Finally, after ages of forever…I am back. I'm surprised I had a few reviews from the past on here. I saw so many people view this story and favorite it, but it never got any comments o.o Hn~ oh well. Anywhores, for a brief description of what happened to me- you may all feel free to visit my Author's Page. Here's the next chapter for We Were Beyond Saving. Do enjoy~

They'd attended a New Year's shrine festival. That much she could remember.

It was humid, and a little too sweltering for her taste.

Mori and Honey-senpai had gone off to the seller booths. They'd spent their time hovering over the tables, focusing on shooting the cans off the shelf to get Usa-chan a friend that was dangling high above the rafters. It was a small cat, plush and soft with wide eyes that looked as innocent as a child's. The moment Honey had set his eyes on the small animal she could tell there would be no leaving without it. Mori had stepped up to the plate however, after Honey's repetitively failed attempts. They'd been preoccupied for a good thirty minutes, struggling to finally shoot down the last moving can across the wall. As for Kyouya, he had been perched on a bench across from them, watching the situation with mild interest. The cell phone he held in his hand vibrated several times as constant messages flooded his inbox. She could tell he hadn't been that happy at being dragged along on their little escapade, but nonetheless she could still see the faint hint of a smile cross his face as Mori finally managed to hit the last can off the shelf. Kaoru was settled behind a booth, flirting with a richly dressed girl. Her frilly dress swayed to and fro as she giggled at his jokes. He'd donned the trademark twin smile, and was charming her up like a well versed playboy.

Really Kaoru? She wondered absently as she continued to watch the flirting.

Nevertheless, after feeling a familiar sense of déjà vu, she glanced down at her clothing. Her vibrant yukata glittered in the lamp light as Tamaki started to drag her down the long line of food booths. Mori, Kyouya and Honey senpai faded from her view as the crowds of people swathed together like a tightly knit blanket. She'd remembered it being crowded. All festivals were. Feeling Tamaki's hand clamp down on her own, she blushed lightly…remembering his earlier confession from the day before wash over her. He'd been so sincere. His face had lit up when he told her about his feelings, the obvious amount of love for her shone brightly behind his features. She hadn't believed he would ever come to term with them, and now that she had confirmation it was true…she could hardly believe it was really happening. Here he was, dressed in casual clothing, tossing excited conversation over his shoulder as he continued to blather on about everything he wanted to do with her. She remembered him being happy, the surroundings of a new environment he'd never been in making him glow stunningly in the late night air.

Maybe it was just her, but her vision had started fading in and out just then. Tamaki's fading presence disappeared from her sight, leaving her there to suffer to a slight dizzy spell. Blinking in surprise a few times, she blanched when she found herself suddenly leaning against the rail of a bridge for support. Several people floated behind her, their conversations flitting in and out of her range of hearing. How had she gotten here out of the blue? Staring curiously, she noticed the large sparkling pond that surrounded the shrine. It's clear water glittering beautifully under the full moon.

How strange…it was like she'd been here before.

Glancing around and taking in her surroundings, she felt a low voice vibrate from her side. The question that flittered through the falling cherry blossoms and caressed her ears made her shudder.

Whipping her head around, she felt the ribbons that were neatly tucked into her hair graze across her cheek. The sensation barely fazing her, she focused on the rather tall presence at her side. Piercing eyes settled on her frame, a low dive of loosely fitted jeans barely hanging off his hips…and a thick jacket draped off his shoulders. The zipper was left down, exposing the taught muscles of his abdomen through the shirt. Catching herself from looking any further, she fumbled with the sleeves of her yukata beneath his gaze…the question he'd asked almost momentarily forgotten.

She could've acted like she didn't hear him. False pretense would've probably saved their close friendship that night…but it's because she heard him, that it changed everything.

"Tamaki confessed to you finally huh?"

Those words, his brisk and tightly clipped tone rang soundly in her ears. She could sense the light vibe of frustration beneath his casual question. All it took was a brief glance upwards, a slight dip of her eyes to focus on his own that made her crumble beneath his interrogating. She hadn't planned to tell anyone. She even agreed with Tamaki, that she'd keep it a secret. But for some odd reason, she couldn't keep it from Hikaru. She could never keep secrets from him. Softly exhaling, she felt the strange sensation of nervousness flitter across her backside and up her spine. The feeling twisted in her gut, making butterflies sprout forward as she let the answer to his question pass her lips.

"It was yesterday."

….

A strange, comfortable silence was exchanged between the two. They could both hear the bells from the shrine being rung, people chatting from booths, and light music tinkering between the highly pitched tarps of the tents put up for a few concerts.

"I know." Breaking the silence and letting his expression soften, he turned from her and decided to focus his gaze on the sparkling water. "I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable or anything, but I was there." Blinking in surprise at his confession, she tilted her head curiously…feeling embarrassed that he'd held witness to their scene. "You were? Then why didn't you….come forth? I mean…that had to be awkward." Mumbling out the last words, she chose to focus on absently twirling circles around the edges of her yukata. The fabric softened beneath the pads of her fingers, giving away to the pressure and sliding down past her wrists.

"Don't you think it'd be even more awkward if I'd suddenly popped out of nowhere? Besides…I'd hate it if someone were to interrupt me." His eyes glazed over, as if caught in a faraway fantasy. She felt like she was seeing a side of Hikaru he never let anyone else in on. Save for Kaoru. This was one of those ever rare moments he was truly being open with her. His features gave her small hints as to what he was thinking about. Desire? Is that what he's feeling? For whom?

"Hikaru?" His name slipped past her lips easily, pulling him from his reverie.

Catching on that he'd been momentarily silent for a few, he stepped back from the railing. "Ahh, sorry." Shrugging sheepishly, he smiled at her. "I got caught up on something in my head. I do that too often you know. Kaoru can usually shake me out of it." She'd caught sight of the flush on his cheeks, and wondered what he'd been thinking about. Guys didn't just randomly blush…did they?

KEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERN~

The shrill squeal of fireworks sounded off behind them, making them both jump at the sudden explosion. Bright colors splattered across the sky, lighting it up in blues, lavish reds, bright greens and sun-gold yellows. It was a beautiful sight really.

"Wow…so pretty."

Letting herself fall into a trance of the lovely colors, she barely caught on when she felt a light hand brush up against her own. Nonetheless, she still FELT it. Glancing down at their intertwined hands, she blanched when she'd seen where Hikaru had softly let his fingers graze against the inside of her palm. "U-um Hikaru….your hand…"

Why was he holding her? Ahh…well it was one of the twins we were talking about. She'd grown used to their playful poking and teasing. Perhaps this was just another one of those situations?

The thought flicked across her mind briefly, until she heard Hikaru's low, mesmerizing voice sound off in her ear. His crisp, tone caressing her ear drum in a fine melody…if she didn't know any better she could've sworn he was luring her in. Like a siren did to a ship.

"Did you say yes?"

Tilting her head up, she focused on his gaze…noticing how full of emotion they'd become. The raw need to know etched across his features. It almost scared her to answer. "It's hard to say yes to someone, who never asked." She whispered. Yes, Tamaki had told her he'd loved her. But that's all he'd done. He didn't go beyond that, even though she wished he had.

Wait….had she really?

Do I want…Tamaki to be that way with me?

She thought she'd had. She dreamed about it every night. But once it happened, it's like there was this void. Was that really a desire she wanted fulfilled? Or just a…fantasy?

Feeling herself become confused, she shook her head passively. No, No. I shouldn't be asking myself these things. I'm supposed to love Tamaki. I'm supposed to want this. It's all I've ever thought of. But despite how many times she told herself this, she couldn't get the sharp heavy feeling of lead out of her stomach.

Could she be wrong?

"Do you remember that time in the church?" His words brought her out of her contemplation, the tone in them curiously picking at her brain. "Ahh, the day you ditched me in the all the rain?" She joked humorously, even snickering when he flinched at the reminder. "Uh..y-yeah..that day." Coughing distinctly, he brought her hand up between them…showing off the how his long digits were entangled between hers. Had they really been holding hands all this time?

"You know, I should've realized it then."

Absently hearing his words, she focused on the way he gripped her hand… the pressure making her apprehensively shiver and try to focus on what he was trying to say. "Should've realized what?"

The heavy bangs of the drums echoed in the distance, the shrine festival obviously pumping itself up for the final moments of the night. She wondered where everyone was over in that crowd. Including Tamaki. She'd been with him earlier, and then he just disappeared. Had she unknowingly walked off and ended up here? Only to have Hikaru find her? She just couldn't remember.

Hearing his faint voice caress the soft wisps of the air, she felt her eyes widen in surprise…her heart starting to pound faster with every word spoken.

"How much I loved you, and ….." Leaning in closer to her stilled body, he absently brushed a stray hair behind her ear. "Still do." Feeling herself inhale heavily, she tried to breathe. Her heart had nearly stopped at that confession…but still he continued on.

"You know…" His voice quivered lightly, though his eyes were headstrong. Serious, and completely straightforward. Raw emotion flitted through his gaze, as he trailed his fingers down her cheek. Cupping her jaw softly, he tugged her forward…letting the last few words slip pass his lips.

"I really love you Haruhi."

All that followed, she could barely define.

Soft warm lips plush against her own, a needy exhale and then a sigh. From whom it came, she had no idea.

Then everything faded to black.

But not before she heard Tamaki's shout of anger and the select sounds of a fist colliding with a face.

…~….

"I really ought to quit staying up so late, it gives me shitty dreams."

Dropping the edge of the spoon into the cup of coffee, I leaned forward on my elbows and stared down at the table. My eyes were still encrusted with a tad bit of sleep, and I could still distinctly feel the soft tingle of pressure upon my lips.

I loathed Renge sometimes. It was her fault I was having these reoccurring dreams again.

However, waking up groggily to the smell of bacon that morning had at least put me in a better mood; so I decided to let it go.

The smell of breakfast had wafted throughout the house, past the door and caressed my nostrils enticingly from the bed. The sad thing was, I'd heard my stomach growling even through my half asleep state of crawling out from under the blankets. Funny, I'd clearly remembered Dad saying he wouldn't be home this morning. Recalling it now, he was probably still down at the wine store. Monday nights were when a few employees there had been skipping work , and he'd had to make up for their time by stocking late. I suppose he had to pull another all-nighter.

"Well, if you spent just a bit more of your time NOT focusing it all on work; maybe you'd have a much more peaceful sleep." Chiding herself matter of factly from the kitchen, I glanced over the bar to see Renge's hair flounce around the edge of the refrigerator.

"I'm still surprised you can cook." Retorting snidely, I latch my fingers around the rim of the coffee cup. Staring blankly down into the piping hot liquid, I raised the glass to my lips and enjoy the sweet flavor that caresses my taste buds. "Please Haruhi, I'm pampered. Not useless." Rolling her eyes playfully from over the cool, metal of the fridge door, I saw her pull out a carton of eggs. Softly setting them on the counter, she rolled up the loose edges of her shirt off her wrists. It'd come to my attention that ever since the last guy that cheated on her, Renge had taken more of a liking to wearing baggy clothing. I could understand. Who needed to worry about how they looked when they had no intention of attracting others? Still though, she managed to look beautiful as she always did.

"So tell me. " Taking out an egg from the carton, she cracked it successfully on the counter and let the yolk pour into the heated pan on the stove. "What exactly do you intend on wearing? I mean, I know what would look great on you and all; it is moi we're talking about. But, I'd much rather you pick out your own gown. Oh! We're also going to have to find accessories, shoes, perfume…."

Listening to Renge go on about her opinion of necessities, I focused on sucking down the rest of my coffee. I'd hoped it would give me the energy I needed today, considering I knew what the shopping demon making a lovely breakfast in my kitchen had planned for me. To be completely honest, I wasn't looking forward to it.

"Mhm, I think that about covers it. Oh yeah, I almost forgot!"

Swiftly turning around on her heels, she let a bright smile don her face whilst staring me down intently.

"Lingerie Haruhi!"

More so seeing the coffee splatter down my shirt before feeling it, I sputtered shyly at those last choice words. The coffee I'd been trying to drink now covered the topside of the table and partly down the white fabric of my pajamas. "R-Renge! What the hell?" Exclaiming angrily, I quickly grabbed a napkin off the rack centered on the table. Dabbing irritably at the stained spots on my shirt, I ignored Renge's chortle and focused on said fabric instead. "I jest Haruhi, though it'd be nice if you were prepared."

"Renge!"

"Kidding!" She laughed whole heartedly, and leaned forward on the bar. The eggs in the pan behind her sizzled hotly, obviously still in the process of cooking. "It's not funny you know." I grumble in frustration. Sometimes this woman drove me off the walls. Especially with everything she insinuated nowadays. "I know he's not here right now, but geez Renge I'm still with Tamaki." Mentioning his name drove a slight zip of pain through my heart. Sure, I'd grown accustomed to his absence. However, to think he'd accept leaving for Berlin the very weekend of our anniversary…

Now that just hurt.

Tamaki was never tactful. I'd always known that. He'd always made up for it in his own way though. Whether it be making time for me when he had it, or doing the occasional romantic gesture every once in a while. Yet, I hadn't seen that side of him for a few months. It pained me to say, but I haven't known or talked to the Tamaki who'd confessed to me over a year ago for a while. Our conversations were short lived, and even the visits didn't last long. Yes, there were spared kisses and hugs… but they felt distant. It was like he had other things on his mind.

Sometimes I wondered if I had gotten to be a burden on him.

It was tough enough with his Grandmother always on his back. Was I making it harder too? Demanding attention where it was deserved?

I really didn't know.

Sighing irritably, I gave up on trying to scrub the stains out of my shirt and let my cheek slump down against the table. I didn't care if Renge saw my despair; she'd already noticed it months ago apparently. Considering her nosiness, I'm surprised she managed to keep her mouth shut about it this whole time.

"The flames of Moe unite! The flame of Moe unite!"

Blinking curiously at the sound echoing in the small confines of the dining room, I turned my head to the bar and noticed Renge's phone going off. She flushed a daring shade of pink and quickly slapped her hand down on top of the electronic device. "Ahh, that's just…..my ringtone. I'll answer it." Coughing obnoxiously, she flipped open the phone and pressed a button-helping herself to the person who'd decided to interrupt my musings. "This is Renge speaking."

Hearing her brisk tone float around the corner, I raised an eyebrow curiously. Odd, anytime Renge had ever visited my house she never took phone calls. Why now? Leaning forward more suspiciously, I eyed her down from the table. She wasn't up to any tricks again was she? "Oh, it's you. I was wondering when you'd get ahold of me. I'd asked him to send you a notice about it." Glancing over her shoulder, she gestured in apology and waved me off. Her body language clearly saying: Sorry, I have to take this in private. I shook my head in understanding, letting her know not to worry. However, the one who was doing all that was actually me.

Seeing her shuffle around the kitchen door, and down the hallway I sighed in frustration. As sad it was, I felt the need to spy on her. I'd had enough reunion attacks for one week, I honestly didn't need another. Softly sliding the chair legs out from under me, I tiptoed across the floorboards of the dining room; making sure I couldn't be heard sneaking past the threshold of the door. Renge's muffled conversation reached my ears, and I stood still so I could focus on what she was saying. "Tommorow? Where did this come from? I mean...that's really sudden. No no…I'm completely fine with it. You know me, the Queen of Packing." Several moments of silence agged on before she continued. "I highly doubt I would have to convince her. She needs it anyways." She? Was she referring to me? Tilting my head curiously, I leaned a tad bit forward; hoping to hear more of her conversation with the anonymous person on the phone. "About the formal wear, I need something unique. Only you can make it. Oh don't be silly, like I'd rather have anyone else but you." Hearing the girlish giggle in her voice, I blanched. Now I was really curious whom she was talking to. Since when did Renge giggle girlishly? "It'll be fine, don't worry. I think she'll love the surprise actually. I just hope he shows up. I won't be counting on it though, you know him. It's really nice of Hika-kun to do that though. I'm surprised."

She mentioned Hikaru?

Feeling my blood pressure rise, I tried to calm the obvious fluttering of butterflies in my stomach. First that damned memory, and now him again? What had I done to receive a blast from the oh so crappy past? Not that my future was doing well at the moment either… Shaking my head thoughtfully, I squirmed around the side of the door and slid sneakily along the wall. "It's all good. I'll have everything ready to go in the morning. Nine o'clock right? Gotcha Captain. Now if you don't mind, I have to scold Haruhi for being a nosy spy. Talk to you later Kao-kun." Stilling immediately at her words, I gulped shamefully. The silence that continued on even after she clicked the off button lingered in the air, almost making me too nervous to say anything.

"U-um….Renge?"

"If I were you, I'd get started on packing my things." Hearing her snap the phone back into her pocket, I pushed myself away from the wall and walked to her now yawning form. "Packing? Is that what you were talking about over the phone? With Kaoru?" Eyeing her suspiciously, I crossed my arms and stood there waiting for an answer. "Hmm…don't look at me like I'm a sneaky fox Haruhi. You'll go cross-eyed. Anyways, we've got a trip planned out for us. You didn't plan on celebrating your anniversary alone now did you?" Glaring her down more hesitantly, I watched as she turned around on her heel and started heading back towards the kitchen. "I wasn't planning anything actually, considering Tamaki's going to Berlin this weekend. You already know that."

"Mhm, yes I do. But what if I told you, we could possibly get him out of that for a bit and help you spend the three days in Okinawa together? Consider it an early anniversary trip, before he has to head out on the weekend." Tilting her head back over her shoulder, she gave me an impish grin and tsked lightly. "Seems like fun neh?"

…..

I swore, sometimes I could never tell what this crazy, demonic woman was thinking. One moment she was pushing Hikaru up my ass, and the next she was trying to cart me off on a trip with Tamaki. Would she ever sit still and make up her mind? "I highly doubt that can be done. You know his grandmother, she won't relent. Besides…I don't think he would blow off early work preparations to go on a trip. Much less with everyone jam packed along with us."

Renge crossed the threshold of the door and pranced back over to the stove. Popping the pan off the burner, she grabbed a plate from the counter and scraped off the cooked eggs onto its surface. "You always see through things too easily Haruhi…geesh. I'm not sure why Hikaru put this all together, but I'm sure he saw how you were at the café. You'd have to agree you're a bit of a wreck. Maybe it's a good thing he's planning a big trip for everyone. It'd make it less awkward between you and Tamaki, don't you think?"

If he even comes….I thought absently. Following her lead into the kitchen, I tugged open the fridge looking for something other than coffee to sate my thirst. "I wouldn't mind going. It'd honestly be nice to see everyone again…" Recalling the dream I had last night, I mellowed out at the images of Kyouya, Mori, and Honey. It'd been so long since I'd seen them.

Maybe a reunion…wasn't such a bad thing?

Wondering aimlessly, I chose to grab the big container of orange juice off the top shelf. Popping off the cap, I took a swig from it and enjoyed the ripe flavor of orange coat my taste buds. "You don't think he happened to hear about Berlin do you?"

"Hmm? Who?" Renge questioned curiously as she slid a few slices of bread into the toaster.

"Hikaru. I honestly couldn't see him planning something like this, unless he knew about me being ditched. I mean…after what happened…why on Earth would he want to be around Tamaki?" Tapping my fingers across the top of the fridge door, I absently shut it and rested my backside against the kitchen counter. Watching Renge focus on the toaster timer, I glanced up at the ceiling...wondering why everything was so jumbled up.

"I say who cares."

Focusing my gaze back on her, I was surprised to see her serious expression. "Huh?"

"Haruhi. Do you really even care about any of that? I think… Hikaru is just trying to help mend what's been broken. Why question it? Just enjoy the time you're being given." Hearing the distinct ding of the toaster, she reached over and pulled the slices of hot bread from the contraption. "I mean come on, we're not in Ouran anymore. Clinging to the past isn't going to do you any good in moving forward." Blinking in surprise as I watched her slather butter all over the toast, I exhaled softly and resigned to her words. She was right, after all. What was I doing? Getting all messed up over something that happened almost a year ago? Hikaru had left for Italy all those months ago for a reason. Whatever his decision was for coming back, it's not like he'd come back with open arms and a kiss waiting for me.

Recalling that soft, plush kiss the night of the festival made me flush absently.

Who cared?

It's all over and done with. Shaking my head passively, I clenched my fists in frustration. Forget crushes…forget fights. I was with Tamaki, and that's what I needed to focus on. If there were any chance he could come with us on this trip, I should look forward to it. Maybe we could talk…figure things out. Make it work for the better. He had to have a reason for not coming home often right? I just needed to listen.

So did he. We both owed that much to each other.

"I'll go."

Letting the response softly brush past my lips, I tried to ignore the light smile that Renge threw my way. "Ahh…finally seeing things my way huh? I wondered when you would." Setting down a breakfast plate next to my side on the counter, she bumped my hip playfully and bit into the delectably golden looking toast. "I'm sorry if I confuse you sometimes Haruhi. I know it may seem like I'm tugging you back and forth. I don't want to pull your rope….it's just…" Sighing absently, she swallowed the toast and tilted her head melancholy at me. "I don't want you to end up like me. I hovered for so long over people I had expectations for. They ignored me, they brushed me off. It seemed unintentional… and I convinced myself they weren't at fault. The truth was, I was just fooling myself." Setting the toast back onto her own plate, she leaned over and nuzzled my shoulder with her cheek. I felt a gurgle of sadness swirl around in my stomach, and all of a sudden I felt extremely selfish. Here I'd been…flippantly complaining about my relationship. While Renge…who'd been engaged had been left behind by the person she'd thought loved her. "Renge..I'm sorry-"

"Don't you dare apologize. Or I'll bite you." Glaring up at me playfully, she poked my side and made me flinch at the contact. "I'll find someone someday Haruhi. In fact, if it makes you feel any better…I might already have." Giggling lightly at the shock on my face, she reached up and flicked my nose. "Do you understand where I'm coming from though? Why I'm pushing you to do this?"

Nodding respectively, I flushed shamefully underneath her gaze. "I get it now. I appreciate it Renge, oh what would I do without you?" Imitating her sultry acting from the café last weekend, I let my body drape over her- practically smothering her with my weight.

"Hey, Hey, Hey! Watch the merchandise!" She chuckled lightly, losing her footing and sliding down the edge of the counter to collapse onto the floor. Brushing the non-existent dirt off her pants, she tilted her head and smiled up at me. "So, I'm assuming we should get you packed then?"

Lending out my hand to her, I returned her smile tenfold and gestured to the hallway.

"The clothes aren't going to pack themselves now are they?"

"Right." She snickered funnily.

"Hey Renge?" I whispered to her curiously as we passed the threshold of the door and towards my room. "Hmm?" She hummed contently as she pushed forward past me to turn the knob on my door.

"Thank you."

***~Behind the Scenes~***

The phone kept ringing off it's hook.

It's shrill cry of attention kept drawing him away from the line of papers splattered across his desk. Irritably picking up the piece of plastic by the grip, he pressed down on the call button and pushed it against his ear. "I've been getting calls from you all day…wouldn't it be beneficial to take the hint I'm busy?"

"Yeah, yeah…King. Pests aren't welcome when your slobbered chin deep in paperwork."

Arching his eyebrow at the familiar voice, Tamaki kicked back in his leather chair and continued to talk. "It's been awhile since you've spoke to me Kaoru, something up?" Hearing a slight crackle ring out in his ear, he squinted irritably at the noise. "By the way, are you on a cellphone? The reception is horrible."

"Ah, yeah. Let's just say I'm running around being an errand boy. Anyways, straight to the point. Reconcile with your grandmother about the next few days, you're going to Okinawa."

"Do I hear a demand in that sentence? Besides, I have no room for play. Even though I do miss it…" Wandering around absently in his memories of Ouran, he sighed melancholy. "Why the sudden trip though? I can't ever recall us having one since before last year."

"Well, we all know why that hasn't happened."

A few moments of awkward silence went by before he chose to speak again. "Kaoru, just what are you up to?" Peering down absently at the paperwork scattered across his desk, he picked up a pen and prodded the end. Twirling it around in the palm of his hand, he listened in as Kaoru's voice changed to a skeptical tone. An underlying intent of sarcasm was laced in it as well. "Yeah, like I'd be the one to plan a trip…that's more Kyouya's style. Besides…I have a busy weekend coming up. Remember our gala? Big event and all…I hear a lot of our friends are going to be there. Including Haruhi."

"Haruhi? Why would she be going? Much less to you two's-"

"You can thank Renge for that one. That woman's been up and down in her seat about dragging Haruhi around on a leash. I wouldn't blame her though, Haruhi could stand to have some company considering she's alone most of the time."

That one hit him solidly in the gut.

"I wish I could be around her more…but grandmother's been relentless." His guilt piled on as he continued the conversation, stacking up to heights that rivaled that of a skyscraper. "Going to Berlin took me by surprise too, but I didn't really have the privilege to reject."

"We all have it Tamaki, it's just about stepping up to the plate."

"Your lectures are ever so filled with clarity Kaoru."

"Right? Anyways, before you decide to change topics again…can you do it?"

Glancing down at the calendar pad stashed away in his drawer, he noted the days were planned for the week. Kaoru and…Hikaru's gala was coming up soon on the weekend. At the least he'd stuck in Berlin for the next two weeks. Also, why did he have the strange sensation he was forgetting something important?

Shaking it off nervously, he considered the options. If he went, he'd have to leave all the preparations behind to grandmother's assistants. She'd definitely be ticked off about that matter, and he'd probably be even forced into more work the next few months. He'd been meaning to take some time off to spend with Haruhi…things had just gotten so hectic.

The distance really was killing him.

"I honestly don't know if I can do it Kaoru. Things are…complicated here."

Hearing Kaoru cluck his tongue reluctantly over the phone, he tilted his head curiously at the reaction.

"Well…that's all fine and good Tamaki. You do what you have to. Trying to convince you any further would probably prove fruitless for me…though I'd think you like to know…." Cutting off himself off completely, Tamaki heard him shift around the phone on the other end. He could imagine Kaoru was more than likely stuffed inside a car with a very irritable driver. "I'd like to know what exactly?" He questioned boredly. Honestly…the conversation needed to end. He had more important things to do than dawdle on a call.

"Oh, nothing that important. Just…that my brother planned this trip, and he's looking forward to Haruhi coming. Who wouldn't be right?"

….

"Have fun in Berlin Tamaki."

All that could be heard in the office was a distinct click of a button, signaling that their conversation had been cut off.

That's the end of this chapter Ladies and Gentleman! I can't tell you how long it took me to write this. It'd been such an extensive amount of time since I'd worked on this story…it was all pretty fuzzy actually. I'm not sure how well I did on the details either. It's been forever since I've written! Let's not even go into the timing either. I had Haruhi, Renge and Hikaru meet up at the café on a Friday morning. They took their prospective time over the weekend mulling over the visit. Monday popped up~ and that's the day Hikaru had been stressing himself silly in his office! You can also tell by this chapter…that it's the following day after poor Hikaru decided to give up on Haruhi. He's hoping he can do it…but we all know what us shippers want . Fail Hikaaaaru! Mwuhaha…xD I feel so bad. I want to support his decision…but I just have to go against it. As we can all see….Haruhi may be set on Tamaki…but her heart is wavering still. She just needs some "encouragement and clarity." Let's all hope our brave Hika-chan can give her that!

The last bit of this chapter…was kind of a peer into behind the scenes. I know it wasn't written in first person…but I like going between those points of view if you can't tell. Most stories I read that's all written in first person…even they can get repetitive and dull. I apologize if it bothers you all~ but it's how I like to do things!

I'll be working on and off on Chapter 4 of We Were Beyond Saving. I'm a busy person after all. Mother and college student right here! I love writing this story however, so any free time I get at night…I'll be sure to work on it. Luckily I'm on holiday break from school…so I'll have some time available. If you guys have any comments…or ideas feel free to review or inbox me. I appreciate all your time and love little Darklings~ Until Next time! –Melon-Drop Sensei.