1st Anniversary

They didn't mind spending their first anniversary studying. In fact, they had both wanted to suggest it and were relieved that the other agreed.

Haruhi snuck a peek at Kyoya. Even though he was sitting on a reclining chair his back was straight. His current assignment was to watch the long - and in Haruhi's opinion, boring- documentary about the invention of the first suitcase. She couldn't believe his father had made him take that class but she just shrugged it off as being a weird businessman thing. She sat on the carpet, leaned against the couch with her books on the coffee table in front of her. Kyoya always teased her weird habit of sitting on the ground when there was a perfectly good sofa available.

Haruhi only smirked in response, reminding him of his habit of sitting up straight even while on a beanbag chair.

Kyoya sighed, pausing the documentary as the credits began to roll. He reached over to grab his laptop.

Haruhi sipped her tea, writing a quick note on the margin of the page that was already tattooed with an ocean of pen marks.

"We won't regret studying during our first anniversary, right?" Haruhi asked, standing up to get more tea. Thankfully the couple lived in a cozy and relatively small apartment close to campus. She didn't have to navigate through seemingly endless hallways to reach the kitchen.

Kyoya stopped typing to look at her. "I would rather study now and go home sooner."

Haruhi set her fresh cup of tea down on the table. She walked back to Kyoya, hugging what she could reach of him from the back of the chair. Basically, she lovingly wrapped her arms around his neck. He leaned into her, letting Haruhi rest her chin on his head. "That's true," she murmured. Both Kyoya and Haruhi had managed to pass enough accelerated classes to move on early. Even though the couple was initially supposed to move to Europe in a couple of months, Yuuichi had recently started a business venture there. As a result, they were free to move back to Japan. "I'm just glad next year we'll be back home."

In a rare act reserved for her, Kyoya's face lit up with a cheesy grin. "I thought home was wherever I was. I'm wounded."

Haruhi rolled her eyes, smacking his shoulder lightly. "Not when you can't cook a decent meal."

They laughed, returning to their respective assignments.

After a moment of silence Kyoya set aside his laptop and sat down next to Haruhi. "Close your eyes."

Haruhi obeyed.

"Okay….open them."

Haruhi opened her eyes to see Kyoya sitting exactly where he had been before. Except maybe an inch closer and with his palms out in front of her.

"What?" She asked in amusement.

"Nothing, I just love you."

Haruhi looked away blushing deeply and Kyoya did the same.

He cleared his throat. He knew that website was wrong!

She turned her gaze back to him. "I love you too." He just nodded, ashamed of his attempt to be cute.

He remained turned, standing up with too much embarrassment to face her.

She just followed suit and kissed his cheek. "Now before either of us attempts to be cute again," she kicked his butt playfully. "Let's finish our work."

He rubbed his behind resentfully. "How would you like it if I did that?"

She shrugged, snickering. "Let's get this done and then we'll see."


2nd Year

Haruhi entered the house. It was dark but she had expected it. After all, the guards were not outside and the garage only contained the usual cars. She set her bags down on the couch before hanging her coat. She bought Kyoya a small present but one that she hoped he needed as much as she had noticed. He was in the office for weeks at a time, returning only to sleep for a couple of hours. His glasses were loose, probably from all of the times he removed them, cleaned them and forgot about them. The lenses were scratched too (probably because he carelessly set them down on hard surfaces or threw them on soft surfaces in a fit of impatience). She sighed, wishing she didn't have to leave the box on his desk. He wasn't in the office when she dropped by. 'He's at a meeting,' they told her. She walked towards her bedroom but stopped when she noticed a small glint on the ground. Haruhi bent down to inspect it. It was a small gift bag. As she began to stand she noticed another gift bag. Her lip twitched with the beginning of a smile. She followed the trail of bags, picking each one up. The final bag was light magenta or perhaps just a mix of red and lavender. When she looked up, her eyes had to adjust to the light in the room. It was lit by candles in the middle of their now decorated dinner table. Kyoya stood at the head of the table. He held a bouquet of roses. He had taken care to have exactly twelve gift bags and twelve roses. 24 presents total for the 24 months since they were married. Kyoya cooly walked to her, smoothly taking the bags and handing her the roses.

Haruhi was speechless. She slowly recovered. "It's...beautiful."

Kyoya nodded. "I would hope so. It took me an hour to fix up all of the decorations," he pointed at the arch of red roses at the doorway, the lavender tablecloth, candles, and other decorations along the walls.

"You did everything yourself?"

He took the roses, setting them down on a chair, before embracing her. "Just the way you like it."

She hugged him back. "Thank you."

With a childlike eagerness he grabbed her hand and led her to her seat. She stared at the plates of food In front of her. He sat down at his place while she soaked it all in. "Shall we eat?"

She nodded, picking up her utensil. Before she could take a bite she paused. "Wait a minute...Did you cook any of this?"

He huffed.

She chuckled. "That's fantastic! I really didn't feel like dying today."

"You know, I didn't either so I decided to order the food."

"I'm sorry I didn't get you much." Haruhi began to mumble around her food. If she had known he would organize such a wonderful dinner date…

Kyoya shook his head at her apology. "I'm Sorry i've neglected you for so long."

She smiled. "It's okay as long as you always come back for special occasions."

"I hope you like your presents," Kyoya continued.

"Likewise." She knew he wanted her to give him his presents. Instead she led a conversation to catch up on recent events. After about twenty minutes, Kyoya sighed, knowing he would have to ask. "So, not that gifts define our relationship but, where are my presents?"

Haruhi curled spaghetti around her fork. "One of them is in your office…" She smiled rather coyly as she said the next sentence. "And I'm wearing the other one. I guess you'll have to wait a bit longer to see either of them."

"Oh," Kyoya sipped his water. OH. Kyoya pounded his chest harshly as a wild fit of coughs attacked him.

She laughed, happy to have been the cause of such a reaction.

His cheeks felt hotter than the sun when he finally managed to steady his breathing. He wasn't going to let her get away that easy. "Well," he walked around the table to her side. "It's a good thing…" he pulled her up gently. Haruhi's eyes widened as she felt his hand on the small of her back. Her heart hammered against her chest.

"...the next course is considered cold food." As he leaned in to kiss her, he gave her that look of his that both of them knew she had yet to grow immune to.

She couldn't find any words that would make a suitable comeback.

"There should be no problem eating it later right?" His lips brushed against hers.

It was Haruhi's turn to blush profusely. She tried to step away but instead thought better of it. She had started this little duel so why not finish it? He was bluffing anyway.

"Since that's the case," her fingers traced the outline of his arms, up to his shoulders. "I'll lead the way." Her arm fell to her side before it could reach the ticklish spot on his neck. She muffled her laugh as she headed to the bedroom. There was no way he would follow.

He stared, stunned at her sudden, bold attitude. He reached to stop her but thought better of it. He didn't know what this new thing was or what the hell they were doing but he liked it. How interesting this sudden change in atmosphere was. So he followed her (much to her surprise).

And so the night continued.


3rd Anniversary

Haruhi stared at herself in the mirror. She wore a long, powder blue gown with a simple ribbon across the waist. A bit little girlish but appropriate for the theme. Her hair was down with two strands tied back, the rest was curled around her face. She had makeup on and blindingly expensive jewelry. She couldn't believe that was her staring back. Haruhi sighed, sitting up and moving away from the vanity.

Kyoya walked into the room. He was fixing the cuffs of his tuxedo, mentally preparing the events of the night. His tux was black, of course. He walked to Haruhi, handing her his tie. It was a routine for them; she was in charge of his tie. It was cliche but a nice couple moment before he had to leave. And he considered it the only good luck charm he needed.

She carefully tied it around his neck. Her fingers knew the routine already, moving almost automatically. When she finished he smiled. "Thank you."

She smiled back, pulling him into her with his tie.

Knock. Knock.

Kyoya moved away to open the door, somewhat annoyed. Haruhi fixed her dress, reminding herself to comb Kyoya's hair a little. It had become a bit messy.

"The guards have informed us that the guests have started to arrive."

"Thank you. We'll be right there." The door closed. Haruhi reached up to tame his hair.

"I can't believe we're spending our anniversary hosting a party." She opened the door. They began to descend the stairs.

Kyoya grimaced apologetically. "I know, but I promised I would always come back for our anniversary. Unfortunately, this was the only way to do so."

Haruhi understood but that didn't mean she liked it. He missed both of their birthdays. He missed their last six monthly meetings even though he promised to be there. They even prepared dates but he didn't show up to most. "I don't like being clingy Kyoya, but I think I deserve some alone time with my husband.

"You think I haven't been trying." It wasn't a question.

"No, I think our work has caught up to us. I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later but how is it possible that this is the first time in two months that we see each other?"

"It won't get worse. I'll make sure of it." Kyoya said before opening the doors to their house. The couple automatically pasted smiles on their faces, greeting their guests.

As they moved from group to group Haruhi couldn't help but think that even this was better than no time with him at all. Why would she give up sharing Kyoya in favor of not having him at all? Meanwhile, Kyoya wasn't too into the conversations with his guests. However, he did attempt to be. She was right about work and although he was sincere about his promise, the realistic side of him knew it WOULD only get worse. He just hoped she would remain at his side through it all.

When the last guests departed the two dismissed their staff and trudged up to their bedroom. Haruhi wanted to say more, discuss it with him. After all, they were both going their separate ways tomorrow. She would go to a convention, he would visit an older resort.

There was too much to say and not enough time. Neither of them was in the mood to do more than say goodnight and sleep, their words remaining unsaid.


4th anniversary

Haruhi blew the candles on the cake out, dismissing the last bit of light in the dining room. She sat in pitch darkness.

Kyoya failed to show up today. She fought the tears at bay. Sadness was bad for her baby. She blinked rapidly, wiping away the stray tears that had escaped. Tomorrow they'd go tell Ranka about the news. Then he would go to work and come home for dinner. Yes...Haruhi would have Gabriel prepare a wonderful feast full of his favorite food.

She repeated the plans over and over in her head as she cleaned up. They were a comfort, even if she had to ignore the improbability of it happening.

"Don't worry," Haruhi said to her baby as she climbed the stairs. "I know your father will be ecstatic when he hears the news. He won't leave you out of his sight for more than a few hours at a time." She lay down in bed, resting her hand on her stomach. Her phone dinged. She reached over to open the message.

He couldn't make it tomorrow. Her expression didn't change. The chant had been a comfort but her lack of surprise confirmed that she never truly believed in it.

"He'll stay longer for you. I know it," she whispered.

She drifted off to sleep with the horrible feeling that she had already lied to their child.


Present

Haruhi was exhausted. The company she worked for was steadily becoming known in the industry.

She picked up the frame that held the photograph of her mother and father. It was her dream to become a top lawyer and now it was slowly coming true. She traced her mother's face. "I hope you're proud of me mom."

Haruhi set the frame down. She turned on her desktop but remained fixated on her thoughts. Would her mom be proud? Yes, she'd be proud of the lawyer Haruhi had become. But no, she wouldn't be proud of the person Haruhi had become.

A knock at her door forced her to dismiss her redundant thoughts. "Come in."

"Mrs. Oot-" The boss corrected himself quickly, "I mean Ms. Fujioka, I have exciting news!"

Haruhi stood up but the boss quickly motioned her to sit.

The boss sat as well but bounced a bit in his seat. "We have been asked to send our top two lawyers to represent a very well known company in Japan."

"That's amazing! So, who are you thinking of sending? I can help them in whatever they need."

The boss laughed. "Well, you are the first person I'm appointing of course!"

"Me?" Haruhi was genuinely shocked.

"Yes! I can't give you too many details yet because the company has to confirm the two attorneys I listed but this is a heads up that you should receive news soon."

"Wow- I'm- thank you." Haruhi said joyously. "I'm honored that you think so highly of me."

The boss dismissed her thanks. "You've proven yourself and deserve this opportunity. I'll get back to you as soon as I can with more details. I have to inform your future partner though so I'll get going now."

"Of course. Thank you so much!"

Haruhi was grinning widely. She picked up the phone, immediately dialing a familiar number.

It rang once.

"Hello?"

Her smile faltered.

"If you're going to call me at least speak." Haruhi hung up. She had dialed Kyoya's number without realizing it.

What was worse was that he didn't realize it was her.

She breathed deeply. This wouldn't affect her. She made herself promise not to cry again.

Instead of wallowing in depression as she had done for a week after the divorce, Haruhi dialed another familiar number.

"Haruhi!"

She smiled upon hearing the cheerful voice. "Tamaki, You'll never guess what just happened…"


Honey waited at the usual table. He rarely showed up at the cafe on days other than the meeting day but this location seemed appropriate. A waiter approached him but Honey waved him away. He was too upset for even his favorite sweet to help him.

It has been exactly three months since the divorce. Haruhi didn't fail to meet the hosts but the same couldn't be said about Kyoya. Honey was the first to see him since that day.

Kyoya walked into the cafe, hesitating for only a split second. Honey studied Kyoya as he walked towards the table. His posture was perfect, his manner hurried. Kyoya sat down. "It's nice to see you again Honey senpai." He motioned to a waiter. "Coffee. Nothing added."

"You haven't learned, have you?"

"Excuse me?"Kyoya turned his attention to Honey.

"Kyoya," Honey dropped the usual had to be stern and shake Kyoya out of his stubbornness. "I don't like meddling but I also don't like knowing that my best friends are suffering."

Kyoya scoffed. "I would hardly say I'm suffering. In case you haven't noticed, I'm back at work and thriving."

It was Honey's turn to scoff. Kyoya didn't even know he was capable of it.

"You ordered plain coffee. Haruhi prepared yours sweet every morning. And of course tea is out of the question. It's her favorite."

"It's surprisingly good."

"You took off your wedding ring."

"That's what a divorcee does."

"You're wearing glasses that are years old. Forsaking the ones Haruhi bought you, probably to avoid thinking of her at work."

"I lost them and have been unable to order new ones. Running a business is a time consuming ordeal as you know."

"You forgot your checkbook."

Kyoya glanced at his pocket. "I'm using cash lately-"

"Your shoes don't match your suit."

Kyoya resisted the urge to glance down.

"and your mini notebook is out in the open." Honey pointedly looked at each object as he listed it.

Kyoya was stunned into silence.

"More importantly," Honey leaned in. "You're not wearing a tie."

Kyoya opened his mouth but no sound came out.

"You're not back to normal Kyoya."

Kyoya's shoulders slumped. "I am not. I can't bring myself to wear a tie without…" he faltered.

"Without regretting your decisions." Honey blatantly stated. If Kyoya was going to understand, Honey had to be blunt and harsh. No time for tiptoeing around the topic.

The waiter set the coffee down in front of Kyoya. Kyoya sipped, cringing at the taste.

"Bitter isn't it?"

"Extremely."

"Just like your life without Haruhi. Listen Kyoya," Honey folded his arms. It was a rather amusing sight. "Everybody needs a little sweetness in life. It's what makes a person find respite in such a bitter world. Haruhi was your sugar."

"I'm not sure I understand that analogy senpai."

"What I'm trying to say is that Haruhi is the one that made you a better person, with a little help from Tamaki of course."

"That...pair," Kyoya gritted his teeth. "Are also the ones that betrayed me."

Honey chuckled darkly. "That couldn't be further from the truth."

"People can lie but seeing things for yourself doesn't."

"And what is it you saw?"

"You know what." Kyoya's expression darkened.

"I do. The problem is that you don't."

"Explain then."

"I shouldn't have to. Kyoya, you are Haruhi's husband."

"Was." Kyoya corrected.

"Fine. You were. But you're still the love of her life. You - more than anyone- should know better than to think Haruhi would cheat on you. Frankly, I'm disappointed in the way you're both acting- stupid."

Mori approached them. He sat down on the side of the table between Kyoya and Honey. "I'm sorry I'm late."

"Nice to see you Mori-senpai."

"Likewise."

Honey gulped, his urgency to be kind was beginning to overcome him. "Takashi, explain to Kyoya why we're disappointed in him. I don't think I can keep it up much longer."

Mori turned to Kyoya, staring him straight in the eyes. "What Haruhi did wasn't cheat on you. She lost faith in you."

"Because I missed a date or two? It's not like she didn't choose her career over me a couple times. I wasn't the one that chose to go find a…toy...to mess around with while my partner was gone."

"Do you want me to be blunt?" Mori asked.

Kyoya looked at his watch. He had a meeting soon. "Please."

Mori's eyes narrowed. In his opinion, there was nothing worse than a man who couldn't take responsibility for his mistakes. "Haruhi was pregnant but you couldn't be bothered to stay in Japan, let alone by her side. Instead, you had an American's daughter clinging to your arm."

Kyoya's glasses cleared, showing his wide eyes and bewildered expression. All he could hear were the words Haruhi and pregnant.

A baby? HIS baby.

He had a child? Haruhi had a child. HE had a child.

"That's impossible," he managed to say.

"It's true," Honey confirmed, sadly. "She was going to tell you the day before your fourth anniversary. That's the day she found out."

"Two months in I believe," Mori added.

Kyoya shook his head. "No. How is it possible that I didn't know?" It had been more than a year since. The time didn't add up."If that's true, where is my child? Why haven't I seen them?"

Honey and Mori shared agonized looks of pure melancholy and pity.

Kyoya felt numb. His face was drained of color. "You're lying," he muttered softly, more to himself than his friends.

"There was an accident-"

"No." Kyoya stood up, shakily.

"You were in America-"

Kyoya shook his head, slamming a fist on the table. "I know you're trying to make us reconcile but this is too much senpai."

"Are we that cruel?" Mori asked solemnly.

Kyoya silently walked out of the cafe. He didn't know where he was headed. To Haruhi? He didn't have the courage to face her.

Instead he hailed a cab.


His body was still trembling as he arrived to his new apartment. The house had been sold and he didn't have enough will left to buy a new house.

Kyoya shut the door softly. He slumped against his door, closing his eyes.

He reached for his notebook but for once his words didn't comfort him.

Kyoya threw the wretched thing across the room, hitting and breaking something.

A vase.

He fought the urge to scream. Or perhaps it was a cynical laugh that was bubbling.

A stupid, blue vase.

It was the first time since the divorce that he allowed himself to rage. The first time he allowed himself to curse at the heavens that did nothing to help him.

It was the first time since the divorce that he allowed himself to cry.


Thank you for reading ! :D