Author's Note: Hello, all! I'm sure you're all very mad at me for the cliffhanger ending last chapter. I just want to clear something up real quick. Kyoya did kiss Haruhi, and he had turned to smirk at Tamaki before continuing the kiss. He just . . . collapsed to the ground instead. So, here is why Kyoya collapsed!

TAMAKI POV

Tamaki stood there, stunned. He had just punched his best friend, and in front of the ladies, no less! Kyoya was laying on the ground, out cold, and the guests were nearly shouting their worry for Kyoya and disgust for Tamaki. What was he going to do?

"Kyoya, Kyoya!" Haruhi was on the ground, trying to shake Kyoya awake. "Kaoru, I need a bag of ice and a bowl of water, quick!"

"I'm on it!" Kaoru saluted Haruhi and ran up the aisle.

"Hikaru, Mori, and Huni, try to calm the guests." Haruhi was taking charge. They ran off to do their job, so Tamaki timidly knelt beside Haruhi.

"What can I do, Haruhi?" he asked with a gulp.

Haruhi looked at him coldly, and Tamaki was shocked his daughter had that much contempt in such a small body. "I don't care; grow mushrooms. You've got a lot of people mad at you, and I don't recommend staying in here at their mercy." She went back to trying to shake Kyoya awake, so Tamaki walked out of the music room in a slump. He tried his hardest to ignore the wails of the guests, but they haunted him as he grew mushrooms in the hall.

HARUHI POV

Haruhi sighed. Kaoru was still off getting the ice and water, and she had had to temporarily deal with Tamaki on her own. "Wake up, Kyoya. Rich bastard can't even get up and help me." Haruhi looked at his face more closely and frowned. Tamaki had broken Kyoya's glasses right at the bridge. With a scowl, she took them off to observe how bad the damage was.

Someone's not going to be happy when he wakes up, thought Haruhi. "Haruhi!" Kaoru was sprinting down the aisle with a bag of ice and a Tupperware bowl of water, lid on securely, thank goodness. He reached her, handed her the bowl, and sat the bag on the ground next to her.

"Thanks, Kaoru," she said gratefully. "Can you help Hikaru? I don't suggest being around when Kyoya wakes up; Tamaki-senpai broke his glasses."

Kaoru nodded and scampered away quickly. Haruhi took a deep breath before taking the lid off the bowl and dumping the water on Kyoya's head.

He suddenly sat up, sputtering. "What the hell happened? What did that fool do? And why am I covered in water?" he asked venomously.

"HE'S OKAY!" shouted the guests. They tried to storm Haruhi and Kyoya, but Hikaru, Kaoru, Mori, and Huni managed to hold them back.

"Tamaki-senpai knocked you out," said Haruhi, not bothering to keep the anger out of her own voice. "You-You kissed me, then he punched me when you turned to look at him." It felt weird to say that Kyoya kissed her, but it was almost a . . . good weird. Her lips still tingled slightly. She shook her head to expel those thoughts and focus on the injured boy before her. "You weren't waking up, so I . . . dumped water on you."

"Why can't I see anything?" he hissed. "The fool broke my glasses, didn't he?"

"Unfortunately." Haruhi held the pieces of his glasses up to his eyes. "I can fix them with tape until you can get new ones," she offered, although she didn't expect him to accept the offer.

KYOYA POV

Kyoya thought for a moment. "Fine, do it. It's better than sitting here blind. Just let me come with you." He tried to stand up. "Oww!" His eye was causing him excruciating pain, and he was starting to see spots in his poor vision as he lay down on the floor. Screw Ohtori dignity right now. My damn eye hurts like hell!

He felt Haruhi close his hand around something cold; it must've been a bag of ice. She guided his hand to his eye. "Feel any better?" she asked.

"No," Kyoya replied with a groan. Ugh, that stupid Tamaki. At least his plan backfired and Haruhi is with me, not him. He sat up slowly this time and ignored the ache. "Haruhi, can you lead me to the back so I can stay with you while you fix my glasses? I'd rather not be left at the mercy of newly-found fan girls."

"Sure." Haruhi took his other hand and helped him up. "I've got your glasses in my other hand."

"Good." My head is killing me, that damn fool. At least Haruhi is holding my hand. Good for the plan and all that.

"We're about to reach the guests," Haruhi whispered to him. "If you say something, they might calm down."

"Ladies, I will be fine!" Kyoya announced, hiding his pain. Haruhi kept him moving forward through the crowd. "I am afraid, however, that club activities for the day are going to have to end. Please accept my apologies, and I hope to see you all tomorrow."

There were sounds of disappointment for a while, but eventually the ladies got to gossiping about the wedding and forgot such feelings. They exited the club with excited murmurs about Kyoya and Haruhi's forbidden love.

Kyoya assessed his situation as Haruhi continued to pull him to the kitchen. He was soaking wet and freezing. Whoever had gotten the water had put ice in it. His eye still hurt, but it was more of a dull ache than a constant throb. His glasses were broken, but a quick text message to his optometrist would give him a remedy to that problem. Thank God for Haruhi.

Indeed, Kyoya felt she must have been sent from heaven, because no normal person would willingly do this for him. If he had been left like that anywhere else, he probably would have been killed by an enemy or two. It seemed God had sent him an angel; there could be no other explanation. Haruhi was too perfect a person.

Perfect? Is that not my only requirement for a woman when I was actually looking for a potential mate?

Kyoya gulped. Where was his mind taking him? He wasn't ready for this, any of it! Nearly all his life, he had practically shut off his emotions, and suddenly . . . love was trying to take over. Kyoya sighed, his frantic thoughts starting to give him a second headache. Unfortunately, he knew the only way to appease his mind for the time being.

Perhaps, Kyoya admitted to himself, almost timidly, I could grow to love her.

HARUHI POV

"We're in the kitchen now, Kyoya," said Haruhi. She let go of his hand and pressed on his shoulders. "Sit down on the floor, and I'll have your glasses fixed soon." Kyoya obliged, and Haruhi watched him bring his knees to his chest and bury his face in his hands.

Haruhi took a few steps back to observe the boy, sitting in such a vulnerable position. This must be a scary circumstance for him, she thought. Without his glasses, there isn't much he can do for himself. What a difference from his normal life. She walked to the cabinets and started searching for tape. I know I saw some a few days ago. Where did it go?

"Third drawer from the left, fourth up," said Kyoya, but Haruhi didn't understand him because he said it into his hands.

"I'm sorry, Kyoya, but what was that?" Haruhi asked.

Kyoya raised his head to look at where he thought Haruhi was standing, which was actually a far cry from where she really was. "You'll find the tape in the third drawer from the left, fourth up," he repeated slowly. "Is there anything else you'll need?"

"No, just the tape," said Haruhi. "Thank you."

She quickly found the tape and went to sit next to Kyoya while she fixed the glasses. Haruhi snuck a glance at him and saw that he was gazing in her general direction, head on his arms, which were balanced on his knees. "How long do you think this will take, Haruhi?" he asked, patience where there should've been impatience.

"I'm not sure," she admitted. "Shouldn't take too long, though." He nodded, so Haruhi carefully tried to match up the pieces. "You're very lucky Tamaki-senpai didn't break the lenses. I wouldn't have been able to fix them then."

"You call him senpai now," observed Kyoya. "Are you detaching yourself from him?"

Haruhi's breath hitched. Had he really noticed? She had only called him senpai maybe three times. What a remarkable boy. "I wouldn't call it that," she explained hesitantly. "It's just that . . . I thought I knew him. I never dreamed he would do something like this. I just don't feel like I can be on a first name basis with someone I don't really know." She took a piece of tape and wrapped it around the bridge.

"Interesting." Kyoya thought for a moment before continuing. "So why did you agree to call me Kyoya, Haruhi? Do you honestly feel as if you know me?"

"Well. . ." That was a good question. "For the most part, I can guess what you're going to do and why. While we may not be best friends, I feel like I know you pretty well as a person." She ripped off another piece and wrapped it around. It's not terribly off-balanced. Actually, I'm pretty proud of how close I got it. I've never done this before.

Kyoya nodded. "Haruhi, do you remember that day in the commoners' mall when I helped that woman who was about to be scammed?"

"Of course." What is he getting at?

"You were right." He smiled at Haruhi. "I did it for you, to stand up for you to that shop owner. I had nothing to gain from it where I was standing."

Wow, I was right, and he admitted it. Now Kyoya's surprising me, but in a good way. He's cool and calculating at times, but at others, he's like this. Kind and amiable, two qualities I never thought I would associate with him. I guess there's still more for me to learn about him.

Kyoya cleared his throat to interrupt Haruhi from her thoughts. "How are my glasses coming?"

"Almost finished." Haruhi wrapped a few more pieces around the bridge and slid the glasses up his nose. "This will do until you get home, right?" They weren't too off-balanced, and Haruhi was sure he had a spare pair at home.

Kyoya adjusted the glasses slightly. "Yes, they're fine. Thank you very much, Haruhi." He flashed her another smile.

Haruhi nodded before losing herself in her thoughts. The world revealed again to him. It must be a good feeling. So why does he still look confused? I wonder if I can help. I guess now is as good a time as ever to listen to Mom. . .

"What's on your mind, Kyoya?" she asked, putting a hand on his shoulder. She always said that everyone needs someone to lean on at some point. . .

His eyes widened. "It's nothing, Haruhi. I-I can handle it."

. . . and when all else fails. . .

"Are you sure, Kyoya? You can tell me if it's really bothering you."

"No-No thanks, Haruhi. I'll be fine."

. . . a hug can heal almost anything.

KYOYA POV

I'm trying to sort out my feelings, and Haruhi's hugging me. This is not working.

"Haruhi?" Kyoya asked quietly. "What are you doing?" He awkwardly put an arm around her waist and the other hand at her neck.

"My mom always said that a hug can heal almost anything," she explained. "You looked like you needed some healing." She pulled away and looked at him. "Don't tell me my mother is wrong," she added coyly.

Kyoya chuckled. "No, she's completely right. Thank you, Haruhi. I . . . didn't even realize I needed that." She can be so peculiar sometimes, but that's what makes her Haruhi, I suppose.

"No problem, Kyoya." She took another step back and stared off into space, most likely lost in thought.

He cleared his throat again. "Haruhi?"

She was startled back to reality. "Sorry, Kyoya. Just thinking."

Kyoya nodded with a smile. "Of course. I just wanted to let you know that my invitation still stands. If you don't mind, I'd like you to spend the evening at my mansion." Damn it, I meant to say house. She's going to think I'm flaunting my wealth in her face like I normally do.

Haruhi looked a little taken aback. "Well . . . I'd like to, Kyoya, but my father will be expecting me home, and I usually make dinner."

Kyoya's face brightened instantly. "Is that you're only excuse? I talked to Ranka-san before the ceremony, and he gave his blessing. So will you be riding home with me, Haruhi?" It was a feeble excuse, anyway. She can't have expected me to not call Ranka-san.

Haruhi twitched a few times, to Kyoya's chagrin. Did I do something wrong? "Okay, I guess I'm riding home with you, Kyoya," she said, slightly agitated.

"Would this be a bad time to add that he asked I send my chauffeur over to pick up an outfit for you to wear?" Kyoya added hesitantly. He walked to one of the numerous cabinets and pulled out a dress, shoes, and jewelry.

Haruhi twitched again. "Do-Do I have to wear it, Kyoya?"

"Would you rather stay in that wedding dress?" he retaliated, hoping he wouldn't have to reveal the other condition.

"I still have my uniform," she muttered.

Kyoya pulled out a camera, starting to wish he hadn't called Ranka-san. "Your father wants pictures."

Haruhi hit her head on a nearby counter. "Great. Thank you very much, Kyoya," she said sarcastically.

I think I'll play the ignorant fool with this one. "Let's go, Haruhi," he said cheerfully. She'll think I'm enjoying her torture, which I'm not, but the old me would do that, and I don't want her suspicious just yet. "Would you like to change here or there?"

HARUHI POV

Sadistic bastard.

KYOYA POV

"Actually," Kyoya continued, "you should probably wait and change at my man--house. I don't particularly want Tamaki and Hikaru chaining me up in a closet." He chuckled before leaving the kitchen, Haruhi behind him and clothes in his arms.

The rest of the Host Club, minus Tamaki, immediately rushed to them.

"What were you two doing in there?"

"Haru-chan, did you fix his glasses? They look nice!"

"Yes."

"Kyoya-senpai, how's your eye? Does it hurt?"

Kyoya was slightly annoyed. "Haruhi was fixing my glasses, and I didn't want to be left at the mercy of the guests. Yes, my eye hurts incredibly, and you four aren't helping."

Hikaru and Kaoru exchanged devilish glances before sidling up on both sides of Kyoya. "Is this helping, Kyoya-senpai?" they asked together as they poked him.

"Hikaru, Kaoru," warned Mori. Kyoya was glaring one of his best Shadow King glares, which the twins saw and ran away from immediately.

Haruhi coughed. "He's a little cranky," she said. "Best try to keep him happy."

Kyoya turned to glare at her, but caught himself just in time. Instead, he struggled to say, "She's right. I'm not in a good mood. So please, do me a favor, and don't get on my nerves." That was difficult, but worth it in the long run. Can't afford to get angry at Haruhi. "I'm giving Haruhi a ride home," he said. "Any objections?"

"We can take her home," said Hikaru automatically, immediately moving on the defensive.

"So can I, and I am," said Kyoya matter-of-factly. "'Any objections?' was a rhetorical question, Hikaru-kun." I never said anything about Hikaru.

Hikaru glared at him, so Kyoya coolly smirked. "You know I'm not qualified to be a master of ceremonies. You and Haruhi didn't actually get married," he tried to counter.

"No need to remind me, Hikaru," he said with a sneer. "There isn't any way someone like you could be."

"Kyoya," said Haruhi softly as she tugged on his sleeve. "Is this really worth a battle of wits?"

"Hikaru, what are you doing?" asked Kaoru pitifully, sounding like he was gearing up for a brotherly love act.

Huni and Mori observed the scene with . . . were those knowing expressions? Kyoya frowned at them, but Huni just winked. "You're right, Haruhi. Let's go."

Haruhi nodded and headed for the door. When Kyoya didn't follow, she turned around to ask, "Are you coming, Kyoya?"

"Of course," assured Kyoya. "Go ahead, and I'll catch up. I just need to have a quick word with Mori and Huni-senpai." Haruhi nodded and exited. Kaoru decided that this conversation would probably not be good for Hikaru, so he took him to the back.

"Do you have a question, Kyoya-kun?" Huni asked in his usual bubbly manner.

"It's not terribly important," he said brightly, a far cry from his previous mood. "I just wanted to thank Mori-senpai for the rose, although I ended up not using it."

"You're welcome," said Mori with a nod.

Kyoya gestured to the "altar." "The rose is still there. I understand that it was originally meant for you, so you may have it, if you like."

Huni gasped. "Takashi, you got a rose? Let's go get it, Usa-chan!" Huni and Usa-chan bounced to the table and picked up the rose.

"Thank you, Kyoya-kun," said Mori in his stoic manner.

"There was one other thing," said Kyoya. He took his glasses off and cleaned the lenses with his dress shirt. "Will you and Huni be together this evening?"

"Yes."

"Would the two of you be available for a conference call at, say, nine-thirty?"

"Yes."

"Very well," said Kyoya, practically beaming. "I shall call your cell phone at nine-thirty. Have a good evening, Mori-senpai."

Mori nodded, so Kyoya put on his glasses and left the music room. He pulled out his phone and made a call as he walked the halls. "Tachibana-san, has Fujioka Haruhi reached the limousine yet? . . . Good, please be sure to let her in, and treat her as you would me. I am on my way as we speak, and we will be going home . . . Notify Father? Hmm . . . you may do so, Tachibana-san. Thank you. I will see you momentarily."

Kyoya flipped the phone closed and smirked. Original Day One–complete. New Day One—progressing very well.