DISCLAIMER: I do not own Ouran.

WARNING: Possibly OOCness.

SHADOW OF AN ANGEL:

Beautiful Soul

By Kalachuchi

We come to our own center of the world
Where all faces fade into darkness
All I see is you
No longer here in this room
My mind will never rest
And will never forget
Memory is the only link to you

-Dicta License, Over the Edge

"Who is she?"

Kyoya paused as he looked at Rei in the mirror. He began to unbutton his suit, aware that she was watching his every move. Though tired from the take-over party that had ended just an hour ago, his mind was still alert.

"Who?" he asked, although he knew perfectly well what she was talking about. Rei knew it too. She smiled at him coyly.

"Fujioka Haruhi," she said, letting the name roll on her tongue. She stretched out on the bed and leaned back on the pillows she had arranged behind her.

He fell silent, as if thinking of his answer. He knew what Rei wanted to hear and he sure wasn't going to tell her anything she can use. Rei is a very dangerous woman. Kyoya knew that very well.

"She was part of our club back in High School. Nothing special. She's a commoner."

She laughed. "Anybody can notice that," she said, twirling a strand of black hair between her fingers.

He clenched his jaw. "Really?" he began smoothly as he changed into his night clothes. "I thought she behaved herself rather very well than you."

She raised a perfectly plucked eyebrow. "Oh?" She sat up and rested her elbow on her knee. She cupped her chin, looking at him thoughtfully. "Getting defensive, aren't we, Kyoya-kun?"

"Rei."

"Yes, Kyoya-kun?"

"I told you to stop calling me that. It disgusts me."

"But your sister calls you that."

"You're not my sister now, aren't you?" He stared at her. She met his gaze levelly for a moment before shrugging.

"Fine." She lied down. Kyoya walked until he reached the side of the bed.

"What are you doing?" he asked, not bothering to hide his impatience. "I thought I told you to stay on your own room until the wedding."

"But I'm lonely, Kyoya. And cold. I want to sleep with you," she pouted.

"Get out of my room, Rei."

"No."

A little more, he thought wearily, and I'll finally lose my patience. "Rei."

She buried herself under the cover. "I'm going to be your wife," came the muffled reply from beneath the Egyptian blanket. "There's nothing wrong with sleeping with you. And besides, it's not like we haven't done this before."

Kyoya's eyes flashed. He wanted to shake her, to get her away from him, but he held himself. Marriage is a business deal, Kyoya, he told himself. And this is part of the contract. He took off his glasses before lying down on the bed. Rei suddenly wrapped an arm around him.

"Kyoya?"

He simply stared at the ceiling.

"Have I ever told you that you have nice eyes?" she whispered. "It's so dark and mysterious… I feel like drowning in them whenever I look at you."

Like a dark, swirling pool of eternity. You have such beautiful eyes, Kyoya.

He blinked. Haruhi.

Rei began to trace a path of kisses on his cheek, all over his face then down his neck. Kyoya closed his eyes, letting his thoughts wander off.

Haruhi, he thought. She was the first person who told me that she liked my eyes. She looks more beautiful now. Tamaki must really be making her happy. He swallowed.

He remembered how Haruhi would smile at him shyly before kissing his cheek, how she whispered goodnight as she closed her eyes and how he would watch her until she finally drift off to sleep. He would kiss her closed eyelids, one at a time, before resting his lips on her forehead, whispering 'forever'.

Forever. What a lie.

He felt the shifting of weight on the bed and sensed her beginning to navigate her way down.

The image of Tamaki dancing with Haruhi filled his mind. Tamaki, his best friend and she, his one true love. It must be fate, he decided. She would be better off with Tamaki. But then he remembered how she looked at him when he introduced Rei and saw a flicker of pain in those wide brown eyes. But it can't be. She's happy with Tamaki now.

Damn, he thought. It should be me holding her hand. It should be me caressing her face. It should be –

"Haruhi," he groaned.

Silence.

He slowly opened his eyes.

Rei had stopped whatever she had been doing to him and was staring at him with an unreadable expression on her face. He stared back, almost as if waiting for her anger. She sat up, leaned closer to him and slapped him hard.

"It's Rei, Kyoya," she said through gritted teeth. "My name is Rei, not Haruhi."

She got out of the bed and grabbed the robe on the floor he didn't know she had taken off. She slammed the door behind her angrily. His cheek was still tingling. Rei's hand could be pretty heavy. He sighed, mentally apologizing to Rei. He turned on his side, closed his eyes and waited for sleep to visit him.

But it never did.

"Haruhi?"

She started at the voice that cut through the silence of her office like a knife. She blinked and glanced up. Kaoru smiled kindly at her as he stood across her office desk.

"Is there something wrong? You've been spacing out."

She shook her head. "It's nothing. I was just…tired."

She was just tired. She sighed. How many times would she use that lame excuse? Maybe she really needs to take a break. She blinked and glanced around.

"Where's Hikaru?"

"Oh, you know…" Kaoru shrugged. "He's busy with his new designs."

"He still hasn't forgiven me, has he?"

Kaoru plopped on the chair across her. "You have to understand. He still can't accept the fact that you chose Tono over him."

"Kaoru," she said warningly.

"I know. I know." He leaned forward and rested his chin on a propped-up hand. "But the weird thing is he's not mad at Tono."

"Tamaki's magic," she said, half smiling. "No one can stay mad at him for long."

Kaoru nodded. "Have you eaten your lunch yet?"

"Well… I'm still finishing these papers."

"Don't be such a workaholic, Haruhi. Even brilliant lawyers like you needs a little rest now and then."

She wrinkled her nose.

"Come on. I'll treat you to a superb lunch," Kaoru offered as he stood up. "I'm sure Tono won't mind if I borrow his princess for an hour."

"But I – "

"Come on, Haruhi."

She sighed. "All right. I'll just fix these papers then I'll follow you."

"Great." Kaoru grinned. "I'll be preparing the car, Fujioka-sama."

She rolled her eyes as he left the room. She stood up and collected the papers, carefully arranging them inside the file folder. The phone rang and she absentmindedly picked it up.

"Fujioka Haruhi."

A pause. "Haruhi. It's me."

The folder slipped from her hand but, thankfully, the papers were still intact. She sat down on her seat warily.

"Kyoya?"

"Am I calling on a bad time?"

"No." She bit her lip, willing her heart to slow down. "No."

Silence.

"Why are you calling?" she asked as she closed her eyes. She could practically imagine him sitting behind his mahogany office desk, looking calm and composed as he speak.

"We didn't get to talk much at the party."

Haruhi stared at a small white spot on her brown table, wondering where this conversation was headed.

"It's, well," he paused. "I really want to talk to you."

"There's no need, Kyoya."

"I think there are some…things we should talk about," he continued. "It's just a simple lunch. That's all I ask. A lunch with a friend."

She winced. How could he easily say such things? Doesn't he realize he's tormenting her right now? She took a deep breath, trying to collect her composure.

"A lunch," she softly echoed.

"Yes."

She thought about it. She needs to convince herself that what they had is indeed over. Her grip on the phone tightened.

"When do you want to meet?"

Kyoya took a deep breath as he looked around the restaurant. The ambiance was perfect –very platonic, exactly what they needed. He doesn't want to complicate matters but he just wanted to sort his feelings out. And maybe seeing and talking to her would help him know what he needed.

He remembered the conversation he had with Haruhi a week ago. She sounded reluctant to meet with him, that he was sure of, but she finally agreed. He would never admit it but her saying yes brought a feeling of relief to his increasing tension.

He leaned back and wondered what would have been if he never left her. Would they still have been together? He stared outside the giant window beside him and watched the clouds on the sky.

The Heavens was as calm as it was that day, three years ago. Never did he thought that it would change his life…

Kyoya stared at his father in disbelief. Impossible. What his father had said was impossible. His mind briefly entertained the thought that this is all a practical joke and that Fuyumi would come out with a camera, laughing at his gullibility. But this is Ootori Yoshio who was sitting across him on the table. He has no time and patience for such foolishness.

"I – " he faltered. "Tell me I heard wrong, Father."

"Kyoya." Yoshio inhaled sharply. "Face it. The Ootori Empire is going bankrupt. The decision to venture in the media industry was a big failure," Yoshio paused, his eyes being shadowed by the dim light of the office bulb. " Do you think I would waste my time telling you this if the company can easily be saved?"

Kyoya fell silent. Bankrupt. The prestigious Ootori Empire is going bankrupt. He swallowed hard. It doesn't seem possible.

"I tried everything. I did what I have to do, but this is my limit. I can do no more," Yoshio continued, voice slightly breaking. He took a deep breath. "I won't let it end here. The Ootori would go on. And now, it's all in your hands. The fate of the company, of this family lies on you."

He stared at the photo Yoshio had placed on the table. "Takako Rei, only child of Takako Shinji. Shinji has been a very good acquaintance of mine and although buying our shares would mean a big risk in his part, he did so just for the sake of our friendship. Their banking business would solve our problems. They could save this company."

"There must be some other way," Kyoya began lamely. His devious mind searched desperately for an idea. "Our assets. Our rest houses, Father. We can sell them and use the money to –"

"Are you not listening to what I said, Kyoya? I'm not going to let the Ootori end here. Those assets you want to sell, they have been in the family even before my grandfather was born. They hold years of Ootori history. I won't let it be gone. I told no one about this, Kyoya. Not your brothers, not Fuyumi. I entrusted this secret to you."

"But – " Kyoya blinked. The sudden burden of the company was too much. He suddenly realized that he was not yet ready for such responsibility. He would have gladly accepted the offer if not for the conditions that came along with it. He had already made his own plans, his promises. Haruhi, he thought worriedly.

As if reading his mind, Yoshio sighed. "If the situation was different, I would have loved to have Haruhi to be my daughter. But you're an Ootori. Business is business."

He didn't bother to ask how his father had known about his secret relationship with her. He lifted his head and met his father's stoic gaze.

"I've decided to name you as my heir, Kyoya. Your brothers, brilliant as they are, would just mess this marriage. I can only trust you to do this."

Heir. Trust. Haruhi

Kyoya ran a hand through his hair, grabbing it halfway. So many emotions, so many thoughts. He blinked.

"I've already arranged a flight for you to go to London. You'll be studying how to ruin Shinji's business and of course get his full trust. His daughter had already agreed to this marriage. All that is left is your presence there."

Heir. Trust. Haruhi

Kyoya took a shaky breath. "When?"

"Tomorrow at 10 am."

Less than 16 hours. Kyoya wondered what he could do in that short time.

"Kyoya."

He looked at his father. Yoshio was devoid of any composure and calculated look that was usually present in the older man's face. Kyoya saw the wrinkles and weary signs on his face and it struck him that his father is getting really old. He is still human, after all.

"I'm sorry," Yoshio murmured sincerely. For a moment, Kyoya saw the face of his father, the man he worked hard for to get his approval and love, not the demon businessman called Ootori Yoshio, and it somehow helped him decide.

"I know," Kyoya replied softly. "I feel sorry too."

Haruhi looked at her hands which were perfectly still on her lap.

"So… when are you going to leave?" she asked softly.

"Tomorrow morning." Kyoya stared at her, wondering why she's acting all calm in the middle of this. "Haruhi… I'm sorry."

She shook her head. "I knew this was bound to happen." She met his surprised gaze. "A man like you cannot possibly be with a commoner like me. Your social status would be in trouble if we continue this anyway."

"Don't say that," he said sharply. "Your status has nothing to do with our relationship."

"Kyoya…" she half smiled at him. "What relationship? We agreed from the start that what we have is to be kept secret. For your sake, remember?"

He frowned.

"I can't believe the Ootori is bankrupt. Never imagined it would happen," she admitted. "But I understand. If I were in your situation, I would do the same."

He averted his gaze. So maybe he left out some facts in his story – and a very important one at that. But had decided not to add any more burden to her. It would be better for her to know that he left to save the family's business than knowing that he also left her for another woman. That would be rubbing salt on wound, especially since Haruhi had been getting touchy about the difference between them lately. Besides, he has a plan. A plan that if properly executed might be able to solve all these problems that he felt were beginning to drain his every strength.

"There's one thing I would like to ask."

She looked at him. "Anything."

He exhaled. "Don't wait for me."

A flicker of pain crossed her face. She bit her lip. "Why?" she whispered.

Kyoya avoided looking at her. Seeing her so vulnerable would only make him want to stay. "I don't know how long I'll be gone. There's no need for you to stay committed in this relationship."

"But it's all right. I can – "

"Haruhi – " He stopped. He took her hand, stared at it for a moment before looking at her. "I want you to be happy. Go find someone who can make you smile without having to worry about anything. Don't waste your time on me. Things…may never be the same again when I return."

She lowered her face. "I see."

The silence that followed was one of the longest Kyoya had experienced. He cleared his throat.

"I have to go."

She merely nodded, not looking up. He leaned forward, hesitated for a moment, and then kissed her on the forehead.

"Take care, Haruhi."

Kyoya stood up and walked towards the door. He paused as he looked around the Fujioka household, wondering if he'll ever see it again. He gently turned the knob, resisting the urge to look at her. As soon as he closed the door behind him, he gave a loud sigh.

Breaking up and saying goodbye to Haruhi had gone surprisingly smoothly. He had half expected her to be mad at him, or at least, resist a bit like most people would do but she didn't. He blinked as he realized that Haruhi had made it easy for him/ he thought with a pang that he was leaving a beautiful soul. His hand rested on the door, as if he could feel her warmth through it. Then he heard it.

The soft cries of Haruhi was like a knife that penetrated the quiet night and Kyoya hated himself for hurting her. He leaned back on the Fujioka door and stared at the black sky, silently taking in the cries that would begin to haunt his nights. He slid down on the floor, took off his glasses and buried his face on his hands.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered.

Kyoya blinked before silently berating himself for thinking of that part of the past. He was here to meet with her, to clear things up, not to rekindle anything. He took a long gulp from his tea.

His eyes were drawn to the doorway as it opened. He almost choked on his drink at the vision of Haruhi cautiously entering the restaurant, her shoulder-length brown hair slightly covering her eyes. She pushed it back and she saw him. He stood up, still holding her gaze.

To clear things up, huh, he thought dryly. Yeah, right.

For a moment he thought her eyes softened at him but she took a step aside and Tamaki appeared behind her, busy talking with someone on the phone.

His mind whirled. What is he doing here?

Tamaki caught sight of him and waved excitedly. He grabbed Haruhi's hand and they headed for his table. Tamaki said something on the phone and a second later he shut it.

"Kyoya," he greeted, smiling widely. Kyoya plastered a smile on his face. "I'm sorry we're late. There was some heavy traffic out there."

"It's all right. I wasn't waiting that long." Kyoya instantly glanced at the table, grateful that he had reserved a table that was for four. He stepped sideways to pull the chair for Haruhi but Tamaki beat him to it. Kyoya blinked.

The waiter arrived and handed them the menu as soon as they were seated down.

"I'm so glad you invited us here," Tamaki began as the waiter left. "We haven't gotten the chance to talk since you arrived last week."

Invited us? Kyoya glanced at Haruhi who had suddenly found something interesting in the menu and was staring intently at it, pointedly ignoring them.

"Ah, well. Of course." Kyoya shrugged.

"But I'm mad at you, Kyoya."

Kyoya looked at him.

"You never told me you're getting married," Tamaki said, grinning. From the corner of Kyoya's eyes, he saw Haruhi burying her face deeper behind the menu.

"It was… unexpected for me too." Kyoya smiled at him. "But enough of me. I want to hear about you. How long have you two been together?"

Tamaki's eyes brightened. "Ah, well, we're officially going out now for six months, twenty-eight days and twelve hours altogether." He leaned forward. "Do you know Kyoya, we went to…"

Kyoya nodded, his face already aching from the forced smile he wore as he listened to his best friend talk about Haruhi.

So you've finally found the person who can make you smile? He thought. Is this why there's no reason for us to talk anymore? Are you two happy? But the questions on his mind remained unanswered.

It was ironic, he would think later as he went home. Life really is an irony.

The drawer in Kyoya's room was unlocked and her curiosity made her look inside. She saw a picture frame beneath all the papers and she took it out. She stared at it.

For the past three years that they have been engaged, Kyoya never displayed any photo of any kind. Not his family's, or of himself, especially hers. She would sometimes wonder if Kyoya has some kind of phobia for it. But now she knew otherwise.

"Rei?"

She turned and saw Kyoya standing at the doorway.

Damn, she thought. She forgot to lock the door.

"What are you doing here?" He walked towards her, a frown on his face. "I thought we already –"

He drew a sharp intake of breath as he saw what's on her hand. She stood up from the bed and faced him before glancing back at the photo. Kyoya was smiling as his arm was around an equally cheerful Haruhi. Her hair was cut short, almost like a boy's and Rei figured that it was taken some years ago.

"Nice picture," she deadpanned.

Kyoya said nothing. Rei opened the frame and took the picture out. She felt him stiffen. She fanned the photograph on her face.

"We need to talk," she said.

To everyone who reviewed, thank you.

Bunny Queen:Nice… Dami na natin dito… hehe

Reviews are greatly appreciated.