A/N:

Chapter 14

Haruhi padded down the abandoned corridors of the mansion having no idea where she was going, only knowing she had to run. Flee from the thoughts and memories floating in that room, from all that she had spoken to with Tamaki. She wanted to be alone, and utterly alone.

The house breathed with her its freshly cleaned smell seared her nose and finally she found the back door and burst through it. The fresh air welcomed her in an embrace of chilly air. She smiled slightly into it filling her lungs with its greeting.

Her feet fell slower now and she walked from the back door and wondered around the grounds. It was huge out here, the grass went on forever and there were small gardens and benches, ponds and little fountains. It was amazing to see. The thing that caught her eye was the garden, it was like the one at school and when she walked into it, it was like walking into a forest of tall flowers and wonderful things. She felt content here and slowly let go of her troubles with Tamaki and Kyouya and just let the flowers be her comfort.

Haruhi felt like she'd been wondering through this garden for hours, and the chillness in her bones was enough to confirm that. But she didn't want to go back inside yet. Just a little bit longer.

::

Kyouya paced among the flowers and glared at them. They were too cheerful, a memory of her. It'd been a mistake to come here. But he didn't want to leave either. At least here he only remembered her smiles and laughter, not her tears and pain.

Just then he heard a sound of leaves rustling. Like someone was walking along the garden running their hands across the flowers. His heart lurched as she walked past him like a ghost…or an angel. Her beautiful white dress glowed in the moonlight her eyes glittered with the reflection of the stars. And her smile was of the gods. She didn't see him at first and so he retreated several steps behind some tall lavender flowers.

He heard her soft sigh press into the air, the shiver that ran down her back was practically screaming for him to come warm her from his hiding place. He watched, one small part wishing she would continue on the path and leave him be, but the large part screamed for the moment never to end.

"Kyouya…." His heart lurched at the sound of his name passing her lips. She sighed again and removed her hand from the beautiful flowers and instead hugged herself and stared up at the sky…eyes deep in thought. He couldn't take it any longer.

"I'm right here Haruhi." He pulled a flower from the bush he'd been hiding behind and walked up behind her. She spun around scared by his sudden appearance and found herself instantly surrounded in strong arms that held her close. He was sad to feel the coldness of her skin against him but hugged her close and titled back her chin to look him in the eye. Her own were wide, hugely surprised but hopeful all the same.

"What are you doing out here Senpai?" She questioned trying to pull back but not with enough strength to where she'd actually slip from his warm embrace. He smiled feeling her "attempt" at freedom.

"I was restless, couldn't sleep at all. What is your excuse?" He brushed the petals of the flower against her face daringly and smiled when she blushed. Get a hold of yourself man, look at what your doing look at who your holding. DO you even care you might break your best friends heart? The thought was indeed painful and he flinched but Haruhi's voice drew him back into the wonderful sin.

"I was restless too. I did not want to sleep." She cut off the part about wanting him to be there in place of Tamaki. She didn't think he was really ready to hear that. But then….why did he hold her so? And touch her like that?

"What are you doing." She asked emphasizing the word as he ran the petals from her hair line and traced down the side of her face.

"I'm standing here, looking at the most beautiful girl I've ever seen." She gasped but he pressed on feeling the nerve suddenly wiggling his knees. "I'm standing here, looking at what's made me so restless." Tears sprung to her eyes and for a moment Kyouya thought he'd gone to far but realized by the shaky smile on her lips it was happiness that brought them.

"But you said…" He laid the flower on her lips and silenced her quickly. He didn't want those words to interrupt such a …beautiful moment between them.

"You never did know when to just be silent Haruhi." He mumbled and as she was about to protest he cuddled her close cupped the back of her head and kissed her. Haruhi didn't know what to do at first but slowly his kiss brought the stars to her vision and she fluttered her eyes closed and allowed him to hold her closer, kiss her sweeter. She was lost in the moment and neither knew of the spectator who'd seen this entire exchange. Completely lost in their own worlds Haruhi and Kyouya never saw the other person leave the garden.

The hurt didn't interrupt them, nothing could. Not even Tamaki's retreating back as it disappeared into the shadows.

A/N: