A/N:

Chapter 13

Kyouya watched silently that entire trip, that entire day. His eyes followed Haruhi's slow, quiet movements all around the house. He felt like a stalker, and that wasn't far from the truth. He was obsessed with seeing her. He hoped to glimpse that angelic smile, see the warmth of her face as the twins pranked her, or the glitter in her eyes as Hunny became extra cute. He even wanted to see her embrace that fool Tamaki. Only to see that she was happy that's all he need to know he'd done the right thing. But she was stone cold, quiet and all that she did was forced for the public's viewing. He could tell she was unhappy, he could see it when no one else bothered to look closer.

"I'm so sorry Harhui." He turned away from her silent eyes watching the other members of the host clubs play excitedly around the pool in the back yard. He didn't notice her eyes shift to the movement and he didn't see a part of her die with each step he took away.

::

"Ah, there you are my dear. Lovely as usual." Tamaki rushed forward to meet Haruhi as she stepped through the door and exited out on the roof top. She'd found to her slight amusement several dressed spread out on her bed when she returned her room to get ready for Tamaki's little "date". She'd picked the simplest of them and slipped it over her head. It was a pretty white gown, like a Sunday dress with lace at the ends and sleeves that fell to her elbows.

"Thank you Senpai." She said trying to warm her voice towards him. It helped a little as he gathered her a hug that squeezed just right.

"Come come, I've made us a sort of picnic. Just like that night on the beach, do you remember?" He asked and she nodded her head gracing Tamaki with a small slip of her lips that created a smile. Stop being so down on yourself Haruhi, its doing no one good. Look at this man, trying so hard to please you. Is it really that hard to love him? She looked again into those beautiful eyes as he started handing her food and pouring her a drink as they settled under the sinking sun. It was a beautiful scene.

"So what has been on your mind lately?" Tamaki asked samply a strange looking dish. HE smiled in approval and waited for Haruhi to speak. She didn't want to, of course, but spoke anyway.

"Just things Senpai. Don't worry about them." She waved her hand trying to dismiss the subject but he wasn't going to be detoured easily.

"No, no I've noticed how its been bugging you. Please share it with me Haruhi, I only want to help you." He grasped her hand in his from across the table, and waited patiently. She tried to find a way out of it and she found lying the best.

"I've just been trying to figure out my feelings Senpai." She smiled at him placing it perfectly so it would be accepted.

"Oh, really?" He was excited but anxious as well. Would she really reject him? She'd acted so distant and cold maybe she didn't love him.

"I still need time. And I want you to know…" She paused biting on her lip. She couldn't say no, and she couldn't say yes. She chose the next best thing.

"I want you to know you've been a great friend through off this and very patient. I thank you for that." She squeezed his hand and enjoyed the sight of his face flowing as the sun dipped away surrounded them in darkness.

"You're more than welcomed, my dear." He spoke softly as if not to disturb the stars as they poked up throughout the sky the winked at him, but to Haruhi they seemed to cry with her.

::

Kyouya walked the halls alone and deep in thought. He'd had a restless first night and wondered who would pay for waking him in the morning. A small amused grinned crossed his face at the thought. But really had kept him up this time was thoughts of Haruhi. He hated how she consumed his mind, but treasured it as well. He'd close his eyes and hear her voice in the distance, the far off sound of her lips pulling back for a smile or the tinkling of her laughter. But he'd look for her, search for that face and find tears in her place. She'd start to scream the thunder was so loud but she was louder. He tried to reach for her, but he could never hold her close. She was left to be terriozed by the storm and he stood there watching unable to help her.

IT was about that time he'd awoken and left his room. It was to much to bear, but he knew he must. If Tamaki could be happy with Haruhi what right did he have to take her from right under his nose, and just when she seemed to be starting too warm up to him. He had no right and had been foolish to get this close to her, to let her step into his heart.

"Goodnight Tamaki-Senpai." Kyouya stopped dead in his tracks and peeked around the corner and saw Haruhi standing outside her door, Tamaki standing very close to her. Both held a smile to their faces. Haruhi looked so beautiful.

"Goodnight my dear." He leaned down and Kyouya had to close his eyes. He had no right, none at all to take that from Tamaki. He had finally won her, why didn't he get to keep her as well? Kyouya hurriedly turned and left the couple alone to say their goodnights.

::

"Goodnight my dear." Tamaki leaned down towards Haruhi but she quickly turned her face and he landed his kiss on her face. He pulled back chuckling without embarrassment even though it colored Haruhi's face.

"I'll come to see you in the morning my dear." And then he was gone smiling at her before he disappeared into the darkness. Haruhi didn't go to her room, she fled down the hallway opposite of Tamaki, and unknowingly towards Kyouya's own retreat from reality.