I'm in love, I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it! Well, that's a lie. I hope he doesn't know it… At least not yet anyway….

Haha! New chapter! That's about it. I thank you all, even if you criticize because for some odd reason, I'm very happy and possibly insane.

Temporarily rated M for the one big sweary-swear word.

Anyway, onward! To Takashi and Haruhi! ^=^

~Loved you once.

Love you still.

Always have.

Always will. ~

The Only Exception

I Will Be

Haruhi woke up, strangely at ease for the first time in a month. She hummed slightly to herself. Outside, the young woman could hear the pitter-patter of rain hitting her apartment. As she became more aware of her surroundings, Haruhi felt a curious sensation drifting across her back. It was equivalent to that of a feather lightly brushing her spine. Tamaki and his stupid feather fetish. Haruhi's face slipped into a tiny frown. "Tamaki, leave me alone. I'm tired." She mumbled sleepily. The feather brushing didn't cease. This was his idea of romantic. Yes, granted he had been a host, and knew romance, but this was just annoying. "I said quit it." More tickling. Haruhi twitched. "Tamaki, did you hear me? I said st-"

It wasn't a feather. It was someone's breathing quietly tickling her back. Her brown eyes blinked. An arm tightened around her waist, and Haruhi looked down. Her slender hand was entwined in the hand belonging to the arm. The hand was large and tan, sticking out in shocking contrast with her light skin. Haruhi blushed, red fanning across her cheeks. She wanted to turn around desperately, but was afraid of what she'd find. 'What have I got to lose?' she thought to herself. 'Seeing as I probably lost my virginity, I'm guessing not much.' Slowly, as to not wake who ever was next to her, Haruhi turned in her bed to look at her captor.

She was greeted with a soft, sleeping face. His beautiful eyes were closed, mouth slightly parted in sleep. With every breath, his chest rose and fell underneath the white sheets. Haruhi smiled a little to herself. He was so cute when he was sleeping. It was hard to remember how crazy he drove her when he was awake. Cautiously, she lifted a hand and stroked a stray lock of hair from his face. It would have to be cut again, soon. Though Haruhi had to admit, his hair was pretty cute the way it was right now. All sleep-tousled and wonderful. She continued running her fingers through it. Because she knew that she might not get many more chances to do so.

"I love you…." Haruhi whispered softly, snuggling closer to him. The arm around her waist pulled her a little closer, hand fitting in the groove of her hip perfectly. At this moment in time, Haruhi wished she could stay there forever. She wanted just to freeze this moment, keeping them together. A faint blush dusted her face. Wrapping an arm around his neck carefully, Haruhi gently placed a soft kiss on his lips. She sighed, cold breath washing over his cheek.

"I love you so much, Takashi..."

His silver eyes opened quietly, staring into her brown ones with love and admiration. "You were awake this whole time, weren't you?" Haruhi asked quietly. Takashi nodded, pillow ruffling his black hair even more. She blushed, embarrassed beyond belief. Haruhi made a move to get out of the bed, but Takashi instantly tightened his arm around her, their bodies coming together under the blankets with a thump. Haruhi made a sound somewhere between indignation and happiness, face rapidly jumping from pink to maroon. "T-Takashi, let me go!" she mumbled, turning her face from his. Takashi chuckled a little, ducking his head to kiss her neck. "No…" He continued to lightly kiss her skin, moving from her neck to her collarbone and slowly drifting upward.

"You're just sleepy! You always acted weird when you were sleepy!" Haruhi protested indignantly, craning her neck away. Takashi stopped, slowly retracting his body away from hers. She attempted to snuggle next to him, but he scooted far away from her. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it, I swear." He turned, a teasing smile on his face. "I know. I just wanted to see your reaction…" Haruhi struggled for words of outrage, found none, and turned her whole body away from him, arms crossed over her small chest. They were joined by two other hands, large ones that pulled her close to him again by the hips. Takashi rested his head carefully on her neck.

"Haruhi….." he whispered against it, "I love you…" Haruhi smiled, kissing him softly before pulling away. "Love all you want; you're still an ass." She said teasingly, getting out of bed. She took the sheet with her, wrapping around her body securely. Just because he had already seen her naked once didn't mean she wasn't self-conscious. Quickly, before he could catch her (She knew he would try) Haruhi shut and locked the bathroom door. She examined herself critically in the mirror. She had sex hair. And that after-sex glow she'd heard so much about. "Heh." Haruhi said, tilting her head. "Interesting." Feeling a little enlightened, she took a quick shower, and cautiously poked her head out the door. No Takashi. Just the smell of cooking food in the kitchen.

Haruhi darted towards the door, locking it and bolting it securely. She was so fidgety right now, and was trying to keep Takashi away from her as much as possible. Sighing at the mess she had thrown herself into, Haruhi shrugged into jeans and a red tank top. She looked at her long hair and sighed regrettably. She remembered how Takashi had always liked it short.

"Haruhi?"

"Mori-sempai?"

Haruhi looked up from her book, confused. Mori-sempai never even spoke, much less to her. She closed her book carefully, making sure she didn't dog ear the pages. (A/N: I HATE that….. Amanda. Lol ) "What is it, sempai?" Haruhi looked up at him, blushing faintly as she did so. Mori sat down next to her, invading her privacy bubble. "How's your day going?" he smiled gently at her. She felt her eyes widen. Mori-sempai was sleepy! Haruhi was stuck with a sleepy Mori-sempai! Where was Hani-sempai when you needed him? Probably off eating cake.

"Eh, it's going great, sempai." Haruhi looked at him, frightened beyond words. "Listen Mori-sempai, you're sleepy, so if you just come with me and not do anything weird, I'll…" A black-haired head thumped on her shoulder. "Eh? Eh! Sempai!" Haruhi blushed, tensing her shoulders. "Haruhi….. you're so cute." She froze, not comprehending. "Mori-sempai?" Mori raised his head, smiling at her again. "You're adorable, Haruhi." He brushed a lock of hair off her face, tucking it behind her ear. His large hand rested there for a moment.

"Haruhi?" She blushed, hearing her name from him again. "Yes?" Mori leaned in close, lips against her ear. It took all of Haruhi's willpower not to shiver at the sensation. He seemed to know this, for she felt him smile against her skin.

"Don't ever grow your hair out. It's beautiful just the way it is…."

Haruhi twisted a strand around her finger absently. 'Maybe I should cut it again. It'd be much easier.' She unlocked the door, poking her head out carefully. Safe so far. "Takashi?" Haruhi called, voice drifting across the large apartment. No response. The woman walked to the kitchen, following the delicious sounds of cooking food.

That is, until the fire alarm went off.

Haruhi ran into the kitchen, looking at a confused Takashi. "What'd I do?" he asked, puzzled. Haruhi let out a squeak of indignation, and soon covered her whole kitchen in fire foam. She looked at Takashi reproachfully. "The eggs were on fire." Sheepishly, he looked down. "But," Haruhi said quietly, "better the eggs catch fire than you." Takashi blushed a little. "Is Haruhi being sappy?" he asked, grinning a little. "Is Mori-sempai speaking?" she retorted back.

"That's Takashi to you." He growled, grabbing her around the waist. She collided with his body quickly and the contact brought inappropriate thoughts to both minds. They looked at each other for a moment, judging. Their lips were just barely brushing when….

A knock on the door startled them both out of their reverie.

Haruhi blinked furtively, blushing at Takashi. He looked down at her. "Leave it." He murmured gently, kissing her. "What if it's someone important?" she said, pushing him away. "Oh God. What if it's Tamaki?" Suddenly, all at once, the reality of the situation crashed down on her. "Oh God." Haruhi brought a hand to her mouth, quietly stifling the sobs that threatened to spill from her mouth. Takashi hugged her to him gently for a moment. "It's okay…." She whispered weakly to herself. "It's okay." She repeated again, voice rising a little. "It's perfectly fine. I chose to choose you." Haruhi kissed Takashi, hand cupping his face.

"Haruhi." Takashi's voice was flat. "I don't want you doing this if it hurts you." Haruhi looked up at him, smiling. "I just have to get used to not having Tamaki anymore. It is a little weird. But….. I love you. I just….. Well I don't what he is to me, except a really, really good friend." Haruhi threw him over her shoulder quickly. He collided solidly with the wooden floor. "But now I'm going to answer the door." Takashi sat up, hand to his head and silver eyes wide. "What- Who- How?" Haruhi winked at him. "I learned some martial arts while you were away."

"Haruhi? Haruhi, are you in there?"

Haruhi's face paled.

"Shit."

Takashi looked at her. "Hm?" Haruhi ran over, pulling on his arms and half-carrying, half-dragging him towards the bedroom. "Get your damn shirt!" she hissed quietly. He looked at her, not comprehending. "Shirt now." Takashi got up, shutting the bedroom door. Haruhi's voice came through the door. "And while you're at it, get some pants on too!" He looked at the door blankly. "What's the occasion?"

"Just get dressed!"

Hurriedly, Haruhi began running around the house, attempting to make it look normal. She picked up the lamp that had fallen due to certain, ummm…. activities. She managed to eradicate all traces of a fling and cleaned up the kitchen.

"Haruhi? You should let me in, I brought cake!"

Takashi came out and joined her, fully dressed.

"Who is it?"

Haruhi looked at him, everything smiling but her eyes. They were somewhat scared. "You don't know them." Takashi met her eyes, worried. Piercing silver contrasted with fearful brown. "Then why are you so stressed?" Haruhi blanched. "I am not." He glared at her a little. "Liar."

"Haruhi, you there?"

"Yes! Come in!"

"I can't come in if the door's locked, you silly individual!"

Haruhi quickly unlocked the door, stepping back.

"Takashi, if I asked you to stay in the bedroom, would you listen to me?"

Two strong arms wrapped around her waist with a determined finality.

"Of course not. That would be too easy."

Haruhi unlocked the door and stepped back, folding her hands over Takashi's with a sigh.

'This'll be interesting.'

"Yoshi, whatever you do, don't scream." Haruhi said calmly as her friend walked through the door. He balanced a cake box on one hand, ebony hair ruffled and sticking up. "Why would I scream, Haruhi?" He said cautiously. He opened his eyes vigilantly.

They were the color of liquid mercury.

They widened to unnatural proportions.

The hands holding Haruhi's tightened up.

The two men stared at each other, silver eyes meeting silver eyes in a cautious manner.

"Haruhi…"

"Yoshi, don't freak out."

"Haruhi….."

"Please don't freak out."

Takashi put Haruhi behind him, shielding her with his body. "Are you planning on doing anything dangerous, Shi?" He assumed an old kendo fighting stance, aimed at the man in the doorway. The twenty-two year old assumed the same stance. "Only if you hurt Haruhi in any way."

The two men stared at each other for a moment.

"Nii-san*. You're home."

Takashi smiled happily, dropping his guard.

"Shi-chan. I've missed you."

"Hey!" Satoshi Morinozuka yelled indignantly, stomping his foot. "I'm too old for you to call me chan!" Takashi smirked, eyebrow quirking upward. "It shows." Satoshi pouted, walking over to his older brother. "Shut up, Takashi-nii san!" He said, but he smiled as he said it. They hugged each other in that weird manly sort of way guys hug.

Haruhi quietly moved the cake into the kitchen. She opened the lid, peeking inside with a child-like curiosity. It was a vanilla cake, decorated with strawberries. Haruhi drooled a little, leaning in closer. 'Mhmmmmmmm strawberries…..' Two arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her away from the tantalizing box. "Haruhi, don't eat the cake yet!" Satoshi protested, dragging her into the living room. "Satoshi, why are you even here?" Haruhi said several fights and protests over strawberries later. "I'm here because I received a distress call."

Haruhi and Takashi look at each other. "You're serious?" they said in unison. "What about?" Haruhi questioned. "Your neighbor Meredith." he said, face set in that calm façade only those of the Morinozuka clan could pull off. "The really old lady that came to the door last night?" Takashi whispered in her ear. Haruhi shoved him in the arm, nearly sending him off the couch. "Takashi, she is not that old!" she said reproachfully.

"Anyway, she called me and she sounded kind of worried." Satoshi continued. "She said that- Pfffffff!" the younger Morinozuka stopped, hands over his mouth. "She said- hahahaha!" At this point, both adults were staring intently at him. "What?" Haruhi asked, interested. She'd never been one for gossip, but she loved to laugh. "She said and I quote," Satoshi made an imitation of Meredith's voice. "'Haruhi is either dying or getting laid for the first time!'"

And….

Satoshi began laughing hysterically.

Haruhi sat there, open-mouthed.

Takashi tried to keep a straight face but failed, a chuckle slipping out.

"You think this is funny? It's your fault I screamed so loud!" Haruhi yelped, blush rising to her face. "No-Haha-It's not that…..HA…funny!" Takashi said. The laughter when on for five more minutes until Satoshi sat up, stoic and serious. "Okay." He said, looking seriously at both of them. "Now for the business reason I'm here." Haruhi looked at him, wary. "Business reason?" Takashi stared at his brother fixedly, silver eyes alert and cautious.

"Yes, but I need to talk to Takashi about it." Satoshi stood up purposefully. Takashi followed suit. Haruhi stood up with them, attempting to follow. "Love, please stay here." Takashi said gently, placing his hands on her shoulders. "I know you hate being left out of things, but this seems important." He kissed her forehead. "I'll be back before tomorrow, I promise." She laced her fingers through his. "You promise this time?" He nodded, and an unspoken agreement passed through them, something Satoshi didn't understand. He hurriedly motioned for his brother to follow him. With one final backward glance, Takashi walked out the door.

"Satoshi, what's this all about?" the elder Morinozuka asked as they got in the car. Satoshi looked at him gravely. "The hosts have called a meeting. It's involving you and Haruhi." He started the car silently, pulling out of the drive. "How do they even know anything about that?" His brother's hand tightened on the steering wheel. "Oh come on, Takashi! How could they not know?" Satoshi was a little furious. "I mean, how could you be so reckless? You don't screw around with the heir of the Suoh Corporation's wife!"

"I am not screwing around with her. I love her and you know that, Shi." Takashi said calmly. He looked at the window, trying to seem impassive when he was really boiling over with emotions. Anger, resentment, jealousy, fear. They were all chasing each other around his head right now. "What else did you want, Shi?" he said. "Hm?" He looked at his brother with what he hoped was impassive eyes. "There's something you're not telling me."

"It's nothing important, nii-san." Satoshi focused on the road distractedly. "You're lying. We could always tell when the other was lying." His brother flinched abstractly. "Maybe we could before, but things have changed." The two men were silent for a while. Takashi continued staring at his brother, willing him to break.

"Mom wants me to be your shadow."

He spat out the word Mom as if it was a dirty word.

"You're the one she wants tailing me?" Takashi said, silver eyes widening. "Yes, to make sure you refrain from any contact with Haruhi Fujioka." He looked at his brother and said with a dark chuckle, "I think you failed on that note, bro." Takashi looked at him sarcastically. "You think?" The two soon became serious once more. "Why does she do this? To Dad? To everyone?" the younger brother asked quietly. "I don't know, Shi. I honestly don't know."

"She's really fucked everything up, hasn't she?"

Takashi looked at his brother, surprised at him.

"Yes. She really has. But don't cuss anymore, little brother."

The rest of the car ride continued in total silence.

Haruhi quietly sat in the kitchen, eating a piece of strawberry cake. She took about an hour to finish it, making sure she savored each bite. It wasn't long before she grew sleepy and passed out on the couch, a comedy show on her television.

Two hours later, a knock on the door jolted her awake. "Haruhi, my love! I've come to talk to you!" She sighed moodily, shutting her brown eyes. Why couldn't Tamaki just go away? She waited several minutes, hoping he'd take the hint and leave. Soon, another voice joined his. "Spring-chan*, open up! We want to see you!" A slightly French voice chimed out. Haruhi stood up, unwrinkling her clothes. If Anne-Sophie was here, she never had a hope of them leaving. They would stand at the door all day.

Haruhi opened the door, braced for the usual glomping. "Spring-chan!" Anne-Sophie shouted dramatically, hugging her. "Oh, ma fille*! I have missed you so!" Haruhi awkwardly embraced the older woman, spitting strands of blonde hair from her mouth. "Hey, Anne-Sophie." Anne-Sophie tsked, holding Haruhi's head in her hands. "How many times have I told you, petite ami*? You must call me Mama!" Tamaki gracefully walked in, looking at her. 'Something is different about him.' Haruhi thought. His violet eyes held a touch of sadness.

'What are you thinking, Tamaki?'

In an instant, as though he had guessed her own thoughts, Tamaki's eyes brightened. "Haruhi, my love!" He embraced her fiercely, furiously trying to erase any bad feelings. "I bet you didn't expect us here, huh?" He pulled back, trying to kiss her. She let him for a moment. All the while she thought in her head, 'What a mess I've made.' She actually felt terribly sorry. Even if they couldn't work out a marriage together, Haruhi prayed that they could still be good friends. When he pulled back, it was if everything she had thought of over the past couple weeks was reflected in his eyes. Tamaki looked at her in wonder.

"Spring-chan, today is 'Girl's Day'!" Anne-Sophie giggled, grabbing her arm. "We're going to a lot of spas and getting our nails done and hair cut and…." Haruhi barely had enough time to get her shoes before she was whisked out the door. She looked at her husband in confusion. 'What's going on?' she urged him to answer her.

Once they were in the car, Haruhi talked to Tamaki quietly. "Tamaki, what's going on? Why is your mother taking me all these places?" Tamaki shrugged nonchalantly. "She wants to be around you more. She honestly loves you, Haruhi. I mean, really." He looked into her brown eyes deeply. "Wow, um. That's really nice of her." Her mother-in-law turned around. "Isn't it? I made sure we got only the best places!" Tamaki's eyes widened. "Mama! La route!" Anne-Sophie quickly turned around, narrowly avoiding a pedestrian. She cussed in French under her breath.

"So, Tamaki…." Haruhi said confidently, twirling a bit of hair around her fingers, "I'm thinking about cutting my hair again. What do you think?" Tamaki blinked, shocked. "You really want to look like a boy again?" Haruhi flushed, turning her gaze to the window in anger. "No, no! I didn't mean that you looked like a boy before, I just thought you liked your hair like that and-" A fist collided with the top of his head. "Baka!" Anne-Sophie said, driving one-handedly. "Tamaki, I don't like my hair like this. I like it short and manageable. I think you're the one who likes it like this."

Tamaki was surprised. This was the first time in a long time Haruhi had argued with him. He smiled sadly, thinking back to his conversation with Kyouya last night.

"She's her."

"She's the girl everyone fell in love with."

'Maybe I should let her go.' The former King thought. He stared out the window thoughtfully for the rest of the journey, thinking about what he'd do without her.

When they arrived at the hair salon, Anne-Sophie was practically giddy with excitement. "Spring-chan! Spring-chan! This is going to be so much fun!" She looked at her son. "Go bother Ran-san*." Tamaki paled. "But he hates me!" His mother's eyes twinkled. "Which is exactly why it's fun! Now go! It's girls day and you're not a girl!"

She pulled Haruhi into the salon. The receptionist smiled gracefully at them. When Anne-Sophie mentioned the Suoh name, the girl's eyes lit up, and she escorted them to a private room. When they were seated, several women came in, critically examining both women. They soon set to work. Cuticles were polished, nails were filed and painted. Make-up was artistically put on.

When they got to the hairstyling, the women in charge of Haruhi looked at her in confusion. "Miss Suoh, do you really want your hair this short?" one said tentatively. Fearlessly, Haruhi looked at the girl. "Yes, I do. It's much easier to deal with." The stylists shrugged, and set to work. Huge, ribbon-like pieces of brown hairs fell to the floor. Anne-Sophie watched with fascination.

Haruhi stood up several hours later, every inch of her covered and renewed. She examined herself in the large mirrors. The woman was shocked when she encountered her high school reflection staring at her from behind the glass. Haruhi smiled at herself. "There I am." 'I can finally see myself again.' She frowned, afraid of all the make-up and polish.

'But I look like a Barbie doll.'

Anne-Sophie came out several minutes later. Haruhi's jaw hit the floor. "Anne-Sophie….. What did you do?" The blonde woman frowned, eyes watering. "I thought it looked pretty!" she wailed. "No, no! It does! It just shocked me, that's all!" Haruhi yelped, backtracking rapidly. And, because she was so much like her son, Anne-Sophie smiled again. "Really? It's pretty! Thank you, Spring-chan! You look beautiful too! Just like you did in high school!"

Haruhi blushed. "Thank you, Anne-Sophie." Her mother-in-law's eyes grew serious. "Now." She looked at Haruhi calmly. "Tell me why you do not love my son in the way that he loves you."

Haruhi blinked.

And blinked again.

Anne-Sophie was kidding.

Right?

Before Haruhi could process any rational thoughts, the receptionist from before walked back. "Mr. Suoh is here to escort you back home, Misses." Anne-Sophie became goofy and aloof again, violet eyes happy. "Oh yay! My son! He gets to see how pretty we look!" She clasped Haruhi's hands in hers. "Come on, Spring-chan!" Before they left, Anne-Sophie made one thing clear.

Her eyes said, 'We aren't finished with this conversation.'

Tamaki looked at the two women before him. One was blonde, the other brunette. His jaw dropped. Haruhi looked so beautiful. Her eyes had just the right amount of make-up on them, and her nails were pretty and smooth. Her hair was short again, but Tamaki loved it nonetheless. He just stared for a moment, enraptured by her. Haruhi cleared her throat quietly. "Do I look okay?" He blinked, startled back into reality. "Haruhi, I can not even begin to say how pretty you look- Oh mon Dieu!"

"Maman! Your hair!"

Anne-Sophie smiled cutely at her son. "Don't I look beautiful too, my dearest one?" Tamaki sat there open-mouthed.

Anne-Sophie's hair…

Was just a little longer than Haruhi's.

"I thought it'd be cute if we matched!" his mother squealed in delight. Tamaki smiled at her graciously. "You always look pretty, Maman." Anne-Sophie's eyes welled up. "Thank you, my son!" They hugged emotionally, causing a big scene as usual. Haruhi quietly rolled her eyes in the corner.

She couldn't wait to get home.

Then, Anne-Sophie's eyes locked with hers.

'Oh crap.'

Uh-oh Haruhi's in sooooo much trouble! This chapter was a little serious and I tend to squirm away when things get that way, so I tried to make it funnier towards the end. It was also full of French, honorifics, and nicknames which I will now explain.

Yoshi = Haruhi's nickname for Satoshi.

Shi- Takashi's name for Satoshi.

Nii-san = "Older brother" in Japanese.

Spring-chan = Part of Haruhi's name, "Haru" means spring.

Ma fille- "my daughter" in French

La route- "The road"

Petite ami- sort of equivalent to that of "sweetie"

Baka- "Idiot" in Japanese.

Okay, I'm gone for a while. Next chapter, the symbolism from chapter six will be explained! But I'm very sick and tired, so it might not be awhile!

~ Love as always,

Bailey