Disclaimer: Kairan Akiyama does not own Ouran High School Host Club. Kairan Akiyama does not own A Christmas Carol. This could probably be considered SHOUNEN-AI. Probably.

NIGHTSHADE: And this is what happens when Kai watches two A Christmas Carol renditions then re-reads her entire Ouran collection.

KAI-CHAN: But I can't help it, I love Kyoya and the twins!

NIGHTSHADE: And that is why they must suffer.

"…" – talking

"italics" – thoughts

italics – emphasized

-x- – scene change

KAI-CHAN: I suppose this could sell as SHOUNEN-AI. Sorry kittens, no lemons this fic.

NIGHTSHADE: But the twins!

KAI-CHAN: I know, I know. I might slip something in…

NIGHTSHADE: The word of the day is SHOUNEN-AI, i.e. meaningful phrases, lingering touches, and penetrating stares.

KAI-CHAN: Ha, you said penetrating.

NIGHTSHADE: Don't like SHOUNEN-AI? Steer clear of Kai-chan.

Enjoy the ride.

An Ouran Christmas Carol

Chapter One: Setting the Stage

The day had begun normally. Er, that is to say, as normally as a day in the third music room could be. Hunny was as adorable as ever, happily giving the cookies and cakes a decent farewell, Mori was sitting beside him, silent as ever. The twins were in the middle of a…heated discussion, Kaoru was tearing up and Hikaru wiped them away, the fangirls were ecstatic. Tamaki was seeing to his charges his way, spouting romantic nonsense. He glanced over to Haruhi, who was entertaining a small group of first years.

But someone was also watching Tamaki. Oh yes, he did this quite frequently. It could look as though he were merely making rounds, inspecting the others' progress with customers, but he always paid special attention to Tamaki. There was something captivating about the King, something he couldn't quite explain, even after all their time together. But that was for another time. He adjusted his glasses and poured his charge a fresh glass of tea. "You seem quite complacent today, Renge. What ever do you have on your mind?"

"It's been so long since the Host Club has done a production," the fangirl queen began, sipping her tea delicately. "And the holidays are nearly upon us. I say it's time for…" She jumped up excitedly and pumped a fist into the air. "The Host Club Christmas Spectacular!"

Everyone turned. Even if it was normal for Renge to be well…Renge, this seemed rather dramatic. Kyoya wasn't fazed. "What do you have in mind?" An eyebrow arched; this could get interesting.

"I advise a beautiful re-adaptation of A Christmas Carol, complete with parts tailored to your…expertise." Renge ran over to Haruhi and hugged her passionately. "I can see it now, the struggling Bob Cratchit, working night and day for a ferociously cruel master."

Haruhi looked skeptical. "Why do I have to be Bob Cratchit?"

The others were excited about the suggestion, handing out parts amongst themselves. Kyoya looked over to Tamaki; he seemed most enthusiastic of all (aside from Renge, of course). "Hmm…"

"But who could play Scrooge?" the twins asked. They glared at one another. "Me, no me!"

"Of course neither of you could play the role of Scrooge," Tamaki boasted. "Scrooge is cold, callous old man, blossoming into a compassionate individual."

"Well it certainly can't be milord," Hikaru began.

"He doesn't have a malicious bone in his body," Kaoru concluded.

The twins took a breath and stared boredly at Tamaki. "Only stupid ones."

In an instant, Tamaki was huddled in a corner, drawing circles against the floor with his finger in sadness.

"So then who shall be our Scrooge?" Renge wondered allowed.

There was a faint cough. A hand raised slighty. "I'll take the part."

Everyone looked at Kyoya. Things just got interesting.

-x-

Three weeks had passed since the initial proposal of the Host Club Christmas Spectacular. Costumes were made, sets and props were ordered, lines were rehearsed, and spirits were high. It was opening night and the auditorium was packed. Kyoya looked from behind the curtain to the vast audience. He took a deep breath and released it slowly.

"Are you alright, Kyoya-san?" It was Haruhi. She was wearing a simple costume: a large, albeit holey sweater; a thick red scarf; deep blue, almost black slacks; and two large shoes, a large hole in the left one. She also wore a crocheted hat tilted to the side. "You look a bit…surprised."

"Word got out faster than I anticipated," he replied. "I'm only slightly nervous, you?"

"This might be fun, really," Haruhi smiled. "I've been in a few grade school plays but nothing this…" A back drop of a cemetery slammed to the ground. "…elaborate."

"And so the play climaxes in a most glorious fashion, this will be a truly marvelous night…" Nekozawa petted the scene affectionately.

"Kaoru, do you see that below?" Hikaru asked.

"Where, Hikaru?" Kaoru replied. The twins were on the catwalk.

Hikaru flicked a switch, a stage light shining down on Nekozawa. "There!"

"MURDERERS!" Nekozawa shrieked as he scampered away.

Renge clapped her hands loudly as she strutted across the stage. "Okay everyone get ready, we're about to start!"

The chattering of the audience slowly ceased as the house light dimmed. Haruhi took Kyoya's hand and squeezed it gently before scurrying to her place. Kyoya simply stood there, a shiver of anxiety snaking through his body; he quickly recovered and took his place. The curtains opened majestically, revealing the fore and background of a counting house; a small furnace in the center of the stage, Haruhi's high desk on the left side, she seated in wait, and Kyoya stopping mid-cross to his own large table.

Renge curtsied and smiled widely to the audience. "Enjoy A Christmas Carol."

-hateshi nai-

And she makes a fanfic comeback!

So when I began this, I thought of either doing a straight remake or having a story within a story approach. And then there was the Scrooge dilemma, as you can clearly see. I was stuck between Tamaki and Kyoya: would Kyoya be able to make a believable transformation? Kyoya for the win. And so that is my challenge, not to simply show Kyoya growing as Ebenezer Scrooge, but to become a better person for himself as well.

Besides the obvious Hikaru/Kaoru (and there will be more, XP) this is to be a Kyoya/Tamaki fluff. I'm debating about putting smut chapters at the end just for the hell of it. Anyway, please enjoy your stay and take notice of the comment box.