I promised I'd explain my symbolism weird dream in the sixth chapter. Okay, so here it goes…
One. I've come to the conclusion that I was crazy when I wrote that chapter.
Two. There is a dead serious poll up that will decide the fate of this ENTIRE story. My advice? Don't take the easy way out. Pick something out of the ordinary. Everyone please vote.
Okay, symbolism….
Let's start with Tamaki.
The usual perfectness of the King represents what he's like on the outside. Completely perfect, aloof, and his charming self. He is putting up a brave front for the sake of Haruhi and everyone else.
The completely destroyed, burned city he was in symbolizes what's happening inside him. His emotions are running rampant, driving Tamaki crazy over Haruhi and Takashi. He is feeling burning jealously, pain, and sadness. He wants Haruhi to choose either him or Takashi. All those represent the annihilated city in Haruhi's dream.
Had no idea Tamaki was that deep, did you?
Now we go to Takashi.
He is basically the exact opposite of Tamaki, which is to be expected.
Takashi's exterior is now emotional and easily upset, a result of his time in prison. He speaks his mind and lets everyone know when he's angry. He makes it clear how much he wants Haruhi back. Not unlike Tamaki, Takashi also puts up a brave front in order to mask his true feelings inside him. This is symbolized by his ratty clothing and dirty face.
However, his surroundings are completely unalike his exterior. Inside, Takashi is completely peaceful and at ease with Haruhi's indecisive nature. He loves her very much, but isn't bothered if Haruhi chooses to be with Tamaki. All he wants is for her to be happy. Even if she's not with him. This inner Takashi is more like the one he was in high school.
Both men care about Haruhi very much, but are trying to make themselves appear to be something they're not. If they learned to show their true natures more, Haruhi would have an easier time deciding between them.
-glares at both of them-
Takashi: Bai-chan, you said I was content with her indecisiveness.
Tamaki: I am the better choice for our dear Haruhi!
-both men glare at each other furiously-
Me: I will be the judge of that!
Anway, read this chapter. It's shorter than the others, because I'm struggling with my love crisis right now.
The Only Exception
Unfaithful
Satoshi and Takashi pulled up to the drive of Mitsukuni's house. Takashi radiated anxiety and tension, emotion rolling off him in thick waves. Satoshi looked at his brother, concerned. "Listen nii-san, I don't think it's going to be that bad. Honest."
His brother nodded wordlessly, eyes fixated on the house in front of him. Satoshi could tell that he wasn't even the least bit comforted by his words. His brother was too cautious at the moment to be judging. 'Wow.' Satoshi thought, staring at him. 'He must really love Haruhi.'
It made him smile.
Takashi needed someone he could love.
The two men stepped onto the porch, entering the house without as much as a knock. It wasn't like they need an invite in. It was obvious that chaos had already ensued without them.
Loud, angry voices came from the living room. They stopped for about a second upon hearing the door open, but quickly resumed with shouts. Each voice seemed eager to overlap the other, creating an angry blend of enraged noise. The yelling was coming from the most unlikely voices.
It wasn't Hikaru.
No, Hikaru was sitting quietly on an ottoman, arm around his girlfriend with his lips tight and silent.
Mitsukuni wasn't arguing either.
He was just reclining next to Reiko on the love seat, pressing a damp wash cloth against her head.
The source of all the anger, frustration and angst, no the cloud of angst revolved around Kyouya Ootori and Kaoru Hitachiin.
"I don't know why you're being such a complete and total ass, Kaoru! But it needs to end here! Tamaki hates it, Haruhi hates it, and even your own brother thinks you've lost it!" Kyouya shouted, throwing his hands up in frustration. "You were always thought of as the nice twin!"
He turned to Hikaru for a moment. "No offense intended, Hikaru." The elder Hitachiin tiredly flapped a hand. Chikako quietly stroked his hair back from his forehead.
"You just don't get it, do you Kyouya?" Kaoru screamed back, upset. "It will never be the same again! It will never end. Hikaru will always have those scars!" He threw an anguished finger at his brother. Hikaru stiffened, looking at Kaoru beseechingly.
"He'll always have those nightmares! And now Haruhi is being brought into this? She doesn't need anymore pain than Hikaru!" The younger twin suddenly sagged, as if all the fight had been drained out of him. He sat down next to his brother, wearily putting a hand to his head. "This can't go on. He'll just do something stupid again and Haruhi will get hurt…" The last words were a whisper.
Takashi stared staidly at the carpet, forlorn. 'Maybe I should…. Just leave.' He thought to himself. 'It would everything better again. The hosts could all be together again. They'd get Kaoru back.' The more he thought of this, the better it seemed.
Everyone would be okay again if he just left. 'But what about Haruhi? Haruhi…..she wouldn't be alright. She…..she would panic. And I promised this time.' At this memory, Takashi looked up, silver eyes full of passionate fire. 'I can't leave her again. I won't. No matter what happens. I promised her.'
"I'm not leaving."
Everyone's head snapped up. "What?" Kaoru said, looking at him as if he'd grown a second head. Hikaru just regarded him silently, golden eyes unreadable. Mitsukuni and Satoshi smiled softly at him, happy beyond words.
"You're not? Well thank God. I was beginning to doubt your love for the wonderful woman." Kyouya said sarcastically, walking over to Takashi. He placed a friendly hand on his friend's shoulder. "Love? Wonderful woman?" Kaoru still continued to stutter from his place on the couch.
"Yeah, I was sooooo beginning to doubt your love, Takashi." Mitsukuni piped up, climbing his shoulders like he used to do. Reiko just smiled wearily before nodding off.
Kaoru left the room, walking outside angrily. He just couldn't believe it. After everything Takashi had done, everyone was forgiving him. Everyone. Even his own brother, his brother who had nearly been killed because of him, had forgiven him.
Kaoru kicked a stone roughly across the yard, watching it bounce into the road. He sat down in the grass, head in his arms, confused and upset. After a while, he felt a soft mass settle down next to him.
The Hitachiin brothers sat silent for a while. Hikaru looked at Kaoru sadly. He waited for his brother to speak, to reprimand him sternly like all the rest. Instead, Hikaru said in a gentle voice, "Maybe it is time to move on, Kaoru."
Kaoru stiffened. "I'm fine. Really." He laid a gentle hand on his brother's shoulder, but it was shrugged off. "Kaoru, please. Talk to me."
Kaoru looked at his brother reproachfully.
Golden eyes stared back into identical ones, begging.
"Hikaru, I just can't."
Hikaru smiled sadly. "I was afraid you'd say that. Kaoru, why can't you just let this go? I did, and most of the stuff happened to me." He winced inwardly. It did not go unnoticed by Kaoru, who nodded. "See? You're not completely over it either." His brother clasped one of his hands.
"Maybe not, but I'm trying, Kaoru. You should try too." The younger twin shook his head stubbornly. "You have no idea how it felt. To feel like you were losing a part of you you'd never get back. I felt like I was the one that was dying, Hikaru. You have no idea." He looked away.
The older twin was silent for a moment. Then, he began slowly. "Remember that time we were in the tree together, and you fell? When the nanny came out, she said she found me on the phone, trying to call a doctor. I was six. When you fell and you weren't moving…. I panicked, Kaoru. So, I know exactly how you feel. Don't say I don't."
Kaoru looked at him again, golden eyes wide. He was hanging on to his brother's every word. "But now," Hikaru said quietly, "It's time to forgive, Kaoru. It's time to forget. Please, please, please listen to me on this one." Hikaru stared moodily out into the world for a moment. "I know what I'm talking about."
Kaoru looked at his brother for a moment longer. Then, carefully, barely with the smallest of force, Kaoru hugged his brother for the first time since the accident. He had always been afraid to before. He was worried that Hikaru might shatter if he touched him. But Hikaru was still there. He remained solid and warm and safe. "Maybe I will, Hikaru." He said quietly. He embraced his brother back, and they sat like that for a moment.
"Hey you two! If you'd like to stop being gay now and come inside, we're all leaving!"
Chikako's sarcastic voice echoed out to their ears.
"I hate you, Chikako!" Kaoru shouted back, standing up. "I hate you too!" she said. Hikaru smiled. "You don't hate each other." Kaoru smiled back. "I know, but it's amusing." The two brothers walked back into the house together. "Where are we going?" they asked in perfect unison.
Kyouya looked at them in shock for a moment before regaining his composure. "I'm going over to Tamaki's to entertain him and Anne-Sophie. It's a distraction, so Takashi may take Haruhi on a proper date."
Kaoru flushed a little. "A date? But, isn't Haruhi married?" This time, it was Kyouya who blushed. "Well…yes. But, we've all taken a vote. And we believe that Takashi is better suited for Haruhi than Tamaki is." Kaoru's voice a little in pitch.
"I never voted! Neither did Hikaru!"
"Well, I agree with Kyouya." Hikaru said with an air of finality. He looked at Takashi with a menacing sort of look. "You just make sure you're good to her or you'll hear from me." The stoic man nodded silently. "I- Well- I don't- I'm neutral!" Kaoru finally yelped out, throwing his hands in the air.
Everybody snickered at everyone else's childish antics.
Finally, it was decided.
Reiko, Mitsukuni, Hikaru, Kaoru, and Chikako were going to stay at the house. They were all watching Shinju and the twins tonight. Kyouya was going to distract and entertain Tamaki and his mother.
He had arranged things so that Takashi and Haruhi could go wherever they wanted to in the country. A chauffeur was standing by sworn to secrecy. Well, that and his life had been threatened should he spill.
Takashi bowed silently to his friends. "Arigatō. You have no idea how much this means to me. To both of us." They all simply smiled back. Satoshi walked his brother outside, practically giddy with excitement yet nervous at the same time. "This is going to be great, Takashi! You'll have a great time!"
He frowned. "But what if Mom finds out? What if Tamaki finds out? What if the whole world finds out and you're forced to live your life as a homeless, decrepit, old-" Takashi covered his brother's mouth with one large hand. "Shh. You're annoying me."
"Mom isn't going to find out, because you're not going to tell her. You're supposed to be my shadow, remember? So do your job and don't say a word." Satoshi nodded, beginning to asphyxiate. Takashi removed his hand, sliding into the passenger's seat. "I hope this works out. I really do." Satoshi said on the way back.
Takashi smiled.
"It will. I know it."
Haruhi was desperately trying to shove Tamaki and Anne-Sophie out the door. She was tired and anxious that Takashi would appear at any moment. Anne-Sophie was still giving her suspicious looks, further adding to her anxiety.
It seemed that they would never leave. That she would forever be trapped with two people who were just plain annoying. Haruhi was debating on how to kill herself when her phone rang. It was just getting ready to sing, 'I Will Be' when she grabbed it hurriedly.
"Hello?"
She masqueraded a calm façade, hoping to draw away further suspicion.
"Work." She mouthed silently at Tamaki and Anne-Sophie, ducking into her bedroom.
"I was gone too long."
"No. I have family here."
"Well, are they leaving?"
"Soon, I hope."
"I have a surprise for you, love."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. Make them disappear."
"I'll try my best."
"Your best is always good enough for me."
"Thank you. You too."
"It sucks that you have to sound like you're on a business call."
"I know. Bye."
"I love you."
"You too."
Haruhi opened her door, walking back out into the living room. She yawned loudly, before leaning against the armrest of her chair heavily. "Haruhi my dearest, are you alright?" Tamaki asked instantly, hovering over her. "I'm fine. Just very, very tired."
Her husband was oblivious to the hint. As usual. "Would you like to rest? We'll house sit and watch over you while you sleep, my love!" Tamaki proclaimed chivalrously. Anne-Sophie hit him on the crown of his head again.
"Baka!" she said. "What Haruhi means is that she wants to go to sleep. We've exhausted her, Tamaki." The older woman winked at her, and Haruhi felt herself blush.
'She's really smart. She's so scary in reality that it almost rivals Kyouya.'
'I wonder how she'd feel if she knew what was going on.'
Haruhi forced a sleepy smile. It seemed like that was all she did around her husband these days. The only real smiles were around Takashi. And her friends, if she knew them well enough. "Oh."
Tamaki's face fell. 'Why don't you ever want to spend time with me anymore, Haruhi?' He wanted to ask her. 'It's because of him, isn't it?' But he would never say these things out loud. He'd never do that to her.
Instead he said, "Okay, Haruhi. We'll let you go to bed now. It's only nine. You're not getting old on me, are you?" Tamaki teased playfully. She shook her head. "I intend to be young forever." His wife muttered sarcastically.
"Good." Swooping down, he deftly kissed her forehead. "Kyouya called, Maman. He wants to spend most of the evening with us." Anne-Sophie clapped her hands delightedly. "Kyou-kun! This is going to be so much fun!"
She knelt to hug her daughter-in-law. "I love you, Spring-chan." The hug was warm and comforting. "But we're still going to talk. I promise nothing bad will happen." Her eyes, so much like her son's, bore no ill will towards her. Haruhi felt her throat close. She felt tiny tears prick behind her eyes, and held them back as best she could.
Both blondes confidently strode out the door, Anne-Sophie pulling Tamaki along impatiently. "I want to see Kyou-kun!" she protested loudly. Tamaki cast a backwards glance at his wife.
He suddenly slipped in his façade, and all his sadness welled up in an instant. His violet eyes grew dim and heavy with despair and his whole face radiated a deep sadness Haruhi understood. She was shocked. Had she really done that? In that instant, Haruhi felt worse than horrible about what she was doing. She may not love Tamaki that way, but…
She didn't want him hurting this much.
It was horrible.
She bit her lip, and she knew that he knew. Haruhi watched the door shut quietly with a sinking feeling. As the door clicked into place, she rose up. Turning off all the lights, she went into her room and crawled into her bed fully clothed.
She burrowed her head under the pillow and balled up under the covers. Haruhi couldn't even cry. She was too shocked by the magnitude of people's feelings. They overtook everyone, and caused horrible things to happen.
Haruhi slipped into a numb, sleep-illusion, comatose state.
Takashi quietly knocked on the door of Haruhi's apartment. There was no response. He tried the door handle, and was on edge when it swung open ominously. "Haruhi?" he whispered softly. The lights were all out. A digital clock in the living room read 9:31.
Takashi critically examined the room around him. There was no sign of forced entry. No signs of struggle. Maybe Haruhi was just asleep or in the shower. But, still. Takashi felt like something was just wrong.
He walked to the bedroom. That door was closed too. He placed his hand on the handle, only to find it locked. "Haruhi?" he said, voice drifting under the door crack. A small voice, deadened by an emotion, answered him. "Go away."
Takashi was startled for a moment. "Haruhi, what's wrong? What's happened?" It was silent for several heartbeats. Finally, Haruhi answered. "Nothing's wrong. I'm just tired." He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "You're lying."
"No, I'm not."
"Haruhi, I can break this door down." No response came back. "And you know I will." Takashi persisted. The person on the other side remained silent and quiet.
"Just so we're clear, I'm not buying a new door." It was still eerily quiet. It was as if Death had spirited Haruhi away someplace. 'No.' Takashi shook his head, dismissing that thought. With an annoyed sigh, he picked the lock carefully. He didn't enjoy busting down doors. Well, there had been that one time… But, anyways.
Takashi swung the door open quietly. All was dark and silent, like the inside of a tomb. His lover was a curled up mass under the blankets, lying still on the large bed. Takashi sighed, the sound barely making a noise.
Carefully, as to not startle her, he crept under the blankets, popping up next to her. There was no response. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him tightly. "Haruhi?" She didn't move, didn't conform to his body like she did. "Love?" It was like holding a stone, cool and unfeeling.
'Just like my mother.'
And it was at that thought that Takashi panicked. "Haruhi, love. Please talk to me. I can't help if I don't know what's wrong!" A pregnant pause ensued. Takashi waited, scared for one of the first times in his life. What could possible be wrong?
Finally, Haruhi shivered. Just once. For about twenty seconds, she shivered. "I'm a slut." She finally whispered, hiding her face in the crook of his neck. "No, you're not." Takashi answered automatically, tightening his arms around her.
"I'm married and I'm sleeping with a man who isn't my husband. What do you call that?" she murmured against his neck. Takashi kissed her hair softly, brushing it back with one hand. "A girl who doesn't know what she wants."
He began to run his fingers through it when he stopped.
"You cut your hair."
She blinked, startled at the sudden change in conversation.
"Yeah."
"Why?"
At this, Haruhi blushed, murmuring something so faint he couldn't hear.
"Hmmmm?"
She kissed him soundly for a moment.
"I cut it, because I remembered that you always liked it better when it was short."
Takashi smiled, silver eyes brightening lively.
"Yes, I did. I still do. And you're wearing makeup?"
Haruhi nodded eagerly, sitting upright.
"Does it look okay?"
Takashi mirrored her movements.
"It looks devastatingly beautiful."
Haruhi laughed in a very un-Haruhi like fashion. "Thanks.." She slipped out of the bed. "What's the surprise, Takashi?" Her brown eyes were eager and alight. "You just waste no time, do you?" he muttered, smiling and rising.
"I want to know!" Haruhi said impatiently. "Well that's the whole point of a surprise, love…" he murmured seductively, clasping her to him. She blushed fervently, still not used to affections such as these. He tilted her chin up, smiling into her eyes. Haruhi bit her lip, looking over ever single feature of his face.
'If this was all a dream, I'd never want to wake up.'
"So, you won't tell me?" Haruhi said sullenly, looking down. Takashi kissed her, ceasing her disappointments. "No." he said when he pulled away. "Just dress nice." She looked confused for a moment.
"Like nice or nice?" He smiled. "Like really nice." Haruhi nodded. "But of course, that shouldn't be a problem…." Takashi whispered quietly into her ear. "You always look pretty no matter what." The vibrations made her shiver. She blushed.
Takashi moved away, leaving her dazed and confused. "My clothes are in this bag." Ignoring her withering stare of disappointment, he gracefully moved to the bathroom, locking the door in one swift motion. "Trying to make sure you won't jump me….." He chuckled from behind the door. Haruhi ignored him, quietly walking over to her closet.
'A lot of these outfits would look good on a woman with longer hair…..'
Haruhi sighed inwardly, twirling a short brown lock around her fingers. The only dress she could think of was a dark red babydoll still in its' wrap. She pulled it out. 'Is this too much?' the woman wondered fretfully.
She may not seem like that type of girl, but even Haruhi worried about her appearance. "Well, it is the only decent dress I have with me." She sighed, taking it from its' plastic bed. Slipping it over her head, Haruhi straightened it meticulously.
She threw on some low silver heels. Turning towards the mirror, Haruhi attempted a flirtatious smile. She laughed at herself, despite her heart beating faster.
'Oh….. This is going to be a disaster.'
Haruhi sat down on the edge of the bed, folding her head into her hands. He heart was thundering rapidly around in her brain, blocking out all other sound.
What if things went wrong?
What if she messed everything up?
What if…
What if…
Oh God, so many things could go wrong.
Haruhi sat up, straightening her shoulders self-consciously. She would try her best. What was it Americans always said? Be yourself? Someone in an anime had once said that too.
'Yes,' she thought, 'I'll just be myself. It worked the last time.' Haruhi smiled reassuringly to herself. Patiently, the woman waited on the edge of her bed, excited.
A heavy weight settled behind her, and a lighter one swept across her neck. "Close your eyes." Haruhi did so, heart beating with anticipation. His fingers lightly brushed along her collarbone, making her shiver.
They rested there for a moment before drawing away. "Open them." Haruhi opened her brown eyes, twisting around to capture a pair of silver ones. "Your present is on your neck, Haruhi."
She rolled her eyes. "Ya think?" Then, she looked down. Around her neck was possibly one of the most exquisite things she'd ever seen. It was an intricate silver rose, just barely brushing her chest. It was kept on a very fine silver chain. Haruhi cautiously ran a finger over the metal flower.
"It's really pretty…."
"I'm glad you like it."
"Now can we leave, love?" Haruhi twisted around on the bed, pressing her mouth to his eagerly. Takashi jumped, but quickly closed his eyes. "Haruhi." He tried to say around her mouth. "Hm?" she muttered irritably, still kissing him.
Takashi put two gentle but constricting hands on her shoulders, forcing her to back up. "If you keep doing this, we'll never even get a chance to go on our date." He murmured gently, looking into her brown eyes.
"Date? Where can we go without people knowing what's going on?" Haruhi inquired, now sincerely confused and dazed. "Just trust me." Takashi held out a hand, indicating that she should take it. She put her hand in his, feeling that overwhelmingly comfortable sensation. It was addicting. Haruhi felt a stupid smile stretch across her face.
Lacing his larger fingers through hers, Takashi all but dragged Haruhi to the door. The stoic man was anxious, nervous, and excited. He had some of the fears that Haruhi was trying to qualm, but he refused to let them show. Tonight was going to be too special.
They had never really gotten a chance to go on a real first date.
Takashi wondered how it was going to be.
He hoped it would turn out well.
Please remember to vote. All of you.
Even the people who are silently reading in the background and don't review, please vote.
This is vital to the story and I want everyone's opinion on this.
-Bailey