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Chapter 6
No One
Haruhi's heart was beating fast and she was threatening to cry. Not due to sadness, but due to the sheer emotional burden that a wedding encompassed. They were literal tears of joy, as well as a little fear. Fear of becoming overwhelmed, and breaking down right at the altar. Though, in the back of her mind, Haruhi knew that was something she would probably never do.
The church was simple, to Kyouya. To Haruhi, the high, lavender stained windows as well as the elaborate garden was just a bit too much for her tastes. But, it was beautiful nonetheless as Haruhi couldn't imagine her wedding anywhere else. They both had thought of the possibility of having a traditional wedding, though, neither of them found it that appealing. All the kimonos and other culture that existed during those traditional weddings, they found it not preferable. No matter how much their parents wanted one.
Her bridesmaids were another matter. She only had three, compared to Kyouya's seven groomsmen. The unbalance was so apparent, that Ranka suggested he be one for the time being. Haruhi strongly refused, this unbalance in what made her wedding so like them. That's was she got when she decided to befriend six guys during high school and never loose contact with any of them later in life. She only met three girls she'd ever really gotten close to during her time at high school. Never once had the thought occurred to her that her wedding picture wouldn't be balanced in the least. Not only had Yuzuha just designed Haruhi's dress, she gladly agreed to do everything, the groom, the groomsmen, and the bridesmaids. No matter how much Kyouya and everyone else wanted to pay her, Yuzuha turned them all down. Which actually shocked both her sons, who knew her as a bit power hungry when it came to the prices her clients were willing to pay.
"Haruhi, how you feeling sweetheart?" Fuyumi said softly as she entered the room. Clad in a soft blue colored knee high dress. A thick ribbon wrapped around her waist. The dress all Haruhi's bridesmaid would be wearing.
"I'm fine," Haruhi breathed, "I think. Don't worry about me Fuyumi San."
"Call me Fuyumi, Haruhi," She stopped right behind Haruhi who was sitting down on an overly cushiony stool. "You're going to be my sister in an hour or two, and were close anyway. Now stand up Haruhi, I want to see the dress."
There was no arguing with her. Haruhi stood up slowly, she didn't want to vomit. The dress reached the floor and dragged a bit in the back. Mostly because Haruhi refused to wear heels. Instead she wore small pearl colored flats. Yuzuha and Haruhi had finally reached a compromise on the dress. Ending up with one that was a simple fitted bodice, and light fabric for the skirt and train.
"You're gorgeous, can't wait to see the expression on Kyouya's face when he sees you!" Fuyumi placed her hands on Haruhi's shoulders and squeezed them lightly. She smiled.
OOO
Haruhi wanted this, she was sure of it.
There were no doubts to acknowledge, they were nonexistent as she looked into those iron brown eyes. Fully tender as they stared back at her. Through that frosted white veil, everything became so clear to her. He was the one she wanted, she couldn't believe she'd ever doubted herself. Then again, it was unlike her to think like this, like everything was going to proceed without a single unfortunate hitch. And usually, they didn't. Haruhi wasn't exactly the type to completely give herself away to one person. She had seven others to share herself with.
Ryoji's face held a gentle look to it. That one minute it took to place Haruhi's hand in the hand of her soon to be husband's. Her father's eyes were soft a little teary. She knew he was happy for her, maybe he was just think of when mom's hand was placed in his, and the look in her father's eyes. How Kotoko wasn't there experience her own daughter's wedding. No one blamed her, it just seemed like something was missing in the front row. Haruhi had always pictured her wedding to be one of complete chaos: Tamaki in the audience, crying his eyes out, with Mori attempting to comfort him while everyone proceeded to look at him weird. Hani sitting on one of the pews, his legs hanging off of the edge with one of his choice cakes in his lap.
But it was nothing like that. Though, if it was, Haruhi wouldn't have been angry or distraught. If it was a complete fiasco, Haruhi would smile that knowing smile up at Kyouya and he would have that annoyed look on his face. Not at her, but at the antics of his groomsmen.
Instead, Haruhi's heart swelled, or that's what it felt like anyway. She was overwhelmed with indescribable emotions. It was silence in the room, and it felt like no one was breathing. The only thing that didn't turn out right was the absence of her mother. Haruhi still missed her, she still felt like she'd trade anything to have her back. But now, as Haruhi stood just a foot or two from her future, her mother was a precious memory, like she'd always been. There was no way Haruhi would ever forget her, it was just time to move on in life like she had the day she had arrived at Ouran.
The unnecessary tingling in her extremities, the tremors in her body that weren't there. They seemed so apparent, why couldn't Kyouya who held both her hands feel them? Haruhi was fully flustered. She was also fully convinced that she was completely crazy. Maybe Kyouya was just acting like he wasn't aware of them.
Those words that every maiden speaks as they become wives, had already slipped past her lips. No need to mention them, they only thing Haruhi would remember from one of the best days of her life, was the look in Kyouya's face as he leaned down to lift the veil to kiss her. Seeing his face so clearly all of a sudden, Haruhi smile widened. That solemn, affectionate expression he had, while she held an embarrassed grin playing at her lips as his met them.
OOO
Most everyone was mingling, glasses of wine while they chatted animatedly with each other. For Haruhi only wanted her closest friends and family to come to the wedding, totaling to the amount of twenty-three people. A lot smaller turnout than Haruhi had previously thought. Among those were Kyouya's brothers as well as his only sister. His father also managed to appear, though with him insisting that he invite a few close business partners. Kyouya strongly disagreed. Kyouya wanted this wedding to be strictly on a personal level. Business would have no involvement here.
"Haruhi, how does it feel to be Ootori Haruhi now? Oh, my daughter is now off on her own!" Ranka has his hands clasped together, a large grin his face. This was the first time in awhile he wasn't dressed as tranny. Haruhi found it thoroughly unusual. His thick, light brown hair reached his black suit clad shoulders. He wore a bright red tie, his idea of adding a bit of "Ranka" to his outfit. For in that outfit, he was Ryoji.
"Dad, I feel exactly the same." Haruhi smiled, Kyouya who sat next to her, pulled her close and gave her a kiss. Haruhi intertwined her fingers with his.
" I know for a fact that your insides are probably churning with excitement."
"He got that right." Kyouya whispered in her ear.
For the most part the reception was normal, they had used a old but beautiful meeting building his father used to use and still owned. Refurbished to fit the theme of the wedding: Lilacs in the Spring. The large windows, slightly covered by dark colored drapes made from light fabric, shifting with each breeze. Hani had already began to help himself to the varieties of desserts as the table.
A small tap to her shoulder and Haruhi immediately turned to meet Hikaru.
"Haruhi. Can I talk to you please. Sorry for the inconvenience." he chuckled nervously.
"Of course." Haruhi kindly excused herself from the table and followed Hikaru to the front doors. Under Kyouya's suspicious eye, Haruhi didn't even have to turn around to see. The gentle wind cooled Haruhi's heated skin, and she her tenseness faded with each breath she took.
"Uh, Haruhi….congratulations," Hikaru choked out. This was one of the hardest things he'd done since resolving to not show up at the airport to say goodbye to Haruhi before she left.
"Hikaru," Haruhi could just sense the worry, the anxiety, the hidden anger just beneath his words. "What's wrong?"
What was Haruhi thinking? She knew exactly what was wrong with him, why he was angry. This asking him was just a kind of comfort that she was so used to every other time he appeared distressed in any way.
"I don't know anymore," Hikaru paused, "I'm just confused."
"About what?"
What was she doing? Haruhi knew exactly what was wrong and yet she still failed to take the confrontation up front.
"Let me help you." Haruhi looked up into his face, her words gentle.
"Don't worry about me Haruhi," his false cheer showed in his forced smile, "It's your wedding day, you should go spend time with Kyouya…."
That was when it broke. Hikaru's voice cracked and his eyes glossed over, he just like a little boy crying over something selfish. In fact he was one.
"Come on, Hikaru, don't act like that," Haruhi took his hand and held between them, "I still care about you-"
"Just answer this Haruhi," Hikaru took a deep breath, "Why did you have to marry him?"
"I care deeply about him." Haruhi answered simply.
"Normally, I know I would have been supportive of this, and I am. But it's just a lot harder than I thought. I'd always held onto that stupid dream where we'd all end up completely happy together. Where you'd have never picked any of us. That you' d be happy with all of us. Just-just damn it all! I feel so much like Kaoru right now! Totally helpless, , this feeling, everything just feels so fucking ridiculous right now. I'm being ridiculous. This is your wedding isn't it? Isn't it Haruhi?" Hikaru breathed, staring into her eyes. In those eyes Haruhi could just see pain, love, everything he'd ever felt in the past five years. He brought her into a hug.
"I know you don't want to look at me right now," With every word, Haruhi could feel his heart just breaking, crumbling, "So I'll just say this, I still love you Haruhi, I'll always support you, even in this; I hope you're truly happy." He didn't say it in a spiteful way, he was sincere, he really wanted her to be happy. Even Haruhi could see that.
"I'll believe you if you'd just go back to the reception with me."
"Sorry Haruhi, I can't." Even if he was sincere, didn't mean he was happy.
"Hikaru, I want to see you, don't hide yourself from those that care. Don't run from us. I care about you." Haruhi's voice was so soft, almost a whisper, but so forceful. As if she fighting off the urge to yell at him. Hikaru had less tolerance.
"That's all it's ever going to be! I want to say what I want to say, but all you're going to get is mad at me! You have no idea what I feel right now, I'm so confused, not to mention angry at -at who knows what anymore. It's not Kyouya Senpai, it's not Kaoru, it's not you either Haruhi, I just need help, some kind of unattainable closure, it's something none of you can give me, I just need to do something with myself." Hikaru scratched his head irately, glanced at Haruhi with a look of forced comfort then walked off abruptly.
"Hikaru." Haruhi was beyond frustrated at that moment. It was her wedding for goodness sake! Couldn't Hikaru just be calm for once in his life? She wanted so badly to just chase after him, but without her, Haruhi was sure a missing bride wouldn't make anyone happy. Even if she tried passing it off as some kind of joke. Haruhi grabbed her dress in fistfuls and hurried back to the reception. Deep down, she knew Hikaru wouldn't do anything rash. For her sake, she knew he wouldn't.
"Haruhi," Tamaki's voice was more melodic than usual, and Haruhi froze in her tracks at the abruptness as she took her first step back on the dance floor, "Will you dance with me?"
"Uh, sure Senpai." Haruhi said unsurely. She took his hand and Tamaki pulled her close and Haruhi was now lost in the expanse of Tamaki's chest. Her search for her now husband hindered. Apparently, Tamaki knew that too.
"Come on Haruhi, for once just forget about your husband and think about us," he whispered in her ear, half seriously and humorously, "Even if it's your special day."
Haruhi had no idea what he meant when he said that, he sounded like he was hurt and Haruhi was just itching to find out why, but she would wait until he was ready to tell her.
"I know Hikaru just left, and you want to follow him, but now's not the time." Tamaki continued.
"But Tamaki Senpai, he needs me, he needs us right now."
"Haruhi calm down, it'll all be fine. We just have to accept whatever the outcome happens to be."
"Senpai, let me go," Tamaki loosened his grip on Haruhi, "Where's Kyouya?"
"He's currently talking to Kaoru."
"Why, is there something you guys aren't telling me?"
"You'll find him right outside." Tamaki softly pushed her towards the door, where she hurried through the crowd, despite all the congratulations, Haruhi uttered quick thank yous and continued on. How could all this be happening? On her wedding day nonetheless? What she wouldn't give to just dance in Kyouya's arms until her legs gave out. No problems in the world, just them and a wonderful wedding day. But with the Host Club, Haruhi knew she would never get a day like that. And in some ways, that what she liked about them in the first place. Their out-of-the-ordinary mannerisms and habits. The ridiculous antics, the cosplay, Haruhi secretly adored it all. In the end Haruhi wouldn't have it any other way.
Haruhi was met with the crisp air, the sun slowly beginning to dip beneath the surface of the horizon, the road Hikaru had gone down, still decently lit, was empty as if he hadn't been there and he was just back in the reception joking around with the other guests. But Haruhi knew he wasn't, he was long gone from the party, off doing whatever he was doing, whether it be drinking or just acting plain reckless. By then, Haruhi could just feel her eyes beginning to sting. How was it that she could feel like the happiest woman in the world, and yet feel like she'd just been dumped at the same time?
Kyouya's knowing arms encircled Haruhi from the back, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Kaoru said he'd take care of it, he's the only who knows where Hikaru went."
Haruhi's tenseness ebbed away with each word he spoke. That was until Tamaki appeared next to them.
"I think I know where he went too." Tamaki managed a weak smile at the two.
In that one moment, Haruhi understood everything.
In that smile, Kyouya saw everything. Everything Tamaki had neglected to tell him, or anyone really.
OOO
"GET OUT OF HERE, ÉCLAIR!" Kaoru bellowed as he slammed open the door to Hikaru's bedroom.
Hikaru froze where he lay. Éclair, however was already on her feet. Glaring at Kaoru as if he was the one that had done something wrong.
"Well, I for one, have no reason to explain myself-"
"SHUT UP ÉCLAIR!" Hikaru mouth had unfrozen, he had barely noticed the words flooding the room. "Just," Hikaru sighed heavily, "Just get out."
"Hikaru," she snapped, "You have no right to speak to me that way. But," she glanced at Kaoru then back at Hikaru, "I'm not going to fight you two, that would be foolish of me. I might as well go as you said, but at least," Éclair headed towards the door, picking up her golden threadbare clutch off the floor before continuing. She looked back at them, "At least I've still got a husband waiting for me." She smiled before disappearing behind it.
Kaoru took a swift glare at the door before approaching Hikaru who had suddenly gone quiet.
"Hikaru, what the hell are you doing?"
"Brooding." Hikaru averted his brothers eyes.
"Hikaru."
"What?"
"Do you know who you're sleeping with?"
"Yeah, Éclair, the girl Tamaki Senpai almost married. She's one of my clients," Hikaru faced his brother, whose eyes had widened for some unknown reason. "Well, one of the clients mom actually lets me handle on my own…"
"Hikaru!" Kaoru stumbled closer to him, hitting the alcohol bottle from Hikaru's hand. "She is married to Senpai, you didn't know?" Kaoru looked a bit uncomfortable.
Hikaru's eyes widened like his brothers and know nothing mattered, not even the alcohol.
"She told me that she only worked there, not that-not that she owned half of it!" Hikaru said incredulously, if he'd known, he wouldn't have. There was no way- "Kaoru, what do I do? I had no idea, I'm fucked at this point!"
"Calm down Hikaru, it's not your fault-"
"Stop trying to cover up for me, it is my fault. Once Tamaki Senpai finds out, he'll hate me!" Hikaru was hysterical at this point. Losing Tamaki Senpai's friendship was the last thing he wanted gone. Him and the whole host club, even Kyouya Senpai, lent a hand to him and his brother when they were at their most selfish and vain.
"Why don't you explain to Tamaki Senpai then?" Kaoru smiled.
"At Haruhi's wedding? That's a stupid idea, if I did, not just would Tamaki Senpai want to kill me but Haruhi would too!"
"I highly doubt that, come on Hikaru, there's still the reception. Tamaki will explain everything when you arrive."
"Fine." Hikaru pouted.
If his brother was so keen on getting him to go back then there was no trying to dissuade him. He might as well see it through.
"Do you think Haruhi will be angry? What about Tamaki Senpai?"
"I don't think they'd have it any other way," Kaoru grinned. "Let's just get you dressed again."
OOO
"Haruhi, can we have our first dance as husband and wife?" Kyouya said softly to her as the dance floor began to clear.
"Of course." Her heart was beating madly in her chest and as soon she rested her head on his chest and they settled into a slow rhythm, her heart settled also. The piano behind played a soft and medium tempo sound. It was relaxing in everyway possible. Haruhi could feel the tenderness the pianist gave to this piece. As her slow spin brought her to face where her back was previously turned; she could see Tamaki at the piano. A thoughtful look in his eyes, as his fingers rushed knowingly across the keys. He would glance up at them every once on a while, a notion Haruhi found completely comforting.
But through that comforting stare, Haruhi could see some kind of hurt. Was it because of this marriage? Her marriage to Kyouya? Did this hurt him? Haruhi settled a bit more into Kyouya's chest. She knew something like this was bound to happen to them. But, like this? First Hikaru, then Tamaki? Or was it something in his life that was obviously effecting him. Of course it was, how could she have forgotten about the little affair Hikaru was having with Tamaki's wife? That look that Tamaki had showed them both told everything. His every suspicion, starting back when he visited Kyouya to apologize to her.
This was the last thing she wanted to do to anyone. Much less her closest friends. This night was supposed just wonderful and overwhelming. In a way it was overwhelming, but not in the way she'd expected.
Haruhi didn't want to hurt them, she herself was beginning to feel their pain. Maybe the wedding was a bad idea. There was no turning back now. Just when she thought those doubts had faded away with that fateful kiss. They were back again and getting stronger with each step they took. She didn't want to cry right then, but the feeling was beginning to overcome her. As they completed another circle, Haruhi almost froze, if it wasn't for Kyouya who held on tight to her. There right across the room, against the wall, was Hikaru and Kaoru.
"Kyouya?" she whispered.
"Hikaru, I was worried about him too, just wait for a few seconds and the song will end, when everyone begins to clap and leave to wait for us outside, then you can."
"Okay, thanks Kyouya." Haruhi lifted her head to give him a kiss.
As Kyouya had said, the piece slowed down to few small high notes before stopping completely. Clapping and a few cheers ensued; and Tamaki as best man began to direct them outside for the final congratulations and goodbyes until they would come back from their honeymoon. After everyone had been ushered outside, Tamaki walked back in, a little worn but looking normal nonetheless.
Haruhi had already reached the other side of the room, standing in front of Hikaru who looked like he wanted to be anywhere but there. And as Tamaki approached them, Hikaru made it apparent that he didn't want to be there.
"Hikaru, look-" Tamaki started.
"I'm really sorry Senpai, I would never have if I'd known-"
"It's fine Hikaru," Tamaki smiled weakly. "I kind of expected it to happen. At first I thought she understood me, but like Kyouya said my marriage wasn't working and she was the first to see it."
"Wait, but didn't I ruin your marriage?" Hikaru looked half hopeful that Tamaki would prove him wrong and say it was some other factor that caused his marriage to crumble.
"Yes and no, I don't really know." Tamaki palmed his face roughly. Everyone knew Tamaki was tired of it all, but what the others didn't know was that he had yet to hit breaking point. Or had he?
"Tamaki you're not alone anymore," Morinozuka placed his hand on Tamaki's tensed shoulder, "we are all here to support you."
"I-thank you guys, I owe you guys so much-"
"You don't owe us anything, it's us that owe you." Both twins said together.
"You're the one that helped us when we were about to go too far," Hikaru said thoughtfully. "with all the help you gave, it still wasn't enough to stop me from doing something so stupid." Hikaru put his head down.
"Hikaru, you honestly didn't know, we'd all lost touch with each other the month Kyouya and Haruhi left. I'd lost touch with myself," Tamaki chuckled softly, "I can't blame you, I'd be the one doing something stupid if I got angry at you for it."
"Senpai, I thank you." Hikaru reached out to hug Tamaki.
"Kyouya?" Tamaki said softly the second he let go of Hikaru.
"Hmm?" Kyouya said from next to Haruhi, he already knew what was coming.
"Can I talk to you alone," he continued, "Uh, you can bring Haruhi too if she wants." He added quickly.
Tamaki looked from Kyouya to Haruhi who nudged Kyouya off towards him.
"I'm guessing she'll let me off the hook for a few minutes," Kyouya approached Tamaki, "Follow me."
OOO
"Haruhi's dressing room, huh?" Tamaki looked around at the light colored drapes, the medium sized vanity counter accompanied by the large mirror, and the small stool that stood in front of it all.
"I figured it would the place where we'd have the most privacy owing to the deteriorating condition of your marriage, I don't think you want anyone knowing yet."
Kyouya was completely right. Tamaki was completely unsure of what was to happen when his father or worse his grandmother found out. Maybe he'd be disowned, or deported. He knew the latter wasn't particularly possible, but knowing his grandmother, she'd probably find a way to make it happen and send him back to France.
"Kyouya, I divorced her," Tamaki voice cracked, "Well, it's nowhere near finalized yet, then again, she doesn't even know yet, but when it is, I won't know what to do. Odds are she's not going to give up her half of the company without a fight, for all I know, when Grandmother finds out, she'll let Éclair keep her half and leave me to fend for it alone."
"Tamaki, do you have no faith in us?" Kyouya stood directly in front of Tamaki. Kyouya took Tamaki's hand in his own.
"What?"
"I pretty sure if that were to happen, your half wouldn't be weak, if our companies were to form a bond, the Ootori empire could help support you, help keep you company afloat until you're sure you've received reassurance."
"You'd do that for me?"
"Of course, why not? I'm sure Haruhi wouldn't mind-"
"Kyouya, could I have one more kiss?"
"What? Tamaki, I'm already married-"
"But Kyouya, Haruhi wouldn't mind, that's why she left us alone-"
"Tamaki, what did you think Haruhi expected us to do?"
"Nothing too severe-"
"Tamaki!-"
"Fine, Kyouya, I was just wondering if it wasn't too much trouble." Tamaki pouted.
"Tamaki," Kyouya grit his teeth, "You're so lucky I have such a high tolerance of you."
"Does that mean?-"
"Only one."
"Only one?"
"Tamaki!"
"Fine, one's enough….for now." Tamaki grinned.
He knew their relationship was far from over. Not like they were going to sneak behind Haruhi's back. They wouldn't do that to her. Just some reassuring thoughts that keep them sane, just some thoughts that they knew Haruhi well enough to know she wouldn't mind that much if they just hung out every once in a while.
Kyouya's lips found Tamaki's like the way he had years ago. He knew Tamaki's skin like his own. His lips moved in the way that always turned Tamaki on: bordering rough. For all Tamaki mistook Kyouya's haste for passion. It was just like him to do so. Tamaki was beginning to get into it when it ended abruptly.
"Kyouya!" Tamaki whined, "What the -"
"Calm down, like you said, that won't be last will it?"
"No?"
"Okay then we should be getting back then, the guests are getting anxious."
OOO
"Congratulations!"
"Best wishes!"
"Bless you!"
Haruhi began down the stairs of the church with her arm around Kyouya's as they headed for the car at the end of the long lavender colored carpet. She uttered thank yous to the crowd of her loved ones at large. She couldn't thank them enough, she loved them all so much. Before she knew it, she was met with the silence of the car as the door closed behind her and Kyouya sat himself next to her.
"Hey Kyouya." Haruhi smiled up at him, before he leaned down and kissed her.
"Haruhi." he said contently after he pulled away.
There was no way to describe the amount of satisfaction he felt. The content feeling that enveloped his body, he couldn't stop smiling.
"Kyouya?"
"Hmmm?"
"You kissed Tamaki didn't you."
Kyouya whipped his head in her direction, "How did you find out, you're not upset are you?"
"No, I just know you guys better than I should." Haruhi smiled. Kyouya breathed a sigh of relief. Though, his breath if relief was short lived, he could feel the split second hesitation in Haruhi before he put his arm around Haruhi and kissed her cheek. Maybe Haruhi wasn't really as okay with it as she had let on to.
Haruhi couldn't stop smiling, the longer she sat next to him, the more and more sure she was of this marriage. Maybe it would get better after this, Hikaru would be okay, and Tamaki was get through this rough patch in his relationship. Haruhi loved the fact that Kyouya refused to give up on his relationship with Tamaki; Haruhi knew where he coming from, she didn't want to let him go either.
"Are we going to your house?" Haruhi asked.
"Yeah, pick up our luggage and go on the honeymoon," Kyouya replied. "Why, is there something wrong, don't be afraid to tell me."
"Nothing, just excited for the trip." Haruhi faltered a little, her worry was apparent.
"Haruhi just tell me," Kyouya paused, "Are you nervous?"
"About what?"
"Tonight."
Haruhi thought for a second before her face grew hot and the heat just increased the longer she stared him in the face. Why would she not be? But then again that was one of the last things on her mind, she was totally exhausted from everything else. How could every other woman even think of something like that the same night of the wedding. Well, Haruhi was looking forward to it. She was just a little apprehensive was all.
What she said next, didn't sound forced, it sounded calm and completely natural to her.
"Of course, I can't wait."
That was a fun chapter, hope you enjoyed, sorry for the long wait, it isn't over, next chapter: Interlude, from Kyouya and Tamaki's perspective. Please review and tell me how I'm doing. Every review in appreciated. ^^