Haruhi and Kyoya reached for the door at the same time. Haruhi waited for Kyoya to walk in but when he didn't move she entered the office. The pair stood at the sign in station while the office assistant prepared for the day. Finally he asked them to sign in and state the purpose of their visit.
"We are here to submit a divorce petition."
The office assistant looked sorry for them. "I'm sorry to say that the attorneys in charge of divorce petitions won't be in until ten today."
Haruhi and Kyoya turned to the clock. It was barely five minutes past 8 am.
"Of course," the assistant continued. "You are more than welcome to wait. But I must remind you that if you leave, your spot on the list will not be reserved."
"We'll wait." Haruhi replied as Kyoya said "We'll come back later." The two glared at each other.
"We'll have to wait for two hours here Haruhi."
"If we come back later there might be other people already waiting. We might have to wait even longer than if we stay now."
Kyoya had to admit that she had a point but he refused to tell her that. Instead he walked to the most comfy looking chair in the room. It was near the entrance. Kyoya grabbed a magazine from the table and began to read. "Thank You." she told the assistant. Haruhi walked to the opposite side of the room. It was a good thing she had brought work with her. She calmly began her paperwork. It was surprisingly relaxing.
An hour later, Kyoya was bored out of his mind while Haruhi continued to steadily make progress in her work. Kyoya put his magazine down. If he had to read one more damn story about a celebrity's secret life… He watched as person after person was attended. It was infuriating to see those who had arrived after him be attended before him. When his phone rang he was relieved. It was his brother but at least he could think about something other than mindless celebrity gossip. "Hello?"
He watched as Haruhi brought her cellphone to her ear too. She smiled brightly almost immediately.
Arai had called! When was the last time she had talked to her middle school friends? She wondered how his wife was doing.
Kyoya wondered who could make Haruhi smile so easily Unfortunately for Kyoya's curiosity, he couldn't hear what Haruhi was saying without unfocusing on his brother's words.
"Yes, I understand." He replied to whatever his brother had said. Haruhi was talking too low for him to hear.
Haruhi nodded. "I'm not busy right now. Of course I can help you out. What's wrong?"
"I need your advice. You see, my wife has been moody lately. She's like an emotional rollercoaster!" Arai's tone -less dramatic than Tamaki's but panicked nonetheless - made Haruhi uneasy. He was usually so laid back. "And the worst part is that she keeps throwing up but hardly eats anything. I'm worried about her but she refuses to see a doctor!"
Haruhi felt Kyoya staring at her from across the room. Didn't he have his own call to focus on? She stood up and walked out, standing near the entrance in case she had to enter quickly. "Listen Arai, I think I might know what's going on. I'm going to ask you an important question but you have to promise me you won't freak out. Is there any chance your wife…."
Kyoya leaned back in his chair. He told himself that it wasn't because he wanted to listen to Haruhi. No, he was lying back because it was comfortable. "Kyoya, are you listening?"
"Of course." He leaned in to hear Haruhi.
"...might be pregnant?"
Kyoya's mind raced. Who could be pregnant?
Haruhi laughed. "I told you not to freak out just yet. The best thing would be to take a pregnancy test."
"What do you think?" Kyoya's brother asked.
Kyoya cleared his throat. "Of course the partner is at fault. They purposely hid the fact that they were bankrupt..." Kyoya leaned in again, blanking out his brother.
Haruhi was talking about pregnancy symptoms. "I'm telling you, I threw up everywhere. And eating strawberries was out of the question..."
'But Haruhi loves strawberries,' Kyoya thought. So then...
"...Of course. I mean I'm not sure but the signs are there."
Kyoya zoned in to his brother again, making sure he was still talking.
"Kyoya, you have to listen closely okay?"
Kyoya sighed. Damn who knew what he could be missing? But he complied. "You have my attention."
Haruhi listened intently to Arai's worries. He had to go on a business trip but didn't want to leave his wife in case she really was pregnant. Even so, money ran the world and he had to make a living. "Listen Arai, work is important but so is your wife. If she is pregnant then you need to talk to her about work and plan things out."
"You're right. I just can't help but think that now that I might have a child on the way I should work even harder. I want to give him or her a good future."
Haruhi listened to his explanation. Could it be that Kyoya thought the same way? But he didn't even realize he had a child on the way. And she didn't plan on telling him. He had his opportunity to know. Besides, after she received the news she tried to avoid discussing the accident. It hurt too much.
Kyoya finally hung up. He was free to listen in now! Ignoring the stares he was receiving from a child in front of him, he scooted closer to the doorway.
Haruhi seemed to have blanked out.
She snapped back into reality when she heard Arai ask if she wanted to celebrate in case the results were positive.
"Of course! We must celebrate. I really hope the rest comes out positive… I'll see you soon then hopefully."
"My wife will be so happy! By the way Haruhi, I'm sorry I haven't asked but are you doing okay? Since the last time we talked it seems things only got worse."
"It has. Yesterday was...well anyway I'll tell you later. You know I'm not comfortable about talking about these things in public."
Kyoya nearly fell out of his seat. What did she mean by "these things"? And what had occurred yesterday that rendered her speechless? Their fight? Doubtful! Who would she even recount the story to when Tamaki had surely already blabbed it all.
"Don't worry. I'm fine…. Yes… Okay, bye." Haruhi hung up. She took a deep breath before entering the room. It always took her a bit to recover.
Kyoya's mind was whirring. He knew symptoms of pregnancy weren't present overnight but who knew how long her affair had been going on.
Haruhi opened the door to the office. Kyoya instantly shot up straight in his seat. Haruhi glanced at him suspiciously. Before she had time to think about why he nervously adjusted his glasses, their names were called.
"Kyoya and Haruhi Ootori."
They approached the desk. The assistant smiled. "It would seem that the attorney has arrived early. You may go in." The assistant clicked on the buzzer that unlocked the door leading to the offices.
Wordlessly, the two made their way into the assigned room.
Haruhi looked out the window. Kyoya sat with his head resting on his palm. They were waiting for the attorney to finish typing the official report.
They looked anywhere but at each other.
The attorney stopped typing, sparing them a pitying look.
"I'm obligated to ask," the attorney began. "Do both of you fully consent to and understand that once this document has been processed you will officially be divorced?"
Haruhi looked at Kyoya. She felt an indescribably sharp ache in her heart. She didn't want it to be this way, hoped it never would be yet there she was. It had to be done. Before she could changed her mind, she looked away, nodding.
Kyoya looked to Haruhi who was now looking out the window again. If she truly had cheated on him it was unforgivable...or so he liked to tell himself. The truth was that she could do any malicious deed towards him and he would forgive her if she asked him to. But in this case, she wasn't looking for forgiveness. So he wasn't looking to forgive. He crossed his arms and nodded.
The attorney stifled a sigh. So many couples divorced and almost one in every four seemed to still be in love. This couple belonged to that twenty five percent. But in the end, an attorney could only remain neutral. She printed the document and placed it in the center.
"This is the official petition. Please read it over before you stamp your seal."
Haruhi motioned for Kyoya to read it. She had practically memorized that sheet already. Kyoya read through the paper quickly. Finally, he placed it down.
The attorney continued. "So, to confirm, Haruhi Fujioka," she looked at Haruhi. "Haruhi Fujioka asks for no alimony and will retake her maiden name. Kyoya Ootori, also asks for no alimony. In addition, you have chosen to sell any and all joint assets,including property, that were acquired during the marriage. The money will be distributed according to the percentage paid by each." Kyoya and Haruhi confirmed.
"Alright then. Place your seals here."The attorney gestured towards the assigned places. Haruhi already had her seal ready.
When the stamps were in place the attorney revised it. "Everything looks good. Please make yourselves comfortable. I'm going to make copies and have it processed. But in a couple of minutes, you will be Kyoya Ootori and Haruhi Fujioka again." The attorney walked away. For some reason though, neither Haruhi nor Kyoya felt the weight being lifted from their chest. Instead, their shoulders slumped from the painful burden of knowing that - in an act of frustration - they had chosen to run away from their problems instead of resolving them.
Tamaki was frantic. What he understood: Haruhi and Kyoya were probably at the office at that very moment.
What he didn't understand: The host club wasn't anxious to arrive!
His leg bounced up and down as he sat in the limo. Stupid traffic!
"So let me get this straight," Tamaki didn't have the mind to guess which twin was talking. "They're getting a divorce because of you."
"It's not my fault! I was trying to help them."
"Well, I'd be pissed if you saw my wife NAKED."
"That's not the issue right now!" Tamaki's face burned with anger and impatience. How many times had he explained that the instant was a blank to him? He didn't remember what she looked like (And he didn't want to).
"I think he's right."
"Thank you Honey." Tamaki said triumphantly.
"I'm talking about Hika-chan. If I walked in on you and my naked wife I would be upset."
Tamaki sighed. Even honey was making a big deal out of this? He looked to Mori for help.
Mori's eyes darkened. "Unforgivable."
Tamaki hung his head. "Look guys, I know it's bad. I should've told Kyoya that Haruhi was there. But don't you think you can scold me later? Right now we need to get to the office as fast as possible."
Honey looked out the window. There were cars closely lined up to each other on all sides. It was already nine and based on the drivers' angry faces, it didn't seem that the line would move anytime soon. "I'm sorry Tamaki. I know you want to help. But I think it's too late."
Haruhi sneezed.
"Bless you." Kyoya said stiffly.
"Thank you." She said flatly.
They continued to stare in opposite directions. The seconds stretched on until it felt like an eternity even though it had only been a minute or so since the attorney left.
Haruhi's ears perked up when she suddenly heard loud giggling from the cubicle in back of her.
There was a young couple in their early twenties. They was very obviously experiencing the rush of love.
The couple's promises of love reached her ears. She didn't know whether to wrinkle her nose at the fluffiness or mourn the memories rushing through her.
"I love you. I told you. I don't care what my family or anybody says. I'll love you forever." The man said,rather loudly.
The girl snorted a bit, as if she couldn't believe him. "You're so cheesy." then her tone dropped but was still loud enough to be heard. "But I love you too. I can't wait to officially be your wife."
Haruhi's and Kyoya's eyes met. Whether they liked it or not, they knew what the other was thinking.
Haruhi never had any trouble sitting still. So why were her hands trembling? Her eyes darted about the room, looking at everything except the door in front of her.
Yesterday had been the happiest day in her life. She had officially become Haruhi Ootori. She smiled to herself. It had been a simple, traditional wedding with only close relatives and friends in attendance (per the request of the bride and groom). She had worn the beautiful, salmon colored kimono from her parents' wedding with pride and only a bit of longing for her beloved mother. Although she missed her and wished for her to be there physically, Haruhi knew her mother was there in spirit; her mother was always watching over her. Besides, Ranka definitely served as both mother and father.
Haruhi and Kyoya had officially been married since then but could not begin their honeymoon or trip to the US. They acknowledged that many people would be offended when they discovered that they hadn't received an invitation to the third Ootori son's wedding. It was because of this that they agreed to a more extravagant wedding - much to the delight of the parents. After all, the guests didn't need to know there had been two weddings. And it didn't matter (so much) how they got married, just that it had been done.
Haruhi looked at herself in the mirror for perhaps the first time that day. She had just finished receiving the last of her visitors so there had been little time to see herself. She wore a simple yet elegant gown. It was not too puffy or long enough to drag excessively on the ground but it seemed to glide across the floor when she walked. It almost seemed as if she was flying instead of walking. Her veil was still pulled back, revealing her nervous expression. She laughed at the absurdity of her nerves. She was already married wasn't she? Yup...but this time she would walk in front of more than one or two dozen people. She took a deep breath when she heard a soft knock. Ranka walked in. He hugged her and kissed her forehead in the same way he did when she was younger. She was already married but that didn't make it any less difficult to let her go. With tears threatening to fall, Ranka slowly brought her veil down to cover her face. "It's time."
Kyoya adjusted, cleaned and re-adjusted his glasses. He was standing by himself in front of the doors leading to the designated room in the church. Were the guests taking rather long to settle in or was it just him? He tried to control his expression and feelings. He couldn't show his anxiety or fear. Fear? Kyoya shook his head at his silliness. How many times had he presented for a crowd? Besides, he was already married, why was he afraid? Would Haruhi leave him at the altar now? Even though they were already married? No. He sighed in relief as he gave himself the answer he had known all along. Of course not.
Tamaki walked up to him. He patted Kyoya's shoulder. "Looks like it's time."
Kyoya nodded. Tamaki smiled. "Are you nervous?"
Kyoya pushed his glasses up. "Of course not. We got married yesterday."
"She still has time to change her mind." Tamaki teased. He quickly changed time at Kyoya's bewildered expression. "I'm just kidding!"
"Good luck!" Tamaki walked to his designated spot. There was no room to horse around too much. He was the best man after all! It had taken hours of convincing since it wasn't exactly a Japanese tradition but the stubborn couple had finally relented to a best man and a maid of honor.
By the time the last few guests were settled, Kyoya had managed to calm down.
The doors to the church opened, startling Kyoya. He wasn't ready yet! Even so, Kyoya breathed slowly. It was time. He couldn't let others see him in such a panicked state. He calmly walked up the aisle towards the front of the church. He tried not to mind all of the flash photography around him, focusing on not tripping over his feet.
The doors to the church shut. For a minute there was no sound. Then the music began to play. Kyoya's heart skipped more than one beat. The doors were slowly opened. Kyoya turned to look at the entrance. He could've sworn it stopped functioning as soon as he realized that nobody stood in the doorway.
Tamaki quickly walked to the maid of honor (aka Renge).
"What's wrong?" He half whispered half shouted to her.
"How am I supposed to know? She was standing there a minute ago!" she responded in the same tone.
Tamaki grinned, pretending that everything was okay. He walked back to his spot. He discreetly motioned for the attendants to close the doors.
Kyoya tried his best to remain calm as the guests began to whisper amongst themselves. What the heck was he supposed to do now?
Meanwhile Haruhi had run to the nearest restroom. She grimaced as she threw up. Stupid…
Ranka walked into the restroom nonchalantly ignoring the stares he received from women attending other weddings. He knocked on Haruhi's stall, opening it slowly when he heard the door unlock.
"Honey," he patted her back soothingly until she stopped throwing up. Haruhi walked out of the stall. She was grateful for the fact that her dress had miraculously survived. It had no stains! She rinsed her mouth carefully.
Ranka sighed. "It's okay to be afraid my daughter. But you've got to get out there."
Haruhi turned to him, smiling reassuringly. "Dad-"
"I know. I was nervous too. Just remember that no matter what happens, I'm here for you. If you decide not to go through with the wedding today I'll be devastated but I'll respect your decision."
"I'm fine dad." She took his hand.
"No you're not and it's okay to accept that maybe things are going too fast for you. It can definitely be nerve wrecking to walk in front of hundreds of guests-"
"Dad I'm serious. I ate a dozen too many crab legs yesterday." She rubbed the back of her neck shyly. "I guess it finally caught up to me haha."
Ranka stopped, staring at her with big eyes. Then he began to bawl. "My beautiful, darling daughter! You're growing up so fast you adorable ball of cuteness!"
After managing to calm Ranka, the two walked back to the entrance of the assigned room. The attendant communicated their return, signaling the process to start again.
Kyoya was trying to convince the priest to stay another minute when the music began to play again, quieting the crowd.
The doors opened slowly.
Kyoya nearly covered his eyes at the bright light that met his gaze.
Haruhi walked towards him as fast as the directors allowed her to but it wasn't fast enough for him. He wanted to skip to the I do's. He couldn't see her face too clearly yet but he didn't need to. Kyoya already knew she was the most beautiful woman he had ever met. The only woman that had ever affected him so deeply.
Finally, Ranka and Haruhi reached him. Ranka stepped forward to stand in front of Kyoya. They bowed to each other.
"Kyoya Ootori, I am grateful that you are the one to marry my daughter today. I expect you to treasure and protect her until you take your last breath." Ranka took Haruhi's hand, placing it in Kyoya's. Before leaving he whispered, "If you don't, I'll kick your ass." With a wink Ranka walked to his seat.
Most of what the solemnizer said flew by the couple completely. Haruhi wasn't one to admire the looks of others but she had to admit, Kyoya looked more dashing than usual. She couldn't help but blush when he looked at her. His glasses did nothing to conceal the message in his eyes. His gaze was strong. He gave her a small smile when he caught her looking. She smiled back. It was those simple things that made her heart flutter.
Next were the vows. Both Haruhi and Kyoya read them flawlessly. To outsiders, their vows seemed like another thing the intelligent couple had easily written and memorized. It was created with the intent of showing their love but was a tad to complicated for the common person to understand. To each other, the vows were laced with secrets, jokes and references only the other could decipher and understand.
Then came the I do's. Their hearts pounded with the knowledge that they'd soon be living together. They had managed to make it without too many complications.
Kyoya's fingers brushed against her cheek as he pulled the veil out of her face. He sucked in a breath when he saw her. He wanted to tell her how she was the most gorgeous woman on Earth- both inside and out. He wanted to tell her he loved her. He wanted to tell her so many things but found that he was speechless. Haruhi thought that was probably the best reaction she could have received from the ever witty and cool Kyoya Ootori. Haruhi felt her stomach flutter uncontrollably as Kyoya gently tilted her head towards his.
Haruhi closed her eyes tightly. She should've known everything happened much too perfectly. She was naive to believe it would stay that way.
Kyoya thought differently. He knew the fairy tale quality of their relationship was going to end eventually. He just wished he was wrong. If Kyoya could go back and face some problems before their marriage, he would if it meant they wouldn't be in this predicament.
The attorney walked back in the cubicle. She sat in from of them.
"Congratulations." She handed Haruhi a copy of the documents. "You are officially divorced." She handed Kyoya a copy too.
The pair stared at the papers. Kyoya was the first to recover. He stood up quickly, before his emotions could take hold. "Thank you." He walked out.
Haruhi stood slowly. She quietly said "Thank you." and walked out.
Kyoya waited for her outside of the office. He wanted to say something to her -anything- but didn't know what. What were you supposed to tell your ex wife? The thought that she was having an affair was still lying in the back of his mind. It was like an angry presence there. He wanted to ignore it because deep down his heart knew better but it was the only conclusion his brain could draw.
Haruhi stopped in front of him. Kyoya did the only thing he knew how to do when it came to goodbyes. He bowed and said. "It was a pleasure meeting you."
Haruhi was frustrated with his cool attitude. Why had she ever admired it? Although she wanted to punch the crap out of him she reciprocated the bow. "Likewise." They stared at each for a bit in tense silence.
Finally she cleared her throat. "Well, goodbye then." She walked away quickly, determined to go to work. If she worked hard enough she might forget the excruciating pain she was feeling. She might finally stop hearing her conscience tell her that she had made a mistake.
Kyoya watched her go. When she was out of sight he walked into the awaiting limo. "To Ootori headquarters."
The hosts stumbled out onto the street. They watched the awkward exchange between Haruhi and Kyoya.
"No…"Tamaki whispered. He lunged forward.
Mori grabbed Tamaki's shoulder before the blonde could go any further. "Tamaki." Kaoru restrained Hikaru from punching the nearest wall as they watched the two go their separate ways.
Honey wiped a tear away. "It's too late."
