Debauchery
Chapter 8: Struggle
For the past week or so, Hikaru drove himself crazy with guilt.
Kaoru's words echoed in his head like a broken record, and all he could do was wallow in regret. Had he really lost sight of who he was? He was the great Hikaru Hitachiin after all, one of the most desirable bachelors in the worlds prestigious and elite and he had thrown everything, his reputation, his priorities, his own brother away for a petty little no-name commoner girl.
The real Hikaru, would never behave so pathetically. The Hikaru Hitachiin everyone knew and loved was a pure-bred rebel, a handsome womanizer and a downright troublemaker. Kaoru was right, he needed to focus on regaining his identity. He was trapped, smothered in the confused haze that rose from his infatuation with a commoner.
His eyes brightened mischievously with the epiphany of a brilliant idea.
"Kaoru! Kaoru!" He called, rushing into his brothers' room.
His brother lifted his head slightly from the magazine he was flipping through, his eyes narrowed in annoyance, "…yeah?" he answered boredly.
Hikaru flashed his trademark smirk, "Ready to get back in the game?"
Kaoru stared at his brother blankly, "What are you-?"
Hikaru marched into Kaoru's walk-in wardrobe and pulled out his favorite shirt, returning to dangle it in front of him.
Kaoru's eyes widened with realization and a sinful smirk spread across his face. He grabbed the shirt from Hikaru and jumped up with renewed vigor, he turned to look Hikaru deep in the eyes, a silent transmission of mixed happiness and relief to have his brother back. Kaoru smiled," I never left"
They entered their usual bar at around two in the morning. Bouncers pushed aside the throng of sweaty bodies that drunkenly swayed and grinded to deafening music. Tonight was Friday and the club was in full swing, wealthy suits were scandalously pressed up against voluptuous girls, cash strewn everywhere and drinks poured to the brim. Yes, tonight was the perfect night for a rebound, a night destined to be full of sinful indulgence and who other than the Hitachiin twins to be at the center of the dark side of society's debauchery.
Hikaru made his way to the bar and ordered himself the most expensive whisky available. Taking a sip, he felt a presence sneak up behind him. A pair of long arms gracefully entwined themselves around his torso, "Hey Hikaru, long time no see" a soft feathery voice tickled the inside shell of his ear.
Hikaru took another sip, closing his eyes briefly to savor the strong earthy taste. Slowly, he turned around with his most charming smirk in place, "Erika" he intoned smoothly, his hands running through her soft silky blonde locks, "want something to drink, doll?" he whispered, face dangerously close to hers.
"Sure" she whispered seductively, her long eyelashes fluttering "same room?"
Hikaru lightly brushed his knuckles on her heavily blushed cheeks, "I'll be there in five" he replied, his voice deep.
Erika grinned and sauntered off, her long legs glistening seductively. Hikaru turned around to the bar, "Hey!" he called to the nearest bartender, "get me a bottle of…"
"Hikaru?" a voice interrupted him, "what are you doing here?"
Hikaru froze slightly, suppressing his surprise before turning to face her, "Haruhi" he mustered, as tonelessly as possible.
Haruhi looked at him in confusion, "What's going on?"
Hikaru tensed slightly in irritation. After everything that happened between them Haruhi had the nerve to ask him what was going on? He decided to spitefully ignore her question and grabbed the full bottle of liquor he'd ordered, brushing past her.
Haruhi stared at his retreating back, her eyes wide with disbelief. She set down the tray of empty glasses she had been clearing, before rushing after Hikaru. She didn't know what compelled her to abandon her modus operandi but something was frighteningly different about him tonight; his eyes held a cold, hard look that set off warning bells in her head.
She tried to follow the flash of auburn hair that weaved its way through the crowd and into the hall leading to the private quarters. She silently prayed he wouldn't. Haruhi hated this hall, the sounds of animalistic sex made her ears bleed, but she had to find Hikaru. She had to make sure that he was okay.
Rounding the corner, she was about to venture further down when she heard a familiar voice from the room beside her. She paused in her stride, the door was left slightly ajar and she could make out the faint silhouette of a woman holding a martini glass to her lips. She giggled and bent down slightly, her long hair cascading over her shoulder. Haruhi couldn't help but notice the glint of black straps and metal clasps adorning her neck and upper body. As she was about to shut the door, she heard deep breathing followed by a heavy sigh, "I have a feeling this will be intense", a familiar voice drawled, followed by a loud crack and a high-pitched scream.
Haruhi's eyes widened and she stumbled backward, inadvertently letting out a gasp of horror.
"Who's there?!" an angry voice demanded. Haruhi scrambled to regain her composure and tried to run but a strong arm grasped her shoulder.
"Oh", a sly smirk spread across her captor's lips.
"Hi papa", Haruhi whispered quietly, the only other sound the soft beeping of the heart monitor in the background.
Her only parent looked worse for wear, the hard lines of the stitches on his face more pronounced in the fluorescent lighting. The soft dim light of the evening sun drifted through the small windows.
"Hi princess", her father replied, mustering a soft smile. "What are you wearing?" he asked mock disapprovingly.
Haruhi glanced down at her attire, noting last night's creased uniform of white shirt and black slacks she hadn't yet had the time to change out of. Haruhi blushed slightly "Oh…sorry" she said slightly embarrassed, "I must have forgotten to change…"
"Now, Haruhi…" her father admonished, "you must look after yourself until I come home"
Haruhi smiled slightly, "Don't worry about me, you know how forgetful I am" she brushed the hospital sheets and fluffed the pillows a little. "Just rest well and focus on getting better"
Haruhi's father eyed her with a slight sadness in his gaze, "Listen Haru-chan, I'm so sorry… it's…its my fault, all of it…"
Haruhi placed her hand on his softly, "It's okay papa, it's not your fault." She placed a light kiss on his cheek "Rest well," she smiled reassuringly, "I've got everything under control"
Hikaru grunted as he fell on his back, the cool surface of the dojo floor a welcoming contrast against the burning heat of his skin. He closed his eyes focusing on the sharp pain that started as an intense shooting sensation, gradually fading into an all-encompassing dull throb. He smiled slightly, savoring the endorphin fueled high, wanting more, needing this in a twisted way.
"Hika-chan, are you alright?" Hunny asked, his eyes big with concern. He turned his head slightly to Mori who was still holding his stance, patiently waiting for Hikaru to recover. "I think that's enough for today, okay Takashi?"
"Hm" Takashi acquiesced.
Hikaru sat up a little, bringing his fist to wipe his sweat drenched forehead "I can go a little more"
Hunny shook his head in disagreement, "Hika-chan you need a break…" he put his index finger to his lip pensively, "I know!" he exclaimed, "we should go on a short trip this weekend! Somewhere nice… Fiji? Hawaii? Maldives?" Hunny rambled pausing to brush his blonde bangs away from his face. He then looked to Mori for his opinion.
"Mitskuni, we have a competition this weekend" he reminded, face stoic.
"Ahhh, I completely forgot about that!" Hunny said, his eyes drooping. "Sorry Hika-chan, maybe the week after…?"
Hikaru waved his hand in dismissal, "No problem, I'm not really up for a trip anyway"
Hunny and Mori exchanged an unreadable glance, "Well… since we can't go on a trip this weekend, how about a party tomorrow? I'm sure Tama-chan will be so excited."
Hikaru looked hesitant "I don't really-"
"It's settled then!" Hunny exclaimed excitedly, patting Hikaru, strongly albeit jovially on his back.
Mori handed Hunny his mobile phone, having speed-dialed Tamaki, "Hello Tama-chan!" Hunny began, before proceeding to suggest his grand idea.
Hikaru hoisted himself off the floor, exerting a lot of effort to suppress his annoyance in respect for his seniors. The last thing he wanted was to entertain a bunch of frivolous idiots. He couldn't see it as being remotely fun as they would have to observe proper host conduct at all times under Kyoya's watchful surveillance.
"Damn it…" he muttered under his breath, weary of the slight narrowing of Mori's eyes.
"Done!" Hunny burst out, jumping in front of Hikaru. "Hika-chan" he managed in his sternest voice, "you must wear your best suit, the Host Club depends on it"
Hikaru grimaced. He didn't know why he and Kaoru stayed in the Host Club, but he sure as hell wished they hadn't.
Haruhi glimpsed at her reflection in the small mirror, tracing her finger along the dark lines under her eyes. She was in a public bathroom a block away from the nightclub with fifteen minutes to spare before the start of her shift. She gripped the sink tightly reaching into her bag to lift out a small box of pills.
Haruhi paused, conflicted. She really didn't want to do this. She wanted more than anything to flush the pills down the toilet and run away but she knew that that wasn't an option. She was neck deep in this mess, though unwillingly thrust upon her, and she had no way out.
Her thoughts drifted to a certain guy, with cat-like eyes and striking red hair.
Why had she refused his help? He was rich, he had connections and most importantly he wanted to help her, he had demanded to. She felt a slight sting in her eyes.
She was trapped in struggle. Drained from her contentious heart.
But it was too late to call for help. He was done with her and he had made it clear.
She took a pill and swallowed.
