Disclaimer: I do not own CCS.
Note: Hello readers! Happy Chinese New Year! Wishing you all very lucky Rabbit Year! It took me a while to update but hopefully the length of this one shot will compensate for the long wait. Thank you for the few readers that left me a review! I appreciate the support~ Please feel free to give me helpful criticism. Well enjoy this one shot!
Under Your Service
Eriol Hiiragizawa held the door open as Tomoyo Daiidouji made her way out of the house. She eyed Eriol before she passed through the doorway. He met her eyes cooly. Eriol grinned before closing the door behind him and followed the lady who he knew was frustrated with his presence.
"I really don't need you to accompany me to school." Tomoyo spoke, breaking the silence.
"You should know by now that this is my job." Eriol replied simply with a smile.
"I can take care of myself. Besides up until now there hasn't been any attacks! I doubt I am in any danger." Tomoyo reasoned as she turned to look at him.
His smile just widen to see her eyebrows furrow, "That only means I am doing my job right."
She heaved a sigh before turning her head away from him and speeding her pace. Eriol chuckled silently already knowing that she was not going to give up in letting him interfere with her life at school. It was true, Eriol was hired by Sonomi Daidoujii to take care of her daughter in times of danger. Tomoyo had agreed before to her mother hiring female bodyguards to escort her around town, but she had never agreed to have Eriol become her bodyguard and enroll him into Tomoeda High. She saw no point in him protecting her during school. Even though her mother explained to Tomoyo that recently in the past few months there has been an increase in competition and new enemies that seemed to be unhappy about their success overseas.
"You do understand your mother's concern." Eriol spoke as he came to walk beside her.
"I am grateful that mother worries about me, but I wish that my personal life in school would not be tampered." Tomoyo spoke as she kept her focus on the view ahead of her.
"No one knows that I am your personal bodyguard. Don't I blend in with the rest of your classmates? I am wearing the uniform properly. I am acting like a student. I am your age." Eriol reasoned as he lowered his face to look at her expression.
Tomoyo quickly peeked at him before noticing that he was staring at her with a smile. Blushing, she quickly looked away and hurried her pace once again. "You just don't understand." Tomoyo blurred out.
That was the point.
In truth, she loved to have his company in that huge empty mansion. Eriol was living with her 24/7 since he was her bodyguard. He was the one that listened to her instead of the empty walls of her room. Eriol made her feel comfortable and she was never alone. Their relationship was not strictly professional. They had become great friends. Since the day he enrolled into Tomoeda High, Tomoyo saw how quickly he blended with her classmates and saw his popularity rise. She felt how Eriol was swiftly being pulled away from her. Of course Tomoyo was glad that he was making friends, but something inside of her wished she had his full attention. Selfishness was a new feeling she developed because of him. For the first time Tomoyo had fallen in love with someone she wished she hadn't.
Tomoyo suddenly felt someone grab her hand as she was pulled into a warm chest. She blushed knowing his scent and feeling his warmth. She quickly looked up to see his concerned eyes and his smile. Her cheeks flamed. She quickly looked away and stepped back.
"You almost hit the wall." Eriol spoke. "Be more careful when you are walking."
Tomoyo only nodded, as they continued on their path. They silently walked a few more blocks before reaching the school. Tomoyo spotted her friends and quickly joined them as they chatted and headed inside the building. Eriol just watched Tomoyo smile with them contently as he wondered why she was so uncomfortable with him joining her school.
Eriol thought that she would be excited when he told her the news, but instead Tomoyo had looked disappointed. She even complained to her mother. Of course, Eriol hid his sadness. How selfish he was to think that his master would treat him as a friend and not a bodyguard. Eriol believed that their relationship had developed into something different, but when he saw Tomoyo's frustration when seeing him in her classroom, he felt her slipping away. Eriol wanted to believe that Tomoyo saw him as her great friend like he did towards her, but he had to come back to reality. It was obvious to his eyes that Tomoyo did not want him to interfere with her personal life.
"Hey morning Eriol!" Greeted Syaoran as he swung his arm around Eriol's shoulder.
Eriol nudged him with his elbow. "Morning."
"Ready for the basketball game this afternoon?" Syaoran asked excitedly. "This is my chance to catch her attention."
"You mean Sakura?" Eriol grinned as he saw his friend blush.
"Of course. Who else."
Eriol chuckled as they started to head into the building alongside other students. As they reached their classroom in the second floor, Eriol's attention was caught by the male figure talking to Tomoyo at her desk. They were laughing about something he said, but Eriol was not concerned about his flirtatious moves, he sensed something strange about him. Eriol quickly walked towards them as he stepped in.
"Tomoyo could I talk to you for a moment."
Tomoyo's laugh died down as she saw his eyes glow in concern as he eyed the other student carefully. She knew what he was doing. "Don't worry. Eriol this is Takashi, he is in my choir."
"Nice to met you Eriol." Spoke Takashi as he extended his hand out.
Eriol shook his hand and plastered a smile. "Sorry for the interruption, but I would still like to talk to Tomoyo if you don't mind."
Takashi smiled back friendly. "It's ok. I need to head to my classroom anyways. So I'll be seeing you around Tomoyo."
"Sure." Tomoyo replied as she waved.
They watched Takashi greet some other student in the classroom on his way out. Eriol faced Tomoyo's glaring eyes. "You don't have to worry about him. Takashi has been here for years. Don't you think if he was my enemy he would have killed me long time ago?"
"That is not the point Tomoyo. I just want you to be careful around him." Eriol explained, but she seemed to not listen.
"You have been here only two months and this is the first time you met Takashi, don't you think you should get to know him better before judging him." Tomoyo retorted.
He sighed at how different she seemed in school versus the gentle girl he knew. "I am just cautioning you."
Eriol turned to head to his desk as they saw the teacher walk in and call for attention. Tomoyo watched as Eriol took his seat and his eyes reflected seriousness. She wished they were soft like the time they talked in her garden. He seemed so different when they were in school. It looked like their relationship was tainted because of his duty here. Eriol was not attending school because he was a student like the rest of the class. He was here because of his duty.
In the afternoon the students cheerfully gathered in the gymnasium for the basketball tournament between grade levels. Today was their grade against their senior level. The scores were tied and the game was almost ending. Both teams were tired by this point, but they seemed to be fueling with energy as the crowd cheered them on. Fans were chanting their favorite players name, and that included Eriol's name. Tomoyo just watched in astonishment to see the additional amount of fan girls that had joined the club.
"Look at those neon signs!" Sakura pointed to one that had Syaoran's name glowing brightly. "I didn't know how popular he was."
"Neither did I." Tomoyo replied as she was paying attention to the other neon signs with Eriol's name. "This is really crazy."
Sakura nodded in agreement, as they heard the whistle being blown. Their attention went back to the game as they saw the boys cheering and high-five each other. The game had ended and they had managed to score 4 additional points that led them to win. The fan girls cheered loudly to their victory, as Sakura stood up and clapped as she called out her congratulations to Syaoran. Syaoran waved back at her excitedly as he was suddenly carried away by the other boys. Sakura and Tomoyo laughed. Tomoyo then scanned the crowd to find Eriol near the bench with his towel. He wiped his forehead before noticing Tomoyo's eyes on him. He smiled and waved. Tomoyo softly blushed as she smiled back. His teammates caught up to Eriol and pulled him into the celebration. She laughed to see him struggle before giving up to them. Tomoyo couldn't help but to see how happy he looked surrounded by his friends. She wished she could be there making him smile.
"Tomoyo." Someone called her attention.
She turned to find Takashi taking a seat beside her. "Great game. Congrats in your class' victory."
Tomoyo saw him goofily smile back and she wondered why Eriol was cautioning her against him. "It was a very good game. Although I kinda missed the last two shots."
Takashi laughed. "Those were the best. One was from Syaoran and the last one was from Eriol."
Tomoyo smiled, not surprised to hear that their best players had scored their final winning points. No wonder the fan girls went wild towards the end. "I bet I can watch the end again. Someone must have filmed it."
"In fact, here." Spoke Takashi as he took from inside his bag his camcorder. "You go ahead and watch it. Return it to me when you are finished with it."
Tomoyo smiled. "Thank you."
"No problem. Hey I gotta run. I need to met my friends down the bleacher." Takashi then stood up and headed out.
Tomoyo could feel Eriol's azure eyes directed on her. She knew where to look as she turned and found him looking up from the court towards her with an upset expression. He then turned his gaze away as he followed his teammates into the locker room. Tomoyo sighed, knowing that this was his duty and wishing that this wasn't the case.
In the afternoon Eriol found himself watching Tomoyo in the corner of her eyes, as he sat with his group of friends chatting. Although he talked and laughed, his attention was focused towards Tomoyo who seemed to be talking animatedly with her friends and a couple of guy classmates who he knew fancied her. He hated seeing them so casually around her, but Eriol knew better not to get jealous. Tomoyo was already frustrated that he was here and to make a scene out of this matter would make his position here worse. Not that he didn't wish to claim her for himself, Eriol felt that stepping beyond their line of friendship might ruin what he had with her. He treasured her more than she knew.
"I'll accompany you." Eriol heard one of the guy suggest as he followed Tomoyo out of the classroom.
Without hesitation, Eriol stood up and headed out of the class. "I'm going to the toilet." He explained to his friends that were startled by his sudden move.
He watched them head down the corridor towards the vending machine. Eriol felt guilty that he had to pry on them for no good reason but only to the fact that Tomoyo was with another guy. He was here to protect her from her enemies and not from classmates. Eriol sighed in frustration, wondering if he could calm his heart down.
"Eriol! Good game today! You were awesome!"
He quickly looked back to his fan girls calling and approaching. He sighed again before plastering a smile for pleasantry. "Thank you." He spoke.
They started to gather around him like predators and showered him with unnecessary attention. Suffocated, he was about to remove himself from the crowd with an excuse when he felt a hand pull him away. Eriol looked around and found himself genuinely smiling to see her face.
"Ah there you are Eriol! Our homeroom teacher is searching for you." Spoke Tomoyo.
The girls watched and glared at Tomoyo. "Excuse me girls." Eriol spoke as he retrieved. The fans watched as he walked away and turned the corner.
Once Eriol and Tomoyo were away from the crowd they laughed. "Thank you." Eriol spoke as they found themselves outside the school building. They took a seat at a nearby bench shaded by a big tree.
"No problem." Tomoyo spoke knowing that she had instinctively walked towards him the minute she heard girls fawning over him.
Tomoyo had no right, but her heart spoke louder than her mind. The next thing she knew she was pulling him to her. Tomoyo didn't want him to slip away from her presence.
Her eyes then gazed down to her hands that held two drinks. They were for her friends but she had forgotten about them once she had focused her attention on Eriol. Tomoyo couldn't believe she had ditched her classmate at the vending machine to rescue Eriol. She wondered how deep she had fallen for him.
"Do you want a drink?" Tomoyo offered one of the apple juices she held.
Eriol smiled and accepted the offer. "This is rare."
Tomoyo looked up at him in confusion as she opened her can of juice. "What is?"
"Us hanging out together at school." Eriol softly spoke. "I wonder why we get along so well at the house, but when it comes to here, we become strangers."
Tomoyo saw the sadness in his azure eyes and her heart squeezed. She knew what he meant and it was mostly her fault for creating that unnecessary gap. Eriol was right. This was rare for them to be talking together alone. Usually they would greet each other and start small conversations, but nothing more than that.
"I am sorry." Tomoyo apologized realizing how much she had hurt him unintentionally.
Eriol gazed at her amethyst eyes and saw how guilty she was. He gently raised his fingers to caress her face, wanting to erase that sad look. He chuckled. "It isn't your fault."
Tomoyo blushed. She could feel his touch warm her skin as her heart skipped a beat. Tomoyo loved him. It was simple as that. Why did she need to make it complicated. She watched as Eriol carefully gazed at her eyes as Tomoyo felt herself being pulled into those beautiful azure pools. She could drown in him for hours if she wished.
"Eriol I lo-" Tomoyo found her lips mouth out the words but they were interrupted by a voice.
"Hey!" Takashi called as he ran up to them with a silly smile.
Tomoyo felt her heart sink in disappointment as she watched him approach and take a seat next to her. "Can I join you guys for lunch?"
Eriol was about to voice out his opinion when suddenly he sensed something. His azure eyes darted towards the school building and up towards the roof. He zoned out Takashi's voice and the other sounds surrounding them as he focused for a specific sound. Eriol slowly stood up and watched for the unknown.
"Eriol are you alright?" Asked Tomoyo concerned as she watched his attentive behavior.
Eriol quickly then took Tomoyo's hand and started to walk away.
"Hey! Wait for me!" Called out Takashi as he collected his lunchbox and followed them behind.
"What is it?" Tomoyo asked worried.
She felt her body warm up as Eriol slipped his hand with hers and interwind their fingers. He gently squeezed her hands telling her that everything was alright. Eriol then gazed down and smiled. Tomoyo watched as his eyes calmed down and his shoulders relaxed.
"Nothing." Eriol finally answered. "Everything is alright."
"Hey, what happened!" Called Takashi as he quicken his pace.
Eriol looked over his shoulder and heaved a sigh. He then darted and Tomoyo followed him without hesitation. They ran until Eriol turned a corner and carefully pinned Tomoyo between his arms. He watched as Takashi passed right through them without noticing.
"He's gone." Eriol whispered and then looked forward to see Tomoyo staring up at him.
Tomoyo couldn't keep her heart from pounding loudly as she found herself in a compromising situation, where she was inches away from his body. She could feel him shield her with his warmth and his strong arms. She just wished that he wouldn't notice how red her face must have turned. Eriol was too distracted with his own heart beat pounding against his ribcage as he took in her scent. He couldn't resist the look of innocence glowing in her eyes and her red lips taunting him. Before he could do anything he would regret, Eriol quickly pushed away while hiding his red cheeks from her view.
"We should get back to class soon." He managed to speak, trying hard to calm his heart down. Tomoyo only nodded her head in agreement, finding that her voice was still stuck in her throat.
By the end of the day Tomoyo found herself standing alone by her locker wondering where Eriol was. Usually they would head home together, but today he was nowhere present. Tomoyo started to wander around the school grounds wondering where Eriol might be. She wouldn't mind going home alone, but she had grown used to having Eriol around her all the time. Even though she hated that he was attending school as her bodyguard, she still loved his company more than she would admit.
Tomoyo let her legs guide her towards the soccer field and there was where she spotted him some feet away near the drinking fountain. She was about to call out his name when she noticed that he wasn't alone. Eriol was talking to Takashi, and by the look on Takashi's face she knew that this wasn't any friendly conversation. Tomoyo quickly stepped forward with the intention of stopping Eriol, but he caught her presence and finished his conversation.
"Takashi are you alright?" Tomoyo called as she ran toward him, but was stopped by Eriol's hold on her arm.
Eriol pulled her with him, as he started walking away. "You don't have to worry about him. He is fine. Lets go home."
This was precisely why she objected that he would enroll in her school. She didn't want Eriol to act on duty here. Tomoyo frowned as she tried pulling away from him but his hold on her today was somehow stronger than usual. She couldn't break free.
"Don't worry about me Tomoyo. I'll see you tomorrow." Called out Takashi as he waved.
Tomoyo waved back apologetically as she caught up with Eriol's pace. They headed out of the school gates before Tomoyo was released. She was still frowning at him while his face was blank.
"What was that? Takashi is just a nice normal guy! He isn't my enemy." Tomoyo spoke, confused with his attitude towards her friend.
"I never said he was the enemy." Eriol stated as he kept on walking without glancing at her.
"Then why were you confronting him?" Tomoyo demanded an explanation.
"I was just giving him a warning. That is all." Eriol replied but that wasn't good enough for Tomoyo as this time she was the one to grab hold of his arm.
He stopped on his tracks and looked at Tomoyo's angry eyes. He breathed out regretting having hurt her but not sorry for talking to Takashi.
"Warning him about what?" Tomoyo asked in seriousness. "He hasn't done anything wrong."
"I rather not tell you." Eriol spoke calmly as he saw her eyebrows furrow and knowing she was hating herself for being this way towards him.
"Eriol you cannot just go around and warn my friends as if they are a threat to me! I know how take care of myself." Tomoyo explained.
"I know you do Tomoyo, but I still need to do what I feel is right." Eriol tried to reason.
"Tell me what you said to Takashi. I want to know what he has done wrong." Tomoyo asked, wanting to understand.
Eriol closed his eyes before slowly opening it. How could he tell her that he just felt something was wrong about Takashi without any valid reason other than his instinct told him to act. Tomoyo watched as he debated with himself for a moment before opening his mouth to speak.
"It is not important."
Tomoyo felt hurt. "I am your mistress. I want an answer." Tomoyo blurted those words out without thinking. As soon as it came out she clamped her mouth close in guilt.
Eriol suddenly found his heart sink. Those words hurt more than any gun bullet. His fear had been confirmed. All along he thought she saw him as a great friend. Why would it be any different, after all he was hired as her bodyguard. Was it selfish of him to ask for more?
"Eriol I'm sorry." Tomoyo apologized in remorse to have spoken those words that she had never intended to say.
That was not what she really felt. Eriol was her best friend. She could see his azure eyes become cold as she grabbed his hands and squeezed, pleading him to not pull away from her. It seemed too late, her words had already took its affects and Tomoyo tried to amend what has been done.
"Sorry Eriol. I didn't mean what I said. I was just hurt because-"
Eriol interrupted. "It was rude of me mistress. I should obey your orders without any complaints. I apologize for my impoliteness."
"No!" Tomoyo found herself hurting as she saw him reverse back to what they used to be from the first day he walked into her house.
It had taken her some effort to break his mode as her bodyguard when they first met. They gradually began to build their relationship and he had finally let down his wall to let her in. The comfort they shared, the secrets they would tell each other, and the laughters they had, were all real. Tomoyo could see now their years of friendship crumbling down in only two months since he enrolled into Tomoeda High.
"Don't say those words. Eriol! Don't apologize." Tomoyo urged.
"I warned Takashi-"
"I don't need to know anymore." Tomoyo interrupted but he didn't seem to listen.
"I warned him that he should not hurt you in any way or he would have to deal with consequences. That was all I said mistress." Eriol finished his sentence calmly. "Now if you are satisfied we should head home now. It's getting late."
"Eriol." Tomoyo called out as she watched him turn and walk. She felt him slip away.
Once she had reached her house, Eriol had disappeared and was nowhere to be seen. Tomoyo had searched every corner of the house for him. She wanted to apologize once again. Her words hadn't reached him earlier. Tomoyo wanted to make things right, but it seemed that Eriol was not going to show up anytime soon. She found herself crumble inside as she replayed what had happened and his cold azure eyes haunted her thoughts as she regret blurring those words. Tomoyo was the one that had told him to stop referring her to mistress since they were friends.
Her thoughts were suddenly broken when her cellphone began to ring. She quickly fished it out from her purse, hoping that it was from Eriol. To her disappointment it was Takashi calling her. Tomoyo flipped her cellphone open and answered.
"Hey Tomoyo." He greeted enthusiastically. "Is this a bad time to be calling?"
"No. It's fine." Tomoyo answered back trying to sound a bit more cheerful.
"Well I know this is last minute, but I just got a call from our musical professor that we are having practice this evening." Takashi explained.
"Oh. You mean for the upcoming musical we are going to perform for the cultural festival?" Tomoyo wondered.
"Yes. You know how picky the professor is if we don't perform to our fullest potential." Takashi nagged.
She laughed. "Yes. Alright then I will be there in 20 minutes tops."
"Take your time. Met us up in the auditorium." Takashi explained before they ended the call.
Tomoyo quickly gathered her music sheets and notebook before grabbing a coat from inside her wardrobe. She wondered if she should warn Eriol first, but remembered he wasn't in the house. Hesitating, Tomoyo quickly send a text message to him before heading downstairs and out of the door.
The sky started to turn orange as she could see the sun sitting on the horizon. Tomoyo reached Tomoeda High exactly 20 minutes as she had ran as quickly as she could, knowing that the professor hated lateness. As Tomoyo reached the auditorium she wondered why she hadn't received any email from the professor herself about this meeting. Not caring too much about such small details, Tomoyo went ahead and entered the auditorium which was dimly lightened by the few spotlights that were on. She saw Takashi sitting on the stage reading something.
"Hey Takashi." Tomoyo greeted as she started heading towards him.
Takashi looked up with a smile. "Good you are here."
"Where is everyone else?" Tomoyo asked as she glanced around to notice how empty it was.
"They must be coming soon." Takashi spoke as he jumped off stage and headed towards Tomoyo, who now stood in front of the first row of seats.
Tomoyo watched as he slowly grabbed her hand and stared into her amethyst eyes. She felt uncomfortable, as she pulled her hand away from his hold. He slowly smiled as he stepped closer.
"Are you and Eriol in any sort of relationship?" Takashi suddenly asked.
Tomoyo looked at him apologetically. "No. This afternoon when he talked to you, it was him being overprotective as a friend. Please don't hold any grudges against him."
Takashi chuckled. "Oh so that was what it was. I really thought he was going to break my nose the way he stared at me."
"Sorry about that." Tomoyo replied with a soft smile remembering and regretting what had followed next.
"Are you ok?" Takashi asked seeing how her eyes sadden.
"I'm fine." Tomoyo replied back as she quickly plastered a wide smile.
"I know you better than that. You are upset." Takashi spoke. "I know everything about you Tomoyo. The way you smile when you are with Sakura. I know how sad you get when the rain starts pouring. I know how angry you become when the vending machines swallows your coins, and you secretly talk to the machine to throw it back out."
Tomoyo stared in astonishment that he knew so much about her. "How do you know all this?"
"Well I have been observing you closely." Takashi confessed. "But I couldn't follow you recently cause of Eriol. I thought he was your new man."
"No he is just a friend." Tomoyo spoke sadly, wishing that what he had mentioned was the real truth.
"I knew it." Takashi smiled widely. "I knew that my Tomoyo wouldn't fall in love with such a snobbish guy! He isn't for you! He doesn't know that you like eating pudding for lunch. He doesn't know that my Tomoyo smells like cherry blossoms because of her shampoo!"
Tomoyo found herself feeling very awkward as she stepped back uncomfortably. She wondered where the rest of the group was as she glanced down at her wrist watch seeing that 20 minutes had passed since she arrived. Tomoyo was now realizing that Takashi might have been stalking her since who knew when.
"This must sound very weird to you Tomoyo." Takashi suddenly stared at her eyes, making her shiver cold.
"No not at all." She lied with a pleasant smile, now regretting that she hadn't taken Eriol's advice in being caution, but how would she know he was this different.
"Ah don't worry Tomoyo I will take care of you very well, since I know you best of course." Takashi explained as he suddenly stepped forward without a warning.
Instinctively Tomoyo pushed him away as she quickly dashed towards the exit doors, but Takashi was faster and he managed to catch up with her. He pulled her back and pinned her into the nearby seat.
"Where do you think you are going?" Takashi asked a bit sadden by her fearful look.
"I was going to check if the rest of the members were arriving. I thought I heard a knock." Tomoyo quickly came up with an answer.
He laughed. "Ah my silly Tomoyo! No one is coming. I made it all up so that you would come to see me. I have dreamt of this confession a long time ago."
"Confession." Tomoyo spoke uneasy to know what he was planning to do next. "I'm sorry but I have someone else that I like."
Takashi shook his head. "No no Tomoyo. You are suppose to accept it and give me a kiss!"
Her eyes widen as he saw him close his eyes and pucker his lips. Tomoyo struggled to free herself from his grip around her wrists, but he was pushing her down too strongly to allow her to escape.
"Get off of me Takashi!" Tomoyo shouted.
Takashi opened his eyes and frowned at her rejection. "You just need some convincing, that's all. After a kiss you will definitely change your mind about being my girl."
Tomoyo shook her head as he pinned her harder towards the chair. Takashi once again tried to kiss her, but Tomoyo struggled, making it difficult for him to keep her still.
"Eriol warned me about you! I should have listened to him!" Tomoyo spoke as she kept on struggling.
Takashi laughed. "Ah he is very observant! Too bad that you had a fight with him on your way home, but I am touched. You really must like me to defend me that willingly!"
Tomoyo shook her head feeling more remorseful about her fight with Eriol. She should have trusted him since the start. She had made a big mistake to have not listened to Eriol. Tomoyo should have known that Eriol was always protecting her no matter what.
"You saw that?"
"I always follow you." Takashi admitted.
Takashi saw tears forming in her amethyst eyes. "Don't cry for that loser!" He began to push once again, forcing his kiss on her.
"Someone help me!" Tomoyo called, panicking that no one would hear her this late at night. "Eriol!" She called the person she wished was by her side right now.
Suddenly they heard the auditorium room burst open. The next thing she saw was Takashi being yanked away from her and being punched towards the ground. He managed to stand up again as he faced the person who had interrupted his plans.
"Your such a prick Eriol!" Takashi yelled in frustration.
Eriol just grinned. "I warned you before."
Takashi lounged forward to punch him on the face, but Eriol could read his movement and stepped aside. Takashi lost his footing on the steps and was about to fall onto the ground when Eriol grabbed him by the collar and thrust him against the wall.
"You better leave her alone." Eriol glared cause Takashi to tremble in fright.
Takashi nodded his head in fear before Eriol let him go. Eriol watched as Takashi started his way towards the door but unexpectedly he turned around again and ran with his fist forward. Eriol sighed in annoyance and decided to punch Takashi unconsciously to the ground.
"Eriol." Tomoyo called, watching as he turned to face her.
Eriol stared down at the ground. "We better head home now mistress."
Tomoyo felt his words sting as she watched him head towards the auditorium door. Tears threatened to erupt from her eyes as she managed to lift herself from her seat. Tomoyo then saw Eriol stop dead on his track and stiffen. She wondered why he had suddenly stopped but her answer was revealed as a hooded man stepped out from the shadows with a gun pointed towards Eriol.
"Hello kids." He greeted with a sinister smile on his unshaven face.
"Tomoyo step back." Eriol mouthed, but she knew she couldn't leave him here alone.
"You must be Tomoyo Daidoujii." The man spoke. "Thanks to this unconscious kid." The man referred to Takashi, "I was able to identify you. Plus he served as an unintentional distraction."
"You are the man from this afternoon. I felt your presence before." Eriol muttered knowing he should have been more careful.
"If you weren't around kid my job would have been much easier." He spat in annoyance.
"Leave Tomoyo alone." Eriol demanded as he made a move but the man placed the gun against his head.
"What do you want." Tomoyo asked in panic as she saw him grab a hold of Eriol's both hands.
"Ah, nothing too complicated. All I need you to do is come with me." He spoke simply.
"Don't do it." Eriol spoke. The man then punched Eriol on the face.
"Don't hurt him! " Tomoyo cried as she cringed to see him bleed. The man smiled.
"Then follow what I say and everything will be fine."
"Promise me you won't hurt him." Tomoyo demanded.
"Tomoyo listen to me." Eriol called. "Listen to me!"
She watched as his azure eyes pleaded for her safety and all she could do was stand still and cringe as the man punched Eriol once again to keep him quite. Tomoyo stepped forward.
"Enough! I will follow you, so stop hurting him." She begged.
The man laughed. "Then come."
Tomoyo made her way to the man as he grabbed her hand. He quickly pushed Eriol forward before he aimed his gun away from Eriol and towards Tomoyo's head. Now the hostage was reversed. The man started to step away towards the door as he pulled Tomoyo with him slowly. He kept his eyes on Eriol, who quickly picked himself up from the ground and glared at the man. Eriol gritted his teeth as he watched him take her.
"Don't worry Tomoyo." Eriol worded as Tomoyo understood what he said.
His intense azure eyes soften for her, making sure that she knew he had no intention of leaving her, like countless times before when she was alone and needed a friend. Although this situation was very different, Tomoyo could feel his glance sooth her and make her feel safe. She knew he was always there for her and there was no reason for her to be afraid.
"I trust you." She mouthed back as her eyes soften.
His heart skipped a beat. Eriol smiled, "Close your eyes." he mouthed.
He watched as she slowly closed her lids. As the man carefully made his way up the stairs trying to watch his steps, Eriol waited for the right moment where he would look down to see his footing. When he did Eriol moved fast. In an instant the spot lights exploded and the whole auditorium went black. Shots were heard as well as grunts and punches. The man managed to grab his lighter and create a small dim light around him, but he couldn't see beyond his outstretched hands that searched for the wall. He cursed. Losing his hostage and having no plan, he decided to escape. Suddenly Eriol's face came into view and the man panicked. He began shooting once again but Eriol was gone. He grunted in pain as he felt a punch on his stomach.
"Where are you!" He yelled in anger and fear.
"Right here." He heard a whisper and the next thing he knew was his face meeting the ground bellow him in a crush.
Eriol turned the lights on from the auditorium. He saw the man lying unconsciously on the floor. His glance then went to Tomoyo who still had her eyes closed while he had managed to put her lying down on the seats a couple rows away from the enemy. He sighed in relief that she was safe. Eriol walked towards her and watched as she lay there calmly as if sleeping. He smiled to see her face so peacefully, but what made his eyes glow in earnest was the fact that she listened to him and trusted his words. That meant more than anything to him.
Eriol slowly pulled away the earphones from her ears. He had instructed her to put it on since he didn't want her to hear what was happening. She smiled to see his face as she quickly sat up and circled her arms around his neck. He brought her closer to him.
"Are you alright?" They simultaneously asked the same question.
They laughed. "Alright lets get you home." Eriol spoke.
"Watch out!"
Suddenly Tomoyo turned Eriol around and what he saw behind her shoulders was the man fire his gun. He felt Tomoyo's body receive the impact as she fell forward limp into his arms. His eyes widen in shock as he gently laid her down on the seat. The man quickly ran away out of the auditorium. Eriol panicked as he saw the blood stain her clothes. He searched for the wound and found that she was hit on her right shoulder. Eriol quickly tore his shirt and began bandaging the wound as he tried to stop the blood from flowing out. He saw her face pale as she smiled gently at him.
"Are you alright." She asked.
"Silly girl. What were you thinking!" He demanded as he tied the cloth around her arm.
"I don't want you to get hurt." She simply replied.
"It is my job as your bodyguard to defend you with my life." Eriol reasoned.
"And it is my job as your friend to protect you." Tomoyo spoke with a weak smile.
Eriol looked at her amethyst eyes, he shouldn't have never doubt her or their friendship. She was real. Their bond was real. How could he not accept her apologies before. Eriol was angry at himself for letting such a thing to happen and Tomoyo knew it as she slowly caressed his face gently.
"Stop worrying so much about me. I also want to take care of the person I love." She confessed.
Eriol found himself blushing and staring at her in disbelief. Was he hearing her right? She chuckled and nodded her head. "Yes, I love you silly boy."
Eriol managed to tighten the cloth securely over her wound. His eyes suddenly glowed towards her confession. "Hold that thought dearest. I still need to take care of something first." He quickly then leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
She watched as he ran out of the auditorium after the enemy. Eriol quickly found him not far from the school gates. He knew that he had caused enough pain on the man to cause him some struggle to run away. As he found him, Eriol kicked the gun away from his grip. The next thing was to pin him against the ground and hold him still.
"You just hurt my most precious treasure." Eriol spoke as he saw the man quiver in fear to the sound of his voice.
"I was just following orders!" He defended.
Eriol shook his head. "I won't forgive you."
Eriol then knocked him unconscious for good this time. He stood up in relief and quickly headed back to the auditorium where he found Tomoyo making her way out of the door. He carefully picked her up in his arms, making her blush, and ran towards the nearby hospital. There the doctors treated Tomoyo's wound, while Eriol was busy making phone calls to the police and arresting the man responsible for the whole chaos. It was a relief that there were no other students involved in the incident. Sonomi Daidoujii flew in by helicopter to see her daughter. She thanked Eriol for his great job and quickly headed inside the room to see Tomoyo.
She found her sitting on the edge of the bed, looking outside the window at the night sky. The first thing Sonomi did when she walked in was to give her daughter a tight hug as Tomoyo assured her that she was alright.
"It was a good thing that I hired Eriol as your bodyguard." Sonomi spoke as she caressed her daughters long silky hair.
"About that mother." Tomoyo started. "I have been thinking. Would you fire him."
"Fire him!" Asked Sonomi in confusion. "Didn't he just save your life?"
"I am grateful for him being there. It is just that I wish that he can have a normal life as a student in Tomoeda High and not as my bodyguard." Tomoyo explained.
She was letting her selfishness go. She didn't want to see him hurt like he was today. Tomoyo wanted him to live a normal life where he could play basketball and be popular among girls. One of the reason why she hated him enrolling in Tomoeda High was that he fit in the school so perfectly but yet he was playing a roll of a student. She wished he was a real student in her classroom and wouldn't need to watch over her 24/7. She wanted Eriol to do what he wished.
Sonomi smiled at her daughter. "Well if you want me to fire him, I will, but don't you think he will be upset?"
Tomoyo looked at her in confusion. "Why would he?"
"It was Eriol that requested me for the job."
Tomoyo's eyes widen in surprise. "Why?"
Sonomi shrugged. "I don't know, why don't you ask him."
Tomoyo watched her mother kiss her forehead before the doctor walked in and greeted her. They briefly talked before they headed outside. Tomoyo then heard a knock on the door and saw Eriol walk in silently. He smiled to see her well. Tomoyo watched him stand before her and glance at her bandaged wound.
"Don't worry. It'll heal fast." Tomoyo assured him.
He nodded his head. "Are you hungry?"
Tomoyo shook her head and then proceeded to ask. "Eriol why did you take this job?"
He looked at her questioning eyes. "You might not remember this, but you saved me."
She looked back more confused. Eriol chuckled. "Well, I was a stranger that needed a helping hang and you appeared."
Tomoyo looked at him. "The boy with a broken smile." She recalled.
He nodded. "I guess I fell in love with you that day."
She blushed to hear those words as her heart began to pound. Eriol then slowly stepped forward and gently cupped her face. Her cheeks managed to turn redder as she saw how close he was from her.
"Eriol I don't want you as my bodyguard anymore." Tomoyo whispered.
Eriol leaned forward to rest his forehead against hers. Her body trembled to feel his breath caress her skin.
"What do you want then?" He asked as his eyes glowed.
"I want you to become my boyfriend instead." She confessed.
Eriol grinned as he saw her eyes intensify. "Is that a command?"
Tomoyo laughed. "Yes."
Eriol genuinely smiled, "I will gladly oblige."
He then closed the gap between them as their lips met for a passionate kiss.
The End