Chapter I
I remember the first time I met Tamaki Suoh.
Despite the negative connotation that often came with the name, special classes were more than make-up periods for students that were falling behind. Students could apply for advanced classes or independent study periods that would take place in these rooms. Depending on the student and interest level, they may be placed with other of similar intentions or have a room to themselves. The act itself was no easy feat and required the student to plan and present a proposal if they weren't applying to take supplementary courses.
This was one of the few times that I allowed myself to exceed my limits as the fifth Ootori.
I often met my brother to the side of the west building, since it was on our way to our next classes. Being top students in our grade we had many classes together and thus acted appropriately. I would accept any social gatherings that were extended towards the Ootori family if my brother didn't want to attend. It made no difference if it was the third Ootori son or the fifth Ootori born, as long as an Ootori was present.
As I walked towards the post where I regularly encountered my brother I noticed another figure near him, someone else in a white uniform. It struck me, it was the French boy who had transferred, a Suoh.
Kyoya had told me about him, or rather I listened to his ramblings about him. The illegitimate son of Yuzuru Suoh and his French mistress. The boy practically became the heir of the Suoh name overnight, something that irritated my older brother to no end.
I had not been present for the breakfast that my father had announced his expectations for Kyoya went it came to this Suoh boy. It was no a meal extended towards those ultimately useless to the Ootori Empire. Fuyumi, even though elder, was a woman and therefore had no value towards my father in the long run. Her marriage would serve as a useful tool to create ties between the desired family, but no more. Similarly, I was nothing to him as well, and thus I had no place during such discussions.
As I approached the conversation I could hear parts of the conversation they were having, ". . . katastu. I'm sorry Ootori-kun. It was rather insensitive to ask you that. I guess your family isn't as close as it could be. . ." The other boy rambled on in accented Japanese, one hand resting on my brother's slumped form. Where had he gotten that television set?
The rest I partially ignored as I stepped forward to stand next to my older brother, "Pardon?"
My brother spared a moment to look at me with a completely dumbfounded expression on his face before turning back to stare at the Suoh. "I hate to correct you, but I think you've got the wrong idea. If it's that important to you, we can always put a kotatsu in our home for you to visit."
The blonde stared at my brother, the television set dropping from his arms, both of us looked down at it, "Eh?"
"Thank you Ootori-kun!" He screamed, screamed, as he jumped into the air before latching onto my brother's reluctant figure, rubbing his face against his. Maybe it was a cultural difference? "Yay. You're such a good friend! You're my best friend! Hey, Ootori-kun, I don't want to be too forward or anything, but since we're pals, do you think it's okay for me to call you by your first name?"
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the request, growing slightly irritated at the invisibility. "Listen, Suoh-kun-" My brother attempted to deter his excitement but the blonde already pushed off my brother like he was a spring, pushing him to the floor, and started jumping in place, raising his arms in the air, spouting a new phrase every time he launched himself again."
"Bravo! Kyoya! My pal! Mon ami! Yahoo!"
I helped Kyoya up and watched my brother curiously, never have I seen him so exhausted. I put a comforting hand on his arm making his look at me in shock, having forgotten that I was there. "Aniki, classes will be starting soon." Suddenly the jumping and cheering stopped, and I found my shoulders being gripped by the blonde as he stared at me in surprise and wonder. I blinked for a moment, but he said nothing. "Er . . . hello?"
I stiffened as tears started to gather in his eyes, "Kyoya-kun! How could you have forgotten to tell me about your little brother?" He shouted, hugging my neck tightly so that my back was bent in an awkward position, my ears ringing. "How could my best friend have forgotten such an important detail?"
A hand reached out and pulled me out of his grasp and closer to my brother, I tightened my grip in thanks, using my other hand to rub the back of my neck. 'Little brother', close enough.
"Tamaki-kun," Kyoya stressed the Suoh's name through gritted teeth before forgetting his mission. "it simply never came up, I thought that it would be better for the both of you to meet face to face." Stepping back slightly he gestured to me, "This is Kouki Ootori, my younger sibling, they are in the same year and homeroom as we are." Changing positions he gestured towards the blonde. "Kouki-san, this is Tamaki Suoh, he has transferred into our class from France so please make him feel welcomed."
I extended my hand towards him, wondering if I should speak in French to welcome him when he grasped my hand and pulled me into another hug before giving me a chaste kiss on each cheek. "Anyone who is so important to Kyoya-kun is a friend of mine!" He exclaimed, eyes glimmering with happiness as I did everything in my power to wipe away the kisses that I had received, giving him a strained smile.
"A pleasure to meet you Suoh-san." I greeted, keeping my tone steady.
"Tamaki, please." He insisted.
I nodded deftly, "Tamaki-kun."
.+++.
Ever since that day, my life seemed to have changed, or rather, Kyoya started to change.
He showed Tamaki a side only Fuyumi and I were familiar with, little by little as the blonde dragged my brother all over Japan. Fuyumi and I watched Kyoya as he poured over travel brochures and guidebooks, trying to prepare himself for whatever insensible request he had.
I went on a few of their trips, taking photographs or reference pictures as Tamaki dragged Kyoya to all the tourist hot spots and taking in the culture. At night I would tell Fuyumi every detail of the day as I served her tea and we would smile at Kyoya's newfound happiness.
Although it didn't seem like it, Kyoya was undoubtedly much happier than before. Little did I know that Tamaki's influence went beyond that as well.
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Knovember
