tomoyo."

"When you love someone, it goes back to you. True, just like how magic works."

"Do you believe in magic, Daidouji-san?"

"Well, do you, Hiiragizawa-kun?"

.

.

"I do."

OWARI.

NOTES:

Palpitations by Ben (2015)

Thank you for reading this story. It took me a year to finish this. Thank you again. 'Just want to say that I have one side story I want to write here ~ it's Nakuru and Yukito's story. If you're interested, you can look forward to it. That's all and as always... Have a very nice day, minna-san!