Before I Loved You

Chapter Six

Kaoru's POV

I had to keep myself from bursting out laughing and snorting (yes, snorting) from the oh so different expressions on Hika and Tono's face. Let's see, well Hika had this expression of well, horror and disgust you could say. On the other hand Tono had this expression on his face where he thought that he needed to be thanked. He had even dressed up already even though the highschool dance wasn't until next Saturday. He liked to dress…princely I guess you could say. That basically meant an all white tuxedo that included a purple tie that "brought out the beautiful flecks of purple in his eyes." I think that he needed an ego check. While he might have been sort of annoying he did make our life more interesting. Today would be about…I don't know…exhibit 368?

"And what are you doing here Tono?" said an annoyed Hikaru obviously trying to keep his anger in check.

"Why, to save my poor daughter from having to spend a cruel and horrible evening where you will surely harass her with you twins!" shouted back as he took a step towards Haruhi.

Okay. That was enough. I wouldn't have my two weeks of planning to get Hika and Haru together ruined because of the stupid blond idiot. I'm sure that Hikaru didn't even realize this yet but I could easily tell that he thought she was different. That she was special to him. I saw that look in his eyes when we first took her to our house. It was like the glazed over look in his eyes disappeared. The spark that was always was supposed to be in his eyes had suddenly returned. You could say that I loved Haruhi for that. And maybe in a different way than just like a sister, but I could easily tell who needed her more. After spending two months with her Hika seemed to be happier. It was quite obvious, so I shoved those feelings down into the bottom of my heart and focused on trying to make Hika happier. Today would have been a HUGE success except for one problem. Guess who. Really, all I would have done was slipped away and since Haru basically only hung around with us and a couple of other people she would most likely hang with Hika which equals cute awkward moment which equals Hika being happy. At least that's how I had hoped it would turn out, but I was flexible. I could make this work.

Side stepping quickly I grabbed Tono's arm and made a mad dash by a group of girls. I smirked as I saw the cluster of girls start to crowd around Tamaki. Heh. He would never ignore him because he was just that nice. If I wasn't at a party now would be the place to insert a cackle.

Sprinting back across the ballroom I appeared right behind Hika and Haru who were just standing around looking around. Oh my gosh did these people not know how to communicate or anything? Guess I would have to take care of it. Smiling I suggested, "Hey, Hika why don't you go dance with Haruhi for this one song. I have to run to the restroom. I'll be back to dance with her the next song." With that I grabbed both or their shoulders and pushed them into the crowd of people slow dancing. As if. Actually, I would be spying on them for the whole four hours this party lasted and trying to make this party go according to my plans. Insert evil laugh here.

I glanced over at Tamaki and saw that the group of love stricken girls had grown bigger. Tono quickly glanced at their heads in a useless effort to find his "daughter." This was working out just fine.

Sneaking over to a pillar I slipped behind it and spotted them sort of standing there amid a group of moving bodies. Then I saw Hika rub his neck and then offer his other hand to Haru. Shrugging she placed her hand in his as they quickly fell into the steps of the waltz that now began to play. Grinning I pulled out the small pair of binoculars that I had placed into my vest pocket. As Hikaru put his hand on Haruhi's waist I saw him look away a little and blush. Haru didn't seem to mind at all. Huh. Time to make this a little more interesting. Looking at my watch I saw that there were only two hours till the dance was over.

Grabbing a bag that I had stashed underneath a table I started to speed walk towards the bathrooms. I would change vests. Put on a wig and attempt to do makeup wonders on myself so that I didn't look like, well, myself. Then I heard a Hikaru, no Kaoru, wait, yeah Kaoru help meee!" from Tono. Looking back over my shoulder I saw that he was literally under a pile of girls with a bunch of angry looking guys surrounding him. Uh oh. Ditching my bag I walked over to the growing crowd and shoved through until I reached the middle. Finding Tamaki's arm I grabbed it and then continued to shove the crowd while towing Tono with me. After I had my share of dirty looks and yells of "Come back Tamaki!" I walked him over to the plush sofas near the food layout and sat him down.

Wiping tears away from his eyes Tamaki said, "Ah thank you Kaoru you rescued me! Which reminded me that I have to go rescue Haruhi!"

No you're not. "Well Tono, do you really want to be mobbed like that again. Then I'll have to come save you again. How about this, I'll go see if Haruhi is okay and you can stay here and make sure….that um….no one takes too much food. Really, stay here." I said as he looked up at me. "Pinky promise?" I questioned. Nodding he proceeded to stated the rules of the pinky promise. There, that would make him stay there. Honestly he was like a little kid, but who didn't love little kids? They were cute, and trusting, and….annoying. Wow that fit Tono perfectly. But really, I did appreciate him. He was probably the only person that tried and tried again to be our friend. He somehow saw the good in us and perhaps showed my class that we weren't all that bad. Tono was an important person to me, but currently I was focused on something else.

Walking away from the couches I looked around me searching for Hika and Haru. Suddenly, I saw them to my left and then I quickly darted right. I would have to wing it, but I think that this would work.

Spotting an open balcony I looked back to my brother and our new friend. It was partially covered by a roof, but the moon light still filtered in through that front of the balcony. In front of it were the almost blooming cherry blossoms. Yeah, that would work. In fact, it looked like they were having fun. Haru was smiling and Hika was laughing, but now it was time to spice things up a little.

"Hey Haruhi, Hikaru! Sorry I took so long, I um, got lost." I said. "I heard that something was going on outside under the balconies and I wanna get front row seats. Can you go stand there while I get some food?" I asked.

Looking at each other I saw both of the shrug. "Sure, why not?" agreed Hika. "Yeah, but um, where's Tamaki-senpai. Usually he would be here harassing me."

Dang it. Why does she have to be so observant? "He's, uh, over at the food table. I'll bring him over." I stammered.

With that I turned around and started to walk over to the food buffet. Grabbing a couple of bananas I shouted, "Hey Tono! I found them on the balcony! Wanna come with me?" I didn't wait for an answer as I hurried and ran towards the balcony.

Sneakily I unwrapped one of the bananas and shoved the fruit into my mouth and when I reached Hika and Haru I dropped a banana peel just behind them. Smiling, I walked over to them and pushed them into a position so that Hika was facing Haru. Looking out of the corner of my eye I saw Tamaki running full blast towards them. Perfect.

"Hold still right there I wanna get a picture of you two. No! Stay there. Don't face me….the um…moonlight looks cool that way." I stammered.

3, Tamaki ran through the door of the balcony. 2, He started to shout Haruhi's name. 1, his foot somehow slipped on a banana that was strategically placed. Click, trying to catch his fall the stretched out his arms only to push Hikaru on the back into Haruhi. Flash, Hikaru's lips collide with Haruhi's as they both realize what is happening and start to blush.

Mission accomplished.