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Far From The Tree

Chapter 10


HIKARU

Friends.

Friends...

We were friends.

And she'd said it with a sincere smile on her face. One that had me in the palm of her hand for the rest of lunch.

The moment she'd said those words it felt like our entire dynamic had shifted, not that you'd notice just from watching us. The way we spoke to one another seemed the same. Miss Fujioka never seemed to have an issue with speaking her mind around me, she'd always freely teased me, embellishing her remarks with a unique sarcasm that always came so naturally to her. That's why I found her so easy to talk to. Most people in my life airbrushed their comments for my benefit, in fear I'd fly off the handle if they said the wrong thing. Miss Fujioka had never been like that, not even from the moment I met her.

But now that I knew she felt the same connection I did, I found myself enjoying our exchanges more, now that the fear of overstepping the mark was no longer a concern.

Friends.

I was sure my feelings for her weren't appropriate for a standard friendship, but it was good enough for me. Or that's what I told myself at least.

"You look happy" Kaoru smirked, placing a drink down on the coffee table as I cradled my nephew against my chest, "Who died?"

I chuckled, looking down at Kazue as he pulled at my collar, "Maybe I'm just happy to see my nephew?"

"Sure, sure. I give it 5 minutes and you'll be throwing him back at me" he said, "I can't remember the last time you managed to hold him for longer than an ad break"

"It's not so bad. I'm warming up to it"

"Now I definitely know something is up" he replied, "Come on. Tell me"

I sighed, the words clinging to the tip of my tongue. But there was no way I'd be able to explain it without sounding like some pathetic teenager.

I quickly gave him the abridged version of my day, making the security program the main feature of my story, then quickly adding in the bit about Emi's card and Miss Fujioka and I having a friendly lunch together. Of course he saw right through it, immediately latching to the part where her name came up. Honestly I felt like a child telling his Dad about Yochien when the grin touched my lips at the thought of her.

"Look at you making friends" Kaoru smirked, "So proud of you"

"Shut up" I grumbled.

"I mean it. I literally can't remember the last time you'd cared enough about another person to actually want to see them"

"Miss Fujioka and I see each other all the time. It's natural that I'd end up enjoying her company"

"Very natural. If you weren't thinking about sleeping with her"

I frowned his way, "I never said I wanted to sleep with her"

"I can read you like a book Hika" he rolled his eyes, "You'd sleep with anything as long as it had a pulse and wore heels"

"Well, it's not like that. She's my attorney, so thoughts like that are off the table"

"Hmm" he replied, unconvinced, "I heard you've invited her as your date to Nekozawa's anniversary gala"

"Actually Nekozawa invited the both of us"

"But you're not bringing a date?"

"Why would I need to bring a date? Miss Fujioka would only feel awkward"

"Not if she brought a date too"

I wasn't quick enough to catch the scowl masking my face as the image of her dancing and laughing with another man came to mind.

Kaoru grinned pointedly, "Just friends huh?"

"Yes. We're just friends" I said, setting it in concrete.

"And you don't want to sleep with her?"

"Should we really be talking about this in front of your son?"

Kaoru shrugged, "He's 4 months old. He doesn't even know what his feet are for yet"

"Do you know anyone else invited to the party?" I asked, changing the subject.

"The usual suspects" he sighed in reply, "Anyone who owns a company or a fully stocked bank account. Haninozuka, the Ootori's, the Kasanoda's, I'm pretty sure Haruhi's boss and his son will be in attendance also. So that'll be nice for her"

"His son?" I raised a brow, "He's still around? I thought he moved to France?"

"Only after college" he replied, "He moved back with his wife years ago. How do you not know all this?"

"Why would I care?" I answered honestly. I never even liked the guy. He'd always been so sickly optimistic and goody goody, never stepping a foot out of place or even receiving a bad grade. I still remembered that infuriatingly positive smile he greeted everyone with, always lighting up the room, surrounded by friends and admirers. I'd always been somewhat jealous of Tamaki Suoh. Everything seemed to come so effortlessly to him. And it didn't help that his Father had always been so supportive and trusting, letting him set his own path. Not at all like mine and Kaoru's.

Lucky blonde bastard.

"Do you know what Haruhi is wearing to the gala?"

I furrowed my brow, "Why the hell would I know that?"

"I expect she's probably pretty anxious about it" he replied, "Remember, Haruhi isn't like us, she wasn't born into a multi-billion yen company. You think she's ever been to such a big extravagant party before?"

"No..." I frowned, "But I don't care. I don't expect her to be anything she isn't"

"I'm not worried about you caring. But I'm sure she's worried"

"Do you know something I don't?"

He paused for a moment, as if trying to order his words in the least offensive way he could, "Actually she texted Kimiko about it. She asked what people usually wore to those kinds of parties, how she should act. Apparently she hasn't been on any kind of formal function since before Emi was born. She said she's...worried...that she'll stand out for the wrong reasons"

I blinked, letting his words soak in. Miss Fujioka worrying about what to wear? She never struck me as the sort of woman who gave a shit what other people thought. But as my mind swam, I was taken back to our first meeting with Nekozawa, where she'd seen the 5 star establishment, and instantly scolded me on the dress code. It had been the first time I'd seen a hint of self consciousness in her. A small crumb of vulnerability. I'd always had the opinion that even if she rocked up in pj's, she'd still probably be one of the most beautiful women in the room. But I didn't want her to feel out of place.

"Should I...buy her a new dress?" I questioned, not liking how the suggestion sounded. I knew Miss Fujioka enough to know that she wasn't someone who took kindly to being treated like charity. She was far too strong and proud for a hand out.

"No" Kaoru rolled his eyes, "Maybe just talk to her about it. Since you two are all 'buddy-buddy' now. You're the one who sees her everyday, and you're the one attending this gala with her"

"Yeah" I nodded slowly, "Yeah I guess I could do that..."

It was then that Kazue started to stir in my arms, and his mouth suddenly fell open and an ear splitting wail, that echoed endlessly from the depths of his throat. I grimaced, looking up hopefully at my brother, who was already holding out his hands to rescue me from his child.


The following week passed by fairly uneventfully. Mostly because Miss Fujioka had been in and out of the office more than usual, aside from Tuesday for the scheduled presentation meeting with Nekozawa.

It was my fault. I'd made the decision to start asking her what her preferences for working were, since I couldn't help but feel like I'd been selfish keeping her all to myself the last 5 months, even when I had no need for an attorney most weeks. Rather than meeting with me almost every morning at the office, she'd only come by 2 days this week, spending the rest of her time back at Ouran, corresponding with me via email. I hadn't expected to be so bothered by it, but dammit this had been the longest week of my life. I'd thought the distance would help me stop thinking about her so much, but unfortunately I discovered pretty fast that the distance only made me think about her more.

She'd assured me that she only needed to be at Ouran so much this week due to a backlog of emails and a need to catch up with her boss, and from next week she could be back at Hitachiin Corp whenever I needed her, but it still sucked that when given the choice, she chose to stay away, even if it wasn't personal.

I still wasn't used to this jealousy feeling. And honestly I wasn't sure I ever would be.

The presentation meeting with Nekozawa went off without a hitch. I allowed my development team to show off how the security program worked, and what we intended to implement within Nekozawa's hotels. He seemed pretty impressed, impressed enough to schedule a follow up to discuss contracts and pricing. As we shook hands and departed, I caught a quick thumbs up from Miss Fujioka across the room - so I knew we must have nailed it.

As Saturday drew in I found myself busying myself in my home office, replying to emails and doing more research into Nekozawa's hotels. It was nearing lunch time, and just as I was thinking about jumping up to make a sandwich, my phone dinged from where it lay beside me on the desk.

I was pleasantly shocked when I saw who it was from.

FUJIOKA

Emi says you're very welcome for the card. She also asks what your favourite colour is.

I leaned back in my chair, my thumbs already tapping out an answer.

HITACHIIN

I've gotten several compliments this week. A lot of jealous co-workers. And my favourite colour is blue.

Her reply didn't come right away, so I continued my mission to the kitchen. I'd managed to make myself half a cheese sandwich when my phone buzzed again.

FUJIOKA

She's just dug out glue and blue glitter. I'm so sorry in advance.

I grinned to myself, amused by the image of Miss Fujioka and Emi huddled together over a scrap piece of card, surrounded by paint and glitter, little Emi taking creative control.

HITACHIIN

What's she making me? - I replied.

FUJIOKA

I'm not sure. It's either a crown or a shark. I can't tell.

HITACHIIN

Am I going to get glitter in my hair?

FUJIOKA

I expect so. Sorry again.

HITACHIIN

For the record, my favourite animal is a lion. Not a shark.

I placed my cell on the counter top when she didn't answer right away, then finished making lunch and a cup of tea.

My phone buzzed as I settled down on the couch.

FUJIOKA

Noted. You might have a blue glittery lion crown waiting for you on Monday.

HITACHIIN

I'm almost paralyzed with excitement.

FUJIOKA

She wants a photo of you wearing it.

HITACHIIN

Not in this lifetime.

FUJIOKA

Have you ever tried saying no for a 4 year old? It's not pretty.

HITACHIIN

Kazue is only 4 months old, he's the only other child I know. So no.

FUJIOKA

Well one day you'll see just how explosive it can be. Please, or I'll never hear the end of it.

HITACHIIN

Not going to happen.

FUJIOKA

She wants to see you wearing it. She's even making matching ones for me and her.

My chest ached at the thought of the 3 of us wearing stupid sparkly animal crowns. A confusing image, but the way it made me feel was far more confusing. Before Miss Fujioka I grimaced at the thought of children. Now I was giddy with excitement over receiving a piece of glittery card from one.

Once again I scolded Kaoru for giving me a nephew I loved.

HITACHIIN

I'm still not taking a photo.

FUJIOKA

Spoil sport. She might not give it to you now.

I stopped the pout before I could see it in the reflection of my screen.

HITACHIIN

Woah, woah, woah, let's not be hasty.

Her message came through a few moments later, but to my surprise it was an image instead of a text. I opened it up to see a photo of Emi knelt at a small messy table, surrounded by paper cuttings, uncapped pens, glitter, and glue, whilst staring with complete unwavering focus at a jagged looking blue creation in her hands.

Dammit.

My fingers hesitated as I thought through my reply. I wanted to suggest something...but I wasn't sure how she would respond. I supposed we were friends. She'd declared it herself.

I sent it before I could chicken out.

HITACHIIN

What are you doing tomorrow? Maybe instead of a photo I could come and pick it up. That way she can see without leaving photographic evidence.

I felt like I'd been waiting hours for her reply. But when it came in I felt my heart drop to my stomach.

FUJIOKA

In that case we'll save some cookies for you.


HARUHI

Usually I had a lie in on Sundays, but this morning I'd been up since 7.

I'd been frantically cleaning the house for hours now. Cleaning handprints off the living room walls and vacuuming glitter out of the carpet. There was no way I was presenting my home to Mr Hitachiin without preparing beforehand. I couldn't have him thinking I didn't take care of my home, even though this mess had only been a result of the day before.

Emi woke up around the same time, it was hard enough keeping her in bed most days, but today she had a guest coming to visit. Which only made her all the more excited.

She'd chosen her outfit the night before. A pirate princess (since she couldn't decide between the two), then helped me clean up her toy area, taking care not to lose her tricorn hat in the process.

Mr Hitachiin would be here soon.

The thought made me want to shake uncontrollably. I didn't usually let people visit, since a home with a child under 10 was never really a guest ready house. But when he'd suggested the idea I'd felt this strange rush of excitement. And not just because I'd get to see him, which I'd been craving all week since I'd barely been to his office for more than a few hours. But also because I knew it would be the highlight of Emi's weekend.

"Have you brushed your teeth?" I asked as Emi jumped up and down in front of the speakers, her favourite kids bop album playing at far too high of a volume.

"Yes Momma" she spun around with a grin, showing me her gleaming smile, evidence of dried toothpaste on her cheek.

"Messy girl" I chuckled.

"When will Mr Prince get here?"

"Soon" I replied.

"Is he having lunch with us?"

"I'm not sure sweetheart, he might already have plans. He's only stopping by to see the present you made him"

"If he's not staying then why did you clean everywhere?"

"Because it's rude to have guests over when the house is a mess"

"But you said he was only stopping by"

"He'll be here long enough to look around"

Emi still looked confused, furrowing her brows before shaking her head, "Grown ups are weird"

I chuckled, "We are indeed baby. Which is why you need to stay this small forever"

"But if I stay this small forever then my legs won't get big, and then I won't reach the cookie jar in the kitchen"

"You know there's no cookies in there, it's just for show"

"So if I get big I can put cookies in it?"

"If you get big then sure. But you're not allowed to grow up, I forbid it"

Emi rolled her eyes, having heard this demand many many times before, and gave me a cuddle - just as the doorbell rang from the hallway.

I froze with my arms wrapped around her.

"He's here!" Emi squealed, bouncing up and down. And before I could stop her, she tore herself from my hold and immediately went running towards the front door.

Pretending you weren't home wasn't an option in this house. Emi alerted us like a goddamn Pomeranian.

She was already calling through the letter box at our guest when I rounded the door to the hallway. I took a moment to take deep sobering breaths as I approached, unlatching the lock carefully as Emi jumped away, a huge grin on her little face as she waited.

I wasn't sure what I had been expecting when I finally opened the door to see Mr Hitachiin stood there on my front step. Maybe I just wasn't used to seeing him in this context, or maybe I would just never get used to how irresistible he looked.

I don't think I'd ever seen him wearing anything but a suit, but today he wore simple dark jeans and a fitted grey sweater. His hair was less tamed, his jaw not quite as closely shaven as it was in the office. I supposed this was his weekend attire. A sight I truly hadn't prepared myself for. He looked like he'd stepped from the pages of a catalogue, rather than a man who'd simply stopped by to collect a glitter glued crown.

"Hi" I greeted, finally finding my voice.

"Hey" he repeated back, flashing his pearly veneers with his signature dangerous smile.

I stepped aside awkwardly, inviting him inside. I'd already run out of things to say, but thankfully Emi was like a wind up toy, and the moment I closed the door behind Mr Hitachiin, she leapt into action, grabbing his forearm to drag him further into the house.

"Come and see how clean it is Mister! Momma was tidying all morning!" she squealed.

I seethed to myself as I felt my cheeks flush pink.

Goddamn it child don't expose me like this.

"Momma cleaned up all for me?" Mr Hitachiin smirked, glancing over at me, "You shouldn't have"

"I didn't do it just for you" I lied.

"I'm just kidding" he winked.

Emi led him straight into the living room, where she told him to take a seat on the couch. He looked to me as if checking it was alright.

I nodded, "Would you like a tea? Coffee?"

"Mr Prince can have some of my pink milk!" Emi spoke up before he could answer, "Would you like some pink milk Mister? It's super tasty"

"Pink milk?" He questioned.

"Strawberry milk" I answered, "Are you sure baby? There's not much left"

She chewed her lip, as if instantly regretting her offer. Mr Hitachiin chuckled.

"Coffee would be great, thank you" he replied, "You know how I like it"

I pushed back the butterfly assault in my stomach set off from his words, and turned my blushing cheeks back to the kitchen counter top, pulling out some mugs and starting up the coffee maker. In the meantime as I waited for it to brew, I listened as Emi pulled out the crafts she'd made Mr Hitachiin, chuckling to myself as she insisted he put his blue lion crown on just as she pulled on her own – a pink one covered in fake rainbow feathers, flamingo themed. The nervous laughter in his voice didn't fail to make me chuckle.

"Very fetching" I smirked, setting our cups down on the coffee table.

He raised a brow up at me, his hair pushed down on his forehead by the blue glittery card sat atop his handsome head – a look in his eyes that said "Help me".

"My mother did always say I could look good in a plastic sack..." he replied unconvincingly, "Although this might be pushing it"

"I think it suits you"

"You would" he said, "I bet you're really loving this"

I shrugged, "Maybe a little"

"You look like a real Prince!" Emi exclaimed, clapping her sparkly hands together.

"What about Mom?" Mr Hitachiin raised a brow, "Doesn't she get one too?"

Emi squealed in delight, diving towards her hamper in the corner where she kept all her creations.

"Joke's on you" I said, "I look pretty amazing in mine"

"No shock there" he muttered to himself.

"Here you go Momma" Emi beamed, reaching up on her tiptoes to place the green elephant crown on my head from where I sat at Mr Hitachiin's side.

The crown itched the tops of my ears, and the glitter chunks instantly started to fall onto my face, but I grinned back at her beaming with pride.

"Dammit" Mr Hitachiin grumbled, "I was hoping you'd look as stupid as I feel"

"Be nice" I scolded, "She spent a long time on these"

"Don't you like your crown Mister?" Emi pouted.

Mr Hitachiin looked into my little girl's eyes for a long moment, those signature puppy dog eyes Emi had on lock. I think we both knew he was screwed the second he caught that gaze.

He gulped, "I...love it Emi. Thank you"

Emi's smile lit up the room, and I swear I saw Mr Hitachiin smile back just as warmly.

"Momma! Mister likes it!" she jumped up and down, some feathers falling loose form atop her head.

"You don't need to call me Mister" Mr Hitachiin smirked, "Hikaru is just fine" he looked at me, the same smile still set on his lovely face, "I don't mind if you call me that either"

Hikaru...

I'd only ever fantasised about dropping the formalities with him. But I never truly thought I'd be allowed to say his name so casually. It never felt weird when Kaoru and I used first names, or Hinako, even Tamaki. But for some reason the idea of calling Mr Hitachiin simply 'Hikaru', gave me this nervous feeling that swelled in my chest.

I swallowed, hoping my nerves weren't too evident on my face.

"Hikaru" I replied, testing the name on my lips. I liked it. A lot actually.

And from the deepening look in the man's eyes, I could tell he liked it too.

Or was I just imagining it?

We must have been sitting there for almost an hour before I remembered it was fast approaching lunch time. Honestly it was easy to lose track of time with Emi there to keep the conversation going, and going, and going, as she told Mr Hita- no, Hikaru, all about Yochien, her friends, her favourite colours and the entire plot to Frozen whilst he sat there listening intently, like the good sport he was. You couldn't even tell if he was disinterested or not, in fact he seemed almost in awe, much like I was whenever Emi went on a long tangent. It was never about what she was saying, but rather the infectious joy she seemed to radiate as she spoke.

"Lunch time angel" I said, readjusting the crown that sat tangled in her long auburn locks.

"Are you having lunch with us Hikaru?" she replied, latching onto...Hikaru's...hand.

Damn I was never going to get used to this.

"I'd love to" he replied, "As long as Momma doesn't mind?"

Of course I didn't, although I'd only really planned on jam sandwiches. It wasn't quite the same as those fancy lunches we usually had during our work meetings, but hopefully he wouldn't mind.

"Need some help?" His voice sang in my ear as he came to my side in the kitchen, "I'm not much of a chef but I can butter a mean piece of toast"

I chuckled, "You don't have to"

"I want to" he smiled, "Now, point me to the panini press"

Panini press, oh boy...

I handed him the convenience store bagged loaf of bread, which he stared at in confusion as if I'd just passed him a severed foot.

"Get buttering, Hikaru" I smirked.

He smirked back, "With pleasure, Haruhi"


I hope you liked this new chapter! I just got a new job so I've been pretty busy lately!

Let me know what you think :D

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Stay safe and be kind to one another,

- Yuli xx