A/N - I should have said this in the first chapter, but this story is rated M for coarse language and the mature themes. I do not own any of the OHSC characters, they belong to Bisco Hatori
An orphan...? Mori thought.
"Really?" Tamaki asked.
"Yeah, so I don't really know what it's like to have parents."
"But, you don't look like it," Hikaru said.
"A lot of orphans don't look the part. But, that doesn't mean you should treat me any different than another human being. Actually, if you do, there will be some serious problems."
"We won't treat you differently because of that. You're Haru-chan's friend, which makes you our friend," Honey grinned.
"Thanks."
"So..." Tamaki began. "what should we do today?"
"Commoner's supermarket!" the twins chanted.
"No," Haruhi sighed. "Karaoke?"
"That sounds boring," Hikaru said.
"What do you suggest then?"
"Shopping, like at the mall! See what a commoner's mall has to offer," Kaoru said.
"Yes, it will be quite an experience!" Tamaki agreed.
"Chihiro?" Haruhi asked. "What do you think?"
"I do want to get something for Hideo and Hiroko."
"That settles it, we're going to the mall."
The trip to the mall was an interesting one, especially since for the first twenty minutes, everyone was arguing over who Haruhi was going to ride with. In the end, she was stuck with the twins while Chihiro rode with the college students.
"So, Chi-chan, what do you plan on studying in college?"
"Oh, well...I haven't decided on it, yet."
"Eh? How come?"
"For the most part, I have to not only consider my future, but that of my kids."
"You're a mother?" This came from Mori, who was genuinely surprised.
"Yeah...sixteen and a mom. I'd like to keep that part under wraps for the moment."
"So, Hideo and Hiroko are..."
"My twins. I want them to be well taken care of in the future so they can go to whatever college they want. I also want to be able to give them things that they want, like new toys and clothes. But, on top of that, I also want to study something that will allow me to be home every day and spend time with them. However, the better jobs will make it impossible."
"What did you have in mind before you had them?" Honey asked.
"I wanted to be a doctor. Be able to pay for my kids and then some of the kids at the orphanage. Make things better for them. But, now...especially without a father, it's not gonna be easy, and I don't want to be that workaholic parent that ends up forgetting to pick them up from school or doesn't come to their performances."
"You have another passion, though," Mori said.
She blushed at that. "It's embarrassing and I doubt it will do me any good in future."
"Tell us."
"...Dancing and piano."
"Wow! That's amazing! You must be very good!" Honey grinned.
"I don't know about that, but I do love it."
"You should do something you love."
"But, I have to consider my kids. If I remember correctly, an unrecognized dancer doesn't make much. A musician, depending on the orchestra and how well-known you are, doesn't make much either. It would be extremely difficult without another source of income."
"Not if you have the right audience."
"Eh?"
"People in our world pay for private performances, music-wise. If you get into say, Juilliard, you'll not only study your passion, but be discovered."
"Studying abroad is out of the question."
"Consider it. You're a second year, right? Think about it now, and when the time comes, discuss it with your head supervisor at your orphanage."
"Let's say I do become a renowned pianist or dancer. Think about how many times I would have to travel, or how many times my kids will be left alone. I'd rather do something for my children than something I loved."
"Then, what else have you considered?"
"Nothing else, really. I would actually like to become a doctor, so I could change lives."
"Think about it. Think about what you truly want. And when the time comes, ask your kids what they want for you."
"Okay..." With that, they moved on to other subjects. Mori found himself admiring the second year for her devotion as a mother. It was rare among young moms such as her. Often times, they would just abandon their babies, or have their parents claim them, and forget that they were their own. Chihiro was different. She loved her twins dearly, and enough that she would sacrifice the things she loved for their happiness.
When they arrived at the mall, the looks upon their faces was priceless. Tamaki and the twins were nearly awe-struck at the sight, mainly because there were "so many young commoners".
"Tamaki-senpai, you're bringing a lot of attention," Haruhi scolded.
"But, Haruhi, there are so many people like you here! It's quite a sight!"
"Wow..." Chihiro said. "This one really knows how be classy when it comes to 'us commoners'."
"Chi..." Haruhi said.
"Hey, don't get mad at me for being somewhat offended by his comments."
This earned an overly dramatic gasp from the blond. "I'm...offending you?"
"Yeah, a bit. Just act natural, and stop viewing us as zoo animals. It's ridiculous." And Tamaki was in a corner. "Oh my-"
"She's quite a force of nature, isn't she, Haruhi?" Kyoya asked. He found her tough and blunt demeanor refreshing, compared to Haruhi's simple and forthright personality. "You two certainly are best friends."
"Considering her upbringing, she has to be tough on others, friends and strangers alike. Oddly enough, when it comes to kids, she's extremely gentle with her scolding. Which is why the daycare she works at is very popular."
"She works at a daycare?"
"Yup. She loves it, and the kids love her."
"Interesting."
"So, where shall we go first?" Chihiro asked.
"I wanna see the sweets shop," Honey said.
"I'm thinking we hit the clothes stores," Kaoru said.
"We can do that. Maybe we can find something cute for Haruhi."
"H-Hey!"
"I say this because I love you, and you're wardrobe is atrocious."
"Even your best friend thinks so," Hikaru laughed. And the poor girl was dragged off, and the adventures began.
It was different since everything that they found seemed to be cheaper than they looked. The hosts were quite baffled by the concept, prompting an over-dramatic Tamaki to break off into a drawn out and lengthy declaration about providing better quality clothing at a better price. However, he was quickly silenced by an annoyed Chihiro who grabbed him by the ear and simply shushed him, her eyes telling him of his punishment if he continued.
"The fact that there's another person that can handle Tamaki makes me think that commoners might be more formidable than we gave them credit for," Hikaru said.
"Oh, shut up. I just don't like bullshit, and I will always call someone out on it."
"You should never do that!" Tamaki scolded. "What if someone takes it badly and then lashes out?"
"Well, then I knock them down real quick."
"But...a young lady such as yourself should never have to do such a thing."
"A young lady of your society shouldn't. But, in our world, sometimes there are people out there that don't give a fuck if you're a lady or a gentleman. Hell, they don't care if you're a kid. You learn to stand up for yourself and fight, regardless of gender."
"What if you're at fault?" Kyoya asked.
"I take responsibility for my mistake and take whatever punishment is dished out with pride, within reason."
"That's...rather foolish. What if you so happen to be killed?"
"I said within reason. If they decide to use weapons, make an attempt at my life, or rape, they will see what I'm capable of. All one can get away with is a simple beating, if I allow it."
"Wow..." Honey began. "Chi-chan is really scary!"
"That isn't the half of it," Haruhi mumbled. At that point, they were heading to the food court for lunch when they heard someone call out to Chihiro.
"Kanazawa-san!" She turned to find a group of her peers, specifically her senpai.
"Mitsuragi-kun, hey."
"I didn't think you would be here. I thought you were 'allergic to the mall.'"
She giggled, sending a pang of jealousy to Mori. "I'm out with Haruhi and her friends. I haven't seen her in forever, so I thought it would be a good opportunity for us both." He looked behind her to find said girl.
"Ah, Fujioka! I barely recognized you!"
"I could say the same to you. You certainly look mature."
"Oh, come on. I worked really hard to be where I am now."
"I meant it as a complement, you ass."
He grinned at that. "So, which ones of them are your boyfriends."
Chihiro never thought that the stone-faced Haruhi could blush. But there she was, as red as a beet. "N-None of them."
"Oh? But, you're so cute. How the hell could they leave you alone like that."
"She's posing as a dude at Ouran," Chihiro laughed.
"Eh?! Now I really should worry!"
"No, don't! It's fine. But, I'm not dating anyone."
"Too busy studying to be a lawyer, huh?"
"Yeah..."
"Well, what about you, Kana-san?"
"You know I don't have time for dating."
"You too?" He stared at the hosts. "None of you ever thought about asking them out?" Hikaru and Tamaki tried to come up with an explanation, which caught Chihiro's interest.
"Ne, Kazuki, they all just met me."
He sighed. "Even so, I can tell one them has a thing for you already. And three of them have a thing for you, Haruhi."
"You caught on to that, too?"
"Yup. Well, since you're not dating anyone, how about you give me a chance?"
Haruhi's eyes widened, matching her best friend. Mori, however, paled. "Kazu..."
"I mean it. I would be really happy if you at least let me take you out on a date."
"But-"
"Hideo-chan and Hiroko-chan can come with us. I know how much you worry about them."
"I don't know..."
"Chihiro," Haruhi said. "You're bugging me about dating, why don't you do it."
"Haru..."
"Think about it?" he asked. "Please, Chi?"
She sighed. "Alright, I'll think about it." When those words left her mouth, Mori seemed to be more jealous of the senior. He wanted to be the one to take her out, but she had made a very important point-they had just met. It was then that he decided that he'll get to know her. That he'll not only be a part of her life, but the life of her kids. He wanted to be the one she can rely on, and the one she will ultimately fall in love with.