Yeah this chapter again will be chalk full of spelling mistakes and sentence nonsense! Sorry to keep the chapters coming, this is the only way _
Forgive me!
Enjoy!
~Lizzy
Chapter 27: Just for the Show
"What? That's amazing Mai-chan?" Haruhi said as she talked on the phone.
"Eh? The Host club? I'm not sure, but I guess I could ask?" Haruhi said putting down the phone. She looked over to Tamaki and the group holed into her house eating lunch uninvited and unexpectedly. She should have been used to them showing up at random times, to see her common living and go shopping in commoner places. But this weekend she wanted to get more studying in.
"It was Mai-chan! It's been a long time since we saw her." Honey said happily. Ai was sitting next to him with Mori on her other side. Kyoya was sitting across the table with the twins while Tamaki grew mushrooms in the closet- obviously for some reason but they group forgot what it was.
"Yes. She signed up at a contest and she's in the finals now." Haruhi started to explain as she laid out with Ai's help some cookies and tea. Ai somehow felt very comfortable living in a regular home. It had been a long time since she stepped foot into a normal house, she missed the feeling of 'home' when she got there.
"Oh, she made it! That's amazing." Kaoru said. Both Hikaru and Kaoru had pretty good contact with Mai, but they hadn't heard from her in a while. Just then both the twins mobiles rang with a text from Mai, telling them the good news and asking for their help.
"Oh, she needs models for her performance?" Hikaru said reading out the text.
"Yeah, she was asking if we all from the Host Club could help out as models." Haruhi elaborated.
"Wow, that sounds like fun." Honey said, as Tamaki finally came out to join the group. Haruhi pet his head to make him feel better recalling that they were teasing him a little too much before.
"Would that be okay to do Tono?" Hikaru asking. Wondering if they would be able to participate.
"Of course! Our friend has graciously asked for our help! Of course we should aid the commoner when we can!" Tamaki said standing up straight and speaking like a champion, with Hikaru and Kaoru egging him on.
Haruhi sighed, she could already tell this was going to turn strange, and subsequently annoying for her. Kyoya also sighed. Now another annoying thing was being pushed on their plates.
"We don't have that kind of time. We only just opened the Host Club after winter and new year break. And we had a week off in February too. It would be bad to cut time off again." Kyoya said adjusting his glasses. There was also the stuff he was dealing with from his front, and didn't want anymore stuff getting in his way.
"Oh come on Kyoya, it's good to get involved with the commoner community. Just think of poor Haruhi's feelings." Tamaki said bringing her into his arms and squeezing her cheeks with his thumb and index finger. She looked half hearted and had nothing to say but sigh.
Kyoya looked at the group excited and voicing outrage that he said no. He sighed and frowned.
"Fine, as long as it doesn't interfere with our club activities and my business, it's fine." Kyoya said with a long sigh. The group cheered in the small space that was the living room. They were a bit frustrated that they couldn't do cartwheels and looked at Haruhi to do something about it. She only vaguely laughed.
Ai was happily smiling and clapping with Mori settling back down to her side. This for whatever reason caught Kyoya's glance, but he looked back down to his tea cup promptly.
Mai had agreed to meet the Host Club at Hikaru and Kaoru's house the next day since it was the only day that fit in with the Host Club's schedule. Kyoya dreadingly came along too, moreso to make sure that they didn't just commit to something impossible. Ai also came with Mori, they were starting to look more like a couple in his mind. The way Mori would lend his out when she got out of the car, or touch her back gently to lead her through the door or down the hallway. It was really obvious to Kyoya and he couldn't stop himself from not noticing such gestures.
"Guys! Over here!" Hikaru shouted waving his hand inviting them over to the table they were seated at. On it was sprawled all of Mai's designs. She was already getting feedback about her designs.
"Oh wow, these are amazing." Honey exclaimed looking at all of Mai's designs.
"Thank you, but I'm still not sure what I should do." Mai said looking a bit stressed out. She looked the same as usual, heavy on the make up and tanned, but it was her charm and her personality that captured the Host Club's attention. She was surprisingly loyal and very talented.
"Why, these are great." Tamaki said looking at the sketches and even with his lack of knowledge in this area, even he liked the designs she made.
"But they all have like hearts on them?" Haruhi noticed that each design had some sort of heart design to them, whether in the pattern or the dress itself. Hikaru and Kaoru nodded as Mai's head sank. Ai and Mori looked at the drawings as Kyoya stood by Ai for the first time in a long time. Somehow he felt awkward and couldn't pay attention to what they group was saying.
"That's the problem." Mai cringed as she sank down in her chair.
"The theme for the finale is 'True Love'". Mai explained slapping her head. She had never really fallen in love before, and couldn't think of what to do for the designs other then make the outfits softer, with clean soft colours and hearts wherever she could.
"Hmm, I see what you mean." Haruhi nodded.
"Well how about you focus on what it means when you're in love?" Tamaki said thinking about his affections for Haruhi. The group looked to them, it was true that they all had experienced some sort of love, but what did it mean to be in true love.
"Hmm, I guess happiness?" Kaoru replied thinking. Kyoya couldn't help but think in his mind, if he ever felt happy being in love with Ai. Somehow he had to disagree, he only felt anxious. But he couldn't help but feel happy even though it was a burden.
"And you feel like that person no matter how tired you are, you just calm down with you see them." Hikaru added. Kyoya again thought about this. Did she ever calm him down? Ai was usually the cause of a lot of panic. There were a few times where he could recall that her presence calmed him, but majority of time, he was in a state of anxiety.
"You want to be with that person all the time." Tamaki smiled sweetly making Haruhi blush a little when he pet her head. It was rather obvious to the club members that they were mutual in their love; and Mai couldn't help but whistle. Kyoya wondered silently again to himself, did he want Ai with him all th time? He did, but it came with a price he couldn't pay.
"I think you could think of nobody else but that person, and everything you do in your day and life goes back to that person." Tamaki said thoughtfully as he glanced to Kyoya, who looked down to the table.
"Hmm. Marriage." Mai said out loud suddenly. As the creative juices started to flow in her head. Suddenly she got a flow of ideas. The group hovered to see what she was doing.
"Here." She said with a big grin on her face.
"I'm going to put on a wedding." Mai smiled widely with a peace sign. The group thought that was indeed a good symbol of true love.
"But won't the other contestants think of that?" Hikaru asked. Mai grinned widely.
"Not like this kind of wedding." She started to draw intensely, nobody could possibly get in or ask a question she was burning with passion. As they sat and watched Mai, they kept quiet patiently waiting to see her idea. Mori looked over to Ai, who was smiling down sweetly looking at the drawings that Mai had already done. His eyes then fell on Kyoya sitting next to Ai, he seemed to be in deep thought but couldn't decipher what he was thinking about. When he looked at Ai and Kyoya together, somehow; he could still feel a connection; and somehow it didn't bother him.
"Okay! I'm done!" Mai said presenting her drawing. The groups eyes widened. They weren't sure about this. It was a brides dress, a gold colour, simple dress, wrapping around in multiple layers with glittering design work at the bust and waist; and what looked like a black rose tattoo on her chest, with the peddles flying over her chest and to her right shoulder.
"What does this mean?" Haruhi asked.
"Heart break." Mai said with a smile. The group looked at each other and then to Mai who was looking for her coloured pencils.
"But isn't it about true love?" Hikaru asked.
"Yes, and what's more truer love then the one's that can't be." Mai said intensely as she started on the groom's suit. Kyoya's glasses became white, his eyes emotion hidden behind them. His stoic expression laying over the depths of his feelings.
"Heart break is true love?" Honey asked feeling a sadness, but feeling like it captured his heart more.
"Right. Didn't you just think how sad, and want to root for her." Mai smiled pointing to her sad bride. The group really could see it and smiled.
"This is awesome!" Kaoru said with a determined expression on his face.
"So what are you going to do for the groom?" Hikaru asked as the table got closer to see her draw. Mai smiled.
"There are going to be 2 grooms" Mai said sketching like mad. Kyoya couldn't help but glance at Ai and then to Mori. Somehow it was like this was his love story. Mori felt the impact of Mai's words too, and glanced over to Kyoya only to find him looking to Ai. Mori felt like he should look away immediately, because this felt weird.
"OH that's such a good idea! This works!" Kaoru said pumped.
"Hey why don't Ai-chan and Mori play the bride and groom, since they are going to be engaged." Honey volunteered happily. Kyoya's chest felt like a small dagger had pierced his skin and was entering slowly into his body. Ai was rattled. She too felt like a small hole was beginning to open in her heart.
"What? Really!?" Mai shouted stopping her sketching and moved forward to hear the details. Mori gave a light sincere smile matching Ai's blushing face.
"Wow! that's great. Congratulations." Mai said thinking it was strange to marry so young.
"It's not official or anything yet. We are still taking our time." Mori smiled explaining calmly. Ai looked down to her hands wondering why she felt like crying.
"Oh I see. Well it's still exciting." Mai added.
"So is it okay for you guys to be my bride and groom then?" Mai asked. Ai's smile was locked in place, she couldn't say anything other then wait for Mori to decide for her.
"Yes it's okay." Mori said without even consulting Ai's opinion. Tamaki found this to be out of character for Mori. He looked over to Kyoya.
"It's okay right Kyoya" Mori asked turning to him. Tamaki's eyes widened as he slowly put down his cup. Kyoya looked to Mori a little suspired himself but kept his deadlock expression in place. There was a moment of silence.
"Yes." Kyoya said unable to look at Ai even though she was in his view. Mori smiled.
"Okay cool! Thanks. So bride and groom are settled." Mai said as she handed over a fashionable groom with a tux suit. Tapered and well fitting, grey and white, with a red rose on his breast pocket.
"So who should play the role of the true love?" Mai asked starting her rough sketch of the groom who was the true love of the bride."
"So that's why you're having 2 grooms!? How imaginative!" Honey said finally piecing together the storyline behind the art. Kyoya felt the dagger slipping more into his chest, the heart ache a little too much to take. Ai looked down to her clasped hands. She couldn't voice the name that lay on the tip of her lips. Mori continued to pretend like nothing happened and drank from his cup. Tamaki wondered to himself if who he was about to suggest would be appropriate.
"I can do it" Hikaru volunteered thinking he'd really play the role well.
"Hmm, no I need someone who can show intensity." Mai said drawing just as intensely as for the bride.
"Just think about it, this is the man who loves this bride so much he'd give up anything for her, and yet in the end he couldn't. He's struggling with the loss but happy to see her happy." Mai explained. The group thought about it, this was a hard thing to play.
"How about you Tono?" Haruhi asked.
"Actually, I think Kyoya would be better." Tamaki said with his eyes closed and a small smile on his face. Kyoya looked at him sharply unable to believe that knowing everything that was in his heart, he would volunteer him.
"No, I don't think I can-"
"No you would be perfect! You have that intense character I want." Mai said as she whipped up her draft of the true love groom. Kyoya looked to Mori automatically as Mori looked at him with a rather blank face. Somehow this was like their real life story unfolding on a stage. Ai's heart had almost stopped. She couldn't explain how much pain this conversation was causing her. She tried to stop herself from thinking anything of the feeling she had for Kyoya. She reminded herself with time, she would fall in love with Mori and that was all she could do.
"I don't think I can. With my schedule it would be rather hard to fit the time you would need for me." Kyoya said professionally. Mai looked at Kyoya, and saw that he was giving her his standard business smile, which meant that something else was brewing in his head.
"Oh come on Kyo!" Honey said loudly in a baby voice.
"The role suites you well." He added.
"Yes well I'm sorry to disappoint you all, but timing is an issue." Kyoya explained.
"What if I only need you for one day. You don't have to come to any dress rehearsals or anything. Just on the day of the show?" Mai said with a serious expression on her face. Kyoya sighed. This was not something he wanted to do.
"He'll do it." Tamaki volunteered.
"Oy, Tamaki." Kyoya said, but the group started to cheer as if he was the one who agreed. Kyoya sighed and rubbed his forehead. He should have known better then to trust Tamaki.
"It's whats needed." Tamaki smiled and mouthed to Kyoya who didn't get what that meant. Mori though understood fully what those words meant. And also understood that Tamaki knew that Kyoya was in love with Ai.
"Here." Mai said handing over a rough draft of a groom with a black suit well fitting with a gold belt and a goldish shirt open to reveal his chest, with the identical black rose on his heart and with the peddles flying over his left shoulder. His hair roughed up and wearing no tie. Somehow it was hard to imagine the design aspect of Mai's vision since there was nothing lavish about it. Kaoru pointed this out. And Mai's reply was simple.
"Love is something simple I think. And heart break is something I imagine to be like torture." Mai explained. Somehow the group felt pity for the 2D couple on paper.
"Somehow this feels more like heartbreak then true love." Honey said feeling like this was such a sad tale.
"It is, but you can only have heartbreak when you're truly in love right?" Mai smiled. Somehow the group felt like Mai knew a lot about love and wondered if she went through some kind of love story herself.
"Mai-chan, have you ever loved someone?" Haruhi asked the question that the others didn't want to ask. They looked at Haruhi for being the blockhead they needed in the group to ask so nonchalantly such a personal question.
"Nope, not even once." Mai replied bluntly. The group almost fell over.
"Then how do you know how to express this so well." Haruhi asked amazed.
"Well I guess emotion comes with the side of my brain that loves design." Mai replied still drawing.
"I think you can't have a passion for anything if you don't have the sense of emotion." Mai added. She was right, both Kaoru and Hikaru understood this. Being in tune with emotions gave you clarity when you wanted to describe passion in your clothing.
"Here is a rough sketch of the the long drapes of material we should use...black and red, running along the side as they walk. On one side, the black drape that cuts when Kyoya-san lets go of Ai-chans hand, and the red material stays.
"Their love is forced, neat and clean, up for appearances." Mai explained as she started to sketch the next outfit.
"So you're saying that this groom doesn't really love her?" Honey asked more interested in the story then the design.
"No I imagine he loves her, but I don't think she loves him" Mai suggests.
"Then, that's kind of sad for him too." Haruhi added. Peaking Mori's ears.
"Yeah, so nobody is happy. Everyone's heartbroken, because no one's true love will materialize." Mai explained.
"That's so..." Tamaki started with glassy eyes.
"So sad." Haruhi finished for him as she wiped Tamaki's tears. Haruhi couldn't help but feel sorry for anyone who was in such a situation. After all in her mind, true love should conquer all. But sometimes, she realized, it can't.
Kyoya and Ai were quiet, and didn't contribute anything to their conversation. Somehow they were in their own space in their minds. Ai could only sit there like a shell, not even trying to keep her smile on anymore, she was so lost in her transparent life. She couldn't help but feel like she was trapped again.
Kyoya feeling the same things. Trapped in his own shell, unable to get out.
Mori was the only one who continued to listen closely to Mai's vision. He couldn't help but feel pity for the groom and bride on the paper in front of him. The groom who was her new groom, nobody seemed to understand that he was also in pain. The woman he loved didn't love him back.
~
The next day, Kyoya reset himself as best as he could. But he had to admit what Mai was talking about in her sketch meeting yesterday rattled him. He understood Mori's feelings for once. He always felt that Mori was so fotunate to have Ai, but what he didn't realize that Ai may not love Mori. He wondered if Ai was also in pain, since she might have been in love with Aizawa all this time. Kyoya knocked his head with his fist, feeling stupid. Did he make a mess of things.
"No, this way is the best way for her." Kyoya reasoned. With Aizawa she would struggle. His parents would never allow him to marry Ai either, considering what happened to Shiho. His parents blamed Ai's parents completely, and the only way Aizawa would be with Ai is if he left home. And though it seemed like Aizawa was prepared for that, it wasn't right for him to do. With Mori, Ai could be happy, live in a home where she would be accepted and safe. And build a future and a family with a man who clearly loves her.
This strange new hurt found it's way pounding on his head. It was a headache forming, and he hadn't even started his day. He had to meet Emi today. He wasn't looking forward to it.
The group had dress rehearsals after school, but Kyoya was not participating. They already knew that it would be impossible for him since he made it clear from the start. After they drew up their plans for everything, they would let him know a couple of days before the show.
Mai worried, would Kyoya really know what to do given he wasn't going to come to a single rehearsal. But Tamaki assured her, that Kyoya would be perfect and would play the best man in love ever. Mai had her doubts but had to trust Tamaki's word.
"So what's the plan today?" Haruhi asked.
"Well for starters here some more outfits." Mai said pulling out her sketch book.
"This one is for you Haruhi." Mai said.
"You're wearing a simple white dress and you will be throwing black flowers to red flowers when Ai-san lets go of Kyoya's hand for Mori's." Haruhi understood the message. She was to be the bridemaid in a one strap shoulder dress, she would start off by walking behind Ai and Kyoya, and when Ai left Kyoya for Mori, she would start throwing red flowers.
"But Mai-chan doesn't red flowers represent love? Shouldn't it be the other way around." Tamaki asked.
"I thought about this too, but honestly, red is just a colour we associate love with. When you draw blood, it actually looks more black then red." Mai explained carefully. The imagery was rather haunting.
"I see, so the broken heart and love can be represented with black." Haruhi smiled.\
"That's clever." She added.
"Thanks." Mai smiled.
"The floor is out of our control, since it will be the runway, but we can control the mood by keeping the hall dark, and the limelight on only the models." Mai said.
"I think I can ask you guys to do the lights for me?" Mai asked Tamaki and Honey.
"It's crucial, the lighting. When Ai-chan and Kyoya-san are walking down the stage, the light should be on them and a small soft light on Haruhi only. Everything else should be black. But when her hand is let go and she is forced to give her hand to Mori-sempai, soften the light on Kyoya-san, but keep the hard white light on Mori and Ai as they continue to walk down the rest of the stage with Haruhi following behind. Around about here, you should pull the light off of Kyoya, making him a past memory.
"Okay, we got it." Tamaki and Honey said agreeing pumped up as Mai drew out the stage and the lighting cues. She wrote down the light affects on a paper for them.
"We will play this music when Ai-san walks down with Kyoya-san." Mai explained. She was like a professional designer, taking charge and control. She pressed play on the stereo she bowered from Hikaru. It was a very up beat happy song, symbolizing both their happiness to be together. The group absolutely loved it.
"My friend is in a band club so they made this for me." Mai said proudly. It sounded like a professional orchestra without all the fancy instruments. It went well, and Tamaki thought that it suited Ai and Kyoya's love.
"And this is the song it's switching to now for Mori-sempai and Ai-san." Mai explained as the song went a little sadder keeping to its theme. The piano slowed down, not so cheery as well as the chello and violin. The drum beat that played for Kyoya and Ai disappeared. It was a stark contrast.
"Okay, so that's the music. I'm making the outfits so we don't have anything to wear, but why don't we run a little show so we get the hang of it." Mai said.
"But Kyoya's not here." Haruhi said.
"It's okay, I'll take his place for now." Kaoru volunteered since he and Hikaru had nothing to do right now.
They went on to the stage that Hikaru's mom had in their studio, and used it. It was a great way to see how things would look from the judges prespective.
Ai stood there holding Kaoru's hand. She didn't feel nervous or think twice about holding his hands. Mai had wrapped a gold material around Ai to show she was the bride. Kaoru was wrapped in black fabric.
Haruhi stood behind them with a bucket of red and black roses. Didn't fit the image, but it was good for now. Hikaru was on one side holding on to a long stretch of black fabric that he would walk with down the stage alongside Ai and Kaoru, and would stop in his tracks when Ai let of his hand.
Tamaki was on the other side holding a long stretch of red material, he would do the same as Hikaru, but instead of stopping, he would continue when Ai made her switch to Mori.
Mori stood at the half way point on the stage, waiting for when Ai let go of Kaoru's hand for his. Mori and Ai didn't feel weird about this. Which was a surprise. Ai thought she would feel strange and remember her feelings strongly but nothing like that happened. She looked ahead to Mori's back and smiled. Somehow walking to him right now, felt right.
"Okay! We're ready!" Mai signalled from below the stage. The music started and Ai and Kaoru looked at each other and smiled- Kaoru doing his best not to fall under her spell. They were smiling and walking happily with their hands held tightly. Their bodies were close and both their hands clasped tightly together. Haruhi started to pick out the black rose peddles – which were just shredded pieces of paper right now. Somehow it didn't look like a couple in love, but friends and Mai was worried about the feeling. But it would be different with Kyoya there, since his features were more stern.
Ai and Kaoru walked until they hit the half was point, Mori was faced away from them, with his hand extended out behind him. Ai looked to Kaoru and said goodbye in whisper and took Mori's hand. Kaoru's expression turned sad. Somehow this feeling right now, was really real to him. She walked and stood beside Mori as the music changed. Mori took Ai's hand and started to walk to the end of the stage.
Mai shouted for Ai to show no expression, so she no longer was smiling with her heart. Ai didn't know how to show that and could only dim her smile. Mai accepted it. Mori however smiled like a gentlemen, not too much in love but in love. Kaoru was left speechless and his hand clenched to his side as he watched with longing eyes. The light would fade from him all together at this point.
Haruhi started to throw red peddles as they came to the end. Mori and Ai faced each other holding hands, as a voice of a man and woman came on, saying 'I do'. Telling the audience that they were married.
Everything would go dark at this point, the music would turn off. And Mai would come on to the stage and explain her design and theme.
"Wow, actually that's not a bad first run!" Mai exclaimed. She was rather happy with their progress.
"Okay, lets do it one more time before dinner." She announced as Haruhi realized she would not get any studying done tonight.
Emi and Kyoya were at yet another high class restaurant. They were talking about the plans to get engaged in August. She wasn't surprised the Kyoya agreed. After all she was a hot ticket. Kyoya could hear Emi talking about things, but somehow everything around him faded blissfully.
He couldn't help but wonder how the group was doing. And how Mori and Ai were doing with rehearsal. He wondered, if Ai ever thought about him. He wondered what sorts of feelings would come to surface when he did the show.
He nodded and said something to Emi agreeing with what she was saying about holding the engagement party at the end of August since she had a friends birthday party to plan before that. He imagined in his minds eye, walking down the aisle with Emi. It was just as Mai said, everything was clean and crisp and for appearances. And then he tried to picture Ai. He had not been ever able to imagine Ai outside of his dirty fantasies. Except at that moment. Suddenly, as if the song changed in his mind, he was able to see himself with her. It wasn't like what he thought he would imagine like with Emi. Instead he saw him self at the alter watching Ai walking to him, smiling at him as she reached him. She took his arm as he whispered something to her; and the Priest started the wedding ceremony. In the fog that lingered over Kyoya, he couldn't hear Emi anymore, but heard instead Ai, telling him 'I love you.'
"What?" Kyoya said snapping suddenly back to his seat.
"What? I was just saying that it's great that you are so flexible. Makes my life so much easier." Emi snorted as she started to eat her appetizer. Kyoya smiled and sighed. What the hell was he thinking. The chapter wtih Ai ended ages ago. He should stop dreaming about a dream that wouldn't come true.
On the Next Chapter:
The rehearsals are all over, and it's now time for the main event. Can Kyoya keep it together and perform the show Mai envisioned, or will Ai be the one who cracks?
