Chapter 10
Welcome Over Wounds

Disclaimer-I own nothing!

Tamaki was finding it harder and harder to leave his bed each morning. The only reason he did was for Ms. Smith. He didn't want her to tell his father or to possibly see that he had began cutting again. Both he knew were possible of happening if he didn't act like nothing was going on. So every morning he would lie in bed until the last possible second, get dressed and get breakfast before jumping in his car to be driven to school. Some days he could go all school day without cutting, and others he would go into the bathroom either during or between classes and watch as blood ran down his arm and finger tips into the sink. It wasn't hard to carry something on him; the metal detectors weren't smart enough to see that his blade was carried on his keys. After learning that Swiss army knives carried blades on them he went to the antique store he visited when he first moved in and saw if they carried something like it. It didn't have to be a blade exactly, just something he could use, something that would inflict pain but it didn't have to be sharp enough to draw blood. At the store he talked to the owner and found what he had now, a sword keychain that you could lock in its sheath which he did for school. With it attached to his keys it passed through the metal detectors. His keys set it off all the time anyway so adding it didn't do anything. The first day he had added it they questioned him about it but the sheath was plastic so to them it was just a keychain. It hadn't been sharp when he got it since it was nothing but a letter opener. The knife sharpeners Mr. Williams kept in the kitchen worked for this as well. It even made it shinier; it was a beautiful sword taking care of it was a must.

Knowing he was going out with Elizabeth after school he made sure not to draw blood. He had to marry her one day; he couldn't scare her off if she ever saw his arm. She was taking him to the mall to get an outfit for his father's dinner party which was at the end of the week. Saying he was nervous was a bit of an understatement. He never met anyone from her family yet so he had no idea what to expect. He wasn't worried about how he would handle himself he had been raised to attend formal parties. Other than the few dates they had been out on together they hadn't been together leaving him feeling unprepared for anything she planned for him to attend with her.
"It's just a formal party; I've dealt with them before I can handle this."
Cleaning the knife he locked it back in its holder before staring at himself. Maybe it was just him but he looked shitty. Bags under his eyes, his skin didn't shine the way it used to, he was surprised Ms. Smith hadn't said anything to him about his appearance.
"I really need to take better care of myself."
Grabbing his backpack he left the bathroom only after making sure he wasn't going to get jumped by Daniel or his friends. This year it seemed that they weren't beating him up but they were still picking on him. Throwing stuff at him, taking his things, tripping him, shoving him into lockers, teasing him all the time about the fact that he had been with Kyouya; god how he was getting tired of that one, even after he told them he was dating Elizabeth they went back to Kyouya. This was all worse than getting beaten up just for the fact that he didn't know what to expect, he was in constant fear whenever he was at the school. He wasn't complaining about not being black and blue all over but jumping for fear that they would repeat what happened at the beginning of the summer. He knew that they made fun of his fear but they hadn't been the ones with broken ribs and an arm with burned legs. They dealt it out but they didn't receive it, he figured no matter how tough you were if you go through what he did you would be scared by corners, bushes, and flames too.

At the final bell he grabbed his things from his locker and headed to his car to meet Elizabeth. This would be the first time he went to a mall here. It was supposed to hold some really nice stores, and he could use a change of wardrobe.
"I wonder if my credit card limit is really low. A plane ticket was over a thousand dollars so maybe. Shit." He didn't want to ask Elizabeth to pay for him and then pay her back once he was able to get the money out of his account but with a low spending limit buying a tux could be a problem. Having this new problem to figure out he called his father. He didn't realize it was so early for him until he picked up and heard him up because of the phone ringing. Simply asking about the limit he got off so he could go back to bed. So his debt card was limited by retailers and his credit card held a limit of retailers and ten thousand dollars.
"So I can't buy a car or a plane ticket but it won't stop me from going out now. Fine."
The idea sill ticked him off but he wasn't about to let it his ruin his time out. Finding out that his family had forced him to stay here when he had wanted to go back to Japan made him mad. How could they do that? If they hadn't blocked his cards then he could have avoided being beaten up and burned alive. They were his family, the only family he had. Why were they cruel to him?
"Does everyone in this world want me dead that badly?"
Without being truly aware he started crying in his hands. It had been so long since he last cried. The tears felt cold on his face, for once his eyes didn't burn as they watered. Maybe this was a good sign, maybe he wasn't dead inside after all.
"Sir we have arrived."
Looking up he wiped his eyes happy to not see Elizabeth here yet.
"Shall I wait until she arrives?"
"No it's okay, let me out." Making sure he didn't look stupid from crying he stepped out. The mall was beautiful on the outside, a fountain laid in the middle of the entranceway with coins all along the bottom.
"People use it as wishing well, so pathetic."
Looking up he saw Elizabeth coming up behind him.
"Aww I think it's neat. People do something like this back home, though it's done more at temples than malls."
"I guess I could see that more. Still seems pointless. I'm sorry but wishing on a coin won't bring you all you wish for."
"Maybe not but the hope that it could makes people try. Hope is silly like that." Fishing into his pockets he found a quarter. Holding it in his palm he tightened his grip and closed his eyes.
* I wish to find happiness here.*
Opening his eyes he flipped the coin into the fountain, turning around laughing he walked to Elizabeth.
"Shall we go inside Mademoiselle? I'm sure you want to do what we came here for."
"Finally, you can be such a child at times do you know that?"
"Do you not like it? If so I can watch what I do so I don't embarrass you."
"Oh Tamaki." Walking past him she walked to the doors leading inside that her bodyguard opened for her.
"Mademoiselle? Are you mad at me?" Worried he ran to catch up to her. She didn't look angry at him. Taking his arm she wrapped hers around it and started to lead the way.
"I want you to look perfect for when you meet daddy."
"Are sure about this? I mean we still barely know each other."
"He'll love you. I'm his princess; he loves any guy I bring home."
*Well she seems sure of this whole thing so maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe.*

Not spending long in the first two stores Elizabeth dragged him to a third one and began looking around for something.
"Short or long sleeve Tamaki?"
"Ummm long sleeve please."
"Okay I need to ask, you never wear short sleeves do you? I know before you said it was because of you cast but it must look better by now. If not then you really need to get a better plastic surgeon because they should have been able to fix you up. And while I think long sleeve would look better for the party we should get you something shorter."
"Thank you but I would rather not have you worry about it. It seemed my arm has not recovered the way I would have liked and I feel it would be bad to show it for fear of the press seeing it before I get the chance to get it taken care of."
"Oh nonsense, sure they are bad but your house seems to be built well to keep them away. So come let me get you something better."
He started to sweat as she played with his shirt cuff, he was happy he changed from his school uniform in the car. At least this offered more resistance than his sweater sleeve.
"Really Elizabeth, don't worry about it. I'll make it a point to get something else but why don't we focus on why we came here?"
"What do you have a tattoo or something on your arm that you're ashamed of?" She teased him as he tried to push her away careful not to hurt her.
"A tattoo? No of course not. It's simply as I said."
"Ah ha I got it!"
Tamaki broke out in sweat as she managed to pull his sleeve up. Why did she have to remember that his right arm was the one he broke? Had she grabbed his left he wouldn't have cared. Running her thumbs down his arm she stopped at the cuts laid out before her. This was it, it was all over now. She would leave him for sure; his grandmother would find out and rip him apart for it. He was going to get in so much trouble.
"Your right it would be bad publicity for this to get out. For everyone's sake it's best to keep it covered." Rolling down his sleeve she re-buttoned it and went back to looking for something fitting for him. Was that it? Was she not going to say anything else? It seemed too easy for him to think the conversation was over that quickly.
"Here try this on while I go find someone to size you for pants and tux." Holding a bunch of dress shirts for him to try on she walked off. He couldn't help but worry more over this idea of her walking away. Now that she knew his secret she could call her father and end their relationship, if that happened then his grandmother would be all over in a matter of minutes.

From worrying it took much longer to try on the first shirt.
"I found someone Tamaki are you dressed enough?"
Finishing the last button on his shirt he stepped out seeing her and the sales clerk.
"Elizabeth what color is your dress? Do you want us to match colors or no?"
"I am hoping so but I want to make sure the color looks good on you." Turning to the clerk she started to explain what she was looking for. Tamaki just let her do as she pleased for fear of upsetting her still not sure about her thoughts from earlier. They didn't say much while the guy was working only amplifying his worries. Should he say something to her about it? Once they got what they came for they walked around, he started to relax as she wrapped her arms around his one again. It felt strange to have her so close, no one had done this. Not that he had been with many people, actually Kyouya was the only one and he would never do what she was doing.

Tamaki looked into the glass cases at one of the jewelry stores while Elizabeth went through the new catalog with a sales clerk. He couldn't help but stare at the engagement rings. Knowing he would have to buy one in the near future made just looking feel like something much more.
"Would you like to see one closer?"
Looking up he saw a sales clerk on the other end staring into the case.
"Oh not right now but thank you."
"You're with Ms. Rockefeller correct? She had eyed the heirloom collection from Tacori if you're interested. Please let me know if I can help you with something." The clerk walked away leaving Tamaki to process what they said.
*Well that helps I guess.*
"Tamaki come here I need your opinion."
Going to Elizabeth he saw she was flipping between two pages of the catalog, she was kidding right? He had no clue when it came to jewelry.
"Which do you like better? I can't decide and I would get both but I can't wear both on Saturday."
There was a difference? The stone count and size was the same, the design was almost exactly the same, the chain was silver for both.
"May I?" Taking the book he flipped through it to see what exactly it was displaying. He stopped when something caught his eye, it looked just like something he saw before.
"What about this one?" Pointing to the one he saw he waited for her thoughts. Seeing her eyes light up he took it as a yes she liked it."
"That is even better than what I saw."
"I'm glad you like it. Excuse me ma'am mademoiselle would like this one please." Showing the clerk he was happy to hear that they had it on stock, unlike the other ones.
"Here Elizabeth let me put it on for you." Waiting until she moved her hair he put it on for her. "What do you think?"
"It's beautiful. You have a great eye." While she stared at it on her in the mirror he pulled out his card and handed it to the clerk so he could pay for it.
"Anything for you. Making you happy makes me happy." He was happy she liked it; he saw it only because his mother had something very similar. She told him his father gave it her when they met. His mother treasured that necklace, he hoped Elizabeth would too.
"Ready to go, want to grab dinner? You said there was nice Italian restaurant not to far correct?" He tensed as she moved into him, her palms rested on his chest.
"You are my prince charming did you know that Tamaki?"
Seeing they way she looked at him, how her voice was made him anxious, what was she doing?
"I'm sure others were just as kind to you."
"None were like you; they are exes because none knew how to treat a lady right." She reached up to kiss his lips. Hoping his hands weren't shaking he placed them near her back as he kissed her back. When they pulled away he faintly smiled at her and hoped she didn't see how fake it was.
*Shit.* He felt nothing from kissing her. He had hoped for something, he knew he wouldn't fall in love from it but he thought there would have been something.
"Hot, sweet, and a good kisser, you are the perfect guy. And you're all mine." She laced her fingers with his, "Come, let's go, the restaurant sounds lovely." She started walking out of the store.

Standing in front of the mirror fixing his tux vest he got ready to go. He would have to get Elizabeth soon if they wanted to be on time. He hadn't eaten anything all day for fear of getting sick from it, his nerves were a mess.
"Sir, are you just about ready your cars here? Don't you look good."
"I'm ready and thank you, this is what Elizabeth picked for me."
Taking one last look in the mirror he grabbed his jacket and left the room. It seemed stupid to get in the car to drive next door and pick her up but their houses weren't super close.
"It's rude to tell her to meet me outside isn't it?"
"It is sir."
"Well then I'm not doing that."

The trip into the city was long yet still didn't help his nerves. No matter how many times he was told it would be fine he couldn't relax. He never met parents like this before, what if there was something he had to do before he met them? Why didn't he ask Ms. Smith about this before, she would have known about American cultures for boyfriends meeting parents.
"This is it Tamaki, the hall my father is holding the event."
Looking what they were next too he noticed it was a hotel, a very nice one but a hotel all the same.
"The New York Barclay, never heard of it but sounds nice."
"It's one of the best. Daddy rented the entire building for his guests since the banquet rooms are small."
"How many people are going to be here?" He could feel himself starting to sweat.
"At least five hundred I think. Daddy said it was a small gathering since he was holding it here but I forgot the head count, it may be less."
"Oh, oh okay." *Great five hundred strangers and two parents I don't know. Shoot me now, I can't do this.* Swallowing he got out of the car to let Elizabeth out. Offering his hand she took his arm and they walked in. Right now he wished he drank or was at least old enough too. He heard alcohol relaxes you and that was just what he needed to make it through the night.
"Oh look over there it's my parents. Come Tamaki I can't wait for daddy to meet you. I know he'll approve."
*It's like meeting clients, it's like meeting clients, it's like meeting clients.* Even though he never met people close to the family alone he hoped it was the same thing, it had to be, he needed it to be. As they came up next to who he could only assume were her parents he took a deep breath.
"Mother, father, I want you to meet someone. This is Tamaki Suoh. Tamaki these are my parents."
"It's an honor to meet you both, Elizabeth has told me a lot about all your family has done. I also hope of course that you will allow me the honor of continuing to date your daughter."
"Ah Tamaki, yes I have heard quite a lot about you"
*What exactly though?*
"Oh Suzanne and Cheri are here. I'll let you three talk. Have fun and daddy remember you promised to be nice. Don't scare him off."
"I'm always nice to your boyfriend's princess."
Elizabeth kissed her parents cheek before kissing Tamaki's and running off to talk to her friends. Tamaki wanted to have her stay and not leave him with her parents but he knew that wouldn't leave the best impression.
*Shiiiiit.*
"So Tamaki you've been dating my daughter have you?"
"Yes sir." He noticed during his mini freak-out Elizabeth's mother walked away, just great.
"I hope you haven't tried anything with her, not only will she not allow it but I will have you arrested at the very least."
"Of, of course not sir, I would never. My mother raised me with the ways to treat any lady properly and what not to do unless all requirements are met."
"Very good, I am a fan of men who respect their mothers properly, they are always better with other woman and I can tell your mother is a very smart woman. Now my little Elizabeth is a very strong willed woman are you able to see to her happiness?"
"I hope so sir. I do my best in making her happy."
"Wonderful, come let us sit and talk some more. I have a lot I want to know."
Following Mr. Rockefeller they sat at one of the tables where he was grilled with questions upon questions. He was asked about everything from parents and home life to why he liked Elizabeth. The family questions were the hard ones simply for the fact that it could ruin everything. To the world of the powerful he was disgusting, nothing but an illegitimate child, a bastard child. Even hearing his story and knowing it all he was happy to let Tamaki continue to date his daughter which made Tamaki very happy.

Elizabeth ran up to them and forced Tamaki on his feet. As she moved closer to him she had him dance with her. For some reason her being so close didn't do what he wanted. Why couldn't he fully enjoy this closeness? It didn't feel wrong yet it didn't feel right. Everything was just okay, and that was worse than feeling one way or another.
"So my father likes you, as I told you didn't I."
"You did your right."
"You're my prince and not only that but I always get what I want and I want you."

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I'm sooooooooooo sorry for not updating sooner. School has played with my classes making it hard to write before I leave May 13th. But! I should have some free time soon so I plan to write a lot then to make up for it all. Please review it would mean a lot to me.
~Femalefighter~