Author's Note: Aaah, finally I got time to do this story. It's a little bit shorter than the last chapter, but I guess that's to be expected since the first chapter is always grand in some way. Anyway, I would appreciate any reviews and any feedback!
Disclaimer: I obviously don't own Ouran High Host Club. In fact, I don't even think I own the original character. She's a real person and no one can own her.
Gradual Assurance
"Tamaki."
I looked up from my desk and turned to my right as I stared into the cool eyes of my best friend. Kyoya's elbow rested on the table as he rested his cheek against the back of his wrist. He was holding on to his pencil and left arm rested on his desk in front of him. He gazed at me with that ever present controlled expression. Immediately, I smiled back at him, genuinely glad that he had called for me!
"Yes Kyoya? Does mommy wish to discuss with daddy about the wonderful ideas he has come up with as King of the Host Club?" I copied his posture and gave him a sly smile, looking back at him with the charm and grace I use to woo the beautiful princesses of the Host Club. My eyes sparkled in anticipation for his answer and, even though I knew he wasn't affected, I knew he was more than amused with my actions. Of course, who wouldn't be impressed? I am the King of the Host Club. I am the ultimate romantic whose sole purpose in the world of the rich and beautiful, me being the most handsome of course, is to entertain the young maidens who come to my club and make their hearts flutter with-
"Tamaki, stop thinking such narcissistic thoughts." Kyoya said with an evident sigh.
My mind stopped midway through and my mouth went agape. I couldn't help but become in awe as Kyoya's mastery! I have heard that some commoners of the ways of ESP, but I had no idea that Kyoya was a practitioner as well. Perhaps it had to with his status, what if the richer you are, the better you are at reading people's minds. Kyoya must indeed be a psychic. No wait, if that was the case, then perhaps I should be psychic as well. Oh! Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Kyoya has been with Haruhi! Incredible, I couldn't help but shout, "Kyoya! You're-"
"No. I'm not psychic. That's beside the point anyway. I called for you last night after club hours, but the servants said you weren't at home." Kyoya asked carefully, hoping that he didn't sound too nosy. That was understandable and I did notice the hint of worry that was in his words. After the revelation of his relationship with Haruhi, he has been rather tentative with our friendship lately. It was meant well, but, I didn't want a woman to get in the way of how we treated one another. Of course, it did give assurance to the fact that Kyoya was, after all, a nice person underneath all the layers.
I raised my eyebrows and gave him an amused grin as I answered, "I was just walking around near campus before heading home. Oh, and I stumbled upon a wonderful commoner coffee shop! I have a wonderful idea for a Host Club activity, why don't we make the Host Club a commoner coffee shop similar to those in commoner school festivals. With Haruhi's experience I'm sure we can…"
As I trailed off in my long-winded rant on the extravagant and luxurious idea I have in my mind, I didn't miss the twinkle in Kyoya's eyes. He visibly relaxed and I was content that he was no longer worried. That was good. Many may think I'm without a trace of common sense, but I know for a fact I'm perceptive when it comes to human emotions. Those walls that Kyoya had been having for so long is finally starting to break down, and I'm beginning to know for a fact that I'm growing closer and closer to bringing out the real Kyoya one day. Of course, Haruhi is there to help me out now too. I continued my speech, the wonderful, and fair young ladies that designated the Hosts of the Host Club listened in on closely and began agreeing with my grand idea! Oh how fun it would be.
Then, I saw a rare instance in Kyoya that even surprised me. As I talked, he placed his hand over his mouth and smiled the most natural smile I had ever seen in him, and because of that, I don't think I can ever be bitter with my loss.
"Back away my devil sons! Stop mistreating your dear sister!" I yelled at those trickster twins as I grabbed a hold of Haruhi and held her tightly in my arms. Aaaah…I remembered how soft and frail her body is. It's so warm and soft, and I can't help but feel like just snuggling against her. As daddy, I am allowed to hold my beautiful daughter in my arms. It is but a father's duty! It's just so heavenly to hold her close against my chest. Oooh, I will never let her go, she is just too cuuuutteee!
"Tono…" Hikaru said as he wrapped his arm around his twin.
"Are you perhaps…" Kaoru continued as he placed his leg across Hikaru's.
"Trying to steal the beautiful angel of the Shadow King?" Hikaru and Kaoru finished together as they suddenly grinned ear to ear in their typical twin pose! They infuriate me so! How dare they treat their adorable sister as nothing but a mere toy! They are just bullies. She needs protection by her daddy.
"That has nothing to do with it! It is merely a father's duty to protect his daughter from her bully brothers!" I exclaimed as I let go of Haruhi and placed both hands on my hips, completely ignoring the little mutters of doe-eyed woman next to me.
"Ooooh? Are you sure tono? I'm pretty sure you were enjoying that hold right there." The twins both said again, continuing to grin that Cheshire cat grin. It was if they knew something I don't. I wonder how what it could be, but then again, it could be another one of their dastardly pranks. Humph, I'll show them! As I opened my mouth to talk, I couldn't help but feel a menacing aura behind me. It was if two knives were being burrowed deep in my back and I immediately froze. Turning slowly behind me was the Shadow King, Ootori Kyoya himself.
I gulped.
"Ah. Senpai, You're not my father. How many times do I have to tell you that? And I'm perfectly fine when it comes to handling with the twins. I mean, it's pretty easy, all you have to do is just ignore them and they will soon grow bored and leave you alone. I mean, they're just trying to attention right? But, I do appreciate it if you don't hold me like that…you were…groping my breasts." Haruhi said as bluntly as she could without even realizing it. Immediately, I felt terror and embarrassment at the same time. My skin paled first which helped make my skin even redder as I blushed as profusely as I could. I was dead.
The deathly glare from the Shadow King was becoming more suffocating and I searched the room for help. Hunny-senpai was sleeping. The twins only smirked back in amusement, and I knew I wouldn't get any help from them. Lousy twins! Not only that, Mori-senpai was giving a passive look, but I knew he was telling me 'You reap what you sow'. I then looked pleadingly back at Haruhi, who didn't seem to be care about the situation and was already walking away to warm up the tea once the guests did arrive. I was defenseless.
However, before the Shadow King made the first move, I began speaking, "Ah. Kyoya, you see. I was only protecting her from the twins…and…stop. Don't get any closer! Kyoya. I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
It was too late, the Shadow King was already mere centimeters away from me. Oh I had a wonderful life. I was born handsome with the most romantic qualities any woman would hope for. I was adept with the piano and I had a caring father and a wonderful mother. I entertained the fair maidens that entered the Host Club and I would like to believe I have made them quite content and happy. Oh, how I wished I could continue that lifestyle. I have no regrets, but why was my time now? Aaah, it's true what they say, 'the beautiful die young'.
"Tamaki. A word with you." Kyoya's voice was dripping with venom and I gulped. Why God why?
"Senpai, you okay?" Haruhi's gentle voice reached my ears as I looked up from my little corner of woe. Kyoya had taken me into the backroom to tell me a few guidelines. Needless to say, if I went against any of them, unmentionable things would occur to me. Something I dare not befall to anyone, not even my enemies…well…if I had any. I tearfully looked up at my daughter and sniffed.
"Ah Haruhi. Your kind gesture has renewed my strength, and I believe I could once again triumph over any adversary that stands in my path! For you see, I…"
"Yeah, that's nice senpai. I just came over to check on you."
"Wait Haruhi!"
"Yes senpai?"
I stood up and began twiddling my index fingers. I didn't know how to start, but then again, it was pretty awkward to say, "There's this little commoner café near the campus around a block or two away. Do you know anyone there?"
I watched as Haruhi began analyzing the information I had given her and placed a finger to her chin as she absentmindedly look up, "Well. I think I know what café you're talking about. It's the opposite way of my apartment so I seldom go there. However, when I did go there, there was this really nice granny who offered me a cup for half price. Ah. I should go back there some time."
"Ah, do you know anyone there by the name of Miki?"
"Hmm…not really senpai. She might just be a new worker. It's been months since the last time I visited there."
I was slightly disappointed, but I didn't let it show. I only smiled and sighed a little. "Oh well. I was hoping I could get to know her better…" I said silently to myself, however, Haruhi, being as perceptive as she was, heard it.
"Oh? Not to be nosy senpai, but by any chance you're seeing someone?" She asked as if it was the most natural thing in the world!
I immediately began to blush and began exclaiming that I did not like her like that and that it would be unfair for all the wonderful women that come to the Host Club that I was exclusive to one person alone. I began to explain in detail on who she was and how he had a fun time talking to her. I wasn't infatuated at all! However, I could only babble incoherently as she gave me a knowing smile.
"Well. I'm glad you made a new friend. Frankly senpai…I've been worried. Kyoya…told me that you have…or had feelings for me. Is that true?" Her expression was that of curiosity and earnest. She looked rather worried as to what my reaction would be. I looked around and found that the rest of the club members were busy doing their own activities and I had no worries of them overhearing me. That was good. Thankfully, it was already after club hours so no worries there for any of the damsels to hear the two of us.
I, the Prince Suoh, gave my daughter the most wonderful and sincere smile I could muster and replied softly, "Yes. I do love you Haruhi. However, I am really happy for you and Kyoya. To see my two best friends in such a joyful relationship is something I can't bear to interfere in. I do love you, but right now, it's gradually becoming a love between good friends."
She looked at me a bit stunned by words and honesty, and I couldn't help but smile wider. She contemplated for a moment to straighten out the thoughts in her head and relaxed into that most natural smile that dazzled everyone. "I'm glad to hear that. Thank you senpai."
"Oooh! You're just so cute my precious daughter!" I yelled in joy, causing everyone's heads to turn back to us, not that I noticed. Immediately, I hugged Haruhi and began spinning her round and round and round as little hearts fluttered around our heads! Oh how joyful, and how grand!
"TAMAKI! What did I say?" Kyoya's voice cut in, making me snap out of my thoughts.
I opened my eyes to find Kyoya glaring menacingly at me once again and I chuckled nervously, "Eep…"
Slowly, but surely, I know for a fact that despite these changes and understanding of my new feelings, I know for certain that we were still a family. I was no longer sad, but now, I know that no matter what happened we were always going to be there for each other. Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai was going to graduate come spring, and so will Kyoya and I a year from then. However, despite knowing this, we will remain inseparable. With this epiphany, I took into consideration of the brand new friendship I had with that woman at the coffee shop, and I couldn't wait to tell her.
"Ah. Kyoya! Don't be mad! I'm sorry. It's about my time to go now! Bye everyone!" I gathered my belongings and quickly head out the door.
"Where do you think Tama-chan is going in such a hurry Haru-chan?" Honey-senpai asked quietly as I opened the grand doors of the Third Music room.
"Ah. I believe senpai is excited to visit this coffee shop he found." I heard Haruhi say slyly, presumably knowing my intentions as I closed the door to the Third Music room.
Once again, I was the first one to leave the Host Club after hours, but this time, I was smiling in my heart.
