My dress was the traditional white – purer than untouched snow – and trailed for what seemed miles behind me. I felt miniscule in the garment as I watched my reflection finger at the intricate lace that began flowing out from my waist. Hikaru and Kaoru had wanted to design my dress as one of my many wedding gifts but it wasn't to be. Their designs didn't live up to his expectations supposedly. The veil was slotted into the bun at the top of my head – short, tight curls framing my face. Maybe I should straighten them out. It didn't look right, it didn't look right at all.
The venue was grandiose even by the standards of the elite company that I had considered by closest friends. I knew they were all waiting for me impatiently on the other side of those mahogany doors but it wasn't time yet. There was still time.
So I sat. Luxury surrounded me, suffocated; there was never any shortage any more. Yet I was more comfortable on the ground in this moment. My dress bundled up enough to act as a cushion I suppose. The thought that the lace may rip did run through my mind for a moment but I dismissed it – nobody would notice, and if they did, I wasn't to care.
For weeks now I had wished just to be alone with my thoughts. Wedding planners and caterers and musicians and well-wishers and hundreds of others had piled into the house to fill up what little time I had. But now that all I had to keep me company was the silence, I wanted nothing more than for someone to walk through those doors and smile at me. And I would smile back. Everything would be okay.
Who was I trying to kid? My heart was pounding and my palms clammy. I waited for the palpitations to calm down but they refused to falter.
"Haruhi?" The low grumble of Mori's voice rang loud in the room. I cautiously glanced up at the man who watched me curiously. His footfalls that were usually so light echoed as they approached. "Ready?"
Our eyes met and he knew. Gently he hoisted me onto my feet and held me steady as I adjusted to the heels. He seemed to be made of stone as I clung to his forearms for stability and it made me realise how fragile I was in comparison.
"Is my father ready yet?" I whispered to hide my shaking voice.
A low chuckle rumbled in his chest, "Still can't pick a lipstick."
"He never can. But that's alright; he'll end up wearing the red. That's his favourite, and mine."
He didn't respond, just watched the clock. Dad should be wandering in any moment now, most likely with Kyoya in tow. Never one to pass up the opportunity off telling me I picked the wrong host and Kyoya was always his favourite for some reason.
As predicted, Kyoya entered with my father on his arm exactly on twelve o'clock. His discomfort was enough to bring a smirk to my face but it was short lived as I caught a glance through the door at the packed room. The palpitations return with a vengeance and I shook like never before.
Slate grey eyes narrowed. He knew. Shadow King always knew. "It's time. Are you ready?" The slight inflection hinted that he was questioning much more.
"Of course she's ready!" He waved Kyoya off and toddled towards me in mile high heels. "Oh, you look so beautiful~! It brings a tear to Daddy's eye. But I can't have my mascara running in front of all these millionaires wandering around!"
I took comfort in the light floral perfume he wore. It was the one my mum had always worn and for a moment I imagined it was her that I was embracing. What would she think of her daughter in this moment? Would she think I was beautiful in such a dress? Would she be proud if I walked down that aisle?
Dad pulled away and linked my arm through his own, puffing out his chest in a proud display. Mori and Kyoya were quick to leave and take their places at the front of the grand hall.
Ageha pranced down the aisle in the most beautiful dress – tossing the rose petals as she went. Following closely behind, Kaoru led Renge in a partially awkward pace. Hikaru marched down with a French lady on his arm, a friend of Tamaki from his years with his mother no doubt. Finally, Mori led Mei – who had agreed to forego the fake tan on this occasion = down to the front. It was picturesque, perfect even, yet I froze.
"Haruhi? Remember to breathe, honey." Gentle words cracked my composure, but I still managed to start walking. Seconds dragged by like months as we continued the ascent to the altar.
Honey beamed at me as he held tightly to a plush velvet pillow. Two platinum rings lay comfortably upon the scarlet fabric and shone fiercely. Kyoya stood beside his best friend and provided a crooked smile but could not meet my eye.
The blonde Frenchman was the last to turn and look upon me with wide amethyst eyes. In an instant he appeared to melt and a goofy smile crossed his features in a way which used to endear me. This time I faltered and lost my footing. My father steadied me as I smoothly recovered but I did not continue to move.
"Haruhi? What's wrong?" My father questioned in a hushed yet panicked tone.
I looked into his eyes and tried to make my mouth work even just for a minute. "I-I'm sorry…"
Next thing I knew I was off like a shot up the aisle and the room was in an uproar. I heard several people call my name and I could pick out the panicked voices of Hikaru, Kaoru, Honey and Kyoya but not of the man I was supposed to marry this day.
Once I had found my way out of the maze of a building, I continued up the courtyard and toward the exit. People who had been denied access were watching with fascination as I rushed past them. I heard an audible tear as the lace of my dress caught and tore on a rock, jerking me backwards onto my rear with an ungraceful thud.
"Haruhi!" Panting voices called out to me but I couldn't face them. Arms wrapped around me from behind and two bodies clung to me. "You're crazy. What the hell are you doing?!"
"I think it's quite obvious what just happened."
"Hush," Honey butted in and shot the trio a stern look that was unbefitting of his soft features. "Now is not the time for fighting, ne? Limo, now!"
At the ex-loli-shota's command, the men obeyed without question. The five men bundled me into the closest available limousine with no time to waste. It was only now that my heart began to calm itself and reality set in. Tamaki would never forgive me for this.