Note: This is quite a long chapter. You might need some time to read this. Please Read this chapter, and REVIEW!
Hello again everyone. It's Yuzume once more and welcome to Chapter One of It Takes Two to Play the Game. If you are reading this, most likely you have read the prologue and have been caught in the grip of this interesting drama. I just realized that I should explain a few things about myself before we deepen the relationship between writer and readers.
First things first, I'm Yuzume Mikien (my overall cyber identity), I'm sixteen and am a full time student. I used to write Yugioh and Naruto yaoi/mpreg fics a few years back… about two years ago. Unfortunately, my family moves quite a bit and during my last move my thought process was interrupted, my new school dumped work much harder than any school I've been to, and finally my homophobic father found my fanfics, read a couple of chapters and snapped. And that was the day Yuzume Mikien, the fanfic writer, fell into animosity after a long lecture about how much yaoi is immoral. OK enough of that.
My largest aim during my fanfictions is to depict a well written story with characters of my favorite anime/books/shows as realistically as possible. The characters I use aren't mine so I have no right to completely depict them differently from their original creators. I am a writer of dramatic notions. Frivolous random blurbs are an abstract idea to me. Ok, that's enough from me.
Oh, but I love reviews! You see, if I don't get reviews from my readers I either get discouraged that I stop writing or I take it that my story didn't get off at a good start. Alas, I received a good number of reviews for a prologue so I'm continuing the story to all our delight.
No more boring you with my life, on with the story!
Last Time: Time has gone by and due to certain circumstances Kaoru has made the decision to father his brother's illegitimate child. It's a sacrifice to make up for bringing his brother's dreams and wishes to an end. Unfortunately, in order to able to take his brother's mistakes into his own hands, Kaoru makes the decision to sever the bond with his brother… almost permanently.
Disclaimer: I do not and have never owned OHSHC. I wish I did, but then I wouldn't be here if that was the case.
Title: It Takes Two to Play the Game
Author: Yuzume Mikien (Whoo I'm back)
Pairings: I don't have a straight line up yet, but… TamakixHaruhi, hinted HikaruxHaruhi, HikaruxOC, HoneyxOC, hopefully other pairings will form after a while.
Rating: Pg-13 to M, just to be safe.
Warnings: Language, and suggestive themes, but for now, keeping the content at a safe PG-13.
Genre: Drama, Anguish
PLEASE REVIEW I love reviews and what you guys think. If you have any ideas for the storyline I'm always open for more. Oh… please don't flame. Constructively criticize, but don't flame.
On with the story!
Chapter One: The Only Two Winners of the Game
Normal POV
The music echoed through the ballroom, flowing by the dancers who traveled gracefully across the floor. The tune filled the room with its invisibly happy form. The couples on the floor danced as if no watched, but held on to each other with a respect that distinguished them as members of aristocracy. You see, no normal commoner could enter the gathering that was taking place that night, June 9th more specifically, the Hitachiin twin's twentyth birthday.
Suddenly a bell rang and the music came to slow end. The crowd on the floor dispersed and all eyes fell upon the balcony at the front of the hall. A family of four stood upon the balcony, smiling widely. The twin celebrants were just as cheerful as their parents began to greet the guests. Their father stepped forward and began to speak, "Welcome ladies and gentlemen. We of the Hitachiin family are very grateful for your attendance this evening. My sons cannot begin to express their utmost appreciation to have you all here. I-"
Abruptly a unified yell echoed through the ballroom. Said twins suddenly pushed by their father with the most devilish grins plastered upon their faces. "You guys are awesome!!"
While their father watched with extreme shock and useless disapproval. He could only frown at his sons, but with a gentle touch from his wife, he backed off and gave his adult sons their full debut. The elder twin held out his hands, "Kaoru and I are really blown away by… everything. Thank you so much to every single person in this ballroom. I doubt Kaoru and I even thought we'd even make it to twenty with our sanities intact."
Kaoru's voice broke through his brother's short monologue, "I guess what my brother's trying to say is that we are extremely grateful to have our friends and family here to celebrate our birthday. It's been a long while since we've had a gala this big, and it never ceases to blow us away." The younger brother smiled gently, a polar opposite of his brother. He attempted to act polite, but suddenly his brother's arm snaked around his waist.
"Oh ignore him, Kaoru always has to be so gentle with everyone. Is that right, Kaoru?" With his free arm Hikaru trailed his brother's neck and then held his chin in a sensual touch "Or should I bring you to admit to this whole room how you really feel with my own method of coaxing."
"Hi-Hikaru…" Kaoru began then trailed off into his throaty gasp that suddenly made the complete ballroom explode is shrieks and squeals. The men sighed and rolled their eyes, except for four young friends who chuckled quietly to themselves. Hikaru pulled his brother away from the front of the balcony and into the small presentation room behind it. Their parents followed after their mother commenced the party once more, their mother smiling amusedly and their father scowling quite gravely.
The elder of the twins swiftly released his brother once they entered the small room. He was chuckling and muttered an indifferent "Never gets old, eh Kaoru?" The younger nodded, the polite smile he had used for their guests still on his face. Hikaru cocked an eyebrow and queried, "Kaoru, what's wrong? There are so many girls out there who would die just be near you. What's wrong with my dear, dear brother? You have such a depressing look in your eyes. How are any of the girls going to want to come near you with a face like that?" Hikaru extended his hand towards his sibling's face, but before it reached there…
"That's enough Hikaru!" Mr. Hitachiin snapped. His sons looked at him and Hikaru's arm fell lifelessly at his side. "Your brother is making the right decision by being so unresponsive to your silly games… though moments ago… he could have held his tongue a bit longer."
"Now, now, dear." Their mother called, but her husband disregarded her. Mr. Hitachiin had never been too involved with his son's lives, but at twenty, he knew that they needed to be straightened out, especially the older son.
"You are to be the new owner of this company soon and I should be expecting much more from you than those foolish activities. You will be married next year, the least you could do is to not flatter the ladies using your brother."
Hikaru frowned and glanced at his brother. Their golden gazes held each other's for several moments, but their connection was much too weak to bring out an outcome. "Otou-san, look I understand, but-"
"As the elder brother could you at least have some maturity when presenting yourself in front of your fellow acquaintances? You are not part of that frivolous Host Club any longer."
"Otou-san… Could I…" Kaoru attempted to protect his sibling from the one-sided verbal onslaught, but to no avail.
"Kaoru, why don't you go take part in the festivities?"
"But Otou-san, it really isn't necessary. Hikaru and I won't act in such a way again. We'll enjoy the rest of our celebration, won't we Hikaru?" Kaoru kept smiling and took his brother by the arm. "Let's enjoy our twentyth birthday!"
"Kaoru, please. Yes, you both are now twenty, but I think I need to speak with your brother alone."
"Otou-san…"
"Kaoru-chan, please listen to your father." With this from Mrs. Hitachiin, the younger brother took a furtive glance at his mother then brother, before bowing himself out.
The last words he heard before entering the ballroom were, "If you could at least act more like the Ohtori boys…"
**********
Before long, Hikaru came to accompany his twin again. His face gave nothing away; only his trademark smirk lit his face. Kaoru opened his mouth to speak, but his older brother addressed him first, "All alone again? Come now Kaoru, I'm not going to always be there to push you ahead. Go get some girls or something, will you?"
"Hikaru, I don't care about that right now. Look at you. You're- I mean our father, he-" Kaoru began. He sat at a lone table at the corner of the ballroom. No one was nearby or even knew he was there. Without his louder and more social brother, Kaoru was nothing more than the forgotten twin, merely the substitute if there was need of one.
His brother had completely ignored him. Gold eyes traveling around the space, Hikaru whistled, "Whoah check out that one. Kaoru, what do you think about asking her to dance?"
Standing, Kaoru grabbed his brother's arm, "Stop that. I want to know what Otou-san said."
"Kaoru, you really need to ask that girl to dance. She really is something." Absent mindedly, Hikaru stepped out Kaoru's grip to look around.
"Hikaru, are you listening to me? I don't want to dance. Stop acting as if girls are everything to you. It isn't and never will be."
"Hmm, I've never seen her before." Kaoru glared harshly at his brother, but his gaze fell in the direction of Hikaru's sight. He didn't speak, but stared at a beautiful girl not much older than nineteen. Kaoru could admit it; she was beautiful, with dark black hair and deep brown eyes that looked almost as black as her pupils. She had a disciplined look to her, but her elegant moves on the dance floor gave her a freer appearance. A light smile graced her lips as she swayed to the beat of the music; her body small in stature, but hosting a pair of decent sized breasts over a thin waist and wide hips. Kaoru felt the heat slowly fill his face and he turned away.
After a moment of joined silence, Hikaru spoke again, this time distantly, "If you're not going to dance with her, I will." He didn't give Kaoru time to answer, but began to move in the direction of the young woman. Kaoru hesitated and then rushed forward, taking his brother by the arm once more. "What are you doing?!" He whispered desperately, the older Hitachiin's gaze mirroring his own just seconds later. His brother's eyes now held a deeper intent, a promiscuous look that Kaoru had seen too many times before, for the last two years. "You're engaged! If Sachiko was here you wouldn't be doing this. Hikaru, don't be an idiot! You are getting married-"
Abruptly, Hikaru jerked away and turned on the younger twin, "I heard you the first time, Kaoru!" If the music hadn't been playing and if they had not been in the corner of ballroom, Hikaru's statement would have been heard. "Look, I get it and I know, so why don't you stop acting like I'm stupid? You and Otou-san are both the same, always thinking that I'm going to do something foolish. He keeps pointing me out, when my twin just sits there doing nothing! If you're not going to make your moves yourself for once then there's no point in controlling me. Stop being a hypocrite, Kaoru! You've tried to control me once, and look how the hell I turned out."
Kaoru froze in his place. The brothers expressed opposite emotions, one of anger and the other of regret. The normally submissive twin did not move, metaphorically slapped in the face by his brother's words. Normally, he would have had the ability to refute or at least speak out a sarcastic remark, but Hikaru's declaration hit too close to the truth. Moments turned into minutes of a painful silence until the music of the room changed in tempo and a slow song replaced the beat that once was playing.
Beginning to walk towards the dance floor, Hikaru swiftly altered his expression to one of casual content, as if he hadn't snapped at his brother. "Don't worry, Kaoru. Besides, it's just one dance." The only thing the said sibling could do was stare at the retreating form of the direct heir to the Hitachiin corporation.
From afar, Kaoru watched. He sat alone, hidden from the rest of the crowd. He knew he should have been more social, but being around Hikaru would've made it harder for his brother to gain publicity alone. For years, the two brothers had been known unanimously, but now it was Hikaru's turn to get the spotlight. One dance, turned into two, two dances turned into three, and finally three dances turned into a drink. The couple slowly strolled out of sight, leaving Kaoru alone to his thoughts. He knew his brother; he knew what Hikaru could/would do. Women had become nothing to the brother; even the two kings of the host club, Host King Tamaki and Shadow King Kyouya had noticed this.
Kaoru cringed, thinking about the attractive girl who Hikaru had chosen for the night. Who was she and why was she at the party in the first place? The twins did not know her and she didn't look like any daughter of a client. After a few minutes, the two were in sight again, two glasses of champagne in their hands. The girl was smiling marvelously and Hikaru was clearly having a good time. He held her around the waist, her silk, sapphire blue gown wrinkling under his hold. Kaoru wanted to interrupt them, but guilt was strong. There had to be someone who knew her, or at the least knew something about her family. Kaoru gazed at the mystery woman once more and suddenly gasped with realization. With a gentle smirk from Hikaru's young dance partner, Kaoru was quickly reminded of Kyouya Ohtori. The older boy must know something and as if by magic, Kaoru turned to find said Ohtori behind him. "Kyouya Sempai!"
"My cousin." Austere and reserved in manner, the third Ohtori son looked at the lone twin, arms crossed. "That is what you were wondering, am I correct?"
"C-Cousin?"
"Unfortunately…" Kyouya moved his head to watch the family member with a mix of disapproved interest. "Tamaki noticed you from across the room. You don't think that the rest of our group doesn't notice a lone Hitachiin twin when we see one. You are clearly observing the fact that your older twin brother, who is engaged, is flirting with some random girl neither of you two know."
Kaoru, who had stood up to find the Ohtori, fell upon his chair once more. "I-I didn't know you had a cousin. I thought it was only you, your brothers, and sister."
"Easily explained, I have an uncle, who is rarely openly discussed in my family."
"Why?" Kaoru stared at the cousin, whose tanned skin contrasted with that of her older male relative, who stood before him.
Kyouya adjusted his glasses and frowned ever so slightly, "Her name's Maria, Maria Angelina Del Rosario Ohtori. She's similar to Tamaki in a sense- being an illegitimate, I mean." The young man seemed uncomfortable speaking about the girl. Tense and constrained, Kyouya readjusted his suit jacket and returned his attention to Kaoru, who listened intently. "I'd advise you to stop your brother before he gets into trouble. You two seem to bring it about wherever you go. She's not worth his time-"
"Kyouya Sempai, why is she-"
"-or yours for that matter." Noticing Kaoru's inquisitive expression, the third son sighed and finally consented to explain, "She's here because my Uncle is incompetent. When my father and uncle were young, my Uncle went to Okinawa for business and met a Venezuelan-American woman who was studying abroad. They made a number of foolish moves and nine months later Maria was born. My Uncle is my father's younger brother, and being my siblings and I were alive and healthy (though mere children) at the time, he had no rights to the Ohtori Company. Even so, my father advised him to get rid of the child and mother, but indignant as the Ohtori family was, my Uncle decided to simply marry the woman and move to the United States. I will cease to say more… oh, and I wouldn't repeat this to anyone else, do I make myself clear?"
Nodding, Kaoru got to his feet, but he momentarily queried, "Why is your family in touch with hers then?"
"It's not that we had any choice. My Uncle was disowned a long time ago, but due to certain… circumstances my father was forced to comply with my Uncle's will. She's lived in the Ohtori mansion for almost a year now; previous to that, she lived with my estranged Uncle and her mother… before the fire, of course." It was obvious, Kyouya had been raised with distaste for his illegitimate cousin for he did not try to hide irritation. "I'm going to say it again, stop Hikaru before her genetics begin to play with his mind. You comprehend the statement, 'like mother, like daughter,' yes?"
Kaoru nodded again and started to walk towards the pair who sat a distance away from his isolated table. A number of guests called out to him their congratulations and birthday wishes, but he heard nothing except Kyouya's scornful words, "She's a mere commoner with a deceased mother, and an irrational father."
Those final words brought the Hitachiin twin to a sudden stop, meters away from his brother and Maria. Recognition filled his senses, making him doubtful of his actions. Haruhi had been a commoner and she had suffered the losses of family as well. Maria was so very similar to Hikaru's previous crush that Kaoru couldn't get himself to move any further. The unreasonably strict doctrine of an Ohtori son had deafened Kyouya's ears to the unusual familiarity of his explanation, but Kaoru knew he couldn't stop his brother… again.
The room was darkening, the music was slowing once more, and Hikaru had taken the Ohtori female by the hand, escorting her to the middle of the floor. Kaoru stood silently in the crowd, watching forlornly. He had to allow this to happen.
And so the older Hitachiin began to dance with the illegitimate child of the Ohtori family.
Seconds flew by and the music played on. The voices began to whisper around Kaoru. "Look at the adorable couple."
"Is that the older or younger twin?"
"Oh, you know the older twin is engaged; he wouldn't do something so public."
"Then it's Kaoru. Look's like both twins are going to become wonderful husbands one day."
"Aww, even Kaoru has his attention on a future bride."
"Proud of what you see?" Kaoru sluggishly registered the words that swum around him, he turned. "You're Hikaru, right?"
With these words, Kaoru's thoughts began to come. This has happened before… I was asked this question once before… "Uh…" Kaoru swallowed and looked at one of his mother's close friends who had come over to ask.
"You and your brother have been so close. You must have been worried about your brother. Kaoru has always been the shy one. Doesn't it feel relieving to know that 'your younger siblings are making their own decisions now?'"
This was the first time I played without him. The first time I personally split our bond of equality. I did this all before! Kaoru found himself nodding, and smiling, "Yes… Yes, it is relieving to see Kaoru make his impression on the ladies without me."
No, he's not me, I'm not him. This is what we know; this is what society has never figured out. I've answered this question like this already. I can't do this again! I can't! Aside from his reply, Kaoru backed away from the lady and moved towards the dancing couple. The last time I just stood there. I have to stop him. He began to walk faster in direction of the other Hitachiin brother. I need to stop him. He doesn't know what he's doing. You can't build another illusion, Hikaru! "Hikaru…. Hikaru…!" Kaoru's voice echoed softly as he pushed closer, "Hikaru!"
The dance was reaching its climax and with a final dip Hikaru had the girl in his arms; their faces inches from each other. There was an awed gasp from the crowd and Kaoru gave out a final yell, "Don't! Hikaru!!!"
The fellow twin snapped his head up away from his dance partner's face. He looked directly at Kaoru in surprise, but in seconds the emotion melted into pure elation. He started to giggle. In an instant, Maria in his embrace had started to giggle as well. The crowd was silent, but the two giggled, their voices mixing together in perfect harmony; the voices that sounded similar to little boys. Kaoru came to a halt in front of Hikaru, his call falling out of tune with their mixed giggles. "Hikaru…?"
Straightening the couple, grinned and finally spoke, unanimously, "Otou-san, it's Kohaku, not Hikaru." The scene before him began to melt away, "Ha ha, looks like Otou-san's still sleeping."
The darkened room was broken by a ray of light, so bright that Kaoru had to shield his eyes. He squinted and tentatively began to look directly into the light. "What…?" From the light, a loud ring tone was playing in the distance. Suddenly the sound of the phone brought him to full consciousness. "WHAT!?" With this, Kaoru Hitachiin, age twenty-four, fell out of his dream and into reality.
***********
The younger brother, Kaoru, sat up quickly. Light blinded him from all sides and he blinked his eyes. Pupils readjusting to the bright sunlight that came through the window by his bed, he looked before him into the pair of golden gazes belonging to his 'sons', who playfully leaned against his blanketed lap. Shaking his head, he rubbed his forehead. "B-Boys?"
"Otou-san, Daddy, Papa!!" The pair of identical twins called at the same time. "Wake up now! Wake up now! You're phone is ringing. Kyouya Oji-san is calling you to wake you up." The two giggled, revealing the sources of the giggling within the dream.
Kaoru glanced at his cell phone on his bedside table. His thoughts slowly grasped the knowledge that what he had been reliving had been nothing more than a dream, of a night nearly five years previous. One of the twins climbed over his legs and grabbed his phone, handing it over to his extended hand. The new pair of Hitachiin twins were as in tuned as their 'father' and 'uncle' had been. Their gold eyes watching 'Otou-san' carefully, they cocked their identical black haired heads to the side. Phone in hand, Kaoru collapsed into his pillows once more, receiving a number of giggles from the children. He tiredly flipped the phone on and answered groggily, "Hello?"
"Heh, did I happen to wake you, Kaoru?" The cool voice of Kyouya came flowing in through the receiver, "How long do you need to sleep, may I ask? It is nearly eleven."
Kaoru rubbed his eyes with his free hand and his 'sons' routinely came to lie beside him, his arm habitually lying upon the bed, with which the boys used as a long pillow and plaything. "For a very long time being that I'm a single parent with a company and two, three year old boys to take care of. What are you doing calling me on a Sunday morning?"
"Otou-san, we're turning four tomorrow!" One of the twins corrected him.
"You're turning four in a week, Kohaku." His father corrected the correction. Rolling eyes he thought, Children and their abstract notion of time. He yawned, "What do you want, Kyouya? I personally have a huge headache and sleep didn't help me very much."
The other twin voiced out concernedly, "Otou-san, did you have a bad dream?"
"Something like that, Keisuke." Kaoru answered the second twin. "Kyouya, your voice isn't the most pleasant thing to hear in the morning." Kaoru mentally alluded to his memory of Kyouya's words during the dream, but refrained from saying more.
"Touché, well if that is so I must then apologize for my impudence and then merely hang up."
Kaoru sighed, "Ok, ok… Tell me what you want. Ow, Kohaku, Papa's arm doesn't bend that way!"
Kohaku quickly muttered, "Sorry…" The boy glanced up at his father, who looked up at the ceiling nonchalantly. With a devilish smirk, the child continued to play with his father's arm while his twin watched in amused silence.
"Well, I just wanted you to know…" Kyouya began, Kaoru ignored his sons' actions, "…that Yuzuru Suou called me earlier today. It seems Tamaki is planning a Host Club reunion, hopefully next week- even the same day as the twin's birthday if you don't mind."
The young father remained silent before muttering, "Reunion…?"
"Yes… You see, a little friend of ours, who we haven't seen for a good seven years arrived at the airport at 8:20 am this very morning. If you do recall, we all knew her as 'the Natural'."
A large gasp could be heard as the only retort, Kaoru had swiftly gotten up on his free elbow, the three year old twins consequently jumping back. His eyes were wide and his mouth had fallen open wordlessly. The other twin, Keisuke, scowled at his brother, "Otou-san told you not to bend his arm, Haku! See what you did?"
"I didn't mean it, Kei!" His brother countered. They watched their father for a few moments, in fear of his reaction.
"You…You mean…" His reaction wasn't what they had expected.
"She's back, Kaoru. Miss Haruhi Fujioka is back. So… I'll see you in my office by one. Will that be reasonable?" When he didn't get an answer, Kyouya chuckled, "I take that as a yes." The Ohtori, clearly amused, hung up.
Silence engulfed the bedroom, Kaoru could only blink in utter shock. She's come back…She's returned. The boys watched him warily, not really knowing what was going on.
"Otou-san?" They both queried together, but their call came upon deaf ears as the younger twin of the CEO of the Hitachiin corporation climbed quickly out of bed. He opened his closet and began to rummage around for something to wear. Seeing their father getting together his best suit, the twins made the basic innocent child's assumption, "Where you going?"
Kaoru stopped his search and turned to his 'sons'. "We're going to visit Kyouya Oji-san today. A very close friend of mine and all your Oji-sans, just came back from America." He declared with a smile, and with a cry of delight, the children tumbled out of bed and followed their father's actions.
When the two boys had rushed out of the room and out of sight, Kaoru froze; his grin faltering. He sat on his bed, looked into a large mirror at the other end of the room, and held out his suit jacket. His words called out for his lost brother, "Hmph… The one who started all of this has come back, Hikaru… So where the hell are you now?"
**********
Haruhi POV
"For safety precautions, please do not leave your baggage unattended, thank you… All suspicious baggage and carryon luggage are subject to search without warrant by airport security. We apologize for the inconvenience."
"For safety precautions, please do not leave your baggage unattended, thank you… All suspicious baggage and carryon luggage are subject to search without warrant by airport security. We apologize for the inconvenience."
The explanations being explained in both Japanese and English through the airport speakers felt like music to my ears, as I stood quietly with my baggage in the waiting area of the said facility. I took a long intake of breath and sighed; it was good to be home in Japan again. After nearly twenty-four hours of traveling from Boston to Tokyo, I was more than happy to be off that flying tin can of an airplane and on solid land once more. The familiar sights, sounds, and smells brought memories back, and I took my location in slowly, trying to relax after the stress of boarding, switching flights, getting through security checks, and the like. I had number of things left to do on my schedule, but I was glad that I had reached my destination safely. I was back in my home country, speaking my native language after seven years of living in Boston, Massachusetts and speaking nothing but English.
I took a few seconds more to get my bearings, before picking up my luggage and heading for the exit of the airport. It was nine in the morning and a bit chilly as it was a Sunday in early February. I had left right after graduation, during the hot summer, so returning to Japan during a complete different season was a bit ironic. I tightened my coat around my body and walked into the cold wind of Tokyo. The tall buildings reminded me of New York and Boston, but I knew more than anything that Tokyo skyscrapers were significant, very personal to my childhood and life. Walking close to the road, I decided to hail a cab, luckily having the extra yen on me to be able to get one. My baggage was too heavy to carry through Tokyo in search of a hotel. I waited and waved, hoping that a free taxi would see me, but in the midst of a crowd of suit wearing businessmen and families, I had a feeling that getting a cab would be difficult.
Sighing again, I returned to the airport. I hoped that someone inside could point out a hotel within walking distance. I strolled in but came to a sudden stop as from the corner of my eye I noticed my name neatly written on a small sign being held up by a young man in a simple black suit. I turned and looked at him. It seemed he didn't know who he was waiting for, but he held his sign up with disciplined purpose. Glancing around, I checked my surroundings; I had never asked for a private pick-up service.
Unless, I have very rich friends in high places. I came to think after a moment of contemplation. I dreaded coming towards the man in any case he worked for a memorable blonde who I had known in my teenage years. There was no way he could have known I was coming back. I left so suddenly after graduation to reach the deadline to apply for Harvard Law that there was no way anyone except Dad could contact me. Years had passed so swiftly, no decent being could keep tabs on one person like me for that long.
I made my way in the opposite direction of the poor escort, feeling slightly guilty. The members of the host club had no right to merely forgive me for disappearing or even continue to help me in every unusual way and shape they could. My mind turned over the six faces I had left. When I thought of Ohtori Kyouya, I ceased walking. The Shadow King knew everything and anything about everyone. He was the only person I knew who could keep track of someone so well. Biting my lip, I spun around and sped to the man with the sign; Kyouya had scarred me with thoughts of debt especially when it came to his services. I came to a stop in front of the escort and introduced myself, "I'm Fujioka Haruhi." I paused and added out of habit "Who do you work for?" (Law school made one enjoy questioning people)
The young man nodded and bowed, "Fujioka-san, I've been expecting you."
"I've seen that." I replied, but smiled, "So what do you want?"
This time it was his turn to grin, "Yes, uh, my boss wanted to speak with you. Please come this way to the car." He really didn't give me time to answer for he began to walk away and to avoid losing him in the masses I had no choice, but to follow. I pulled my bags with me, but he quickly backtracked and grabbed them from my hands, "I'll take this for you Ma'am."
I followed him all the way to the car parked in one of the underground parking spaces. We came to a shiny black car and I frowned, "Hold on, where are you taking me?" I demanded.
"To Mr. Suou, Ma'am."
"No way!" I stepped back. How the heck did that moron know I was coming? "W-Wait! I can't go with you. I mean, I would love to see an old friend and all, but I'm a bit busy… and…. you know… I should get some rest with the jetlag and all-"
"Ma'am." I stopped speaking when the man addressed me, "Um, I was told you had to go… I really don't want to say this… I'm not supposed to, but… You need to go."
Still frowning, I came towards him, reaching for my bag, but he held onto it. "Why?"
"Well Mr. Suou told me I'd be fired if I didn't do my job." The man who I now noticed was younger than I was, bowed, "Please, just speak with Mr. Suou. I really don't want to lose my job."
His statement surprised me and I hesitated. The escort glanced up at me sheepishly, and then straightened. And I thought I could relax once I got back. I glared at him, cursed whoever was giving me such bad luck, and mulled over the idea. Tamaki wasn't someone who would say such a thing, but I had seen the affect his grandmother had on him and I pouted. I ran a hand through my short hair, which I had kept since my teenage days for practicality. "Fine… I'll go with you," I headed for the car which he opened for me, "But tell that boss of yours, if I don't get to tell him myself, to stop using his subordinates as a source of persuasion; it's not like him." After placing my baggage in the trunk, the escort did his job and escorted me to the very familiar high school of my childhood, Ouran Academy.
When we arrived, I felt like a middle school student once more, visiting Ouran for the very first time. After seven years, the school still awed me with its boast of wealth and power. I took a moment to look at the recognizable clock tower in the center of grounds even more memories flooding back. Reminiscing, I followed my escort to the office of the financial advisor of the school. I sighed, dreading the room and the man who could be in it. The escort knocked on the door and called, "Suou-Sempai, she's here."
"Good, let her in." I had no choice but to sigh for the umpteenth time, this time relieved that the voice I heard belonged to none other than Yuzuru Suou, Tamaki's father. The relief faded quickly when I entered the office and found Yuzuru Suou smiling handsomely at me, just like his son. I had forgotten that the two were not too different. "Well, the beautiful young girl I had brought into this school ten years ago has come back a woman even more beautiful than before. You are as radiant as ever Miss Haruhi Fujioka."
I bowed respectfully, "Thank you… uh…. for the welcome, Sir."
"Now, no need to be so formal, Miss Fujioka. Sit." The Suou patriarch motioned to a chair, which I took merely to be polite. He had aged over the years, his dark blond hair now streaked with gray. "I'm so happy to see you again. My son and his friends have missed you so very much. You had to leave so quickly to reach application deadlines, didn't you? Those are American Colleges for you, but I guess you understand that; you've been going to one for the passed seven years."
Nodding, I placed my hands in my lap. Yuzuru stood, walked around his desk, and leaned on it in front of me. "How was America, Fujioka?"
"It was an interesting experience, Sir."
"You just graduated law school as well, haven't you?"
"Yes. I was able to become lawyer…like my mother, Sir." Everything seemed to be moving on steadily. Nothing weird had happened yet. "I've only had a few small cases. I'm still quite mediocre, Sir."
"Oh, I see." Taking a rose out of nowhere (something I had been expecting from the beginning), Yuzuru held it out in front of me, "Oh Fujioka, you are still so young. You have years to practice and master your art, under my company no less."
I jumped up, "What!?"
Tamaki's father kept on, "Don't worry in finding work, my dear. I have made it my goal to give you a perfect position to hone your skills as an attorney. My company has a number of lawyers already and until you gain a bit more experience, you can take all our smaller cases. Most may be due to financial misunderstandings, but it will be good practice." He waved the rose in the air, dramatically.
"I-I can't! That's too hospitable, Sir. I can't take such an offer, Sir. Please!" I extended my hand out, which the older Suou grabbed.
"My dear Fujioka, you are so humble and modest. Cease these formalities," holding my hand in his, along with the thorn less rose, he kept on, "I know I've told you this before. Please… Call me Uncle."
"Suou-Sempai-" I didn't get time to speak, when I was overcome by a furious yell that I could recognize from anywhere.
"Father, what is the matter with you?" The voice was strong and I turned to the door of the office, where a livid Tamaki stood. He looked similar to how he did seven years ago, but his hair was longer and gelled back like his father's. His eyes held an authority in them; I was surprised by this new appearance. "Haruhi's here for less than an hour and what are you doing?"
"Tamaki-Sempai?" His name felt alien coming from my mouth for some strange reason, especially after seeing Tamaki act in such a way.
He started to walk towards me, still talking, "Father, I will not allow you to treat Haruhi in such a way. Stop this foolishness n-ahh!" Suddenly he fell over, tripping on the rug. He fell flat on his face in front of his father and I, finishing his sentence when he landed on his face, "n…ow!"
I watched in disbelief. There goes the new Tamaki, still as idiotic as he was in high school. I frowned at him and rolled my eyes. "Hello, Tamaki." His father greeted, overlooking the fact that his son had made a complete fool of himself.
Tamaki pushed himself up and began to dust himself off. The blonde finally met my gaze with his tearful puppy dog eyes, "Haruhi… I'm so happy you're back."
"Hello, Tamaki-Sempai."
Suddenly he tackled me with so much gusto we fell over. He held me in a tight embrace, his emotions getting the better of him. "Haruhi!!! Oh my God, I'm soooo very happy to seeeee you!!! Daddy has missed you soooooooooooo much!!! My daughter has returned to meeee!"
"Sempai get off me!" I had to yell. "You haven't changed at all."
"Of course, isn't that wonderful!!!!?" He continued to hold me, his head rubbing against my hair. I was surprised that he wasn't offended by my sudden disappearance.
After lying on the ground for a minute or so, while Tamaki muttered more things about having his daughter home, the Suou patriarch cleared his throat, "Eh-hem. Tamaki, are you going lie on top of Miss Haruhi for the rest of the day? If so, I could always give you two your privacy."
Tamaki rapidly loosened his grip and released me. He got on his hands and knees with realization, looking down at me. We had both frozen at his father's comment and stared at each other awkwardly. "Oh… I'm sorry, Haruhi." Getting up, Tamaki and I smiled, but remained silent. Tamaki readjusted his clothing, a stylish white suit, tightening his deep violet tie. "I apologize; my emotions took control for a moment."
"Um… that's fine." I answered gently. His stupidity had died down a bit in seven years. Seven years ago he would have not apologized about tackling me, but instead would've whined and pouted. This older Tamaki had a bit more control. I noticed he had a faint blush in his cheeks and I couldn't help but blush back.
Mr. Suou started to chuckle, "Well my son is clearly glad to see you Miss Fujioka. I believe we can talk about your future position as an attorney of the family at a later time."
Tamaki turned on his father, a couple locks of hair falling out of place, "Father!?" It seemed the need to call the patriarch, chairman had been outgrown. "What do you mean 'future position as an attorney of the family'?"
"You'll understand later, boy."
"Father!?"
"That's Chairman to you, Tamaki!" Ok, maybe Tamaki hadn't outgrown the term just yet. Tamaki's face fell, but strangely he didn't retreat to his corner of depression. The Chairman sighed, "Tamaki, why don't you take Miss Fujioka around town and catch up on things. I told young Kyouya about her arrival earlier this morning and I believe he may want to see his old friend as well."
"What? You told Kyouya, but not me? Father, Kyouya's known all about Haruhi coming for the last three hours, I just found out fifteen minutes ago!!!"
"Tamaki, I told Kyouya due to fellow CEO consideration. Last time I checked, you have yet to take over the company."
A few seconds moved by and instead of answering Tamaki took my hand and began to leave the room. Before we left completely, I froze and Tamaki was forced to stop. "Suou-Sempai!"
Yuzuru looked up as he had been making his way back to sit at his desk, "Yes? How may I help you, Haruhi?"
"Um, the driver who drove me here; why did you threaten to fire him if he didn't pick me up?" I had a promise to keep and I wasn't going to leave without legally protecting the poor guy who had to escort me here.
His son had appeared behind me and answered for his father, "Oh, are you talking about Hatori?"
"The young driver, yes."
"Hatori!!!" The escort returned from out of nowhere and he bowed in front of Tamaki. "Hatori, who told you'd be fired if you didn't pick Haruhi up?"
"Master Ootori, Tamaki-Sempai." Hatori answered simply. I cringed; the lawyer made the wrong accusation.
"I'm so sorry, Suou-Sempai." I declared.
"No offense taken, Miss Fujioka." I was answered.
"Which Ootori?" Tamaki kept on.
"Master Kyouya, Sir." At his statement, we all gave a uniform sigh.
Figures it would be Kyouya. Tamaki thanked the escort and told him to go home for the day. He then said good-bye to his father and grabbed me again. "Well, we're going to have to talk to Kyouya now, won't we?"
We walked quickly off campus, towards a shiny silver Volvo. I followed to keep my arm from being dislocated. Hatori had somehow made it to the Volvo before we did and had left my baggage by the small car. Tamaki opened the trunk of his car and released me. He picked up my bags and loaded his vehicle. A smile was showing brightly on his face. I wanted to say something to him, but I didn't do anything. "Come on. We're going to visit Okaa-san now!"
We got into the car and Tamaki began to drive. I was slightly uncomfortable, I had never seen the Suou drive before and I had a slight fear for my life. Luckily, Tamaki was quite used to steering his car. We didn't speak at first until he broke the silence, "Haruhi, my daughter, how have you been? Just think I haven't seen you in seven years." That same smile was still on his face as he turned to me during a stop light. "You just went off the day after graduation. Daddy was very worried about you."
I stared at him and responded, "I'm sorry, Tamaki. Look, I didn't want to leave so abruptly…"
"Hey, hey!" My voice faded away, when Tamaki laughed and interrupted me, "You don't need to apologize. You see, you did all of us a favor."
"Huh?" I looked at him inquisitively.
"Let's not talk about that right now. I want to know what's been going on with you. A lawyer just like your mother now, hmm?" Tamaki just continued to grin as he drove on through the busy streets of Tokyo. "Everyone has made such progress as well. Goals and dreams have all been accomplished. Kyouya was given full control of a branch of the Ohtori Corporation. He's now the CEO of a mental rehab center that uses pleasure and relaxation as cures. Mori-Sempai and Honey-Sempai co-own the Honinozuka Dojo. Mori does publicity, while Honey takes care of everything else. They have a system. The twins are doing well." He stopped there and I noticed how he didn't continue talking until a second of thought, "Hikaru is the CEO of the Hitachiin Corporation and Kaoru… helps."
Something that I had learned in psychology (a minor I had to take for law), made me want to push further on the whereabouts of the twins. Tamaki was being too vague about them; did something happen? I decided not to interrogate him, but asked instead, "And what about you? Have you made progress?"
His smirk widened, "Oh yes, when you left I made it my goal to become the CEO of my family's corporation as well. Then I could create a huge international commercial that would air all over the globe and would call out to you wherever you were and call you home to your dearest Father." Eyes sparkling during one of his illusions, he chuckled. "It's getting easier each year… well, now that grandmother isn't around anymore."
The sparkle left and sadness replaced them. I put my hand to my mouth, "Oh, I'm so sorry, Sempai. I-I didn't know. When did she die?"
The Volvo abruptly stopped as Tamaki parked violently. He turned to face me fully, "Die? Haruhi, grandmother didn't die. Father sent her to the Caribbean to retire. She hasn't said anything about me since we hired a few tall, dark, and handsome Caribbean men to take care of her. I've been free from her for the last two years!" The sadness had merely been the old Host King's dramatics in full affect. He was now happy again as if nothing was wrong. "Well, other than my grandmother who isn't dead and is captivated by tanned men; I'm doing the best I can to be ready for the day I get the company. Look, we're here."
For the longest time, I hadn't been looking at my surroundings. I was surprised to see the huge corporate building with the Ohtori seal above its large rotating doors. Two uniform clad men, who I recognized as members of the Ohtori family's private police force, stood on either side of the doors. I gaped at the massiveness of the skyscraper. "This is the Ohtori family company?!" I gasped.
"What are you talking about? This is Kyouya's Branch of the company. I think Kyouya would have killed his brothers by now if he had to work in the same building as the rest of the family. Come quickly, but tread softly, Kyouya doesn't like me coming here during business hours." The blonde chuckled and looked up at the seal, "He doesn't enjoy the fact that I call him Okaa-san in front of his employees."
I couldn't help but laugh at this. Tamaki glanced at me, surprised. Just picturing the Host King calling the Shadow King, "Mommy", in the middle of a board meeting, was hilarious to me. We laughed for a few moments and exited the car. "I-I'm sorry. I just had the funniest picture in my head with Kyouya-Sempai in it and you calling him Okaa-san."
"You want to see the real thing?" Tamaki gave me a gentle look, took my hand, and pulled me towards the building. He gave the police outside a casual hello before entering the building with me in tow. "Good Morning!!"
The ground reception was a modern color of deep blue, with black and gold accents all over the room. The receptionist sat at a black desk at the middle of the large reception area. She typed quietly on the computer; behind her on a large center base that most likely coursed up through each floor was the Ohtori seal, Gold plated with a black base. To distinguish the personal ownership of the branch, a crystal blue rose on a crystal thorny vine wound around the lower part of the Ohtori kanji. It also seemed that Kyouya left his mark through his employees' supplies and materials. When we walked up to the receptionist, I noticed several open black books and stationary around her, similar to Kyouya's beloved black notebook. Tamaki suddenly went on majestic prince mode and leaned against the counter gently.
"Good Morning, Yoko. You look absolutely stunning today." He gave her his most handsome smile that any woman would melt under. On her desk, I noticed the time. My morning had been wasted meeting the Suous and it was 1:30 in the afternoon.
"Hey, Tamaki-Sempai." I called.
"It is no longer morning Mr. Suou, Sir." The receptionist looked up and glanced coldly at Tamaki and then at me. She readjusted her glasses and tugged at her matching blue suit jacket. The receptionist had her black hair in an efficient yet stylish bun, and was clearly not fazed by Tamaki's greeting. "Ohtori-sama does not wish to see you during business hours, Mr. Suou, Sir. Please return after six o' clock, thank you." With this, she returned to her work.
"Aww, now Yoko. Don't be indifferent. A classmate from high school came to visit with me. Let us in, please?" He leaned in closer and whispered, "I'll make it worth your while."
There was a moment's pause, "No."
Tamaki pulled back, "Pllleeeaaassseee! Yoko, I know my charm doesn't work on you, but couldn't you do us this little favor, for Kyouya's dear friend from high school?" He grabbed me by the shoulders and pushed me in front of the girl.
She glanced at me over the top of her spectacles and looked me over. I wasn't wearing anything gender disorienting, so she could tell that I was female. The look in her eyes was one I had seen too many times before, in the eyes of girls that took part in the host club and had their bouts of jealousy. The emotion shown as bright as day; she was jealously suspicious of my existence. I smiled politely, "You're jealous, aren't you? Don't worry. I fully understand your feelings for Kyouya-Sempai. I swear to you, we are only friends."
Yoko lifted her head fully this time to gaze at me. Her surprise supported my statement along with the tinge of red across her cheeks. She glared at me but did not speak, "He chose you because Tamaki has no effect on you whatsoever." I grabbed the blonde by the tie, "You don't need to worry about this one pissing Kyouya-Sempai off. I'll keep his mouth shut, so may we go say a quick hello?"
"Haruhi-ii!" I tightened his tie considerably to keep him quiet. He and the other boys were going to notice I learned a thing or two from my female American classmates, who were much more independent than any Japanese woman I knew.
"Fine." Yoko gave a quiet and controlled reply. She picked up the reception phone and called the office upstairs. I heard the phone ring a few times, before Yoko pressed the speaker phone button. I released Tamaki, who loosened his tie for air. We instantly heard Kyouya's voice once the ringing died down. He had picked up the phone, but his mind was on something else for he was speaking to someone, it seemed.
"Are you regretting? I don't believe you'd be dreaming about that night if you weren't regretting about making this decision." The Third Ohtori son's familiar calm tone escaped the speakers. No one spoke.
"I'm not regretting. I would never regret the decisions I've made." I felt my eyes widen when I heard the younger Hitachiin twin, Kaoru respond. "I did what I had to do."
"I know, but we all know perfectly well that you allowed them to kiss that night. In your dream you tried to stop them. It seems straightforward to make the assumption that you are regretting how your life turned out, and in your dream you tried to avoid having to take the responsibility of fa..." Tamaki who stood beside me suddenly tensed. I looked up at his face, now grave.
"Look! I'm not regretting!! I just told you I had a dream of that night during the birthday party when the two kissed. That's all."
"That same kiss led to your current predicament."
"Stop. Stop it. I'm not going to have you tell me I subconsciously regret taking Ko-"
"Okaaaaaaaaaaaaa-saaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!!!!!!" I jumped as Tamaki abruptly interrupted the conversation. "Heeeeeellllooooo!!!!"
"Tamaki!" I heard the two voices yell in surprise.
"We were calling and you didn't say anything. Why did you pick up and not greet me?" Whining, Tamaki pouted, "I want to come up. Please!?"
Kyouya swiftly answered out of habit, "No… How much did you hear, Tamaki?"
"Our daughter has come back, Okaa-saan!! She's here with me right now, listening to your lovely voice through the speaker phone."
There was a long silence. I was confident that Tamaki had interrupted on purpose to stop the conversation, whatever it was about. He had even stopped Kyouya from saying more by telling him of my presence. I gave Tamaki a hard look, but he avoided my eyes by looking at the phone.
"Just… her… in…She's…know…enough to…wonder." Kaoru's voice came out in a careful whisper but we couldn't hear his words well.
With a sigh, Kyouya did as he was told, "Welcome back Haruhi. Why don't you and that moron come upstairs so we don't have to talk over this speaker?" It was just like Kyouya to be able to act calm during stressing situations. "Yoko, hang up please."
"Yes, Sir." The receptionist did as ordered. Before she could say anything, Tamaki was heading for the elevator.
We stood in the elevator in silence, but the questions were much too strong to control my tongue. "Would you like to tell me what that was about Tamaki?"
"What do you mean?"
"Don't play innocent, seven years of law school, remember?"
The Suou gazed at me, with a pained expression. "It's complicated, Haruhi… I think it'd be best if you just find out as time goes on."
"And why is that?" I demanded.
"It's not my fight Haruhi… I can't get involved, this time."
"Tamaki?" I needed to change my strategy. The Host King had gotten smarter and less irrational after seven years. He was still idiotic in some ways, but with this 'predicament' that Kyouya had mentioned, Tamaki had changed into a different (smarter) person. "Why did I hear Kaoru's voice over the speaker?"
He was quiet, trying to burn time, as the elevator was reaching the 21st floor, Kyouya's office. Tamaki couldn't keep quiet long enough. "Haruhi… For most wealthy families (aristocratic families like that of Ouran), there are a few prerequisites that a young man needs to have before being able to take control over his father's company. Those prerequisites are education, experience, and a wife." The elevator came to a halt and the doors slid open, revealing a long hallway, leading to the office door. We exited the elevator and began walking towards the office, "Education and experience are the easier things to obtain, but a wife takes time and effort. Rich people are selfish; they don't enjoy having to wait for that last item. Instead of allowing the eldest son to choose his wife, he is forced into whatever marriage that can give his family's company an advantage in the business world. It sounds stupid, but even now, my father is waiting to give me the Suou name until after I choose a wife." He glanced at me and paused for breath.
"The eldest son has the hardest time with these prerequisites being that the final item is forced upon him the traditional way, by arrangement. The younger brothers, those like Kyouya… and Kaoru aren't pushed as hard. Wait-What was your question again? Haha..." We stopped in front of Kyouya office and turned to look at each other. I knew for sure now that I had missed a large occurrence. Tamaki didn't say more about the prerequisites, but before opening the door, he grabbed me and pulled me into a close embrace. His voice suddenly dropping to low whisper, "I'm sorry I can't tell you what's going on with our family. The only thing I can say to you now is, don't, don't leave us again. I don't know what we'll do if you left us. I don't know what'll happen if you disappeared again. Please, don't leave us Haruhi. You left us once, and things fell apart. Most of us were able rebuild our lives, but not all of us."
Pulling away, Tamaki gave me a smile to wash away his last words. He straightened and declared, "Okaa-san, our daughter's returned to us." The blonde grabbed the door and opened it revealing the third son of the Ohtori family.
I gasped in surprise when my eyes registered the sight before me.
I don't know what shocked me more. The fact that Kyouya was gently smiling (not in a calculating sense) as he worked; the fact that at a small desk at the corner of the same room, Kaoru was working diligently alone; or the fact that in Kyouya's lap sat a little boy with black hair and golden eyes, wearing the Shadow king's glasses, and sitting in Kaoru's lap was the boy's identical twin, who held different pieces of fabric to the sketches Kaoru was working on.
Kyouya Ohtori looked up and his smirk widened. His cool voice floated into the room, "Welcome Back Haruhi Fujioka. It's been a while."
Kaoru Hitachiin's voice followed his, "Well, well, long time no see. I'm glad you're back."
The children in the room watched me with matching gazes. I opened my lips to greet them, but my eyes fell upon Kaoru and lips parted to say, "Kaoru… where's Hikaru?"
End... for now! There you have it. A very long Chapter. I hoped you all enjoyed reading this. Enjoy your small cliffhanger.
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Next Time: So many questions-so little time! Will Haruhi get the answers she desires? How will she react when the new Hitachiin twins are introduced? Oh where's Mori and Honey!?? Stay Tuned!