Disclaimer: Again, I do not own Ouran HSHC or the Highwayman poem, wish I did, but no. Just... no.
Note: Okay... So I realized that I had overlapped the two parts of the poem so I just decided to do them as two separate chapters and make this one longer; because I made the stupidest mistake in the history of the universe. Sorry *sobs quietly in a corner*
Chapter 9
They had tied her up to attention, with many a sniggering jest;
They had bound a musket beside her, with the barrel beneath her breast!
'Now, keep good watch!' and they kissed her.
She heard the dead man say—
Look for me by moonlight;
Watch for me by moonlight;
I'll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way!
The three royal guards stayed for the whole evening. Haruhi was kept on her toes by Ranka who didn't want to disappoint. The caskets of ale went to the table repeatedly throughout the evening and into the early hours of the morning. Most of the customers had gone home previously; though Haruhi could only hope that some got home safely with the state they were in.
In the midst of her trips she had vaguely heard them leaving through the oak door; slamming it open and singing their way down the street. She knew the drunken sounds well; they often happened whilst she was trying – and failing miserably – to sleep. She was slowly succumbing to exhaustion; her feet ached torturously and her eyelids were drooping across her large brown eyes. Haruhi forced herself to keep going; the three whose names she'd learnt were Kaoru, Mitsukuni or Honey-senpai as he told her to call him and Takashi also known as Mori-senpai. Strangely enough, the latter had become progressively chattier throughout the night and was currently drunkenly laughing with Kaoru. Honey-senpai had obviously noticed her confusion because he had called her up on it.
"Don't worry Haru-chan; Takashi just becomes more talkative when he's tired." He then proceeded to shoot her an adorable grin. She refused to honestly believe he was older than Kaoru; he only looked about ten, if that. And he barely reached her height on his tiptoes; that was saying something. She shook the thoughts from her mind and carried on pouring the next lot of caskets.
She was in the middle of Kaoru's ale when Ranka burst through the kitchen doors. Plonking himself down on the rocking chair by the fire, he promptly fell asleep. Haruhi watched him to see if he would wake but he didn't show any signs of doing such a thing any time soon. She sighed as she watched him; his dress fluffed out over the rocking chair he had placed himself upon and the fire flickered off his hair making it shine a deeper red than usual. She watched carefully as his breathing slowed and he began to snore gently.
Dragging her tired feet behind her she pushed open the kitchen door; being conscientious about not spilling the drinks as she did so. She was starting to wonder if guards ever slept. She made her way towards the table that they were 'sat' at. More like they were dancing around like drunken lunatics which Haruhi supposed they were really.
Kaoru had his left arm draped over Mori's shoulders; although he couldn't keep up with Mori's drunken steps as he hung off of the larger boy's body. Haruhi just about recognised the dance but it was messy and unkempt; it was a traditional folk dance that they sometimes did during Bon Festival. It was a lot of fun; everyone gathered in the field down by the river and danced long into the night.
'They must be really drunk if they're doing that dance during the winter...' Haruhi thought subconsciously. Absentmindedly, she set the caskets of ale on the wooden table and sat down next to Honey to watch them. Honey was happily clapping along to the beat of Mori's obviously more experienced – and on the ground – steps. Haruhi regarded the three in wonder; they were strangely close and she couldn't fathom why.
Honey noticed her staring; off in her own little world. Her brown eyes were gazing in their general direction but there didn't seem to be anyone behind the chocolate irises. He gently reached out an arm and patted her leg,
"Haru-chaaannn? Helloooo?" He called to her softly. She quickly snapped out of her daze; her pupils dilating massively as she did so.
"Hmm? Yes? What is it Honey?" Honey laughed, shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. He wouldn't admit it; but something was on his mind, pressing on it. It was starting to give him a headache; and he knew that it was the reason that Kao-chan and Takashi had been drinking so much. Why did he always need to be the one to keep focused in these situations? He sighed; perhaps a little louder than originally intended because Haruhi turned to him with wide eyes. Honey merely shrugged and told her not to worry.
Kaoru was giggling hysterically as he sat back down in his chair; although he made a slight 'umph' sound when he sat down on the solid oak. He then continued to giggle like a school girl in love; his hair doing a mad dance on his head. However his bangs were close to plastered on his face with the sheen of sweat that glowed in the oil-lamps. There was no denying his relation to the ostler; they were too alike not to be twins. But this one seemed somewhat sweet natured; the ostler however... not so much. She dazed out a bit and started considering what could have happened with the two. It wasn't uncommon for family's to split; however for one to be working as a stable boy and the other as a royal guard seemed a bit odd. When she looked back to the three undeniably gorgeous males in front of her they had all stopped dancing about and even Kaoru had ceased his hysterical giggling.
Honey looked at Kaoru with wide-set eyes, and Haruhi watched the exchange curiously. Kaoru turned towards Mori; who eyed him with stony eyes that had lost the laughter Haruhi had seen in them just moments ago. They just kept looking back and forth between each other; in all honesty the sole female was beginning to feel slightly awkward and uncomfortable. She was noticeably twitching in her seat and was fiddling with one of the ruffles of her ankle-length dress. A slight rose tinge gracing her porcelain features. Then the three boys turned to her.
Honey was staring at her; his eyes watering and shaking as though he was about to cry. "I'm so sorry Haru-chan; we are under orders of King Tamaki..." Haruhi just stared at him completely bemused. Her mind couldn't help but think 'Well... that was a quick change in attitude; but I really don't comprehend the situation. Although... I don't truly believe that now is the best time to ask them.' The brown-eyed girl just continued to stare whilst she thought.
She felt one strong arm slide beneath her legs and the other stabilise her back as Mori lift her into the air; carrying her wedding style as Mori began to walk towards the kitchen. She was pressed against his uniformed chest which she could tell even through the thick material was well defined. For once, Haruhi couldn't decide whether she was blushing slightly because she was embarrassed or because she liked the feeling; though she figured that now she should probably be feeling uncomfortable.
Honey and Kaoru marched alongside the taller darker featured boy; both looking as awkward as they felt. All three of them were reluctant to do this now; they had grown fond of the short brunette incredibly quickly and would have much rather been here to protect her from that man, than have to arrest her because of him. Neither of them believed that they had felt this much hatred for him before.
Tamaki sat in the throne room atop his golden seat. The red plush that formed the base was comfortable whilst he fidgeted excitedly. His mind drifted again; this time rather than the highwayman dead he saw crowds of people cheering and offering their hands happily to him. They were thanking him for ridding them of the terror they knew as the 'Shadow King'. A pretty girl with short brown hair and large brown eyes offered her hand too, whilst smiling joyfully. He extended his pale appendage; she gratefully took it and kissed his fingers lightly with soft pink lips. He couldn't help but think that she was exactly like the ostler had described the girl that Kyoya was in love with.
"Is your name Haruhi?" Tamaki asked her; the girl let an adorable pink blush grace her pasty cheeks and nodded courteously as she curtsied. The King flashed her a smile that would make any girl swoon and lifted her onto his carriage. "You don't need to worry anymore Haruhi; I'm here now, and I will protect you." He pulled her gently into his chest before sitting down on his throne; and gesturing for her to join him. She curtsied but shook her head and kneeled beside him. He laughed and couldn't help but think the girl was incredibly shy; 'No matter, she'll grow out of it with me around.' He thought chuckling and Haruhi gave him a curious look, but obviously knew better than to question her King. He smiled gracefully at her and laid a regal hand on her shoulder; which she then set her petite hands upon.
"My Liege..." Tamaki was pulled out of his daydream by a voice... an annoying voice. He groaned annoyed as he opened his eyes and saw the one person he didn't want to see at that precise moment.
"What is it Renge?" He demanded somewhat angrily. The girl clapped her hands together sighing, and laid them at the side of her small rounded face. Much like she did all the time. Her caramel hair fell to the side, veiling her right shoulder; her pink bow flopping. It shone in the richly lighted room.
"You are never happy to hear my voice it seems, my liege. But the maid told me that it has just gone half past one. Why, pray, are you still awake?" Renge emphasised the never; her tone of voice remained somewhat bored though. Tamaki looked at her; she was a fairly pretty French girl about a year younger than him. With long caramel-coloured hair and wide set brown eyes. She was residing in a yellow dress with practical black shoes and long white tights. The pink bow that nestled in her silky hair seemingly had taken up residence between her locks. It never left.
"Why, pray, are you asking?" Tamaki mimicked her rudely; Renge huffed. Her thin shoulder sagged; cheeks puffing out. The King sniggered loudly as he considered the fact that it didn't make her look attractive at all. The sides of her faces were tinged with pink, and Tamaki knew she was doing her best to contain her anger.
"Because..."Tamaki could hear her continuing to drone on; but her voice was dull to him and he couldn't be bothered to listen. He placed his left elbow on the arm-rest of his throne and laid his chin on his palm; holding his head up as he attempted to drift off again. 'I wonder if he's dead yet?'
Kyoya plodded on. Exhaustion befalling him and he could feel his horse beginning to tire beneath him. It had been a long ride and they still had a good hour before they would arrive at the inn. He couldn't even see it in the distance yet; but he could feel Haruhi's presence grow evermore stronger with every step that they took. Every breath he drew turned into mist in the darkness; the light of the moon guiding the way.
The Shadow King pulled his booted feet out of his stirrups and pretended to push them to the ground. His back ached from the three hours of riding so he decided to hop off for a bit. His feet thudded hard on the solid ground as he allowed himself to drop from his horses back.
Kyoya quickly turned to make sure no-one had heard him. Which he was certain was next to impossible; there was no-one out here to hear him. He wasn't sure why, but he felt on edge; Kyoya assumed it was because of what he was planning to do when he got there. He told himself it was just nerves. Yet, he could feel something wrong with the air. He was nervous in a way. But he wasn't a good nervous; in fact it was making him feel ill and terrified. The Shadow King couldn't show fear though, so he grabbed his horse's reins and carried on walking with him down the twisting lane.
His ebony horse rubbed against his shoulder affectionately; Kyoya responded with a quick pat to his neck and muzzle.
She wriggled and squirmed fruitlessly in Mori's arms. It was pointless and she knew it. Kaoru now had his hand over her mouth because she'd tried to scream for her dad when they hauled her through the kitchen and up the stairs. She had a few stray tears – or was it sweat? – running down her face; Honey was desperately trying to soothe her and wipe them away. Furiously Haruhi bit down on Kaoru's hand, showing no mercy between the soft yielding flesh and her teeth. Kaoru yelped uncharacteristically; and complained. Honey shot him a deathly glare and it shut him up immediately.
The three did the best they could to get up the small deep steps with the girl in Mori's arms; but it wasn't the easiest. By the end of it, all three wanted to go back down for another drink. But they had work to do and they knew it; so they pressed on down the hall. Kaoru asked Mori if he wanted him to take Haruhi for a moment; but Mori shook his head no. And Kaoru couldn't help but wonder if it was because Mori thought he was incapable or if he just liked the feeling of having a girl in his arms. Kaoru sniggered at his last thought; and he thought he saw Mori shoot him a dirty look but he shrugged off the idea. Mori was imperceptible as a person to everyone other than Honey.
Honey darted on ahead peeking into each of the rooms to find Haruhi's. It was on the third door that his luck was in. It was definitely a female's bedroom; and it was slightly more homey... not so empty feeling like the others. It had been made someone's, rather than just feeling like someone slept in there every now and then. It was a slight pink colour; Honey instantly liked it, though he would never draw any attention to the notion for fear that their King would start to believe he was weak because his favourite colour was considered quite feminine. Very feminine.
There was a lit – though dimming – oil lamp burning softly, settled on a chest of drawers by the bed; which was placed about a metre away from the casement. The shutters were closed; 'but not for long' thought Honey regretfully. He felt two gentle taps on his shoulder and turned to see Kaoru smiling sadly at him. He knew what the unbelievably younger boy was thinking almost instantaneously; because he felt it too, and Honey was almost certain that his cousin was in an eerily similar position.
Honey hopped into the room; half skipping but not having the heart. He trod to the chest of drawers; looked back to Haruhi – who was still struggling relentlessly in Mori's arms – and asked her sweetly where the matches were thinking that she wouldn't want him pawing through her drawers. The petite brunette ignored him blatantly continuing to thrash against Mori's solid chest. Honey sighed and an indiscreet redhead appeared next to him;
"I'll find the matches!" He said loudly; Honey glared at him, but Kaoru simply winked in his direction. Confused; the tiny blond watched the amber-eyed boy's movements. He edged slowly towards the chest of drawers; reaching his hand out suspiciously as he did so. The way he did it was slow and deliberate, yet Honey couldn't fathom what on earth it was that Kaoru was up to this time. The younger boy kept his cat eyes on Haruhi the whole time; his gaze never once faltering. Though whatever it was Honey could tell it was working by the gleam that flashed across his smug face. Honey looked back towards his cousin; Haruhi was beginning to cease her writhing with every step that Kaoru took closer to her draws. Mitsukuni smirked to himself realising the situation. Kaoru was bluffing; there was no need to kill the younger boy.
"Stop. Right now." Haruhi said in an authoritative tone.
"Under what orders?" Kaoru shot back casually; his hand was on the wood now, gracing the handle with thin slender fingers. Honey decided it was best to step in now; he didn't like the way that Kaoru was slowly clasping his hand around the top draw's dark wooden handle.
"Are you going to show us where the matches are now Haru-chan?" Honey asked gleefully. Haruhi simply nodded her head; her brunette bangs falling across her pale complexion as Mori guided her lightly and safely to the floor of her bedroom. She stepped across the floor slowly; taking her time as she moved towards Honey and Kaoru. Honey noted her shaking hands and presumed that she felt nervous. 'Of course she's nervous! We're pretty much holding her hostage!" Honey mentally slapped himself; and his huge maroon eyes swelled with tears as he remembered exactly what they had been told to do. They were here to hurt her in a way that time could never heal properly – if at all.
Mori noticed his eyes brimming with fresh tears as they glimmered in the dying firelight; and he walked up to his cousin. Honey looked up at him apologetically, but Mori said nothing as usual. He just pulled the crying boy into him and allowed him to sob quietly into his uniform so that it was less noticeable. The iron boy could see that Kaoru was trying desperately to hold in tears as Haruhi bent down to get the matches from the bottom drawer.
She pulled out the matches with delicate feminine hands
; before standing and shutting the draw closed with her foot. Haruhi held out the matches for one of the uniformed guards to take; but none of the three made a single move. Honey didn't even look as though he could see her; his head was still firmly pressed into Mori's stomach. The girl huffed loudly and slid a match from the box. She struck it against a rough section of the wood; it sparked brightly and the flame flickered cautiously on the tiny stick.
Honey turned around from his safe haven against Mori as Haruhi blew out the final sparks on her lamp and re-lit it again with the match. The young looking boy suddenly felt a pang of guilt for forcing her to find them like the three did; they would have to blow the lamp out in a few minutes anyway because they needed the cover of the night for their work.
Haruhi shook her hand to blow out the still-ignited match as Honey began to sidle closer to the girl. She watched him as he moved carefully towards her; silent as a mouse. The brunette regarded Honey with hard eyes; she knew why they were here for definite now. And she couldn't forgive them for agreeing to come.
'Why us?' Kaoru and Honey thought on the verge of yet more tears; though Honey retained his forwards walk towards her. When he finally reached her; Honey encircled the girl with his arms, allowing the water droplets to fall silently down his cheeks. They stayed like that for about two minutes; him with his arms around her waist; the girl with her arms by her sides, refusing to yield. Kaoru worked up the courage to join the older boy; strolled quietly over and pulled both of them into his arms.
Haruhi could feel the fingertips of both boys clutching tightly onto her arms and shoulders. She could feel both of their silent pleas to return the affectionate gesture, but she couldn't work up enough energy to care. They were here to kill him; they were here to kill the man she loved in cold blood with no care as to what she wanted. Deep down she was able to sense that they didn't want to go through with it but had an obligation to fulfil. But she couldn't care; she was too angry and upset despite of herself.
A gasp of surprise escaped her lips as Mori laid a large – though gentle – hand on her head. She turned her head slowly to look at him. His eyes showed regret; and Haruhi knew it was honest, but she couldn't bring herself to show him anything in return. She wasn't prepared to lose Kyoya yet; even if she had to die trying.
Honey looked around him at the cosy little circle that the four had formed; but without Haruhi returning anything it was off balance. He pulled away and brought Kaoru with him; dragging him down to his level before whispering something in his ear.
When Kaoru met his cocoa gaze, he nodded vigorously; Honey's idea obviously brightening his mood. Mori regarded them curiously; both were up to something of course; but the steel-gazed boy couldn't fathom what. They two turned towards Haruhi and began walking ominously towards her. The girl's eyes widened visibly but she didn't move a muscle; defiant to be scared of them. Although the tallest boy had seen how terrifying they both could be when they wanted to.
The red-head and petit blonde casually kept a steady pace in her direction. She wanted desperately to pull away and run; but she was fixated to the ground by the eerie look in their eyes. In truth, Haruhi couldn't help but feel nervous. They stopped in front of her; both boys watching her intently. Mori and Haruhi didn't move; both completely bemused.
Haruhi felt a small slightly calloused hand gently envelop hers; and it yanked her to her knees with a strange amount of force. Mori's hand left her head and the cold was unwelcome, Haruhi gasped loudly; not expecting the event. Honey kissed her delicately on the cheek. His lips were chapped and dry against her smooth skin. The warmth was strangely reassuring and it relaxed her enough to close her brown eyes. The much-wanted warmth left her cheek and she snapped her eyes open. Haruhi looked at Honey and he smiled sheepishly; he looked like a child in a sweet shop -adorable.
A steady silky palm replaced where the lips had been and she looked up to meet Kaoru's gorgeous face. His amber eyes sparkled in the lamplight and he grinned widely when she stared at him. A genuine beautiful smile from ear-to-ear; unlike the one the ostler used which had been filled with spite and hate. He gently gathered her up into his arms in one fluid motion, hugging her tightly. They stayed like that for a moment; the silence was deafening. Before Kaoru pushed her away and kissed her quickly on the forehead.
The handsome boy then helped Haruhi to her feet and hauled her towards her bed and sat down with her holding her tightly as Mori and Honey left the room to find their muskets. Kaoru rocked her lovingly back and forth; trying to soothe her into sleep. But Haruhi wasn't having any of it. She let him snuggle against her, but wouldn't hold him back or close her eyes even for a moment.
When the two older boys arrived back Honey was in possession of a single musket and some rope whilst Mori had a tight grip of two. Kaoru slowly and reluctantly let Haruhi free so that he could retrieve his musket and the rope. He admired the musket for a moment; it was made of very refined wood and the blade shimmered deathly in the dim light. He ran a hand along the blade and sighed. He hated the thing; it was built to kill, and he was made to hold it.
Honey and Mori stepped over to the casement and pushed open the shutters. Kaoru worked quickly around her; obviously having done this before. He hurriedly tore off a piece of his uniform; wrapped his arms around her face and gagged her mouth. Haruhi attempted perilously to shout abuse at him; but the gag held firm around her head. He kissed her forehead as he quietly bound her hands behind her with the rope.
The rope stung her wrists as it rubbed them relentlessly; he had tied them tightly for security and she knew instantly that her wrists would be red raw in the morning; if she even saw the break of dawn. The youngest boy pulled her up so that she could stand and placed her at the end of the bed. He stroked her arms in a light-hearted attempt to console her; but it only fuelled her anger further and Haruhi harshly shook the caresses away as best she could within the confines of her bounds. The auburn haired boy set the gun beneath her small breast; as the King of their country – the man who gave the orders – had told him to. Small tears began to roll down his porcelain features and he fiercely wiped them away.
"Keep good watch, okay?" Kaoru sighed sadly as he leant over her bed to blow out the light.
By the light of the moon as it shone brightly in the sky above them Haruhi could clearly see the road that Kyoya would ride along as he came towards the inn. But this time; there was no joy in her heart, only dread of seeing him again.
Kyoya's melodic voice echoed in the farthest parts of her mind; their late night conversation from the previous evening was recalled as she worried excessively for his safety. She heard him tell her repeatedly to 'Look for me by moonlight; Watch for me by moonlight; I'll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way!' Haruhi felt completely helpless and frail as she considered the possibility that he may not show this night. For once; she was desperate that Kyoya would break the sweet promise he had made to her.
Kyoya carried on plodding on through the freezing silence that surrounded him and his steed. He became increasingly more nervous with every step he took towards the inn; and he couldn't help but put it down to nerves of his intentions than anything else. His black boots hit the icy ground over and over again in and endless rhythm with his horse's hooves. The Shadow King felt a shiver run speedily down his spine; Kyoya quickly raised his hands to his mouth and breathed over them. His hands were a light blue colour 'again!' He thought subconsciously. Kyoya couldn't help but think about how flushed he must look; his face red with the cold wind striking it repeatedly. But he knew he needed to get to Haruhi that night; and that meant no rest or sleep. Just respite from a simple 'yes' in what could possibly be the later hours of the morning now.
The Shadow King could sense his horse's exhaustion as it mimicked his own.
