Hello!
This is my first fic in about... 7 years? O.o And also my first Ouran fic, so I'm nervous but excited to be posting this! 3
I do not own Ouran, obviously. My OC is my own creation though. I have a character profile for her, to make it a bit easier to introduce her.
Quick note, I alternate between the uses of Mitsukuni/Honey and Takashi/Mori, both because I like to change things up, and also because certain characters use one name and other characters use the other name, so I want to try and reflect that. Also I am very unfamiliar with Japanese honorifics (and culture in general), so I apologize in advance for any mistakes/inconsistencies.
Please enjoy and review! All comments and constructive criticism welcome :D
PS- feel free to check out my tumblr, devoted to Ouran and various other fandoms :) (tumblr id szhismine, blog name Fandom Haven)
Character Profile
Name: Melanie Haninozuka
Age: 16
Family: Daughter of Isamu Haninozuka, younger brother of Yarahisa (head of the Haninozuka family); and Stephanie Laurent, a French Canadian socialite. Younger cousin of Mitsukuni, older cousin of Yasuchika. Younger cousin of Takashi Morinozuka.
Family Details: half Japanese, half French Canadian. Father operates a successful security company based in Montreal, where she grew up, but has spent a lot of time visiting the main family in Japan. Highly skilled at karate and the Haninozuka fighting style. Speaks English, French and Japanese.
Appearance: body type similar to Haruhi (flat and thin), but taller (5'7"). Light brown hair (similar to Chika's hair colour). Hair shoulder length, bangs swept to the side. Emerald eyes, and glasses (similar to Chika's glasses).
Wednesday
Kyoya sneaked a sideways glance at his father. Yoshio Ootori's face remained impassive as he read through the newspaper. The silence around the dining room table was heavy and awkward. Even Kyoya's oldest brother, his father's favourite, knew better than to say a word.
It had been two weeks since the Ouran Fair, the debacle with Lady Eclair and Kyoya's little coup d'etat with his father's medical company. Kyoya hadn't been sure what to expect afterwards, but the silence was unexpected. The Ootori patriarch normally had no problem voicing his displeasure. Did this mean his anger finally overwhelmed his sensibilities? Or perhaps... Kyoya shook his head, already rejecting the thought that entered his mind. An entertaining notion, but an impossible one.
As Kyoya stood up to leave, Yoshio finally spoke. "The Haninozuka family is having their annual garden party next weekend. I am sure you are already aware that we are invited, but despite your friendship with the Haninozuka heir, we are expected to attend and behave in an appropriate manner. The picnic is primarily for the strengthening of business relationships. Despite the casual setting, everyone in attendance is our competition. You will do well to remember this."
Kyoya suppressed a scowl and turned. "Yes father," he said quietly, before heading into the main hall to leave for school. He missed the pensive look on Yoshio's face.
Haruhi smiled as she finished studying for her final exam, leaning back in her chair. Coming to the music room before class is a great chance to enjoy a little peace and quiet. The rest of the club usually just heads right to class. She stood up and stretched. I hope there aren't any surprise questions, she thought about the exam as she opened the door-
"HARU-CHAAANNNNNN!"
Honey tackled Haruhi to the ground, a big grin on his youthful face. "My family is having a big party this Saturday! Wanna come?"
Haruhi blinked. I didn't even hear him coming. "Uhhh, a party?" With rich people?
Hikaru and Kaoru followed Honey into the music room. "It's a Haninozuka tradition," Kaoru said, picking Haruhi up from the floor. "Every year they invite all the important business families in Japan to a huge garden party on their estate. It lasts all weekend. This will only be our second year going, they don't let the younger kids attend."
"It's a chance to show off and rub elbows with some very high-class people, but you're invited too," Hikaru explained.
Gee, thanks.
"It's gonna be extra special this year!" Honey announced as the rest of the host club filed into the room. "My Uncle and his family will be coming all the way from Canada! I haven't seen them in almost two years, they missed last year's party."
Tamaki gave a sly smile. "Not to worry Haruhi! I will personally be your escort for the weekend. Your commoner charm will be sure to impress. And I already have some cute outfits for you!" As he went to the theatre of his mind, Haruhi groaned. "Do I have to go?"
Kyoya looked at Haruhi. "Well, no. That being said, appearing as a united Host Club might have some advantages. A bunch of teenagers from high-profile families getting along may impress some of the more competitive-driven adults. It wouldn't be quite the same if you weren't there. Let's just hope it turns out better than the Ouran Fair..." he muttered that last sentence, but the group heard him.
"Well," Tamaki was the first to break the silence, "that's not the only reason to go. A lot of people our age will be there, including lovely young ladies with too much time on their hands. Not everything about a party has to be about business after all." He grinned. "A host club's job is never done!"
Haruhi chuckled. "I guess you're right Tamaki-senpai." Her smile disappeared. "Can we plan this another time though? I don't want to be late for my exam. Don't you have one this morning too?" Tamaki's look of terror was the only answer she needed.
Friday
Melanie Haninozuka jumped out of the limo. After a long flight followed by a long drive, she needed to stretch. Besides... she saw a group of people walking down from the mansion. After such a long trip, she needed a stretch before honouring the Haninozuka tradition... her eyes narrowed in on her oldest cousin.
"I must say Melanie," Yorihisa, head of the Haninozuka family, said as they were finishing their supper, "that was quite an impressive showing earlier. Not even Yasuchika has come that close to beating Mitsukuni." Chika scowled and glared at his older brother, who was obliviously stuffing his face with dessert.
Melanie gave her uncle a soft smile. "I'm glad to hear you say that. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to hold my own, and it's been so long since I've seen Mitsukuni fight." she laughed. "And I wasn't expecting him to be as tall as he was two years ago!"
Everyone laughed except Chika and Yorihisa. Honey just grinned. "Yeah, you're even taller than you were last time!" he looked up at Mori. "I bet she could almost beat you too Takashi!"
"Yeah," he replied monotonously.
"Well, on behalf of myself and my family, I would like to thank my honoured brother for hosting us for the summer," Melanie's father, Isamu, toasted, raising his glass. "And here's to a successful weekend!"
Melanie raised her glass with everyone else's, but her smile faded as her mother, Stephanie, gave her a pointed look. Don't raise the subject mother, please...
"Speaking of successful, I hear there will be many young men from prominent families in attendance," she said in a cool voice. "The Haninozuka are a respected family. My lovely Melanie is almost an adult and heiress to our Canadian company. If we hope to open a branch in Japan, we will need to have close relations with the businesses here,"she gave her daughter a stern look. "You should keep an eye on the young bachelors who will be attending this weekend, many will be from good families."
Melanie turned her head. She didn't want the others to see how hard she was trying to stop herself from snapping. "You can't burden me with this Mother. I'm my own person, not just a girl with an important name. Just because I'm his daughter doesn't mean I need to take over Father's company." The same argument she'd spent the last few years trying, and failing, to win. She raised her head. "Isn't that what his employees are for? I'm only seventeen!"
Isamu slammed his glass down on the table. "My dear wife, you will not speak of such matters publicly. And you my daughter, do not talk to your mother like that. And never speak of your family in that tone again. Understand?" His tone was calm, but menacing.
Melanie kept her mouth shut. I don't understand, is duty all they care about? Did neither of them have dreams at my age? She simply nodded before she got up and left the dining room. She didn't see her cousins exchange worried looks.
Running up to her room, she slammed the door before slumping down to the floor, trying not to cry. The last two years, all my parents do is try to control my personal life. I can't take it anymore... she growled and punched the wall. There better not be anyone my parents will think worthy of my attention this weekend, she wished.
Saturday
Kyoya straightened his tie. He inspected himself carefully in the mirror, glad that he talked Tamaki out of the French Revolution cosplay he wanted. Instead they would be wearing suits, dark grey pants and vest with a matching tie and a black shirt. Kyoya decided to not wear the suit jacket, and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt to his elbows. He thought about what his father would say about the informal look, and decided he didn't care. I am the cool type after all, he mused, glad the Host Club would be together over the weekend.
Fuyumi was waiting at the bottom of the stairs with their mother. "Oh Kyoya, you look so handsome. Will your friends from the host club be there too?" Fuyumi asked cheerfully. She was wearing a bright yellow sundress to reflect her mood, unlike the sombre formal outfits the Ootori men were wearing. Everyone is looking so serious today, you'd think we were going to a funeral instead of a party, she thought.
"Yes, and their families will be in attendance as well. It will be a good chance for father to build on his business relationships," he replied as his mother kissed his cheek. "Mother..." he leaned back as she tried to adjust his tie.
"Don't baby the boy," Yoshio scolded as he approached. He looked over his youngest son. "I have a little job for you, Kyoya. I've heard that a branch of the Haninozuka family is looking to expand their security company and go international, starting in Japan. Obviously that would be in direct competition with our private police forces. Since you're closest to the Haninozukas, I want you to learn what you can about this family and their intentions." He glared at his son. "And I expect a full report once the weekend is over."
Kyoya clenched his fists. If you think I'm going to spy on my friend's family for you... "Yes, Father."
"Good. Now let's go."
This is too early to be awake on a Saturday morning, Melanie thought as she yawned. She rolled out of bed and dragged herself to the shower, grumbling the entire time. Once she showered and dried off, she flopped back onto her bed.I don't want to do this... instead of falling back to sleep like she wanted, she got back up and went to her closet.
Choosing a long strapless chiffon dress, floral pattern on beige, with ruffles on the chest, she stared at her reflection. Ugh, mother will want my hair to be done up like a proper lady. She picked up her hairbrush, grimacing as she began working on the tangled mess that grew on top of her head. Ugh, I'm too lazy for this. After a half-assed brushing, she swept her long, light brown hair over her right shoulder and tied it there in a ponytail, letting runaway strands of hair frame her face. Putting her glasses on, she smiled, pleased with how ordinary she looked. This shouldn't draw too much attention. Slipping on her dark brown flats, she headed downstairs for breakfast.
The mansion was more crowded than usual, as hired help ran back and forth to finish decorating. The catering company was setting up outside and last minute decorations were being put up. Melanie crossed the hall and into the dining room for breakfast, where she saw Mitsukuni and Takashi were already eating. She frowned as she looked over their matching outfits. Why are they dressed the same, in muted colours too... "Good morning," she greeted her cousins with a smile. "Why are the two of you dressed the same?"
"It's for the host club!" Honey answered as he swallowed a waffle whole. Mori nodded.
Huh? "Huh? Host club?" Before Melanie could ask for details, someone bumped in to her. "Sorry miss," said the butler, carrying a large bouquet of flowers. "I can't seem to see where I'm going."
Melanie laughed. "Here, let me," she took the bouquet and tried to look around it. "Where does this go?"
"Just outside, and if you wouldn't mind hurrying miss, the guests are due to arrive soon," the butler muttered before running off to his next task.
"Pass me a piece of toast, dear cousin?" she asked of Honey. He held it up and she chomped on it. "Fanks," she muffled with a full mouth. Honey giggled.
It was 9am when the first guests arrived. The ushers showed them into the main hall, offering drinks and finger sandwiches. The adults greeted each other and mingled while the teenagers formed their own group, talking about their exams and the next school year. And, of course, rumours about whether the Host Club would make an appearance.
From the balcony at the top of the stairs, Melanie peeked her head out from behind the curtain, watching the guests interact. There are even more people than there were two years ago, she thought nervously.
"Melanie, get back here," her mother whispered. "We cannot be seen until all the guests have arrived and we make our entrance." Melanie rolled her eyes. Of course as the hosting family, they had to make an impressive entrance.
"And stop fidgeting," Stephanie continued. "And I wish you had chosen a more... suitable look."
"Oh leave me alone Mother," Melanie snapped. "It's too late to change anyway."
"Silence," her father growled. Melanie frowned and kept spying on the party. She noticed Takashi, who was rather conspicuous in the crowd. A group of nearby girls were giggling and staring at him. All of a sudden they gasped and erupted into fangirl squeeing. A tall blonde teenager had just walked in, wearing the same outfit as her cousins. He seemed to be with his family, but he quickly joined Mori, waving and smiling at the girls. So is the host club just a bunch of guys getting fawned over by girls? she glanced at Mitsukuni. Why would Uncle let his oldest son join a group like that? she made a note to ask later.
She heard more squeals from below. A pair of red-headed twins had just arrived, also with their family. They had mischievous grins on their faces as they began socializing. Behind them trailed a quiet boy, cute and obviously out of place, but also in the host club get-up. I wonder who that is?
Mitsukuni shuffled over to Melanie's side. "What do you see?" he asked, jumping as he tried to get a look.
"Here, climb on top of my shoulders, like you do with Takashi." he hopped up and looked out. "Wow, almost everyone is here!" he frowned. "Hmmm, I don't think Kyo-chan is here yet."
Honey's father heard him. "What?" he marched over to where they were standing and scanned the crowd. "We can't present ourselves until the Ootoris arrive," he announced. "We will wait a few minutes more. They're never late, but they do like to make an entrance."
At the mention of the name Ootori, Melanie glanced at her parents, who both had knowing looks on their faces. The Ootori family was well known for their medical company, but they also had an impressive private police force. Although trained by the Haninozukas, if her father were to conduct business in Japan, the Ootori security branch would be tough competition. She knew what her parents were thinking. Do I help them, and what will be my company one day, or do I step aside? She heard a commotion as a group of stern looking people arrived. Only the ladies were wearing colour, and the youngest boy among them was dressed as a host. She studied them carefully as they began to mingle. They must know about my father's visit, and why we're here. I'll bet one of them was asked to spy on us. She frowned. If that's their plan, I won't play that game with them. I'll play a different game instead. Her eyes lingered on the Ootori boy joining the other host club members.
"Kyoya! Glad you made it," Tamaki declared. "Ready to be your usual charming self?"
Kyoya smirked. "I'll try my best." His eyes scanned the crowd, looking at who was in attendance. All the usual families, and he saw that the Haninozukas had yet to appear. Almost as soon as he thought that, Honey's father appeared at the top of the stairs. "Welcome to the annual Haninozuka weekend garden party. I thank you all for being here, and I hope you will enjoy ourselves. Our house is yours, please feel free to explore the estate at your leisure. Luncheon will be served at 1pm outside, and a special select few will be chosen to join us for a formal dinner, which will be held at 8pm. We have even more planned for tomorrow. Have a wonderful weekend!" he exclaimed. As the guests applauded, the Haninozuka family filed down the stairs. Kyoya recognized everyone except the group of three who were walking behind Honey. A middle-aged man, whose resemblance to the head of the family placed him as his younger brother, and a woman who wasn't Japanese, obviously his wife. And a girl who looked to be his age, their daughter. Her light brown hair and glasses were the only family resemblance he could see, sharing those traits with Yasuchika. She wasn't dressed as extravagantly as the rest of the family, which he found interesting. He felt his father nudge his arm, and Kyoya followed his train of thought. Sighing, he gave his father a slight nod. Great, I'm stuck socializing with some girl all weekend. At least the host club will give a good excuse to talk to her.
Tamaki gazed at his best friend, who seemed troubled. Following his line of sight, he saw the girl Kyoya was looking at. He snuck over to Mori. "Hey, who's that girl standing next to Honey-senpai?" the rest of the host club listened as Mori answered. "Melanie Haninozuka, Mitsukuni's cousin. Her and her parents live in Canada and are head of their own security company."
"She doesn't look too happy to be here," Kaoru said.
"Yeah, I guess we'll have to entertain her," Hikaru replied.
"She looks more like she wants to escape than to be entertained," Haruhi remarked. Kyoya watched Melanie closely. She does have that look. It's the same look I usually have. Their eyes met for a brief moment as Melanie looked around the room.
"Kyoya, come. We must present ourselves to the family," Yoshio whispered urgently. Kyoya nodded and stepped up beside his brothers.
Melanie watched as the Ootori family approached. Only the young woman in the bright yellow dress looked cheerful. They all look like a brick wall. Her uncle and father stepped forward. As they began with the usual formalities and polite hostility, Melanie tuned them out. Her mind wandered to her home in Montreal, to her library, the only room where she had total privacy. She reminded herself to take a look at the library here, maybe even later today, if she could find an excuse to slip away-
"-and this is my lovely daughter, Melanie."
Melanie snapped back to reality and stepped forward, a happy smile on her face. "A pleasure to meet you," she said, shaking everyone's hand as they were introduced. Fuyumi gave her a big hug, which made Melanie's smile genuine. At least one nice person in this family. She could almost see the youngest son turn on the charm as it was his turn. "This is my youngest, Kyoya," Yoshio stated.
"It's lovely to meet you miss Melanie," he said in a soft voice. As he took her hand, he bent and kissed it.
Melanie was momentarily stunned, before laughing nervously. So that's how it is. "Oh my, you're much more charming than your brothers. Were you raised to be different or do you practice with this host club I've heard so much about?"
So that's how it is. Kyoya smirked. "A little of both, has a matter of fact," he replied. "If you want a demonstration of the host club's abilities, we will be having a wine and cheese for the students later in the afternoon. I would be happy to be your escort."
"How exciting, I'm looking forward to it." No I'm not.
"Wonderful." Not really.
Chapter Two to come soon! Please review! :D
