Disclaimer—I don't own OHSHC DUH! Oh…Or the White Stripes stuff! : ) Though I love both things. :D

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I sat through my classes, unable to retain any information. I knew that I would pay for my inattentiveness later and that thought annoyed me. I needed to pay attention. I needed this information. And yet…

The only thing on my mind was how guilty I was. I wanted to go to the reunion, and I wanted to be able to help Kyoya out, but I didn't have that option! I had school. Everything I had worked for this semester rested on the grades I made on these exams. The only other choice I had, if I decided to go, was to take off work.

But I knew better. I knew I couldn't do that. If I did, I would be risking being late on my rent, IF I had enough money to pay it in full in the first place. If I did take work off, I would have to take a double shift at work. And God knew I didn't have time for that. I already worked had a subjective second job, and had studying to worry about. I didn't need another shift at my part time. Even though I had been known to put off the "invincible" vibe, I was very much breakable. And with that much pressure, I knew I would crack.

Why were things so damn complicated?!

Sighing, I looked up at the clock from the desk I was occupying, in my criminal justice class. Of course it was just another two minutes left before the lecture was over, but it felt much longer than that….heh. It's not like I was waiting for anything specific anyway. What was another two minutes? This is where I should want to be. School. Learning. It was what I was familiar with. It was comfortable.

Still, once the bell rang signaling the end of class, I was the first one out the door. Though this wasn't unusual seeing as my schedule was usually packed tight, what I ran into was.

For the second time in two days, I ran into an unidentified man. The only difference was that this time, he was bearing an envelope. Without question (which was very unlike me) I took it from him and opened it, only to have it reveal a lunch invitation for noon…

From Kyoya.

I stared blinking at the envelope not quite sure of what to do with it. Usually I grabbed something quick from a fast-food place and ate it on the way to the next class. Granted, I always got there and hour early, but a little extra study time never hurt anyone!

I looked at my watch, reading 11:50. If I wanted to go, I had ten minutes to get there.

"I'm going to regret this…" I mumbled, slinging my bag over my shoulder.

I cut through the crowd of people without stopping as I ran towards my destination. When I arrived I would be hot and out of breath, but at least I would be on time.

I came to a stop at the over-the-top restaurant called Masa, my hair a mess and my breathing in short huffs. Walking up to the concierge, it was if he'd recognized me, as he started to lead me to a table almost instantly.

"Right this way Miss Fujioka." He mumbled, an all-too-pleasant smile on his face. Nodding my head once, I followed quickly behind him as he directed me to a completely deserted area of empty tables…except one.

Kyoya, of course, sat in the center table, his eyes moving over a menu he held in front of him. I moved a little slower then, trying to fully catch my breath. Finally, when reaching the table, Kyoya stood as the waiter pulled my chair for me, pushing me back in as I sat.

"So you received my invitation." He said, face blank.

"It would seem so."

Kyoya reached a hand out, motioning for me to have a drink of the expensive looking red wine that sat on the table before me. I instead grabbed the glass with probably equally expensive water, trying my best not to chug it. After setting the glass down I looked back at the staring Kyoya, but something seemed different. His cool and collected composure seemed somewhat…. disturbed.

Picking my glass back up, I finished what remained in the bulbous crystal glass, before setting it back down for the last time. I eyed Kyoya intently, his gaze just as intense on me. Leaning back in my chair, I folded my arms across my chest, waiting for him to break the silence…

I couldn't wait long.

"Was there a reason you asked me here?" I blurted out, trying to hide my irritation at his silence.

"I have a somewhat difficult favor to ask of you. I'll understand if you refuse, but it may help make up for you not going to the reunion." He replied, his expression troubled.

I urged him to go on.

"…My fiancé; she's very strong willed. She doesn't like being told what do, or who to be with. She rarely listens to anyone, and doesn't realize the most obvious things. One of the major things being how beautiful she is. Anyway, given her character, you can probably guess how opposed she is to the idea of an arranged marriage. Due to this, she refuses to have any part in the wedding planning."***

"So…what are you asking me to do?"

"Well, seeing as she is a lot like you*, I can only assume your tastes are the same in decoration and such. What I'm asking is if you would be so kind as to help me plan our wedding. I know she's bitter now, but if the wedding is anything to her liking, then it may help ease the tension a bit." He finished.

Now, I wanted to say no. I wanted to explain to him once more, how I wouldn't have the leisure time to do so. I wanted to get up, and walk away before he asked me anything else I would be so inclined to refuse.

But I stayed…

…And I said yes.

My yes must have been the reason for what looked like one of his biggest problems being lifted from his shoulders, because his natural cool expression returned almost instantly as he signaled for the waiter.

After asking me, he ordered for the both of us in a language I couldn't understand even a little.

For a few minutes after our order was placed, we sat in silence, our eyes locked in a quiet battle. I picked through my mind over ways to break the silence; however much to my surprise he broke it first.

"Let's talk about colors."

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So, over my hour lunch, we discussed themes of the wedding. Of course everything I told him ended up minimalist, and probably the opposite of what his rich extravagant fiancée would ever want. Every now and then, I would stop the decision-making and tell him this wasn't that great of an idea. Still, he'd hold his hand up to stop me and say it was perfectly fine, if not better.*

Somewhere inside me I started learning to enjoy myself. I was creating the dream wedding I would never have, for someone else. Granted, they might not enjoy it, but if I received the so-called "special invitation"* to his wedding, I would love it, the few minutes I could be there before work anyway.

I told him how the colors should emphasize beauty and good feeling. I told him red and white, or blue and purple would be suitable. He chose midnight blue and lavender.

By the end of the hour we'd chosen colors, food (we'd gone with crab, my favorite, and Kobe beef; his.) as well as the caterer and the very expensive baker, though not the actual cake itself; he'd not brought the cake catalogue with him.

At the end of the hour, my stomach full of food that possibly cost more than my whole apartment, I stood and thanked him for treating me.

"Are we going to meet again to discuss other things, or is that all you needed me for?" I asked, adjusting my shirt.

"Of course we'll meet again. There are other things to go over. What cake, what to do for music, as well decorations and the venue itself." He informed me, checking each thing off his fingers.

Sighing I nodded. "Gotcha. When?"

"I have an engagement with a business partner tomorrow, so how about the day after around five?"

I shook my head. "I won't be available until around seven."

He nodded. "I'll send a car."

"Perfect."

Nodding once more, Kyoya shook my hand and I was off. I had plans at 7pm with Kyoya, yet still I wondered. What the hell had compelled me to lie and say I had plans before then? Why was my face hot and my hand tingling from a simple handshake? It must have been that food…. My stomach wasn't used to wealth as it once had been.

TST- Hello hello! I think this is where I gravel to no end for the forgiveness of my readers for taking so long. Also, do you take offense to being called "My readers"? It sorta makes me feel like…like…. A READER RANCHER!

But I LOVE YOU all anyway, my little reading sheep. : D Anyway, sorry for the lateness of this, and the shortness, and lalalalalalal. Yea. Enjoy the chapter as the plot unfoldssss. I wonder if any of you can guess my little plot twisty secret? Hmm? Hugs and a oneshot of your choice to whoever can. Tell me in review form please dearies!!!!

Oh! And for a little look into the chapters behind the scenes, and story secrets, you should LISTEN to the songs I'm using as inspiration!! It's the chapter titles. : )

--TOM!