a/n: I told myself not to update until I finished the final chapter of my other story, but I have writer's block so bad on that one, and this chapter is all pretty and release-ready... Okay, rambling is over. I'm guessing no one else minds. :)
Thanks to every single reviewer. xD Enjoy the chapter.
"Kyouya!"
She opened her arms for a hug. Kyouya looked at her coolly, but he couldn't deny that her presence was refreshing. The second he'd walked through the door, he could feel a different sort of energy in the house – something lighter. Which could only mean Fuyumi. After all, something good had to come out of this day.
She sighed. "Have you gotten too old to give me a hug?"
"You haven't given me a hug since I was seven."
"Goodness, have you been keeping track?"
He opened the door to his room, plopped his book bag on the floor. "What are you doing here anyway?" he asked distractedly, his customary response to her infrequent visits. "Shouldn't you be with your husband?"
Fuyumi touched her cheek thoughtfully. "Can't you just greet me nicely? That's no way to treat your older sister!"
He just sighed and rubbed his temples. He closed his eyes for a moment, but opened them quickly. It was like Haruhi was glued to his eyelids.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," he grumbled, taking off his glasses. Perhaps that would help his headache to recede.
She watched him for a moment as he spread out across his sofa. It was unusual for him to do such a thing – he'd always insisted that sofas were for sitting, and beds were for lounging on.
He felt sick. His stomach was in knots, and he felt as though he might vomit. Even Fuyumi saw that he was pale, paler than usual. And not like himself.
"Kyouya…"
"Fuyumi, leave me alone." She stood quietly, and started walking out of the room.
"But…" his voice was weak, forced. "I might need a waste basket," he finished, sounding thoroughly disgusted with himself.
An instant later, he felt Fuyumi's cool hand on his head. "You're really sick," she fretted.
"It's probably just nerves. Leave me alone."
It's true. I've made a complete fool of myself.
He wished this was just a normal stomach bug. Then he could puke and be done with the matter.
He felt Fuyumi's eyes on him now, as if something had just clicked into place in her mind.
"You never worry about schoolwork," she noted, "so what is it that's bothering you?"
Kyouya turned on his side to face the back of the couch. "Nothing."
"Is Tamaki mad at you?"
He will be if he finds out about this, he suddenly realized. But he doubted that Haruhi would mention it, and God knew he wouldn't.
"No."
"Are you in love?"
He turned very deliberately and slowly to give her his trademark death glare. Fuyumi drew back instantaneously. "No."
But Kyouya knew that was not enough to scare her off. She might seem ditzy, but she could match even his father in her determination – when she wanted to. Usually, this was when she was prying into his private affairs.
"Is it one of your customers in your club? That's odd, because Tamaki said you usually don't speak with them much." She covered her mouth, muffling a giggle. "Are you shy with girls?"
Kyouya just gritted his teeth and hoped this would pass. Her presence was grating on him more and more, and at this rate he wished she would just go home. Besides, what was she doing talking behind his back with Tamaki?
"I'm right, aren't I?"
This time Kyouya didn't respond.
Fuyumi prodded his back gently. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"She couldn't care less about me," he said flatly. There. Maybe now Fuyumi would be satiated.
She paused, and when she spoke her voice is full of emotion – something between concern and awe.
"You really care about her."
He snorted. He should've known better. Now that his sister had gotten a taste, she was clinging on – no matter how he tried to shake her off.
"I really am a fool," he continued, trying to close his eyes. It was no use. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Haruhi. And he knew that if he were to fall asleep, he'd dream about her.
Nightmares, of course.
Now he was talking more for his own benefit than for Fuyumi's. "I thought I had it under control. I told myself it wasn't worth it."
Fuyumi put her arms around him. He ignored her, but really it made him feel a little bit better.
"It's always worth it," she whispered passionately.
He came down to dinner a couple minutes late. He didn't have any appetite, but his parents were home tonight and insisted that they all eat together.
Well, at least he didn't feel sick anymore. Fuyumi actually ended up making him feel better.
As he descended into the dining room, he felt that something was… different. But the change was slight, and by all appearances it was a regular dinner. Of course, Fuyumi was present, looking slightly happier than usual… but that wasn't the real difference. It's almost as if there's electricity in the air, like before a thunderstorm.
He watched his father take a sip from his drink, wiped his mouth.
"Kyouya, I've picked a new wife for you. You'll make a good match – it will be very beneficial, I believe."
Ah. So is that what this was about? Another arranged marriage? The last one was five years ago, and had ended six months after the announcement. Kyouya hadn't particularly liked the girl. She was too accommodating. Perhaps this time, if the girl was intelligent enough… He wouldn't mind it. In fact, it was good timing.
After all, there was some comfort in knowing there was no need to worry about Haruhi – or any other girl – because he already had a fiancée. Kyouya took a sip of his water, suddenly feeling a bit relieved.
But sad? Why did he feel sad? How silly. He was relieved.
Not sad.
Right?
"She goes to your school. Her name is Fujioka Haruhi."
The water Kyouya had just sipped went down the wrong pipe, and Kyouya let out a sudden, hacking cough.
Oh dear God.
The calculations were done in an instant: this situation would not end well.
a/n: Well. This isn't your cliché KyouxHaru arranged marriage, I'll tell you that. I intend to put a (hopefully) original spin on it. Stay tuned. xD
