Episode # 1
Temper, Temper
Haruhi listened to the quiet drumming of her fingertips on the mahogany desk. It was her last class of the day, and the second to last day of the school year. Nothing important was happening; finale report cards had been sent out a week ago. She had had the entire day to sort out the events of yesterday's Ouran Fair, but it seemed as if her thoughts were just as cloudy as her last waltz with Tamaki-sempai. It was one of those rare times when Tamaki was really Tamaki. Of course, not that the moronic portion of him wasn't a vital part of his personality, but, like when he played the piano, his other side showed. She frowned and bit her cheek. She wasn't sure if she was ready to see Sempai. After all, she hadn't spoken with him since he had dropped her off by her apartment last night. Even then, they hadn't said much. But, knowing Tamaki, he would be all words at the Host Club today. She was honestly afraid of what sort of conclusions he might have drawn from last night. She began drumming her fingertips on the desk once again, when an object flew into the side of her head. It didn't hurt, but she jumped in her chair, making an unwanted loud noise. She bent down under her desk and retrieved a small crumpled piece of paper. From the demeaning snickering, she knew the message could only be from Hikaru and Kaoru. She glared at them both in turn, spread the piece of paper out in front of her, and almost immediately scowled at the note.
You have quite some look in your eye Haruhi! Thinking about a certain Host Club king? We know. Just admit you're completely and totally…
The letter abruptly ended. She glanced over to the twins who simultaneously mouthed "In love." She could feel the heat of anger rise in her cheeks, but the two couldn't seem to hold in their laughter. The class instructor was about to make his way to the threesome when the bell rang, signifying the end of class. Her fury muted as a larger problem loomed in the air. It was time for the Host Club.
Haruhi slinked out of her chair and headed to the door, coldly ignoring Hikaru and Kaoru. She started at a quick pace down the hall, her polished leather shoes thumping on the marble floor. Hikaru was the first to catch up with her, and leaned an elbow on her shoulder. Kaoru, Hikaru's mirror image did the same.
"I'm sorry Haruhi." Kaoru was so close to her face that he let his copper hair brush her cheek. "We didn't mean to upset you." His voice was sugar coated to the max.
"Will you ever forgive us?" Hikaru touched her chin with his finger tips, his tone as fake as his brother's. Haruhi rolled her eyes and stepped away from them.
"Give it a rest you guys." Her voice was flat and uneventful. The twins quietly laughed and gave each other a high five in props. A few unsuspected girls, who had witnessed the production, shot Hikaru and Kaoru dreamy eyed looks. Haruhi turned the corner and began climbing the first flight of stairs, the brothers trailing behind her. She paused for a moment to glance out the picture window that adorned the otherwise plain wall. It overlooked a small but lush, and well kept, portion of the school's garden that mainly featured the flower of love, the rose. She couldn't help the slight feeling of irony follow her, like her own personal rain cloud, up the last flight of stairs and all the way down the hall that led to "Music Room 3". She reached for the gold plated door handle, hesitating for only a spit second. A beam of blinding white light radiated from the door, growing as the door opened wider. Haruhi blinked rapidly for it always took her eyes a few moments to adjust to light. Something soft and silky blew into her face. She smirked and flicked away a crimson red rose petal. No matter how melodramatic Tamaki-sempai may act, I'm really glad the Host Club is still running strong. She stepped into the room and closed the door after the twins. She glanced around. Honey-sempai and Mori-sempai were sitting at the main table enjoying (you guessed it. Cake.) Kyoya was scribbling something down in his black leather bound book. He looked up and nodded to her in greeting. Tamaki was, well, no where to be seen. Come to think of it, no guests are here either. "Hey guys, where is everyone?"
"Haru-chan! Hika-chan! Kao-chan! There you are!!! We can finally start the party!" Honey's tone was nothing short of overjoyed.
Haruhi smiled. "Party? What party?"
This time Kyoya spoke up. "After yesterday's events, we decided to take a break from guests for today. As our king would put it, we are having family time."
Haruhi shrugged. That actually sounds kinda nice. She was about to make her way over to where Honey was sitting when a familiar voice rang out and filled the room.
"HARUHI! My Haruhi!"
Haruhi sunk up against the wall. Oh no! She covered her face with her hand. Tamaki came running from the other end of the room toward her with something circular and shiny in his hand. Haruhi knew exactly what it was before he set the crown on her head; he had a matching one set atop his own head.
"Sempai. I-" Tamaki seemed to not hear her or notice her obvious dislike of the situation and grabbed her hand, pulling her awkwardly to his side. He turned to the rest of the Host Club, pride emanating from his aura. Haruhi quietly moaned as she saw each of the Host members trying severely to keep a straight face.
Strike 1
"Today is a historic day men! All is well in my kingdom; the host club is not going to be disbanded, AND my queen is by my side at last!" At this the twins completely lost their composure.
Oh, you've got to be kidding.
Strike 2
"Oh, Haruhi! You're so cute when you're embarrassed! But really, there's no need!" With that he whimsically sat down on the couch and crossed one leg over the other, then beckoned her to join him. She cocked an eyebrow irritably and pulled off the silver crown then begrudgingly sat down. "Tamaki-sempai. I'm defiantly not you're queen." Her voice was flat and stern.
"Ah, you are so modest my little Haruhi! But please, do not consider yourself a commoner any longer!" He quickly stood as if to make more of a point. "From this day forward and for ever more, you are to consider yourself high society!"
"What are you talking about Sempai?" Haruhi was truly confused.
"Well this ought to be interesting." Kyoya's words were barely audible as if he was speaking to himself.
"Well, you see if you get used to the idea now, it will be much easier by the time we are actually married! I know it will be quite a transition for you, but if we start now, it will be second nature to you! Anyway I-"
"MARRIED?!"
STRIKE 3- And he's out!
"WHAT THE HELL?!! Married? Look! I don't know what you made of last night's dance but marriage isn't even CLOSE! Tamaki-sempai! I am not your queen, I am not your girlfriend, and I AM NOT your wife! And I don't even know if…if I can call what we have even a friendship!" At that, the entire host club was silent; each one's face reflected his hurt at her statement. Even Kyoya seemed taken aback at what she had said. She looked to the ground and swallowed, knowing that she had gone too far. She glanced up for a moment meeting Tamaki's violet gaze.
"Do you really mean…" Tamaki didn't finish his statement. Haruhi drew in a sharp breath and quickly turned on her heel, then ran out the door, letting it slam shut.
*~*~*~*
Outside the door to Music Room #3, Haruhi sank to the floor, biting her cheek. She had been anticipating his response all day and knew it would be not far off from what had occurred, so why did she react like that? Why did she hurt him like that? She knew he was just being himself, and that he probably had no idea what he had said. She put her head between her knees. Maybe because he had used the word 'marriage'. Maybe because he had scared her. Maybe because she was just used to being alone. Haruhi stood up and walked to the stairwell. She paused again at the picture window she had passed earlier. The sky was much darker than it should have been for the time of day and the garden was deserted. Upon closer inspection she found that it was raining, or more like pouring outside. She sighed. Well I'm stuck here till it clears. A cold pit formed in her stomach.
*~*~*~*
Silence still echoed inside the music room. Kaoru looked around at each of his co-hosts, ending his gaze at Tamaki. They all seemed frozen, too shocked to move. Beside him, his brother started to speak under his breath, only capable of being heard by Kaoru.
"After everything, we come to this."
Guess it turned back sooner than we had all hoped. Without Haruhi it's just not the same.
"Tamaki! Why couldn't you just keep playing father? What was wrong with that?!" Hikaru's outburst startled even Kaoru.
"Hikaru! Come on now. Don't be like that." Hikaru ignored his brother and grabbed Kaoru by the arm and headed toward the door. It closed behind them with another empty slam.
*
Tamaki sat down and closed his eyes.
Honey turned to Mori, his large brown eyes glassy. "But, they all left too soon. We had cake ready for everyone."
"Yeah, I know. Come on Honey. It will be all right." With that, he started to lead the little boy to the exit. Honey stopped for a moment and turned towards the two remaining hosts. "Bye Tama-chan. Bye Kyo-chan. See you tomorrow at graduation." His sad little voice hung in the air long after he had left.
*
Tamaki stood and walked over the window. Kyoya joined him. "Father blew it this time." the king whispered, sounding defeated.
Kyoya sighed. He should have known that, because of his friend's impulsion, it would have turned out something like this. "Tamaki. It's not over until you decide it is. If I have learned anything about people, it's that there is always room for an apology."
"Yeah." Tamaki gave him a week smile. "You're right." Kyoya nodded in response, pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, and then picked up his small leather book from where it rested on the coffee table.
"I'll see you tomorrow Tamaki."
"Yes, tomorrow."
*~*~*~*
Haruhi hugged her knees closer to her body as a low rumble shook the marble walls of Ouran High. She squeezed her eyes shut and muttered a terrified moan. Ugh. This time, it's not Renge. Her breathing quickened as a bolt of lighting momentarily lit the dark and empty hall she had hidden herself in. She tensed, waiting for the earth shattering thunder that would follow, but instead heard the faint echoes of a piano. She tried to focus her attention on the song, but as soon as she lifted her heard, the lighting's partnered thunder filled what seemed to be the entire school. The horrifying cracking noise it made was the worst yet, and before Haruhi could stop herself, she let out a blood curling scream. The music ended abruptly, leaving her feeling quite lost. She gritted her teeth and tried to curl into an even tighter ball as another flash lit up the space and an accompanying roar filled her ears. After a few moments she heard a door close somewhere on the second floor and fast paced footsteps coming down the stairway. They became louder as they reached the bottom of the stairs and turned in the direction of her hall. Again lighting warned of another attack of thunder as the footsteps neared, but in that lit up second, Haruhi saw a lean figure only a few yards from her.
"Haruhi?!" Tamaki's voice carried over the deep crash of the thunder. He came closer and knelt beside her. "Haruhi? You're still here." His tone was soft, but coated in worry.
"Yeah. It-it started to rain before I could leave." A shaky voice was all she could muster.
Tamaki gave her a reassuring smile and held out his hand. "Come with me." He helped her to her feet, and then draped his periwinkle blazer over her shoulders. Together they walked back to Music room 3, but before Tamaki opened the door he turned to Haruhi. "Let me play for you. It will make you feel better." A flash of light synchronized with a crack of sound made the decision for her. He took her hand and led her to the couch near the grand piano at the back of the room. She sat down, folded her legs under her, and pulled Tamaki's coat up to her chin. He sat himself on the piano bench and began with a song she hadn't heard before, but yet it somehow sounded familiar. She smiled under the blazer. He really was amazing, and she realized that he had never played for only her before. She watched him for a few minutes, then closed her eyes and just listened. A sort of calm seemed to come over both of them.
She wasn't sure how long Tamaki had been playing, but when he ended his last song, no rain droplets could be heard pelting the roof. He turned to her, giving her a half smile, then stood. "I think the rain is over."
Haruhi paused for a moment then returned his soft smile. "Yeah it's done."
"I'll take you home." She nodded and stood, but Tamaki didn't move right away.
"Haruhi?"
"Yeah?"
"Can we be…friends…for now?"
She up looked into his blue-violet eyes and smiled. "Absolutely."
*~*~*~*
