(Almost) No Regrets

Something old,

Something new,

Something borrowed,

Something blue,

And a lucky six pence shoe.

Haruhi Fujioka had never believed in such silly superstitions. Her father, on the other hand…

"Haruhi! Oh, Haruhi, how could I be such an idiot? You don't have anything blue or borrowed!"

The brunette sighed, sitting on the Victorian chair, her elbows resting on the vanity, fingers rubbing her temples. This was her wedding day; she should have been getting headaches because nothing was going right. Instead, she was getting headaches because everything was good enough for her, and Ryoji wanted nothing short of perfection.

He searched around the dressing room of the chapel frantically, the bridesmaids watching with slight curiosity, far too used to the man's special brand of involvement. After the initial shock of Tamaki proposing to Haruhi (and giving him a little "chat") he had become the self-proclaimed wedding planner, seeing as how his daughter would rather just get the certificate in a shirt and shorts and be done with it.

Mei didn't look up from her work spot behind Haruhi, idly doing her still rather short hair in a French Twist, spraying at least three cans of hairspray, causing Haruhi to gag and for Mei to snap at her to be still, and then somehow working a veil into the hair turned concrete. Finishing, she let her gaze flicker towards Ranka, who had somewhat calmed down by now, and sighed, reaching up to her earlobes.

"Well," she commented, unfastening the latch of her light and twinkling sapphire blue earrings, "It's lucky that these clash with the cream Maid of Honor's dress."

Haruhi watched as her father let out a deep breath of relief, mumbling, "Mei, you're a lifesaver. Kotoko would have haunted me for the rest of my life if I had let our little Haruhi walk out there like that!"

The earrings sparkled in the light of the spare room, the bridesmaids gathering around and cooing at how beautiful Haruhi looked, Mei handing her the earrings. "I honestly don't need them," Haruhi argued, already not feeling like herself in this makeup, dress, and heels.

Mei argued, "Just do it for your dad, Haruhi. He's already complaining that you never let him do anything, and I don't want to have to put up with any more of it."

Ryoji smiled, watching as his little girl refused once more, stating that the superstition was silly, and that she didn't want to wear earrings. Of course, he couldn't call her his little girl anymore. She was a young woman, in the middle of law school, about to get married. He watched as she scowled, her face no less beautiful.

Her makeup was slight and made her glow, her chocolate orbs seeming even bigger and brighter, her lips a light pink. Every single brown hair was in place, the long, translucent white veil flowing behind her, even as she was sitting.

The dress, designed by the Hitachiin Twins, was her. Simple, classic, understated elegance. An a-line sleeveless scoop, rouging, with a simple belt of glistening diamonds resting on her tiny waist, the skirt flaring out only a hair.

As far as Haruhi knew, Tamaki had asked the twins to make the dress, forced it upon her, and that was that. Ranka chuckled to himself, recalling the actual tale.

Hikaru had pounced at the opportunity to make the dress. Tamaki was eager to ask for a "Cinderella" ball gown, beading, diamonds, the whole nine yards, in order to make Haruhi feel like a princess.

Ryoji had been with the twins and Tamaki, of course, as he was the wedding planner, and just as he was about to open his mouth to protest, saying it wouldn't fit with the theme, Hikaru beat him to the punch, slightly stunning him. "Haruhi's not a princess." He hadn't said it with scorn, as if he was disgusted, but almost amused, with a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips, his eyes glazed over, as if recalling a distant memory. "She's Haruhi."

With that, Tamaki was silenced, mainly Hikaru, with Kaoru helping with alterations and such, made the dress and Ryoji was left thinking.

The dressmaker knew his daughter better than the groom-to-be.

It left an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach, almost as though he was missing some vital clue, like he wasn't connecting two with two. He had asked Kotoko to give him a sign, but nothing had happened; the wedding plans had continued without a hitch. He had disregarded it, scolding himself for being distracted from the plans, and moved on. However, watching her look almost unhappy on her own wedding day, the words haunted him. "She's Haruhi."

He shook his head, whispering below his breath, "Kotoko, are you watching her from up there? She's beautiful, isn't she? Stubborn, too." He chuckled at the last part, then grew a little more serious. "Kotoko, I don't want to interfere. You would kill me if I did, but…something's been nagging at me. Is Haruhi really happy? I've seen her with Tamaki, and she's smiled and laughed, but…I've seen her with Hikaru. That's when she seems to not laugh or smile, but be herself."

Looking up, he closed his eyes, sending a final prayer. "Give me a sign, Kotoko, I'm begging you; is she really marrying the right man, or is she making a huge mistake?"

Silence. Of course, what else should he expect? He was probably just being paranoid. "Seriously, Haruhi," Mei huffed, causing Ryoji's eyes to pop open, his head snapping up and alert, back to reality. "Just wear the earrings."

Haruhi turned to the mirror, to look at herself. She was getting married. She should've been excited, at the least. Then why did it feel so much like a chore? As if she was just getting up and getting work done as always. Tamaki was the man of her dreams, obviously, and she should be ecstatic to have her happy ending, especially after all she had gone through with Hikaru.

Wait-what…? Did…did she just say Hikaru? Haruhi shook her head, trying to rid herself of the thought. Just a slip of the…thought, I guess she could say. Yeah, Freudian slip. Oh great, her mind was now against her. "Earth to the bride. Come in, Haruhi." She blinked owlishly, watching as Mei snapped her free hand in front of her face, her earrings clutched in the opposite.

"Right, uh…" She looked around at the smiling faces. Her own father was even out of his usual wig and dress, instead wearing a conventional tuxedo, just for today. She couldn't let them down; besides, what in heaven's name was she talking about? Just a little cold feet getting to her, nothing more. "Fine." Rolling her eyes, she accepted the two small sapphires, quickly fastening them and looking at her reflection. No sudden change in her appearance. No sudden change in her thoughts, no 'yes, I'm sure' moment. Then again, this was marriage; no one was ever sure, hence why half of them ended in divorce nowadays.

Ranka walked over to her, a warm smile on his face, and the others buzzing around the room seemed to sense the 'father-daughter time' mood, and they all scurried out, insisting that they check on the rest of the wedding, and joking that they should make sure Tamaki wasn't about to die of anxiety.

"You look beautiful."

Haruhi smiled, the two staring into the mirror, Ranka placing his hands on the back of the chair.

"Are you excited?"

She lied, -what else could she do? - "Yes."

Ryoji sighed, concern starting to take over his features. "Are you sure?" he prodded.

"About what?" Haruhi was normally not one to beat around the bush; however, with her mixed feelings, she needed to stall.

"Marrying Tamaki."

"…I'm sure…"

Ranka frowned a little, asking, "Is there something you want to talk about?"

"No." Haruhi stared at her pink fingernails absentmindedly, avoiding eye contact with her father.

He knew he wasn't going to get an answer out of her. "You know, they say that you should live your life with no regrets."

She didn't reply, and instead started tracing the wooden grains of the vanity. Ryoji added, taking her hand and forcing her to stand up, engulfing her in a hug, "You know, I'll always be proud of you. No matter what you do, I'll always love to tell everyone just how amazing you are."

What was her father getting at? Instead of arguing, she hugged him back, closing her eyes and enjoying the warmth and security. After a silent minute, the two stepped apart, sharing a smile, and Ranka exited, to be replaced by Mori, Hunny, and Reiko.

"Haruhi! Wow, you look so pretty!"

"Yes, very."

"Yeah."

She smiled at the three. Hunny had somehow convinced Reiko to wear something that wasn't a shade of gray or black, and she was now wearing a light pink bridesmaid dress, her belly slightly swollen from the baby she was carrying. "Thank you."

Reiko and Mori nodded, Hunny chirping, "Are you excited?"

"Very." Liar.

"Is the cake big?"

Haruhi laughed lightly, replying, "It's the absolute largest one Tamaki could find."

Hunny beamed at her. "Do you know where you're going on a honeymoon?" Reiko asked quietly.

"On a private cruise of some sort," Haruhi groaned. She would be missing her summer internship for an entire week. Lovely.

Mori told her, laying his hand lightly on her head so as not to mess it up, "Be happy." What in the world did he mean by that?

After a few hugs and smiles, they left as well, Mori and Hunny to take their place as groomsmen, and Reiko to take hers as a bridesmaid.

Kyouya came in next, his little black notebook and pencil gone, his glasses balancing on the very tip of his nose, as they always seemed to. Pushing them up, he began, "I'm sure you've already received the compliment countless times, but you look rather ravishing, Haruhi."

"Thank you, Kyouya," she smiled, watching as he looked almost uncomfortable. It seemed as though something bothered him, and now that she thought about it, Mori and Reiko had worn that same face, and the look had passed over Hunny once before he left, a mixture of confusion, concern, and what seemed to be doubt.

He continued, all business now, his poker face back on, allowing a small smile to peek through the mask, "I'm very happy for you. You and Tamaki make a good couple."

"Thank you, Kyouya."

With that, he made his way out of the room, Haruhi taking her seat once more. Kyouya mused to himself dryly, 'I suppose she isn't wondering why I only said good and not great. Pity, she can't realize it yet.'

Next to come –inevitably- were the twins. She braced herself, preparing for massive hugs, teasing, and other nonsense that would cause her irritation. Instead, she was greeted with the soft thud of only one pair of dress shoes hitting the wood floors, a single pair of amber eyes meeting hers.

"Hey, Haruhi."

"Hello, Kaoru. Where's Hikaru?"

"Ah, tono's an emotional wreck right now. Hikaru has to take care of it."

She raised a brow, adding in a slightly amused tone, "And you?"

Grinning, he replied impishly, "I managed to slip away and leave him to deal with the drama king by himself."

"Nice to know you care about him so much," she commented sarcastically, causing Kaoru to laugh.

There was a minute of silence, in which the light and playful mood had seemed to darken. "You know," Kaoru muttered, making his way over to the single window of the room, which overlooked the entrance to the chapel, "You really aren't that excited in terms of having your wedding in less than an hour."

Haruhi blinked, watching him. There was that same face again, and his eyes seemed to lose their mischievous spark. "W-what do you mean?"

"I know you don't exactly get worked up over these things, but…" Kaoru sighed, scratching the back of his head sheepishly, muttering to him, "How can I put this? Um…I've seen you happier, with others…"

Again, she blinked. What was everyone trying to tell her? Couldn't she just get a straight answer out of anyone? Before she could complain, ordering him to elaborate, Kaoru smothered her in a hug, whispering, "Just follow your heart, okay?"

"Kaoru, you're not making any se-"

"Okay, see you in a little bit!" With that, he was already bounding out the door and down the hall, leaving her wondering.

She sighed, letting her head collapse into her hands as she sat back down, all the doubt and worry finally hitting her. Something felt…wrong… She kept assuring herself that it was just because she was so dressed up, and that everyone was doing so much for her today. Her heart wasn't exactly cooperating, though.

There was a light knock at the door, and she lifted her head, her eyes landing on the messy ginger hair, amber eyes, and awkwardly shifting boy. "Hikaru," she greeted.

"Uh, hi, Haruhi…" There was an awkward silence as they stared at the ground, Hikaru shuffling his feet. Haruhi noticed that she felt a little lighter, and she kept remembering all the good times she had had with him. Good god, what was wrong with her? Breaking the silence, Hikaru blurt out, "You look pretty! I-I mean beautiful! Yeah, uh…really beautiful…gorgeous…uh…" He let the pathetic attempt to make himself not look like a complete idiot die, watching as she studied him.

Why did he even come? This was stupid and painful. He wanted her, but…apparently she didn't want him. She was moving on; no, that wasn't right, since she never really loved him. Wow, unrequited love really sucked. Especially when you're on the "unrequited" side of it.

Honestly, he didn't want to come today. It felt like he didn't belong, almost like he was just barging in on her happiness. In the end, though, Kaoru, Tamaki, and the others had dragged him along, leaving him no time to wallow in self-pity. Until now, when the very reason for all that hurt was right in front of him, alone, looking as amazing as ever.

Haruhi observed him, not sure what to make of these feelings that she kept having around him. "Thank you," she muttered weakly, averting her eyes and looking out the window.

Why did every little thing she say make his heart thud and his legs feel wobbly and unstable? "So, uh…big day, and all." 'Real smooth,' he thought to himself sarcastically, mentally face palming, 'Don't you think she of all people would know that? Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid-'

"Yeah, I'm glad you're here for me." Another awkward silence, and realizing what she had said, or lack thereof, quickly added, "I mean all of you."

"Yeah…"

This was probably the most awkward moment of his life. "So, um…" 'Come on, think!' He did the one thing he could do; bring up good times. "Remember that one Halloween in high school? When Nekezowa scared us?"

She laughed lightly at the though to his relief, and added, "We got caught in that net, and…" She trailed off, her cheeks suddenly becoming stained with a light blush.

Crap.

He should've said something suave, something teasing, as if to dismiss the fact that there was ever anything in between them, something like "Oh, don't pretend you didn't love it," or "Watch it now, Haruhi, you're about to become a married woman." Quite frankly, however, he was too busy blushing a deep crimson and remembering how much he had loved that moment with her.

There was more silence, until finally Haruhi spoke up. "You know, I'm surprised Tamaki didn't go full out with his original 'Fairy-tale' theme."

"Oh, I convinced him not to. Anybody could tell you would hate it."

No, actually, not just anybody. She watched him, something in her mind clicking. 'He…he understands me more than I thought.'

At an attempt to try and get back to his original self, he sauntered over to her and looped an arm around her shoulders, sniggering, "Of course, I wanted something a little more…risqué…" Of course he didn't.

She rolled her eyes, deadpanning, "Not in this lifetime."

They both seemed to share a laugh, comfortable around each other. Before they knew it, they were talking about old times, Hikaru leaning against the vanity.

"Haru-" Ranka stopped cold in his tracks in the doorway, hearing her laugh and spotting Hikaru. Stealthily, he hid back in the hallway, his head popping around the edge of the doorway. This had been the first time he had seen her this happy all day. With one of the twins, no less. Kaoru? No, no, only Hikaru seemed to make her laugh like that. He smiled, looking up to the sky. "Thanks, Kotoko. I needed that. Now," he looked back to Haruhi, who was nodding and listening as Hikaru talked animatedly, "Can you help Haruhi?"

He let them share another minute or two of reminiscing, before making his entrance. "Haruhi, the wedding's about to start."

"Oh crap, I better take my place," Hikaru muttered, hopping off the table and briskly making his way to the door, past Ryoji. He looked back over his shoulder; sending her a smirk and mumbling, "See you with Tamaki at the altar, then."

Nodding, Haruhi watched him go, standing up and taking her father's arm. Was she making a mistake, though?

Tamaki gulped, nervous as ever, standing at the altar. The chapel was a sight to see, with deep woods and stained glass windows. However, it wasn't nearly as stunning as his bride. He looked over at the crowd of his and Haruhi's friends and family. Just before the procession started, a girl with sliver eyes in the front row hopped up, walking over to Tamaki and adjusting his bow tie, mumbling monotonously, "It's crooked. With all the worrying you've been doing, it's no wonder…"

"Thank you, Ayame." He smiled down at her as she looked up at his violet eyes, the two seeming to share a moment. She cleared her throat and hurriedly made her way back to her seat, burying her face in the program. Would it be considered scandalous to be blushing at the groom when he wasn't yours?

He watched her go, smiling. Kyouya, from his spot as Best Man, noted all of this. Yet still, Tamaki was convinced that Haruhi was the one. Idiot.

Then, the doors were thrown open, and the neat lines of bridesmaids and groomsmen came in, neatly arranging themselves around the altar.

As they did so, Kyouya leaned over to the blond, whispering, "No regrets?"

Blinking, Tamaki looked rather baffled. "Of course not; what makes you say that?"

"The girl in the front row."

Still confused, Tamaki looked down at his feet, pensive, only to look back up a moment later, and watched as the guests stood, the bride making her way gracefully down the aisle, sending gasps throughout the crowd.

Yet, neither bride nor groom quite felt that magic spark when they looked at each other. As Ryoji handed her off to Tamaki, he made a point of squeezing his hand far harder than necessary, and then giving him a meaningful look, retreating to his seat.

"Before I begin," the pastor started, looking over the crowd of smiling faces, "Is there anyone here who would like to state as to why these two should not be married? Speak now, or forever hold your peace."

There was silence, however, the bride looked down, thinking to herself.

You know, they say that you should live your life with no regrets.

If this was the happiest day of her life, why did it feel like such a mistake?

Be happy.

She was happy…wasn't she…? She was when she was with Hikaru…No, she loved Tamaki…right…?

Just follow your heart, okay?

What exactly was her heart saying? She looked over at the group of friends surrounding her, until her eyes landed on that one special groomsmen she just couldn't forget. Hikaru. Her heart was saying, Hikaru.

You know, I'll always be proud of you. No matter what you do, I'll always love to tell everyone just how amazing you are.

But could she really just end this, here and now? Send all of her friend's expectations crashing?

Hikaru bit his tongue, fighting the urge to yell. He did say speak now, after all. He wasn't exactly the type to "forever hold his peace".

Looking over to Tamaki, though, and everyone in the audience, he realized it was easier said than done. Besides, how could he know that Haruhi loved him?

Sighing, he figured that maybe that was the point. He loved her. That was enough to speak up.

"I do, pastor."

A roar of gasps and whispers erupted, two voices, one of a groomsmen and the other of the bride herself, breaking the silence. Tamaki looked rather stunned, turning over to Haruhi, asking in disbelief, "Wha…?"

"I-I'm sorry," she whispered. "I just…can't do this…"

All eyes were now on Hikaru, and he could feel the pressure. What in the world was he supposed to say? 'Hey, sorry I'm ruining this precious moment for everybody, but I feel like I should because I'm a spoiled brat. So, what's up with you guys?' wasn't going to cut it.

However, as he opened his mouth, Haruhi spoke louder, turning towards him, her eyes slightly teary and fearful, "I care about you Tamaki, but I don't love you…I…I think I love Hikaru."

Well, that was unexpected. At least, for Hikaru it was. Everyone else in the Host Club, and the majority of the other people, already knew it. They seemed to nod, accepting all of this, as if knowing this would all happen. Gaping like a fish, he tried to think of anything to say, anything at all. "I, uh…I think I love Haruhi." He could've slapped himself. What was he doing, using third-person when she was standing right in front of him?

Now the crowd had subdued, watching them. Out of the blue, Tamaki began to smile, and then laugh, letting it fill up the quiet chapel. Everyone watched, rather shocked, as he turned to Haruhi, giving her a quick hug, and then releasing her, simply stating, "You know, I should've known. I…I guess the wedding's off, then."

"I'm sorry, Tamaki, I-"

"Don't be sorry," Tamaki smiled at her, taking this rather well, "We were never really in love, I guess." A few caught his gaze flicker towards Ayame, who was staring at him with wide eyes, and caught his drift.

The pastor, on the other hand, was rather distressed. It wasn't everyday that everyone seemed to mutually agree that the wedding was canceled. This wasn't exactly covered in any training. "Uh, yes well," he cleared his throat awkwardly, "I suppose, that's uh, it then."

Not knowing what else to do, the crowd began to stand up, making their way out of the chapel, mumbling.

Eventually, the group at the altar exchanged a few hugs, goodbyes, and not sure what else to do, simply made their way to the dressing room to change back into their street clothes.

The only two left were Hikaru and Haruhi, even Kaoru leaving them alone and disappearing in the mass of dresses and suits.

She sighed, tugging out the veil with some difficulty, allowing her hair to tumble out in a mess, "Looks like I'm not getting married anytime soon."

"Guess so…" She loved him. All this time, she had loved him. No more unrequited love crap. It was the greatest feeling in the world to know that, for once, he, Hikaru Hitachiin, was the winner. Taking her hand, he shifted closer to her, their faces only an inch apart. His knees felt like they would give way, and he was fairly certain she could hear his heart beating in his throat.

"What are you doing?" Haruhi asked, slightly blushing at the close contact.

"Something I've been dying to do since high school." With that, he caressed either side of her face with his hands and pressed his lips onto hers, Haruhi's eyes widening. After a minute, she let them close, melting into him and letting the veil she was holding fall to the ground, instead entangling her hands in his soft hair. Then and there, they stood like that, the empty chapel disappearing.

She wasn't getting married and had most likely ruined everyone's visions of her and Tamaki together.

He had pretty much crashed a wedding and was now kissing his friend's ex.

Any regrets?

None what so ever.

What was Tamaki to do now? He was still in his tux, saying goodbye to all the guests, taking their apologies with a smile.

He honestly thought he loved her, but…

"What in the world are you still doing out here? Almost everyone has already left and you're standing out here like an idiot."

Tamaki whipped his head around in surprise to find Ayame, her arms crossed over her chest, scolding him. "Oh, are they?"

Sighing, she asked, seeming to take it easy on him considering the circumstances, "What are you going to do now?"

"Oh I don't know," he mumbled, scuffing his shoes and aimlessly making his way down the stairs leading up to the door of the church, Ayame following and adjusting her glasses, "What is there to do? Get drunk and wallow in sorrow?"

There was a minute of silence as the two made their way down the stone steps, stopping on the sidewalk. "Well, you're going to need a designated driver," she stated, not looking him in the eye, hoping the dark covered her blush, "And I took a taxi here, so I suppose I have no choice but to follow you."

In the quiet of the night, right then and there, Tamaki knew exactly why he didn't feel half as bad as he should about Haruhi breaking the news to him. Smiling, he whispered, "Thank you, Ayame."

Just for a second, he could've sworn that she had whispered back, a small smile on her face, "Anything for you."

Nope, no regrets here.

Disclaimer: I don't own OHSHC.

Don't ask me why, but I got the sudden urge to write about Hikaru crashing a wedding, or something along the lines of that. I blame in on the song "Crashed the Wedding" by Busted. And well, this was born. I'm rather proud of it, anyway. It incorporates my two favorite couples: HikaHaru and TamAyame. So take that, cannon! :D

A Freudian slip is when you blurt something out or do something that suggest an oppressed thought. And if you want to actually understand what it is, Google it.

...Is it the pastor that does weddings? I don't know, I don't exactly go to church...^^U

Read and enjoy!