Hello Everyone ;) My name is MelonDrop-Sensei, and it's very nice to meet you all. I applaud your wise decision to take a look at my first written story on Fanfiction. I would just like to let you all know ahead of time that I DEVOUR reviews. It's what will most likely give me encouragement to continue updating, because not only do I write to improve my skills…I also do this to entertain my readers . ^^ As for Beta Readers, I'm hoping to employ some soon. Maybe after I get a couple chapters up that is ;) But anyways, I hope you all enjoy the first chapter of "We Were Beyond Saving" and review to let me know what you thought of it. ~Happy Reading!
The Classic Beginning
"For once, I'd actually like to see him get here on time." Renge growled, while irritably tapping her spoon in the cup of coffee. It's black liquid sloshed around in the mug, making me worry whether or not the contents would spill all over the restaurant table. "It's only ten minutes Renge, jeesh give the guy a break." So I say, but honestly? My frustration was just about reaching it's limit as well. I couldn't dare to keep my eyes from straying to the gold watch encircled on my wrist.
Okay…maybe not ten minutes. More like thirty.
My subconscious growls in irritation, and I struggle to keep the stewing anger from ruining my breakfast. I'd already sent him three text messages, two voicemails, and still no reply. Renge sits across the table from me, dressed in a light cotton t-shirt and jeans. Summer wear really suits her, and I thank God everyday that she no longer indulges in her cosplay obsession.
"Didn't you say that he was supposed to be here at 10:30?" She swishes her long, faun- colored hair over her shoulder and narrows her eyes at me. "Seriously, if I were you I could never put up with waiting for him all the time." I smile gently at her, remembering to remind myself it'd been ages since Renge had put herself into a long-term relationship. The girl had sworn off men after her last boyfriend cheated on her with a guy, and I didn't really blame her. However, I'd been taken since my last year of High School at Ouran. So although mine and Renge's priorities were different, I always had to keep in mind our views on men.
"Tamaki works a lot hours Renge, I wouldn't really blame him for being late." I say, while flippantly opening up a small package of sweetener and stirring it into my coffee. Yes, it does sound like I'm making excuses for him- and to be straight about it, I really couldn't tell if it was right or wrong anymore. "This would be different if I asked for you both to meet me here," She takes a quick sip of her coffee, and continues. "But he's the one who planned this! I have important matters too you know, it's not like I just have all this free time sitting around." Renge mutters into her coffee, obviously displeased with the taste. "And of all places, it just had to be a commoner coffee shop."
I raise my eyebrow in mock insult, and she catches herself. "Oh I'm sorry Haruhi! I didn't mean that as an insult to you." Renge's brown eyes plead with apology and I laugh. "It's alright, I'm long used to those jabs by now. How much do you think I endured during the Host Club all those years ago?" The relief on her face is apparent and she sighs. "Sorry, I'm just so used to the high life."
Oh I know, better than anyone actually.
"So do you know what he wants to talk about?"
My attention shifts from my inner subconscious' thoughts and focuses back on Renge. "I'm actually not quite sure. With all the recent openings, I haven't been able to talk to him lately." Renge blinks at me, obviously confused by my statement. "What do you mean? Don't you at least see him every day?" Disappointment stabs my chest, and I'm pretty sure Renge can see the desperation on my face. "Haruhi? Are you sure everything's alright? I mean, I'm no expert on these things- but I'm pretty sure I can tell when someone's down in the dumps."
I push back a lock of my brown hair, and stare at my half eaten blueberry muffin.
"It's not that at all Renge. I just miss him is all, and I'm probably feeling lonely." This to my own regret was true. It wasn't that Tamaki and I half-assed our relationship, we just never had time for each other. Or more like, ever since the past year he never has time for me. I couldn't really blame all that on him though. After all, his grandmother made sure he was completely consumed with his work 24/7.
"Well you'll be seeing him this morning, and you can talk to him then. That is, if he ever gets here." Renge rolls her eyes sarcastically and stabs at her raspberry donut repeatedly with a fork. Sometimes I envy her, but only for her spontaneity. "He'll be here, just give him a little more time." I say soothingly, hoping that Tamaki didn't inspire any more of Renge's wrath. Otherwise he just might end up with a fork in the butt.
Renge's gaze flicks quickly around the restaurant and stops particularly on a certain spot. "Well hello, it's about damn time!" The café door opened, causing a loud bell to go off and let the staff know they had another customer. I turn around in my seat, desperately trying to see over the high leathered fabric of the booth. Curse me and my short midget disease. But by the release of tension in Renge's shoulders I can only tell who the visitor is.
"Tamaki! Over here!" I raise my hand above the booth and wave it about.
Soft, graceful footsteps grow closer to our spot, and my stomach clenches out of nervousness. How long has it been since we last sincerely talked? On my part, it feels like forever ago. Immediately out of habit, I slide over closer to the window so that he'll have a spot next to me. Just as soon as I get comfortable, I turn my head to see brown hazel eyes staring down at me. The funny thing is, they are locked directly to my figure- and I blush under his heated gaze.
"Hi there." He smiles gently.
My heart flutters, recognizing his voice. "Hello…..Hikaru."
He breaks into an earsplitting grin and brushes his long sun fire hair out of his face. "Nice to see you recognize me at least." I nod surruptiously, and peek at Renge…who to no surprise is grinning like a Cheshire cat. Darn her and her sneaky tricks! "Renge? What's going on here?" I ask politely, trying to keep the strain out of my voice.
"Oh this?" She gestures to Hikaru, who remains standing by the table. "I figured since Tamaki was coming, the more the merrier! Oh-ho-ho-ho!" She laughs obnoxiously, covering her mouth behind her hand. The more the merrier? Was she crazy? I look over to Hikaru, who seems bothered by all the stares directed at our table. "Um, look…" He shifts awkwardly back and forth on his feet and glances at me. "I told Renge when she called me up that I didn't want to interrupt on your meeting, but she insisted that you would want me to come." My cheeks flush in embarrassment, and I secretly imagine skewering Renge with a pitchfork. Oh why did she have to make things more complicated?
"You can stay Hikaru; don't feel awkward on Haruhi's account." Renge snips, sending an evil glare to all the customers who quickly turned their heads down out of sheer fear. "Besides, despite the twitchy looks on her face- I think she's more than relieved to have an extra friend help her face Tamaki."
My mouth snaps open, leaving me completely speechless.
"I-I do not need any help f-facing him! I'm practically 21 for Christ's sake!" I stutter out my words stupidly, feeling the shock of Renge's utter betrayal. Her and her nosy self, jeesh- just when was I going to be able to solve my problems on my own? "You should be thanking me!" Renge laughs, taking a quick gulp of her coffee, and slamming it on the table. Suddenly, out of nowhere the laughter in her eyes dies down, and slowly her lips form into a hard line. Renge's face turns sincere and apologetic. "Listen, I'm sorry Haruhi. I know it's not really any of my business to be getting in-between your relationship with you and Tamaki. But I'm your friend, and I'm sincerely worried about you."
Her tone takes me by surprise, and I feel a soft thump in the booth reverberate beside me. I know he's sitting next to me and the thought of him being so close makes me uneasy. "Don't be mad at her Haruhi," He insists gently. I glance up at Hikaru, really taking him in for the first time in the past year. His face has matured into that of a man, with sharp angles and a clean shaven jaw. His hair is a little longer than it usually was in Ouran, but it fits him. And, oh? Is that Old Spice I was smelling?
"I'm serious Haruhi. You've haven't even contacted each other in weeks. How on earth do you know what's going on with him?" Renge's question launches me out of my state of suspension with Hikaru's looks and I flush. "Just because I tell you a lot Renge, doesn't give you the right to call an intervention." Hurt flashes across her face for only a few brief seconds, followed by a stubborn look. "Even I can see it Haruhi. He's obviously avoiding you, even if it's unintentional."
Sudden irritation digs underneath my skin, and immediately I'm angry. But not at Renge or Hikaru. No, not them. The anger is directed towards myself. Seriously? Am I so immature that I need two people outside my lifestyle to tell me what's wrong with my relationship? I stare at Renge impassively, knowing that she only did this for my sake. I mean, if I wasn't going to own up to it- then how would I ever be able to talk to Tamaki again?
I shudder involuntarily and drop my head down onto the table.
"Haruhi?" Hikaru's concerned voice pokes and prods at my subconcious. I peek up at him from the table and frown. "I don't know what other people would do in this situation." He looks at me in surprise, and then softly pats my shoulder. "That's fine if you don't Haruhi, because you're not other people. You're you." As cheesy as it sounds, his words soothe me and I smile like a goof. "Did I ever tell you that you're good at cheering people up?" He blinks, and then scratches his head in embarrassment. "Plenty of times."
"It's been awhile Hikaru." I absently say.
He looks down uneasily, as if restraining himself. "Yeah, it has been."
Forgetting Renge's presence, I continue on. "I never did apologize for what Tamaki said to you." He avoids my gaze, keeping his eyes focused on the salt and pepper shakers sitting on the table. "You don't have to apologize on his account. It was my fault for kissing you out of the blue like that." The memory comes back full force and I blush. "You never did tell me why you did that."
His heated gaze suddenly turns from the table and glues directly onto me. Immediately my heart is lurching into my mouth, and somehow I regret bringing up the subject. "I think that's pretty obvious don't you think?" He whispers huskily, drilling his hazel eyes into mine.
My ribcage feels like it filled full with butterflies, and that's when I realize I'm holding my breath.
*Cough*
"Hello? Um guys? I'm still here!" Renge waves stupidly between us. We both jump at her gesture and quickly avoid one another's eyes. Oh God that was embarrassing! Just what in the heck am I letting myself get so worked up for? This is Hikaru! One of Tamaki's friends! My friend!
Hello? Earth to dumbass! You are still with Tamaki remember? My subconscious sneers at me, and looks on with disgust. She's not the only one discontent with me. I quickly shake off my restlessness and face Renge. "So what exactly was your plan today? Corner Tamaki and I with all your wisdom and questions?" Renge rolls her eyes, and throws a sweetener package at me. "Oh quit being crabby. I wasn't going to say anything about it."
I narrow my eyes at her, "Really now? So what was the point of bringing Hikaru here?" I can feel his weight shift in the booth, obviously uncomfortable with me including his name in on the conversation. Renge stares at me like I'm stupid. "Haruhi, I thought you were supposed to be smart." I grit my teeth in irritation and look out the window. "Is that meant to be an insult?"
"Um, I just gonna….yeah, go to the bathroom." Hikaru awkwardly excuses himself and rushes off to the men's room. Renge watches him as he leaves, and when he disappears behind the door- she sighs. "Oh for the dear life of me, planning all this is making my head hurt." She nuzzles her fore head gently with her fingers and stares at me. "Do you really want to know why I invited him?"
I nod easily, and lean back against the booth.
Renge looks at me for a couple more seconds and then residually groans. "I know you're smart Haruhi, but when it comes to boys- you are absolutely clueless." She leans her face against her forearm and continues to talk. "I told Hikaru to come here, because despite their friendship- he drives Tamaki absolutely crazy."
"Crazy?" I ask, confused.
"Jealousy. He drives him mad with jealousy Haruhi." I blink a couple of times, taking in her words. The idea plays around in my head and finally with a click, I understand what she's getting at. "No way, Renge. Tamaki doesn't entertain that kind of thing." She winks at me excitedly, and snaps her fingers. "And that my dear Haruhi, is why you don't understand boys. Don't get me wrong, Tamaki is nice at heart- but he's still of the male gender. With Hikaru and Kaoru hanging around you 24/7 in Ouran, it wouldn't surprise me if he gained a little urgency for possession over you. It's a guy thing." She waves her hand like it's the most natural thing in the world.
"This leads up to of course, why I invited Hikaru. Do you understand now?"
For me, this is waaaaaay too much information to process. Who knew Renge could be such a control freak? And a master puppeteer at that? I shiver at the revelation and watch as her trademark smile she must've stolen from the twins pop up on her face. Cheshire grin or not, sometimes this woman scared the hell out of me.
Suddenly, a vibration from my pocket causes me to nearly fall out of the booth.
"Holy Jesus!" I exclaim, wishing my nerves were less frazzled than they already were. "Who is that?" Renge inquires curiously, leaning over the table to get a look at my cellphone screen. I yank it back, praying that she could learn to keep her nose out of my business. "I don't know yet Renge, geesh." Sliding out the keyboard, I quickly go to my message board and see 1 inbox sitting there waiting for me. My gut clenches in anticipation, as I realize it's from Tamaki. Deciding to just go with it, I randomly click the enter button and prepare myself as I read.
Subject: Regarding our Meeting
Time: 11:32 a.m.
From: Tamaki
Message: Haruhi, I regret to say I won't be able to see you and Renge today. Grandmother had another pull at the office, and so I was sent out on a three day business deal in Berlin. I'll be back as soon as I can to spend time with you.
My chest constricts with disappointment and I slump into the seat. Not even an I love you or I'm sorry? The least he could've done was call me to explain. Not send a stupid text message! I sigh irritably, and toss my cellphone onto the table. "Let me guess," Renge says. I bit my lip angrily, and glare at her. "Do you always have to comment on everything?" I snap.
"Yes, I do. And I'm guessing by your suddenly criminal mood that he flaked out on us."
I stew in the booth seat and cross my arms sullenly. "He was suddenly flown out to Berlin for some apparent reason, it's his grandmother's doing." The air remained silent, tentative even as Renge and I sat quietly in the booth. After several minutes of angsty silence, Renge finally broke the stalemate. "He'll be gone for another three days, maybe even a week Haruhi."
"I know."
"Then I have a great idea."
Oh no. Renge, with a great idea? Hardly ever the case. But right now, I wasn't in a very good mood to talk about Tamaki anymore so even though I knew I was going to regret it- I reluctantly leaned forward to listen. "This weekend, the Hitachiin family is throwing a bash to celebrate their new fashion line coming out. Why not come with me? Or," She waggled her eyebrows suggestively. "You could go with Hikaru."
I blanched at her suggestion, and in return almost spilled coffee down the front of my blue jean pants. "Renge! Jeesh, why are you so gung-ho about sticking Hikaru and me together like the chocolate and marshmallows on a smore?" Renge giggles, and points at me. "First of all, NEVER use that reference again. It's horrible. And two, I think it'd be great if you went with Hikaru. "
"Why? I mean, things are still a little awkward between us Renge. What happened last year almost ruined our friendship, plus Tamaki and him are still recovering from that."
I explain, while glancing towards the men's bathroom just in case Hikaru shows up out of the blue. Renge raises her eyebrow and tsks her finger at me. "Okay, let me tell you a little secret Haruhi. What I saw just earlier? That moment between you and Hikaru? There were definitely some fireworks in there, and don't try to act like I'm out of my mind because you know it too."
I flush tomato red, and duck my head down. "Thanks for reminding me Renge, I wanted to forget that." Twiddling my thumbs, I don't notice until Renge's fingers are right next to mine. "Why would you want to forget it? Haruhi, I'm sorry if this offends you- but you deserve better."
"And Hikaru is better?" I whisper, unsure of myself.
"Hikaru, Tamaki, any other guy- I don't care. You just deserve to be with someone who will stay with you and take care of you when you need it." I look up at Renge to find she's being truly sincere, and for the first time I realize how thankful I am to have her. Not many people socialize with me because I'm too simple-minded.
I smile at her fondly and clasp her hand. "Thanks Renge."
"You are so welcome my dear," She giggles girlishly. "Oh Haruhi! What would you do without me?" She pretends to faint in the seat, bringing another smile to my face. "I'll think about it." I say.
She stops giggling, and looks at me with a gleam in her eye. "Really?" I nod hesitantly, not sure about exactly what I was going to do- but at least I was taking a step forward. And besides, it's not like I'm agreeing to go with Hikaru or anything. Renge smiles gently and then breaks out into strange laughter. "You do know what this means right?"
"No, what?"
Her Cheshire cat grin plasters back onto her face, and suddenly I am very afraid. "Renge…." I say cautiously. She smirks, and pulls out her credit card. Realizing her intent- I groan, and knock my head onto the table. Why me and my big mouth? "I say tomorrow you and I head over to Berkes, Victoria's Secret, and Gucci to find us some party worthy clothes!" She squirms around in the seat, obviously elated at my discomfort at shopping.
"Did somebody say shopping?"
I lift up from the table to see Hikaru staring at me with his head cocked to the side. "No we didn't." I insist, remembering all the times that him and Kaoru kidnapped me into dressing in such god awful outfits. So bossy, and demanding. Yep, that's the twins for you. "I don't think I heard wrong," He smirked. Slowly, I see the old Hikaru from Ouran days coming out to pull me into a dressing room of mass clothing destruction. Maybe this weekend bash wasn't such a great idea after all.
"Of course you didn't hear wrong Hikaru." Renge looked between the both of us, "In fact, Haruhi has just agreed to come to the bash this weekend." She's all smiles, like the evil puppeteer she is. I glare, wishing I had laser beams that could imprint the word "nosy" on her forehead. Renge is playing both of us like we're marionettes! "Actually, I was just discussing it-" I start.
"And she's elated! So we're going shopping, right Haruhi?" Renge interrupts, and turns to me with an if-you-don't-say-yes-I'll-murder-you look. The glare is so intimidating; that I shamefully give in. "Yeah, super excited." I drag on unenthusiastically.
Hikaru surprisingly is all smiles, and he laughs. "Well that's great; you'll both amp up the party." He then glances nervously at Renge, and grins. "This was your plan right?" She smirks like a master genius, gathers up her purse and heads for the door. "I'll never tell!" Renge yells over her shoulder as she leaves out the restaurant. All the other customers are stunned at her exit, and even go so far as to looking out the window.
Really? I can't believe she just left me here with him.
"You know, you don't have to go if you don't want to. I know how Renge can be." Hikaru mumbles apologetically. "I figured when she'd invited me, it was some scheme like this." I raised my eyebrows and crossed my arms. "Then why did you come if you knew?" Hikaru paused, and really seemed to think for a few seconds. "Honestly? At first I didn't know why I came. But now? I'm pretty sure it was so I could see you again." He smiled.
Butterflies fill my stomach once again, and despite my brain telling me not to- I ask the question anyway. "Even after everything that happened?" This was most likely the one answer I was always scared of, and perhaps it was because anytime I'm around Hikaru- I can never tell what he's thinking. Such a mystery, as always. His demeanor seemed to change when I asked that question. The muscles in his wide lean chest flexed under the blue American brand t-shirt he was wearing, along with the dark black jeans that hung low on his hips. It must be a new style in America….I think.
Hikaru's hazel eyes seemed to melt into a dark honey yellow, and my breath once again caught in my chest. "Even after," He replies huskily. "I'll see you later, Haruhi"
And without even looking back, Hikaru shuffled his way through the now very busy café and out the door. It wasn't until a few minutes after he left that I realized something. Something so important, that I couldn't believe I hadn't figured it out until now.
That maybe…..there was a tiny, teensy, bitsy chance that I had a crush on Hikaru Hitachiin. And that maybe, just maybe I was beginning to like him as way more than a friend.
Great, like my sucky life needed to get any more complicated.
Kudos! From MelonDrop So, I hope you guys liked the first chapter of "We Were Beyond Saving." Throughout the writing process, there were times when I got dreary and had to rewrite again…because it sounded boring…and yada yada yada. All that good stuff. So yep, long freaking story on Microscoft, but I'm sure it barely skims the definition of "long" on Fanfiction. But there ya have it folks, the first chapter! So R&R…let me know what you thought about it, if it needs any improvement, or what you liked best! Whatever just happens to comes across your gluttonous brain chatboard ;) Love to hear it and Thanks for reading!