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Far From The Tree

Chapter 14


HIKARU

Haruhi obviously hadn't told Emi of our dinner plans that night. Because when I walked through the door just and hour and a half after leaving the office, Emi greeted me like an excited puppy, jumping up at my knees with a grin on her face that could rival the first grin on a Christmas morning.

I'd never been invited to dinner by a woman before. Of course I'd invited plenty, but never to my own home. So it was strange being greeted by Haruhi in her casual jeans and t-shirt, fresh faced and tied into a sauce stained apron as her young child talked my ear off about Frozen 2.

It was so...domestic. And something about that gave me an unfamiliar sense of comfort.

The relationship between Haruhi and I seemed to change after that night, and through the week as it led up to the gala, we seemed to get closer and closer. We saw each other everyday, she worked from her laptop in my office instead of down the hall, she even invited me over for dinner again on the Thursday.

I found myself waking up each morning with a shit-eating grin on my face, genuinely excited to see her. I was going soft, like some lap dog for this woman. But honestly, I didn't even care.

When Saturday finally came I rolled out of bed before the sun even had a chance to rise. I had an unusual pep in my step as I made coffee and went about my day.

By 12 my suit had already been delivered from the dry cleaners, I was freshly shaved, freshly showered, I'd trimmed my nails, styled my hair, polished my shoes, all in preparation for the gala at 7. Usually, I threw on my suit half an hour before it began and rocked up an hour late to make a statement, but this time I wanted to be ready. And it had everything to do with Haruhi coming as my date. Not that we'd used that word at all. But I think we both knew it was implied.

Everything okay your end? Did you find someone to watch Emi? - I sent her a text around 5, tapping anxiously on the screen.

Renge just arrived so I have time to get ready. – She replied.

I quickly typed my response – I'll pick you up at 6.30.

She answered almost instantly. See you soon.


My driver pulled up outside Haruhi's small home right on time. And I stared through the car window to see the soft glow of her living room lamps turning on as the sky outside began to dim. Through the sheer net curtains I saw the small figure of Emi jumping up and down in front of her little pink stereo, I chuckled wondering which Disney tune she was so engrossed in.

I adjusted my bow tie as I fidgeted on her doorstep.

Why am I so nervous?

I was never nervous. Especially when it came to women.

I smoothed down my hair again, even though I must have spent an hour trying to tame it before I left the apartment, but the sweat beading at my brow seemed to be threatening all my efforts.

I rang the doorbell, and waited for the familiar sound of Emi's elated shriek and the pitter patter of her small feet running down the hall.

It opened, revealing a woman I hadn't been expecting. Not Haruhi, but her friend.

Renge grinned excitedly, "You're on time!" she said.

I frowned in confusion, "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I know you aristocrat types" She shrugged, "Always fashionably late. You're lucky Haru likes to be prepared"

I nodded, feeling more uncomfortable by the second.

I was suddenly reminded of the time I attended prom at 16. I'd shown up to my date's house to be greeted by her sister and parents. I'd wanted the floor to open up beneath me and swallow me whole from the awkwardness, as I felt them silently judge and appraise me like a pre-owned piece of furniture – searching for the inevitable faults that weren't so obvious at face value.

Then Emi saved me, running from the end of the hall in a billowing pink sequin cape and a giraffe onesie.

"Mr Hikaru!" she squealed, wrapping her arms around my knees, "You and Momma look like a Prince and Princess!"

"You think so?" I replied with a smile.

The little redhead beamed up at me, her brown eyes glistening with excitement. She then turned back from where she'd come and ran back down the hall, her quickened footsteps disappearing as they echoed up the stairs.

"Momma! Momma!" her little voice cried from the floor above, "Mr Hikaru is here!"

Renge snorted, "Precious"

Isn't she just.

"How is she?" I asked, awkwardly clearing my throat as the long haired woman bounced around into the living room to silence Emi's stereo.

"Which 'she'?"

"Haruhi" I answered.

A sly grin spread across her face, "She's good"

"Good?" I repeated. Such a vague answer, one that told me literally nothing.

"You know Haru well enough by now" she shrugged, "She treats everything like a conference meeting. Strategically and to the 'T'"

I breathed a laugh. Yup, sounds like Haruhi Fujioka alright.

"I can tell she's excited though. So don't worry your handsome head"

I swallowed back a sigh of relief.

"Nervous though" she added, "Like, so, so nervous"

Same boat as me - I guessed.

It was that moment Emi reappeared leaping down the stairs at 100 miles an hour. As if by instinct I shot to the base of the staircase to catch her in case she fell. She didn't, but she still ran into my arms with a high pitched laugh.

I inwardly chuckled. Confident to a fault, laughing in the face of danger, something I knew I could relate to.

I opened my mouth to tell her how dangerous it was to run down stairs, but someone beat me to it.

"Emi, I've told you not to do that. It's not safe" Haruhi's voice sang out from the floor above.

I lifted my eyes and my mouth slammed shut. My eye must have been bulging from their sockets as I resisted the urge to blink, in fear of missing even a millisecond of what stood before me.

Haruhi stood frozen by my appearance at the top of the stairs, her big brown eyes wide and off guard as they met mine.

She looked as if she were glowing - her fair skin illuminated in the dim lamp light of the upper hallway. Her chocolate hair was pulled back, whips of loose waves framing her face. She must have been wearing extensions, as the lower layers of her hair hung way past her shoulders, cascading down her back in a waterfall of curls, leaving her shoulders bare to my eager eyes. The dress she wore was a royal blue, full in the shirt and cinched at her small waist. The straps fell from her shoulders to her upper arms, emphasising her delicious collarbone and small dip of her cleavage.

Emi had been right. She looked like a god damn Princess. So much so I wanted to fall to my knees and worship her.

"I-I'm sorry if I kept you waiting" was all she said.

I struggled to answer right away.

"No" I gaped, "No, I wasn't waiting...for long. Not at all"

She gave a shy smile. The blush from her cheeks trailing down her neck and chest.

I tried not to stare, suddenly very aware I was still in the company of her young daughter.

I turned my attention to her.

"Momma does look like a Princess" I said.

Emi beamed, "I told you" she said, looking at me as if I were an idiot for not believing her.

I could feel Haruhi roll her eyes before I even looked back at her.

"I'm no Elsa" she scoffed, slowly walking down the steps.

I saw a flash of silver with each step, and I noticed the beautiful heels she wore.

She was so elegant...so effortless...

My breath caught in my throat as I reached out a hand to assist her with the final step.

She smiled, her cheeks pink with...embarrassment? Nerves?

My face heated, and I assumed I'd turned a similar colour to her.

"You look amazing" I said.

Did I say pink? I meant scarlet red.

Her bottom lip twitched as she chewed at it.

"Thank you" she replied, "And you look...very nice too"

"Only very nice?" I teased.

She pursed her lips, stifling a laugh, "You look very nice" she repeated with emphasis.

Arousal flowed through me. I flashed my most charming smirk, "I doubt anyone will notice, not with you on my arm"

She rolled her eyes at my cockiness.

I couldn't help the grin on my face.

"My god" Renge groaned behind us. Honestly, I'd forgotten she was even there, "Can you guys leave already? Emi and I have a schedule to keep"

"A schedule?" Haruhi raised a perfect brow.

"We're playing Mario Kart, then we're making snowglobes, and then we're watching Mulan" Renge replied as if it were an obvious list of events.

"Snowglobes?" Haruhi replied, "It's July"

"Yeah?" Renge said, "We have a leg up on everyone else. Our winter gifts are going to put everyone else's to shame"

"I'm making one for Mr Hikaru" Emi grinned, flashing her pearly whites.

Adorable.

"I can't wait" I replied.

"Don't say that" Haruhi smiled, "Otherwise she'll give it to you tomorrow and we'll have to find you a new present in December"

I tried not to grin.

"Out" Renge said, pointing to the door, "I don't know how much longer I can watch you two dance around one another"

Haruhi stiffened, and before I could wonder why - she latched onto my arm and began leading me to the door.

"Be good for Auntie Ren Ren" she said crouching down to kiss Emi on the cheek.

"She always is" Renge rolled her eyes and scooped the 4 year old up in her arms.

"I still like to remind her" Haruhi teased.

"As long as you're good too" her friend retorted with a wink.

Haruhi cut her off, once again pulling me to the door.

Honestly, Renge's comment could have been directed at me, since I'd received a pretty similar warning from my brother. He'd told me not to fall into my old habits with women and treat Haruhi as if she were just another girl I'd met in a bar. Although I would have thought by now he would have realised Haruhi was far separated from those women. She was special. And I would not persue her. No matter how much I wanted to.

"Wait wait!" Emi blurted.

Haruhi turned back to her.

Emi pursed her lips in a pout and Haruhi smiled, leaning it to accept her kiss on the cheek.

Then Emi looked at me with the same expression.

I paused, feeling awkward, but approached her regardless. Emi then planted a sloppy peck on my cheek, much like the one she gave her Mother.

"I see you later" Emi beamed.

"We see you later" Haruhi cooed, "Love you"

"Love you mostest!" Emi replied.

And with that, Haruhi and I left the house, her arm linked through mine, and my heart hammering in a way it never had before.


HARUHI

I hoped my hands weren't sweating as I sat beside Hikaru in the plush Audi, my arm still linked through his as we silently stared out the window ahead.

I wasn't sure why we were still clutching to each other, since we were now safely settled in the car. But I said nothing on the subject. For some reason the physical contact was grounding me, making those nerves I'd been scolding since the moment I'd woken up subside slightly just by his gentle touch. Maybe I was afraid that if I were to mention it he would let go, and then suddenly I would be thrown back into terror the closer the vehicle got to the Nekozawa Hotel.

I gave him a subtle side glance, once again revelling in his beauty.

He looked incredible. I'd always thought him godly in a suit, but a tux? He was otherworldly. His toned body was so tailored in that tux, his hair perfectly combed, hell, he'd even shaved. Not that I had any complaints over his weekend stubble. Hikaru was...just gorgeous.

I felt my cheeks heat up. Just like they had done when I'd seen him staring at me at the top of the stairs. He'd looked at me as if I were the most valuable jewel in the most priceless crown. I don't think I'd ever felt as beautiful as I did in that moment in my entire life.

I faced the front of the car as Hikaru turned to me.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I chewed my lip and nodded.

"You're nervous" he accused.

I nodded again.

Hikaru chuckled, "Don't be"

"Don't be?" I raised a brow, "That's easy for you to say. The last time I went out to an event was to chaperone Emi at one of her friend's birthday parties...at 'Singin' Salamanders'"

"Well, think of this like a really big Birthday party"

"Complete with a giant salamander playing a ukulele?"

"Honestly maybe. You never know with these big-shot galas"

"I don't think that makes me feel any more relaxed"

He squeezed my arm comfortingly.

A few minutes later we arrived at Nekozawa's hotel. The street outside was filled with chauffeurs unloading well dressed passengers onto the red carpet, flashes from paparazzi cameras caught the glint of diamonds hung around their necks and wrists as they disappeared inside the stunning building. Any concerns I had over looking a little too extravagant went out the car window as soon as I saw the sorts of gowns and suits these people wore, and suddenly my royal blue ballgown felt almost plain in comparison.

"Ready?" Hikaru flashed me a wink.

"No" I replied.

"Okay" he pursed his lips, and stared at me for a few moments,"...how about now?"

I heaved a sigh, "Fine, sure"

"Hey" he frowned, his hand raising to my chin. I froze under his touch as he tilted my head to face him. My breath caught in my throat, "You look incredible. And you have every right to be here, just like everyone else. Okay?"

I nodded, slowly and dumbly.

Hikaru climbed out of the car, beating the driver to my door. He opened it with a smile, offering his hand and helped me slide from my seat.

Cameras clicked and flashed immediately and I did my best not to freak out at the sudden onslaught as voices called out Hikaru's name and questions varying from business to who the hell I was met my ears. Honestly I struggled to make out a single word as Hikaru took my arm and walked us past the lines of people to the Nekozawa entrance. The smile on his face was effortless, but didn't meet his eyes. I supposed he'd been used to this kind of treatment for years, today was probably like any other day for Hikaru, whereas I was way out of my element.

Then, just as quickly as we'd left the car, we were already inside the hotel, leaving the crowds outside to move onto the next couple who followed behind. More questions, more photos.

I exhaled.

"Hard part is over" Hikaru said.

"That was horrifying"

"It gets easier. I barely notice them anymore"

"Are you usually swarmed like that?"

"Sometimes. But usually only at events like these. Tabloids and media don't tend to busy themselves with CEO's as much as other celebrities"

"I suppose that's a little more comforting" I sighed, "Wait. Does that mean I will be in a tabloid?!"

Hikaru shrugged, "Probably"

I stared at him in disbelief, "You're infuriatingly calm about that"

"Perhaps I'm a little smug that there'll be a photo out there of me with a beautiful woman on my arm" he flashed his signature cocky smirk, and I struggled to stay annoyed at him.

I rolled my eyes.

We were each handed a glass of champagne by a passing waiter as we stood there in the lobby simply looking around. I took the time to study the guests around me, recognising several from the pages of Dad's magazines. There were models, actors, actresses, CEO's, prestigious authors. I felt like a mutt amongst pedigrees as I noted their priceless jewels and perfect appearances. I expected they'd had whole teams of beauticians prepare them for the event, whereas I only had Renge to help clasp in some extensions she'd found at the corner boutique, and my own unreliable vision to contend with as I struggled to apply make up.

After maybe a moment or two, we were led into the main ball room where round tables seem to stretch out for miles, huge circular tables that seated 14 people around crystal flutes, satin table cloths and the finest silverware. Soft music played, harmonised with the low chatter and laughter of the hundreds of aristocrats around us.

The pit in my stomach eased somewhat when we were finally seated at our table. I gulped down my glass of champagne, as if trying to draw courage from it.

"Steady on" Hikaru chuckled.

"I didn't realise there would be so many people here" I replied.

"Don't worry about the other guests" he said, following my lead and drinking down his entire glass with a satisfied sigh, "Personally I'm already enjoying this gala more than my last one"

"What makes you say that?"

"Because there's actually someone here I want to talk to"

"Nekozawa?"

Hikaru rolled his eyes, "No you idiot. You"

"Oh"

"I usually come alone to these types of things. I've never brought a friend before"

"Surely you know these people?"

He glanced around the room, catching a few eyes as he studied the faces of the many guests. I noticed one tall and slender woman with straight black hair purse her lips towards him.

"Ah" I nodded in realisation, "I see you're more familiar with some..."

"In a different life, I assure you" he replied, barely spending more than a second looking at her before turning back to me.

I tried not to stare back too intently, but the way his hazel eyes bore into mine made it incredibly difficult to think about anything other than how attracted I was to him.

He licked his lips absent-mindedly, then reached across the table to pour me a glass of wine.


HIKARU

It was a lot harder than I'd first thought to resist the urge to admire her, because I easily could have spent the entire night just staring at her.

To sit beside a woman so mesmerising was almost torture, especially knowing she wouldn't be coming home with me to share my bed. No matter how much I wanted her to.

Haruhi remained poised and cautious, her dark eyes darting around the ball room at the other guests. I was sure to sit closely to her, making it painfully obvious that she was here with me, as I caught many men glancing her way with lust in their eyes. I couldn't blame them of course, to ignore Haruhi's presence would be like walking past the Mona Lisa blindfolded. She was easily the most beautiful woman in the room, and not just because she was wearing one of my Mother's gowns. Even her complete ignorance to the fact that she'd attracted so many eyes was attractive to me. I'd been so used to seeing women who were so consumed by how beautiful they were that to finally sit with someone who barely realised their affect on people was refreshing. It made me want to show her how irresistible she was.

My hands balled into fists in my lap, fighting the temptation to reach out and touch her again.

Haruhi lifted her wine glass to her glossy lips and I almost groaned before she paused mid drink, her eyes meeting something across the room.

"Mr Suoh" she said.

I turned around to see her boss and his son headed towards our table. It had been a while since I'd last seen Tamaki Suoh, probably since college just before he left for France with his wife. Well, ex-wife. Kaoru had filled me in on the breakdown of his marriage, I couldn't imagine such a trial could be easy, even for the strongest man. I supposed he did look a little more beaten down than he used to at school. But when he met Haruhi's eyes his face seemed to transform, as if new life had been breathed into him.

Haruhi had told me before that the two of them were just friends. So why the hell was he looking at her like he wanted to drop to his knees and surrender himself to her?

Jealousy hit me like a bullet train. But not the same jealousy I'd felt when Kaoru had earned Haruhi's friendship first. No. This jealousy made me want to carry her out caveman style, clubbing every man who looked at her on the way out.

I rose from my seat the same time Haruhi did, thrusting out my palm to shake the men's hands.

"Pleasure to see you again Chairman" I greeted, bowing my head to Mr Suoh.

"The pleasure's all mine" he replied, "Although I'm slightly more excited to see Miss Fujioka here, since you've been keeping her from me for so long"

His tone made it seem as if he were joking around, but he wasn't exactly wrong in his statement. I had been hogging Haruhi all for myself after all.

As Mr Suoh and Haruhi greeted one another, I faced Tamaki, trying my best to look equally as pleased to see him as I buried my jealousy deep deep down.

I shook his hand, "Suoh"

"Hitachiin" he nodded back, equally as indifferent.

It had been years since he and I had exchanged words. I'd known him in college but we never ran in the same circles. He wasn't really my sort of person. He'd always been a little too sickly sweet for my liking, filled with positive optimism. Whereas in college I'd been more rebellious as I fought to get my personal revenge on my Father. I doubted Tamaki was too fond of me either. However we never disliked one another.

I retook my seat beside Haruhi and immediately started to feel slightly calmer.

Mr Suoh grinned as he poured himself a drink, "You look divine Miss Fujioka"

"Thank you Chairman" she replied sweetly.

"I was hoping we would run into each other, thankfully it seems we have been placed at the same table"

Haruhi beamed in relief. Clearly she was pleased to have more familiar faces around. Perhaps it made her feel slightly less out of place.

Tamaki cleared his throat, "I saw Renge at the office earlier, she told me she was watching Emi tonight" he said, "You should have told me you needed a babysitter, we could have shared a nanny"

Oh right. Kids. Tamaki had children too. Another pang of jealousy shot through me, so strong I had to take a gulp of my drink to disguise the way my mouth grimaced in annoyance. I couldn't quite put my finger on why I was feeling such a strong distaste for the man, I was sure Tamaki was a perfectly decent guy. But the fact that he and Haruhi had something in common like children, made me wish I'd made some kind of counter list of the things she and I had in common just to fight back with.

"By the sounds of it Renge and Emi have quite the night planned. I would have hated to take that away from them" Haruhi laughed.

"Makes me feel bad for Kuma and Sophie" Tamaki said, "The nanny runs on a strict schedule. Bedtime at 8"

I swallowed back a scoff. I knew Emi well enough by now that I could practically see her running Renge ragged around the house well past 8pm, playing superhero dress up and subjecting Renge to the sing along version of Frozen and Frozen 2. A double feature. And yes...she had made me watch the sing along versions too during the week. I was just too dumbstruck to say no since I adored the reaction Haruhi always seemed to have whenever Emi tortured me so.

The two of them caught up for a while, talking about their kids and swapping stories; leaving me sat between them staring into my quickly emptying glass.

I was...irritated.

I had no right to be. But I was.

I knew I hadn't specifically said it to her, but technically Haruhi was my date. Not Suoh's. A possessive claim seemed to cloak me, and all I wanted to do was switch tables or something. Regardless of the fact that I knew alone-time with Haruhi would be detrimental to my plan to not fan the flames of desire between us, the only thing I could seem to think about was being alone with her. I wanted her all to myself. Was that too much to ask?

Actually, don't answer that.

The more I watched them, the more I saw Tamaki's expression change. Whenever Haruhi spoke his eyes seemed to glaze over with complete adoration. I wondered if I was the only one who could see it. Haruhi clearly had no idea that this man wanted her, perhaps no more than she knew I wanted her.

Thankfully, after a few minutes the music went silent, and Nekozawa himself appeared on the dancefloor, microphone in hand.

Haruhi turned away from Tamaki to watch, but not before she looked at me, giving me a comfortable and thankful smile.

My jealousy subsided once more. And I smiled back.


Hi everyone! I really hope you enjoyed this new update! I've been so excited for the gala forever now!

I just wanted to take a minute to thank Nelari_Chan who drew some AMAZING pieces of fanart! If you want to see them (which you should!) then please take the time to go over to her twitter - nelari_chan and show her some love. She's drawn a few scenes from this story and they're so perfect I can't even put it into words!

Once again, thank you for reading! Next update is coming soon!

- Yuli xx