Chapter One: Trip to the Hot Springs!
Tohru fiddled with the edge of her skirt, squirming a bit in her seat. Her heart was pounding fast, as if she were under some sort of adrenaline rush. She was feeling quite nerve-wracked because her mind was plagued with worrisome thoughts- about a certain cat in particular.
In an attempt to calm herself before anyone noticed how she was starting to bounce a bit in her seat, she looked to her left and out the small window of the train they were on. She tried to appreciate the gorgeous view of the valley outside. One mountain slope after another, every inch covered with bright green grass. There was a single river that weaved around the hills, and the water looked clear and clean enough to drink. Tohru focused her sight on the groups of animals there, the little rabbits hopping around, the ducks in the water as well as the birds that were flying in their triangle formation up in the sky.
It was another trip to the hot springs. The last time they went, it was for White Day, Momijis sweet gift to her. She was so excited going but also felt bad that it was an all expense paid trip. Of course, it was the same this time as well, except Yuki was the one who suggested it. The discussion was pretty short.
"We should go to the hot springs again. What do you think, Ms. Honda?"
"W-why ask me? I- I don't mind I mean I don't want you guys to waste any money on me well what I mean is…"
"Do you want to go?"
"S-sure.. Of course.."
Tohru wasn't too nervous about going though. She was bothered by something else entirely. She tore her gaze from the beautiful scenery outside and stole a quick glance at Kyo, who was brooding, as per usual. There was one thing that was different about him though, and it was obvious to everyone else at home and school, especially more recently. The way he treated Tohru.
After the incident with Kyo's true form, things almost went back to normal. Except Kyo was suddenly acting like a saint around Tohru. He was gentle, loving and would pamper her. He always asked if she needed anything, offered her help with the chores and cooking, wanted to take her out to fun places, and even helped her with her homework- which surprised Shigure because that dog genuinely believed Kyo was a complete dumbass, more so when it came to school work.
Kyo's new attitude towards her bothered Yuki greatly, making him feel jealous and competitive, which was why he was the one who wanted to bring Tohru to the hot springs. Too bad the cat ended up tagging along as well.
The reason Kyo's change made Tohru feel uncomfortable was because it was just so unlike him. She felt as though he was forcing himself to treat her nicer than everyone else because of how she was able to handle him in his monstrous state. The difference singled her out and made her feel awkward. But despite that, she had to admit that she enjoyed how kind he was acting. It was a lot better than his usual mean, cold, and hurtful self. Then again though, that was just his personality, and Tohru didn't want him to change for her, even if she liked some of it. All of it was making her feel confused and conflicted.
Tohru and Kyo sat facing one another directly, and Yuki was next to Tohru. What seemed to be a simple seating arrangement was actually a silent battle between cat and mouse. It was almost as if the mouse was taunting the poor cat, and all he had to do to make a flair burst was reach over and grab Tohru's hand. He didn't want to make her feel weird though, so he refrained from doing so.
It was only the three of them on this trip. Originally, Yuki wanted to be alone with Tohru, but Kyo wasn't going to let that happen, so he insisted on coming, claiming that his muscles were sore and a nice trip to the Sohma's hot springs would help work the kinks out.
Kyo had his head leaned against his fist, his elbow grounded on the arm of his seat to support it. He felt Tohru's gaze on him and so he glanced at her. They locked eyes and he straightened up a little, then smiled gently. The small but uncharacteristic action made Tohru blush out of her mind and quickly look away.
He snickered but not in a mocking way. It was almost as if he were teasing her. Yuki tried to ignore the obvious exchange but clenched his fists in an attempt to stave off his aggravation.
The train stopped once they reached the hot springs, and Tohru stood up first, followed by the kitty and the mouse. "We're here!" she yelled out excitedly as they hopped off the train.
Kyo grabbed her hand with a gentle grasp and begun walking towards the entrance. "We're going to have fun," he said, his voice calm and nearly seductive. She blushed in response, which she seemed to be doing a lot more often around Kyo. Yuki walked behind them and only observed, numbing himself so he felt nothing against his cousin trying to take his love interest- because she seemed to be happy with it.
Okami greeted them at the door, automatically noticing how Kyo was holding Tohru's hand. "Oh my.. What a lovely couple you two have become," she said with her weak smile and trembling voice.
Neither of them denied it. Kyo actually enjoyed it, and Tohru was too close to passing out to be able to utter a single word in response.
"Now where is that Yuki...oh there he is," she said as Yuki caught up with them at his slowed, precise pace. He glared at their hands, as if that would make them depart suddenly.
"Hello Okami…" Tohru managed to spit out, bowing only a little in greeting as to not shove Kyo away from her. She didn't mind holding his hand, it was actually quite nice, and she didn't want to come off as rude. She really wasn't used to holding hands though, especially with Kyo of all people- it seemed preposterous.
"Tohru dear, how have you been?" Okami asked as she led them inside to the room they stayed in last time.
"Oh, I've been wonderful, thank you so very much for asking. How have you been, Okami?" Tohru responded as they began to settle in the room, Okami politely sat at the door with her hands flat on the ground and her head bowed.
She started twitching in an odd manner, and already they knew what was coming.
She started jumping around frantically and yanking at her hair. "Oh no you're just a guest most precious guest of the Sohma's hot spring you don't ask how I'M doing why ask that it doesn't matter I have to be a good host it has nothing to do with meeee-
Kyo slammed the sliding door shut and locked it for good measure, drowning out the slightly insane women's rambling. "Every freaking time," he muttered, raking a hand through his hair. He glanced at Yuki, who claimed a comfortable spot at the other end of the room. "Why have you been so quiet you stupid rat?"
"Am I supposed to say something to you then?" he spat back with his clear and calculated tone.
Kyo growled and clenched his fists. "Stop being a smart mouth you stupid rat."
"Is that the only insult your small cat brain can come up with? 'Stupid rat?' That's pathetic."
"Ok now your asking for it." He began to approach him, obviously angry, but Tohru got up as soon as he started walking towards him, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey Kyo we came here to have fun right?" she asked with that smile- the one that melted his heart. "So we shouldn't fight."
It melted both their hearts.
Yuki's eyes widened just a little as he looked at Tohru. 'She shines like a star. She is such a precious person.. To me,' his mind echoed. He forcefully tore his gaze from her, knowing that if he didn't he would get lost in her beautiful smile and those bright chocolate eyes.
Kyo relaxed a little, for Tohru's sake. He was aggravated though. He wished that he were alone with her and that the stupid rat wasn't with them. The way Yuki looked at her, as if she was the only person in the world. It pissed him off and made him want to punch everything within sight. The rat obviously had feelings for her, and he didn't like it. Not one bit.
~With the Host Club~
"Ah such beauty! Such marvel! Haruhi will love her time here, in this calm and relaxing site that is an eye full of absolute wonder!"
Tamaki was doing his thing. Being an annoying, dramatic but endearing little twat.
It was a normal weekend that Haruhi had planned to spend shopping and relaxing at home until, of course, the Host Club's leader decided that they were all to embark on this "life changing experience".
Tamaki led the way to the entrance, the others trailing behind him, a mix of excitement for the hot springs and annoyance that the blonde headed idiot had dragged them there.
"He may have tricked us all into coming here by awakening us at an ungodly hour and promising something we've never seen before, but this trip is paid for..without my knowledge..using the funds from our work at the Host Club. So, I suggest we may as well appreciate the experience since there are no refunds and a hot spring doesn't sound too bad. We can all relax and be fresh for the ladies on Monday." Kyoya spoke in his usual calm tone, snapping his little notebook shut once he finished rambling about his concern for money.
"See, Kyoya gets it!" Tamaki yelled out, glancing behind him and ignoring the sulking vibe his friends were giving off.
"Why couldn't you just say we were going to a hot spring," Haruhi commented, walking next to the red headed twins.
An imaginary arrow struck Tamaki in the heart, and fake tears streamed down his cheeks. "I- I just wanted you guys to be excited!"
"You could have just been honest," she bit back as they arrived at the entrance of the hot springs. Another "arrow" shot through him but everyone ignored his unnecessary drama and went inside and to the front desk.
There was no one there. Haruhi looked around curiously. There was a bell on the table that she hesitantly rung, and almost immediately a middle-aged women popped up out of nowhere, startling them a bit.
"Why hello, more guests it seems. You have a reservation, correct? Under the name of Tamaki The Great Wonder?" She spoke in a kind and soft tone, which put Haruhi at ease.
'At least some people are sane,' she thought to herself. 'But why did Tamaki make the reservation under such a stupid name…'
The rest wondered the same exact thing.
"Yes, that is indeed moi!" he exclaimed, smiling brightly.
She nodded. "Very well then, I welcome you to the Sohma's hot springs. I hope you enjoy your stay here, and if there is anything you need please don't hesitate to ask. Now follow me so I can show you all to your rooms."
She led the way along the halls of the hot spring and all the way to the very back, which kind of confused Haruhi but she didn't think on it too much. They were all sharing two separate rooms. "I'll leave you all to get comfortable. Your meals will be here within an hour."
Kyoya adjusted his glasses. "Good service so far. Now we have to divide into two groups for the rooms.. Hikaru, Kaoru, and Tamaki will be in one room, Mori-senpai, Honey-senpai, Haruhi and I will share the other."
"No!" Tamaki yelled, "I want a room with Haruhi, and you all can go in the other one!"
Said girl looked at him with a dead panned expression. "No way in hell," she muttered, then went into the room Kyoya gestured towards. Mori and Honey followed, the small blonde headed 3rd year jumping up and down as he went in, excitedly rambling on to Mori who merely nodded to everything he said and gave small grunts in response as well as an occasional short phrase.
The poor blondes jaw dropped, "my beloved daughter has betrayed me…" He was suddenly envious of the club members who got to share a room with Haruhi. 'How did it..end up being arranged like this..' he thought to himself, bewildered.
The twins crossed their arms at the same time. "I can't believe we're stuck with the boss," they both said, then retreated to the opposite room, not putting up much of a fight because they were secretly looking forward to the hot springs activities anyways. They would get to hog Haruhi when they were playing pool or something of that sort.
Kyoya went into the room along with the other three and looked over at Haruhi. 'The only girl here. That just now registered in my head for some reason..'
"I'm kinda surprised," Haruhi said, finding a comfortable corner to sit in, "Tamaki-senpai hasn't mentioned anything about this being a 'commoners' hot springs."
Kyoya sat on a cushion that was situated near a long window that gave them a wonderful view. "Well this place does seem pretty refined. It's also under a family name, which means it's a private business."
"Yah I've heard of the Sohma's!" Honey yelled out, bouncing over to Kyoya. "They have a lot of successful family businesses. But they seem pretty private and keep to themselves a lot."
"I see.." Kyoya muttered, writing away in his little notebook. 'I haven't heard of them before,' he thought to himself, then said aloud, "They seem a little suspicious. Not to mention it looks like there aren't many guests other than us. I'm going to have to speak to Tamaki about the strange location he chose."
A knock sounded at the door. "Come in," Haruhi called out, and the door slowly slid open. The women sat politely at the entrance.
"Dinner is served," she said softly, "I can take you all to one of the dining rooms."
They stood up, Honey bouncing around as per usual, Haruhi stuck with Kyoya, and Mori was silent of course, keeping an eye on Honey. The women led them to a dining room with a long table that was filled with all types of delicious foods. Tamaki and the twins already found their way there and seemed to have been waiting for the others.
"Now if you'll excuse me I must go tend to other guests," she said, "I will be back shortly to check on you all in case you need something." With that, she left, slowly sliding the door shut until a soft click was heard, signifying that it was completely closed.
"Let's dig in!" Tamaki said dramatically, and everyone began to eat.
"Wow, this is..really good," Haruhi said, a small blush on her face.
Tamaki stared at her, his face turning completely red. 'So...cute..' his mind screeched. He seemed momentarily paralyzed, and the twins snickered at his reaction.
Hikaru took a bite of what Haruhi just had, and smiled, "wow this is pretty good!" he remarked, eating more of it.
After they finished their meals and were checked up on by the host, they went off to their rooms again, Tamaki still clearly upset that he didn't get to be in a room with Haruhi. They also planned on going for a dip in the hot springs in half an hour or so.
"I'm gonna go walk around a bit," Haruhi said, getting up. She had a bit on her mind and wanted a chance to clear it without everyone around her trying to strike up a conversation.
"Alright then," Kyoya said, not minding much as he was focused on the book in his hand. Mori nodded his confirmation and Honey tried to go with her but she said she'd rather go on her own.
"Awww pleaseeee," he begged with his big, honey-brown eyes.
She shook her head, "I just want a chance to clear my mind. Is that ok?"
"Yah I guess so.." he pouted and sat back down next to Mori.
"I'll be back in a few," and with that she was out and wandering around the halls. She stuffed her hands into her pockets and decided to go outside and look at the night sky.
She noticed another girl standing a few feet away from her. 'Oh, another guest. It kinda felt like we were the only ones here,' she thought to herself. "Hello," she called out to her in greeting. The girl either didn't hear her or was zoned out and didn't notice. Haruhi approached her and tapped on her shoulder. "Hey."
"O-oh!" She jumped and accidentally fell forward a bit, shoving Haruhi. She was utterly horrified and immediately helped Haruhi stand in a normal position again, then bowed repeatedly in apology, sweating profusely. "Oh I'm so so sorry I didn't see you there please forgive me!"
Haruhi put her hands up, almost as if in defense. "Calm down, it was an accident. No need to apologize." She observed her intently, something seemed very odd about her.
The girl cooled down a bit and stood up again. "I'm still very sorry for bumping into you like that..it was so rude.." She looked to be in genuine distress, which baffled Haruhi because it was such a small mistake that didn't require so much attention.
"It's okay," Haruhi reassured, "My name is Haruhi. What's yours?"
"My name is Tohru Honda, it's a pleasure to meet you," she said, bowing yet again but in greeting. "I didn't realize there were other guests."
"Me neither," Haruhi explained, "I didn't even expect coming here today. My friend kind of brought me and the others here out of the blue."
"Oh are you troubled? Did it bother you a lot?" Tohru asked, seeming to be concerned. She fiddled with her hands a bit- she was the one who looked to be under a lot of stress. Maybe her way of dealing with that was helping others.
Haruhi chuckled. 'She's very sweet but seems to be an extreme worry wart,' she thought. "Even though I was forced to come here, I'm still having fun. It's quite nice."
Tohru smiled widely, it was a very cute and lovely expression. "Well that's always good! Have you enjoyed the baths yet?"
"Oh not yet, I plan to soon though."
"I already went," Tohru remarked, "before dinner. I think..I'm good for the day." She clutched the back of her head nervously.
Haruhi tilted her head curiously, "why's that?"
"Well I get really dizzy hehe but it doesn't matter."
Haruhi nodded. "I understand. Some people are really bad with the excess heat and steam. Well anyways, I should be getting back to my friends before they hunt me down and cause a fuss. Enjoy your stay."
"Oh you too!" Tohru replied with another big smile stretched across her face, "it was nice meeting you!"
Haruhi returned the smile. "It was nice meeting you too." Though she knew she'd probably never see the girl again. It was a shame because she honestly liked her a lot and enjoyed her company.
And with that, she returned back to the room she was staying in, then prepared herself for a dip in the baths. She didn't really get a chance to dive into the thoughts that were jumping around in her head, but she got a good distraction and would probably have time for a thinking session while soaking in the hot and relaxing water, alone.
Tohru also went back to her friends, her mind was still filled with an array of thoughts but she had a good diversion from them as well and got the chance to meet a very kind and interesting person.
Little did they know that their interaction would result in a huge impact on both of their lives and those around them.
~With Akito~
Akito sat near his window, the usual place he prefered to sit. He stared out into the darkness, expressionless. His eyes seemed dead, he felt nothing but pain within his heart. It was becoming hollow, and soon enough the agony would end up being the only thing he's able to feel.
"Ah," he muttered. "I hope that girl learns a lesson. She thinks she's suddenly a part of the family because she was able to handle Kyo's true form?" He punched the wall next to him, then returned to his calm position in a matter of seconds. "Well she's wrong. I'll make her learn. She will understand the pain that we all suffer. And then she'll finally desire to leave us be, alone, as we should be. As we are meant to be."
Haru slid the door open and brought in tea for Akito. He accepted it but didn't say so much as a thank you.
Haru decided he should speak up, for Tohru's sake. "I think you're being a bit harsh on her. Not to mention you are meddling with a very unstable and dangerous power. It is not a wise choi-
"I DON'T CARE. YOU HAVE NO SAY IN THIS!" he shouted loudly in response, punching the wall over and over again until he started to bleed. He finally stopped once it calmed him down some. "I am the God. I am the Ruler. You listen to me. I don't need your stupid advice."
"Of course," Haru said in response, "I'll get the first aid kit to treat your wounds."
End of Chapter
Yah Yah I probably should have completed a few more chapters before posting the first one but. That just isn't my style. I get way to excited. And now I have a reason to work even harder. To be fair I am progressing with the second chapter. I hope I did okay with the characterization. I'm kinda rewatching the animes so I'll get a lot better at it. I'm working to discover my writing style and whatnot. So as the story progresses it's only gonna get better, that's a guarantee. I hope who ever read this enjoyed it, please review your thoughts and have a fantastic day! Until next time, peace xD