I'm very sorry, too much other work got in the way.
Other than that I would really like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all the people that reviewed this
story thus far. You're all freaking awesome. And I love each and every one. I hope this long-ass chapter makes up for the long wait. I really like this chapter. And because of and for my reviewers, I've decided to continue it. I hope you enjoy it and continue to review it. YAY
Disclaimer: I don't own OHSHC
Chapter: 7
Goodbye
Three weeks Later
Tamaki's fingers drummed at the desk. He looked up at her. Silently asking for her to reply in any way.
"Éclair, I need to talk to you about this, please say something."
She was silent.
Ordinarily, Tamaki would have thought Éclair to be all over this, yelling and screaming at him, like he was the one making a bad choice. But today was different. Tamaki approached her, she stood stock still near the her bed post. She was staring out the window, one of her hands fisted tensely in her skirt.
"Éclair?" Tamaki took her clutched hand in his and lifted her chin with his other. "You're beautiful, you know." Tamaki smiled. His smile broke within seconds. He was lost for words, she wasn't speaking and Tamaki knew he wouldn't get anywhere by talking to himself.
He let his hands fall limply from her. She was still silent. He took a deep breath then sat down on her bed. Tamaki rested his head in his hands. At that point, he would have preferred her yelling and throwing things at him than their current situation. It had been three weeks since his talk with Hikaru outside that café, and that seemed as far away as ever. He had to catch a plane to France just to talk to her, she hadn't answered any of his phone-calls or emails. Nothing.
As far as he could tell, the reason she was ignoring him was the divorce. She had to know about it by now. There was no more new information.
"You know, we're not getting anywhere if you're still complimenting me." Éclair said curtly.
"Oh, so your talking now, what else was I supposed to say, that you disgust me?" he said halfheartedly, he didn't like putting people down, not even hypothetically.
She said no more, Tamaki felt like he was reduced to talking to himself again. What was he supposed to do? When Éclair had her mind set on not doing something, he could bet she wasn't going to do it. The quiet carried on for quite awhile, Tamaki just put his back to the bed and took to staring at the ceiling while he thought of a better tactic to get her to talk.
When he first arrived, he hated to admit it, but they acted like they were still in a happy marriage. When he came up the room, the first they did was kiss when he walked in. They proceeded to talk about things completely unrelated to the situation while Tamaki held her from behind, his head resting on her shoulder. It could have gone farther, but Tamaki knew better than to do something like that in the situation they were in. It all went sour when he casually began speaking about the separation all of a sudden.
"You know Éclair?" He stared at the back of her head, and the small portion of her face that showed from his angle. It looked quite melancholy, like she was trying to hold back tears. He couldn't help but feel like he himself was doing that too. "I really do wish this didn't have to happen, I wish we could work it out, but from by perspective it seems like you just don't care-"
Her lips quivered and parted, Tamaki felt like she going to say something. But alas, it was too good a thought to be true.
"This is killing me Éclair, please say something, I want to hear you."
As far as he could tell, this wasn't going to get anywhere. He could feel anger beginning to simmer, his forehead was throbbing with an oncoming headache. She was beginning to push him towards breaking point. He didn't know what to say, he just wanted her to say something, explain herself, tell him why she did all those things to him. Did she want attention? Well, at this point, she sure as hell got it, what did she want to say?
It wasn't like he was the busy one, what could possibly keep her from telling him what was wrong?
Maybe it's the Yakuza.
Tamaki grinned to himself, those endless possibilities that filled his head were the ones Kyouya usually chided him for, Tamaki knew he secretly enjoyed it though.
The grin slipped off his face, he couldn't take it anymore, he was tired of wondering, he just wanted to know.
"Is your goal in life to torture me? God damnit Éclair, SAY SOMETHING!" Tamaki stared at her profile, she was still faced towards the window, "What do you want me to tell you? That cheating is encouraged in this relationship? That I'll guarantee to you that I won't get hurt over it? That-that-that I don't love you and this whole marriage was a horrible idea?"
He was terrified at his own nerve to say all those things. All those things he'd said, he hoped they were true, but they weren't. Not one bit. Tamaki hated it when she left to do things she never told him about. Tamaki thought he wouldn't be phased by it, when in fact that was the main reason of his sleepless nights and sudden weight loss when she left. Tamaki really loved her and he wished wholeheartedly that they could pull through it. But he knew it was damaged beyond repair. He wasn't trying to bait her or anything, he was honestly saying what he was thinking. In fact, he was half expecting her to suddenly turn around and slap him.
She only said six words. But they didn't in the least sound very convincing.
"Tamaki, just go ahead with it."
OOO
Tamaki found himself exiting her house a minute or two later. That uneasy feeling in his stomach was still there if not worse. With his hand clutching his other arm, he took one last look back at Éclair's house.
That handsome crème colored manor, the gorgeous woodwork that edged the house where it touched the ground, pearly white colored gates surrounded the fresh green colored hedges. He glanced quickly up at the window that was her room, only to see the light blue curtains drawn shut. Tamaki ducked his head away and turned around to face Kyouya's car in wait out front. It was such a comforting sight to him, Tamaki almost ran towards it.
Once he was inside, he gave Kyouya the weakest of smiles, he didn't mean it to be fake, he just wanted Kyouya to instantly know how he really felt.
"Come on Tamaki, I'll talk to you."
A rush of affection for Kyouya surged forward and left Tamaki rosy cheeked. How had Kyouya taken so much from that one look?
Tamaki was silent, was he really that easy to read?
"Stop looking Tamaki, let's get out of here." Kyouya said when he noticed Tamaki's eyes had a dead lock on Éclair's mansion.
Kyouya took a hold of Tamaki's upper arm in a firm hold and shook him a little, Tamaki's head turned slowly, his eyes settled on Kyouya.
"Okay Kyouya, I'll go."
They rode for a few minutes in complete silence. Not comfortable in the least, usually when Tamaki and him were together, there was never an uncomfortable silence. Tamaki was the hammer to the solid wall of silence. But today, Tamaki just held on the noiselessness, in that moment it was his friend. His friend that repeated every bad thing he thought back at him. With every turn Kyouya took, farther and farther away from her home, Tamaki's clutch at the arm rest tightened more than Kyouya thought possible.
"Kyouya?" Tamaki said gently.
"What?"
"What's it like being in a happy marriage?"
His question nearly broke Kyouya's softened heart. How could he answer that? That was the answer. Kyouya would not. He couldn't stand hurting Tamaki more than he already was. It felt like Tamaki was asking him to rub it in. The fact that Kyouya's marriage was successful was something that Kyouya himself couldn't even agree with. They'd been a bit distant lately. Haruhi and him. But right then was not the time to tell Tamaki that.
"Tamaki, don't ask that-"
"Why?" Tamaki snapped, "You're just making it obvious that you're so overwhelmingly happy with Haruhi. Let me tell you something. I loved Haruhi. I still love her." Tamaki stared into Kyouya's profile, as if trying to unnerve him. "You wanna know something else? I confessed to her," Kyouya's hand unconsciously gripped the wheel tighter. "Five years ago, right before she left for the states…with you." Tamaki spat. "But she didn't even give me an answer, 'I'll think about it' is what she said to me, but the second she said that, I already knew her answer. She had already fallen for you, didn't she?" Tamaki demanded.
"Leave Haruhi out of this." Kyouya said through clenched teeth.
"Fine, what about you? Weren't you involved with me? Oh wait, the second you realize Haruhi going with you alone, you're suddenly straight all over again. The second you see Haruhi and only Haruhi, I'm out of the picture. You didn't even bother calling. Too busy fucking-"
Kyouya pressed the brakes hard and Tamaki swung forward. Tamaki stopped talking. From the look in his face, Tamaki knew when to stop.
Kyouya knew he had let go of everything Tamaki had just said. Tamaki was just venting, he didn't mean it so angrily, it just happened that way. Tamaki was in the mood to attack anything and everything that talked to him. Friend or foe. Tamaki just stared out the window. His anger had gone and he just looked gloomy now.
"Kyouya, I feel like such a jerk." Tamaki said tonelessly. He put his face in his hands.
"You felt it was the right thing to do, and I support you in your decision-"
"Do you think it was the right decision?"
"Do you want my honest opinion?"
"Yes."
"You sure?" Kyouya glanced sideways at Tamaki.
"I'm completely sure Kyouya."
"Fine," Kyouya looked straight ahead, "I do believe you made the right choice…for the company."
Tamaki stiffened in his seat, "but, for emotional state, Tamaki, even considering what she did to us in high school, you probably should have given her another chance-"
"DAMMIT KYOUYA," Tamaki hit the dashboard with his fist, "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Tamaki could feel the anger simmering beneath his skin, "Turn around Kyouya, turn around…" he hadn't noticed he was in tears until a droplet had fallen onto his clenched fist.
"Tamaki, even though I want to turn around for you, you need to think about whether you really want this-"
"But Kyouya, it's not too late-"
"When you're in a rational state of mind-"
"But Kyouya, please Kyouya, I love her….-"
"I'm not turning around until-"
"Bastard!" Tamaki just watched himself spew nonsense, call his best friend everything he could think of, and he couldn't find it in him to stop himself.
"Tamaki stop." Kyouya said calmly, he had pulled over. He faced Tamaki, who looked livid in his seat. "We'll stay here tonight and you can talk to her in the morning, alright?"
Tamaki was silent for a few moments, "Really?"
"Really."
'I-Thank you Kyouya. I-I-wait, what about Haruhi?"
"I told her to expect something like this, she's fine handling the company on her own, my father surely won't let her slip knowing him. He's been watching our progress with utmost scrutiny since we got married…."
"Thank you Kyouya." That was all he could think of to say.
"No problem Tamaki, at least your tantrum is over.-"
"I'm sorry for everything I said before. I didn't mean any of it the way it came out, I was just," Tamaki sighed, "Distraught." he ran his hands through his hair. "Just jealous I guess." he smiled weakly.
"No need to apologize Tamaki, surely I'd be used to it by now."
" Fine. So, where are we staying?"
"I don't really know yet, on the other hand, don't you know someplace? For heaven's sake Tamaki, you've lived here!"
"Yeah, my mother's house, I was only fourteen! The only place I ever stayed was in her house. Just by living here does not mean I'm trained to be a tour guide!"
"Why don't we just get a hotel?" Kyouya said bluntly, why hadn't he thought of it beforehand?
"Why didn't you suggest that earlier?"
"I hadn't quite thought of it yet."
OOO
They pulled up to an out-of-the-way kind of place. The name Motel flashed nearby in a faded neon green. Maybe this was a bit too out-of-the-way for Kyouya. He couldn't believe he let Tamaki lead him here.
"I stayed here once a long time ago, just wanted to relive memories…"
A young woman sat at the counter, filing her flaming red nails down, a lit cigarette between her lips.
"Um, one room please, two beds preferably." Tamaki muttered.
The second the woman noticed Tamaki, and a second later Kyouya, she visibly straightened. The file hastily pushed down and away, and the cigarette pulled quickly from her mouth then smashed into the carpet with her cheap black pumps.
"Oh," she sounded surprised, "for you and your, um…friend? I assume?"
Tamaki nodded. Just what was she insinuating?
Her eyes quickly scanned a screen, she bit her lip then reached back and grabbed a key off a hook.
"Here you are," she handed Tamaki the keys, her hands lingered on his for longer than he thought necessary, "One room, one bed, be sure to call me if you need anything, anything at all." she sounded on the verge of desperation.
"No, nothing, everything's fine." Tamaki said quickly.
"Name?"
"What?" Tamaki was caught off guard, that was until he realized the room had to be booked in someone's name.
"Name," she asked again, her voice smooth.
"Ryoji Fujioka." Tamaki blurted.
"Okay…Ryoji," she said as if testing out the name for the first time. "And your friend?" she looked at Kyouya expectantly.
"Shiro Takaoji." Kyouya said calmly, without missing a beat.
"Okay," she paused, her fingers skated across the keyboard as she made note of their names, "So, Ryoji, Shiro, how about I come to serve you later?"
Tamaki, thoroughly nonplussed, found it unwise to argue the bed arrangements and headed off to find the room, Kyouya at his heels.
"Do you need help finding your room?" the girl called from behind them.
Tamaki only walked faster.
Once they reached the door, they had neglected to ask her what the number was, but they didn't regret it, instead they went by the number printed on the key. A faded number 17. The corresponding door was old beige color, probably from age. They were one floor up, in a row of doors that stood on a somewhat rickety balcony. Tamaki could see their car in the parking lot. The door knob was rusty but they wasted no time in walking forward.
The room was just like the outside of the room if not worse. As they entered, the bed sat a few feet away in front of them. A lone bedside table stood with a single lamp. The blankets were actually folded on top of the bed, but that didn't make up for the hideous pattern than covered them. A rusted blue rose against a urine yellow. A small bathroom stood off to the side. And that was the room. It seemed like jail to Kyouya. The only piece of freedom was the window placed near the door if they turned around.
"So, are we sharing the bed?" Tamaki asked awkwardly.
"I'll take the floor." Kyouya said almost immediately.
"Are you sure?" Tamaki asked plopping on the bed.
"Yeah, no offense but I'm not eager to betray Haruhi's trust again. Therefore, this is strictly platonic and will always be." Kyouya sounded final. And Tamaki hated to admit it but it hurt him a little.
"You didn't have to be so serious, it was a little question." Tamaki pouted.
"Don't fight with me Tamaki, there's only little left that you haven't attacked." Kyouya said, sitting on the floor.
"I said sorry, I really didn't mean to. You know I love- I mean I care about Haruhi, come on Kyouya. I said I was sorry."
"And I'm afraid I accept that apology."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Tamaki sat up.
"I trust you idiot." Kyouya began untying his shoes.
Tamaki left at that and did the same.
"So, why did you ask me to lead you to an out-of-the way motel anyway?"
"Precaution I guess, if we were to go to a place that our families frequented, our fathers would surely be alerted, and in respect to our past relationship, I didn't want them to suspect anything. I already had an inkling that they might have suspected something before I left with Haruhi. I was taught to keep things private. If the media caught wind of the divorce of one of the biggest business partners in Japan-"
"Well, they'll find out eventually Kyouya, and the commune from work to home and vice-versa will be horrible."
"Well we can't do anything about that, but we can keep it out of their hands as long as possible." Kyouya said, unbuttoning his shirt, "I thought you caught on when you gave that woman a different name."
"No, that's just because I didn't want her to really know us." Tamaki admitted, pulling his shirt over his head, "She kind of scared me."
Kyouya sighed, "True." he said before closing his eyes. Same old Tamaki, even after a divorce only hours ago, he was already whining about the motel personnel. While Kyouya busied himself with everything dismal about the motel that could definitely go a lot better with some more efficient employees. Without the furthest warning, he felt a distinct warming sensation around his waist. His eyes flew right open.
"Why are you being so distant with me?" Tamaki whined, splaying his hands across Kyouya bare stomach, stabilizing himself as he sat straddling Kyouya with his knees.
"Tamaki, get off me!" Kyouya demanded, bringing up his hands to push Tamaki off him. But the look in Tamaki's eyes stopped him, that look of sadness Kyouya could see easily behind Tamaki's grin. Kyouya settled back down, lying his hands near his head, "What do you want?"
"I want you to talk to me, aren't you my best friend Kyouya?" Tamaki urged.
Kyouya hated to admit it, but there was Tamaki again, speaking the painful truth as always.
"Weren't you my boyfriend?" Tamaki said seriously.
"Well, right now's clearly not the time to act like my boyfriend." Kyouya scratched his neck.
"Well," Tamaki replied, leaning forward and almost touching Kyouya nose with his own, "I was wasn't I?"
"Tamaki, God forbid that woman out there knows who we are."
"I'm not gonna do anything, honest, "Tamaki grinned, but it faded within seconds. "She's not actually out there is she?"
"Of course not."
"Okay then, so come on Kyouya you can talk to me."
"For one thing Tamaki, I'm married," Kyouya held up his left hand, the silver band glinted in the poor lighting. "Wait a second," Kyouya grabbed Tamaki's left wrist.
"What?"
"No wonder she though we were…" Kyouya thought for lack of a better word, "Involved."
"So," Tamaki said, shaking his fingers so his own wedding band shone, "Who cares what she thinks."
"Tamaki, I don't it's just…why are you still wearing that band? I know the subject's a bit touchy, but you're not married anymore." Kyouya knew he should not have said it, but the force of his words hit Tamaki like a whip. And that second, Kyouya wished he could take it back.
"Who cares if I still wear it?" Tamaki mumbled, he stopped talking after that. He didn't leave Kyouya's middle either. Kyouya was already used to it so it didn't really make a difference anymore. Instead, Tamaki slowly leaned forward, until his forehead rested on Kyouya's chest. Tamaki's soft sobbing caused his front half to convulse, his hands clutching at Kyouya's open shirt.
"Tamaki, forget what I said." Kyouya said evenly, "It was tactless, and insensitive."
"Forget it, she cares if I wear it doesn't she?" Tamaki mumbled, his voice shaky. "She's my wife, she would care if I didn't wear it!" Tamaki cried into Kyouya's chest, "Wouldn't she?" He looked up at the man beneath him..
"Tamaki." Kyouya said, his voice barely there.
"Kyouya, everyone I love is gone!" Tamaki buried his head in renewed sobs. Meanwhile, Kyouya felt like he was the one that took the whip for Tamaki. Covering him from further harm. Tamaki had taken a beating worse than any Kyouya thought were his worst. Though, for his benefit, Kyouya had always had fun when people tried doing things to him.
Kyouya brought his hand up and covered Tamaki's with his own.
"You know I can't stand seeing you like this," Kyouya said. "You know, maybe I should talk to you."
Tamaki looked up.
"You love me don't you?" Kyouya rose a eyebrow. "And I'm still here-"
"What are you talking about, you're married, I can't love you the way I want to anymore!" He cried.
"But say it, come on Tamaki, you know it will help you feel better," Kyouya only gripped Tamaki's hand tighter.
"I love you Kyouya." Tamaki said finally, "As a best friend." the second Tamaki said that though, he broke into renewed sobs.
"I just don't understand!" Tamaki shook his head in a literal reasoning with himself, "It's not like I don't-I do-I understand that life's not always fair, it seems like it's all hurdling towards me at one time!"
"Okay Tamaki, get up." Kyouya rested on his forearms, "I can't talk to you like this anymore."
Tamaki sat up slowly and in a few seconds he was back on his feet. His feet carried him drunkenly to the bed where he plopped down onto the bedspread then hiccupped loudly.
Kyouya himself got up off the floor, where he realized how uncomfortable the poorly insolated floor really was. He took the seat next to Tamaki and together they sat in silence for a few minutes.
"How, do you think Éclair cared about me?" Tamaki paused, "She probably doesn't any-more." Tamaki hiccupped.
"Tamaki don't be that way-"
"Why can't I? I'm just," he breathed. "Overwhelmed. I don't see the reason we're staying anymore."
"Just rest, and you'll decide in the morning, alright?"
"Okay." Tamaki leaned against Kyouya, resting his head on Kyouya's shoulder, then intertwined their fingers.
Within another few minutes, Kyouya could tell Tamaki had fallen asleep, quite soundly. Fixing the bed with Tamaki in it wasn't too difficult, for his sleep seemed too deep to be normal. Probably his way of forgetting his problems for a little while. Kyouya threw the old comforter over Tamaki then sat on the floor with his back against the bed.
Kyouya settled up against the piece of comforter that hung off the bed then closed his eyes. He was exhausted. And right then, he just wanted to sleep. Get some sleep and forget about this whole mess. Kyouya was positive that Tamaki would be different after this day. For better or worse, only time would tell.
"Sleep well, Tamaki."
Most of the night passed peacefully. Save for the occasional loud truck that passed on the road outside the motel. Kyouya's eyes met daylight with surprising quickness. He immediately turned around and lifted himself to look Tamaki, who was shockingly looking Kyouya back in the face. Kyouya staggered backwards.
"Tamaki, for goodness sake!" Kyouya hissed, pinching the bridge of his nose before slipping on his glasses.
"Kyouya?"
"Hmm?" Tamaki heard Kyouya mutter from his right.
"I think I've made my mind up."
"That's good," Kyouya said sleepily, "what is it?"
"I think," Tamaki paused, "I think I should let her decide, if she wants to come a back then we'll talk."
"You seem pretty solid, are you absolutely sure? I don't want you glaring at me on the plane tomorrow-"
"Yes Kyouya. I am."
OOO
Within hours they met the dreary skies of Japan. And Tamaki's face reflected that. His face looked paler than usual and he was definitely quieter than usual. Kyouya could attest to that. Within the next few days, Tamaki's situation had gotten worse.
A fight sparked between his grandmother, father, and himself. His grandmother scolded him, further disrespected his mother and forced him on a sort of "managerial probation" if you will. Only if he was able to prove himself capable of running "his" corporation by himself would he again take the post of leader. From that moment on, Tamaki was technically the boss, just his grandmother made every decision these days. Though that managed to stay out of the business portion of the tabloid papers. To the outside world, he was still the strong leader of the Suoh Group. The strong leader of the Suoh Group who recently divorced his wife, ending one of the most powerful partnerships in Japan's business industry.
It was rarely Tamaki could actually leave the house without getting mobbed, and to make it worse, ever since his grandmother had found out she had been ignoring Tamaki more than ever. Just for him, his friends came to him.
Her one instruction was "Keep track of her." and he divorced her instead. She was gone somewhere he couldn't follow. And it was all his fault, he couldn't follow those simple instructions and due to that the divorce happened in the first place.
Sometimes Kyouya would come over, and he was the one person Tamaki never got sick of seeing. Tamaki would repeatedly spill his guts, how his grandmother acted like he didn't even exist now. She was beginning to cut every string he had left tied to the company. Until he was just a hollow of the "head" of the company. He was a puppet for his grandmother to manipulate and use. Without him, who would be the heir now?
Tamaki laid his head in Kyouya's lap, just a comforting gesture. Tamaki missed that warmth. There was no kissing, no touching, it just wasn't sexual anymore, just comforting. As Kyouya had told him, they were strictly platonic. He understood what Kyouya meant when he said he didn't want to betray Haruhi again. Tamaki understood perfectly, he knew how Haruhi felt when she thought Kyouya was doing things behind her back. In fact, often Haruhi came with Kyouya. And she was still the same Haruhi, offered him kind advice and gave all the reassurance she could.
The twins dropped by, and Hikaru and him had gotten closer than ever. Hikaru would tell Tamaki how much he ought to be blamed for it, and Tamaki never did. Hikaru was the one he forgave. His wife was the one he chose to forget. Or try to at least.
Hani and Mori too. Tamaki would admit they were better listeners than the other four. However, they did not always visit him with their counterparts, in fact most of the time, they came with whomever had free time. Kyouya and Hikaru, Kaoru and Hani, and Haruhi and Mori once. One time, it was all of them.
Tamaki did not really care about who, just the fact that they supported him with unconditional love and loyalty. Unlike her.
OOO
The cold crisp air bit at his nose and so he drew his scarf tighter around his face.
"Today, Haruhi? Really?' Kyouya struggled to keep up with Haruhi's energetic stride. He was literally frozen in the cold.
"Oh, come on Kyouya, I'm sure the time's past due." Haruhi smiled, waiting for him to get closer then grabbing his hand and pulling him into her. "I'm pretty sure she'd like to meet you." Haruhi gave him a kiss to the cheek.
"Well, I would like to pay my respects." Kyouya smirked, gripping her hand tighter.
"It's not about that-"
"I know, well it partially is." Kyouya grinned at her. Haruhi gave him a quick smile before resuming her energetic stride, this time with Kyouya a bit closer in tow.
The sun was bright in Kyouya's eyes, and ironically it didn't seem to warm Kyouya up at all. Haruhi's had woken him up at the crack of dawn to come here. Kyouya didn't argue, it was important to Haruhi, and now as her husband, it was important to him too.
"Meet, my mom." Haruhi stopped him in front a particularly well kept head stone. The name Fujioka Kotoko shone in the bright sunlight.
"Say something Kyouya, or would you like me to start?" Kyouya nodded then said nothing, so Haruhi continued. "I know it's been awhile, but I'd like you to meet someone." Haruhi pulled Kyouya into a one armed hug, her head leaning onto his chest. "You may know him the host club, mom. But now, he's something completely different." Haruhi breathed, "He's my husband." she said with eyes closed.
Kyouya held her tighter, and closed his own eyes.
"Mrs. Fujioka, I pay my respects to you today. Maybe a bit too late," Kyouya smiled weakly. "We've been married for over a month, and our schedules didn't allow us to come here any earlier. But rest assured, your own husband has entrusted your only daughter to me, and I sincerely promise to take care of her for many years to come."
Haruhi looked up at him, her eyes watery.
"Whenever I was here, I've never been this-"
"Oi, what are you two doing here?"
Kyouya's eyes snapped open at the familiar voice, then turned his head in the according direction. To his surprise, there was Ranka striding up the path towards them.
"I see you've both come to pay your respects and update her on the latest happenings." He said as soon as he reached them.
Ranka's bright red hair seemed dull in the cold morning, but was tied in a low ponytail nonetheless. His light brown coat zipped up to the collar, with a pale green scarf draped just beneath his chin. In his hands he held a small bouquet of white roses. Ranka gave Kyouya a hug then reached for Haruhi, who he then gave a kiss to her forehead.
"So, how's the marriage going?" he asked offhandedly.
The very breath Kyouya had in his throat died there.
"Just those beginning marriage troubles." Haruhi said immediately, scratching her neck. "Other than that, I'm really happy." Haruhi smiled, taking Kyouya's hand in an unusually strong grip.
"You sure," Ranka rose an eyebrow. "I know you Haruhi, tell daddy what's-"
"Dad, I'm sure, it's nothing we can't work out." Haruhi said. She then looked up Kyouya, who looked kind of faint. "Besides, we shouldn't discuss problems in front of mom-"
"So you admit you're having a problem?" He said it like a statement. Ranka looked at them skeptically, before turning towards the grave. He took a deep breath. "If so, just let me put in my two cents. Don't get me wrong, every couple has their fights, it a part of marriage. But I expected more out of you two…."
The whole time Kyouya listened, he felt foolish. He was a child getting scolded by his father. Like he'd never been in that situation before….
Ranka bent down to place a small bouquet of bright colored flowers at the foot of the grave.
"Haruhi, now don't disappoint daddy." Ranka shook his finger playfully in Haruhi's direction. "It's not like you to keep things in that often. And you." Ranka turned towards Kyouya. "Take care of my precious daughter!" Ranka skipped off, leaving Haruhi face palming and Kyouya standing there wondering if he was truly serious in what he just said. Like that wouldn't be an obvious thing to do.
The rest of the visit was like normal, well normal when Haruhi visited, this day was Kyouya's first. Haruhi gave a few prayers and nudged Kyouya into giving some of his own. She kissed him sweetly before they left. She had, promised her mother that Kyouya was take care of her. Mostly because Kyouya couldn't get the words out in front of Haruhi.
Things had been simmering for a week or two and Haruhi felt it was time to uncover it. After what Haruhi's father had said, Kyouya knew he couldn't just leave their relationship like that, with a fight simmering beneath every word, it was unhealthy.
"Haruhi?" Kyouya said offhandedly, organizing the papers on the kitchen table.
"Yeah?" Haruhi replied looking back at him from the refrigerator. The maid aiding her in replenishing it with groceries.
"Well, as I understand, we haven't been very close lately-"
"What do mean?" Haruhi came up to him and gave him a kiss to the cheek then sat in the seat next to him.
"You know, with all the work, ordering supplies and checking employment recently, we haven't really talked much…" Kyouya truly felt awkward at that moment.
" 'Talked much'? You don't need to sugar coat it for me, so we haven't really been intimate in awhile. So? It's all the work that comes with running such a big company like this."
"Oh,"
"Kyouya, I love helping you run this company, but what you want to do is different from what I want to do…." she kind of left off there.
"Haruhi, this isn't what you wanted for your future is it?-" He said, placing the papers in his hands back on the table in a neat pile.
"Don't get me wrong Kyouya I love living here and helping you in whatever you need, it just-"
"Tell me anything Haruhi, I won't get angry-" Kyouya stood up and tucked in his chair.
"How am I supposed to know that Kyouya? That you're going to be okay with whatever I'm about to say-"
"Is it unfortunate, what is it Haruhi?" Kyouya hands tightened on the sides of the table he stood behind. By this time, the maid had already fled the area to give them their privacy.
Haruhi sighed, " I don't know right now, my thoughts are just scrambled and I-"
"I know you know Haruhi, just say it." Kyouya said calmly, " it can't be that bad-"
"It's just a accumulation of all things we've been lacking lately!" Haruhi threw up her hands.
"You're not the only one who's felt the effects Haruhi!" Kyouya tossed back. "I'm definitely not the only one willing to point it out am I?"
"Don't start thinking like it's only sex Kyouya! It's our lack of time together these days, it's the ridiculous load of work that comes with running this company, it's constant reminders that there must be an heir to continue the company! It's-It's-" Haruhi's hand clutched her sides and angry tears fell from her eyes.
"It's so much pressure, too much pressure." Kyouya finished for her.
"Don't talk like you understand it Kyouya, you're used to it, you love the pressure, to you it's all a game that you know you're going to win!"
"This isn't about me, is it Haruhi?" Haruhi stopped dead, her mouth slightly parted, drew back into a close and she stared at him.
"It's because I cut your education short." Kyouya's grip slackened and he fell heavily onto his seat, he sighed, "You were so close to getting that internship, but the demands of the company sort of took the time…" Kyouya held his hand out to her. Haruhi didn't hesitate in getting closer to him.
"Kyouya, look." Haruhi stared down into his face. "We can't just-" Haruhi exhaled, "We can't just leave it like this. Or rather, I can't just leave it like this, doing what my mother had done was something I really dreamed of doing, I can't just drop it." she paused, "The only thing I'd let postpone it a little was you Kyouya." she really looked like she wanted to kiss or hug him but she resisted. "And I let you in happily," her sad, half-hearted smile practically broke his heart down the very root.
"Haruhi, you don't have to drop it-"
"And when can I resume then? I was due back last week!"
"I have a small idea but I'm not entirely sure yet-"
"Kyouya, I'm just exhausted right now, I took a hold of this damn company for a two days straight-"
"Haruhi, don't tell me that that was a stretch for you?"
"Oh, it wasn't Kyouya, I was just worried about you two, I handled the company just fine."
Kyouya wanted so badly to smile at her, she was so sly. And so he did.
"Please, not right now."
Haruhi wiped away a tear and left him with a watery smile.
They'd had their first big fight, and for one of the first times in any situation, Kyouya was absolutely clueless at what to do.
Kyouya loitered around in the kitchen, he figured he'd give them both time to sort out things for themselves. He owed Haruhi that much at least. He heard the door upstairs to their room close with a soft thud and he found himself suddenly sitting on the couch in the living room, the phone in his hand and maid placing a cup of hot tea on the coffee table before then heading off up the stairs to probably one to Haruhi.
Kyouya dialed each number with a measured touch. He knew this number by heart, not by calling it necessarily, but by seeing beneath the name of his best friend on the caller ID.
"Kyouya?" a voice breathed unsurely.
"It's me you idiot," Kyouya sighed. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but, I need your help."
"If you haven't forgotten, I not particularly the one you should be asking for marriage advice-"
"How do you know it's about that? Forget it, I can do this myself-"
"No!" Tamaki blurted. "What's wrong with my Haruhi, did you hurt her?"
"I don't think so…"
"Were you not a host? Kyouya you're completely clueless aren't you?" Tamaki said airily. "Oh, Kyouya, I'd have never thought you'd ask!"
"What the hell in that supposed to mean? You want us to have problems? So you can help?"
"Not necessarily-just tell me what happened Kyouya…"
And so Kyouya did, not as many words as he thought though, explaining each and every possible reaction every emotion that went through his head, Kyouya could go on for hours.
"Well, just apologize, it can't be that much more work to run the business by yourself, I'm doing it just fine-"
"Your grandmother?"
"Bad example," Tamaki admitted. "Just go to the states with her, and run it from there, that way you two are together, Haruhi has her internship, your still running your company, everything's worked out."
"How do you know she wants to go back?"
"Well, I don't to be honest. She was just spouting off ideas to me during a visit once."
Kyouya sighed, "Might as well get this over with. Thanks Tamaki." Kyouya added.
"No problem buddy." Tamaki said cheerily. Kyouya could practically see him smiling on the other line.
Kyouya laid down the phone, pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath.
"Haruhi?" Kyouya said gently as he opened the door to their bedroom. She wasn't in the main area so he arched his neck to peer up to the balcony, there he saw Haruhi sitting on the bed, her back facing him. He hurried up the stairs.
"Haruhi." He repeated once he reached her.
"Yeah?" Haruhi replied softly, "I think I've made my decision Kyouya."
Kyouya froze slightly. "And what is that? Might I ask?"
"I think, ur, I'm pretty sure," Haruhi turned around and faced him. Her expression was furtive but solid. "I want to got back to the states, if only temporarily."
"There's nothing wrong with that." Kyouya breathed a sigh of relief.
"So, when do you think?"
"Whenever you choose." he smiled weakly at her.
"Kyouya?" Haruhi sounded skeptical, "You're taking this wrong, aren't you?" she took his hand.
"What am I possibly taking wrong?"
"You're so cynically prone you think I'm leaving without you don't you?" she grinned.
"So what if I am?" Haruhi was openly laughing and Kyouya felt like a fool. He abruptly leaned down and kissed her. Effectively shushing Haruhi. "That's the last time you make a fool of me." Kyouya said huskily. "I'd like to see you try." Haruhi smirked.
It was the best make-up sex Kyouya had ever had. For it was the first big fight they had experienced. In the past month, they didn't really argue, just the light teasing and minute lasting difficult decisions. But this form of reconciliation rarely proceeded.
It was thoughtless, there was no problem, or hitch of any kind. Just sex. Just sex and love. Kyouya made love to her like it was the first time. Though admittedly no where near as rough or hasty. He satisfied Haruhi in a way only he could.
He gripped her tighter, skin to skin. Love seeped from his lips as he kissed across her throat and her cheeks. Haruhi moaned softly into his ear with every intimate touch. His every move made her mind go blanker and blanker.
"Kyouya…Kyo..Nn." Haruhi gasped, her nails pressing into his shoulders.
"Hmmm." It wasn't so much a reply as it was just a sound.
"Kyouya," she whispered. "Maybe the honeymoon isn't a bad idea, y'know, since we skipped it the first time." she kissed his throat.
"What about school?"
"I have to wait until next semester, so we might as well." Haruhi breathed. "It could be fun."
"Well, maybe after all the bills are paid and supplies order-"
"Stop talking about business right now, just relax." Haruhi kissed him again.
1 Year Later
The soft light of the setting sun filled the room, Éclair turned towards the woman who sat next to her. The woman, faded blonde hair combed to one side, half her body hidden by the shade of the large curtain.
"Do you think he should know?" Éclair asked.
"It is his after all." the woman replied, watching Éclair walk across the room. "He would surely miss out on something he wouldn't trade the world to experience."
She stopped in front of a small, lacey, light blue crib.
The sky blue blankets inside were tucked in neatly, and in the center of them laid a small child. Maybe two to three months old. His eyes were open, so blue, stared up into the eyes of his mother. She brought a hand down and brushed the tuft of soft blonde hair on his head.
"Good afternoon, my Seoji." Éclair said tenderly.
The reasons for all those things she did to him. She honestly didn't know them anymore. Éclair didn't deserve him. She knew she didn't. That Tamaki had done the right thing by divorcing her. Maybe she wanted all of his attention. The one he had sought after initially was already married to someone else, there was no need for it. Éclair was already his wife. She just couldn't understand why she couldn't have just left it that way. If she'd just lived with him the way she supposed to, then maybe the divorce wouldn't have had to happen. Their relationship would have been healthier, it would've had a chance to actually last.
Éclair learned to think of it like it was just another one of her excursions to France, like usual, but this time she wasn't going back.
"How could I have let this happen!" Éclair said angrily, she turned away from the baby and whipped her head in the direction of the woman who sat a few feet away.
"Éclair, you must understand that mistakes are a natural part of life-"
"Anne, but this is all my fault!" Éclair cried, it was the first time she'd admitted it, she just couldn't take it anymore. "If-if-if I hadn't-" she slumped to the floor, her face in her hand, the other clutching at her skirt.
Just the thought of going back to him, terrified her. For once, she felt like he would actually reject her. She feared she'd end up telling him that he'd ripped out her heart that day he came over to discuss the divorce and whether or not she'd go along with it. Éclair didn't want him to pity her, she didn't want pity to be the reason of their reconciliation, if there was one.
Anne stood up and settled herself next to Éclair.
"Sweetheart, you were my daughter, if only for a little while," she paused, "Talk to him, you and I both know he'd understand, I just-I just -" she paused again, " I just don't want you to end up raising him the way I had to….without a father. If only for a short time."
"Tamaki would never take me back, I could raise this child, my child on my own! Couldn't I" she said harshly.
"He's not just your child Éclair, you've got to understand that!" She rose her voice, if only a little.
"He hates me, he's forgotten if anything-"
"Listen to me," Anne took Éclair's face in her hands. "He hasn't forgotten you, not at all." From her pocket, she took out a folded piece of stationary, a bit crumpled but readable all the same. Anne placed it in Éclair's palm. "He's written me letters," she said, as Éclair's eyes eagerly scanned down the page. "He mentions you in every one. My sweet son, never forgets anyone." she added, staring into Éclair's eyes. Éclair had cover her mouth with her other palm, her eyes leaking new tears with each word she read.
Éclair lifted her head to look Anne in the face. As if it was the first time she was seeing clearly. Her eyes, looked bluer, swimming with tears. Éclair looked away.
"He wouldn't."
"He would, my daughter, he would."
OOOH, hope you liked it, please review, it puts a huge smile on my face, and makes me want to write the chapters with more enthusiasm, especially during long ones like this. Haha. But next chapter starts in this year later time frame. Next chapter, babies, cats, honeymoon, Oh My!
Please review I really appreciate every single one. :D