Haruhi kept to herself and quickly escaped the ridiculous school. Why are there so many fanatical girls? Haruhi quickly stepped to the side as another group of three rushed past down the hallway. And was that a child riding on a senior's shoulders? She tilted her head to the side to take a better look around the small group of banshees. She shook her head and continued outside. She had places to be and a short amount of time before her absence rose the suspicions of the group home staff. Once outside she looked around to make sure no one was looking and bolted down the long driveway. I have 45 minutes to visit mom and dad, she thought.
The subway ride was a smooth transition. She already had years of experience and it was easy to navigate her way to her parents' grave. Her daily visits were one of the few things she could look forward to. However painful it may be. Haruhi soon found herself in front of her family's plot. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but didn't know what to say and looked down. Taking the incense from her backpack, she reverently lit the top and placed it before her parents. She felt the all too familiar lump rise in her throat.
Hi mom. Hi dad. How are things in heaven? I can't believe it's been 10 years already. And two weeks for you, Dad. You almost passed away on Mom's anniversary. Did you plan it that way? Was it fate? "Accept the things to which fate binds you…"* With a shaky sigh, Haruhi looked up to the sky. It was the best way to control her tears from falling. I was hoping I could talk to you out loud, but I don't think I'm strong enough for that yet.
She watched as a flock of birds flew by and looked back at the Fujioka pillar, certain that her tears would control themselves. School is fine. It was my first day today. I'm beginning to think that rich kids only come to school to have a good time. They're always goofing off in class. I don't think any of them have a care in the world. Hopefully that will only help my class standing. I already have so much going against me. I'll try and make you proud mom and dad. I'll do my best and study extra hard. I'll succeed for you. I have to get back now. The group home has a lot of rules. Haruhi brushed her fingers through her short hair.
"Oh, I forgot," she didn't realize she had spoken aloud. Sheepishly she grimaced, "I didn't mean to cut my hair dad. I'm sorry about that. I know how much you loved it. There wasn't much of a choice at the time. It'll grow out soon though and I'll take care of the problem that caused it. I hope you aren't worried about me. I'll be fine." I love you both. See you tomorrow.
Haruhi looked at the clock and grimaced. She had already gotten in trouble with the staff earlier that week for going outside of the compound alone. Haruhi didn't like to cause trouble and especially didn't like the attention it always brought. The subway felt like it was moving slower than usual and time was speeding up. Haruhi positioned herself to sprint out of the automatic doors as soon as they opened. Always getting ready to run somewhere. She wasn't used to this new physical exertion. The subway stopped and Haruhi's muddled* running turned a few heads. The girl took no notice of their annoyed sighs and ran straight to the orphanage, praying to the gods that the staff would be too busy to notice.
Haruhi was never known to be lucky.
She cautiously opened the door as an array of leaves blew by. Two staff members were waiting for her. Arms crossed and impatience shown on their face.
"Fujioka-san, you're late," replied one.
Well, isn't that rather obvious?
"This cannot happen again! You have to follow the rules or we'll have to seek other arrangements. You are very lucky to be here. There are other places that are not so nice. You're old enough to know better. We cannot stand for your unruly defiance."
"My apologies," Haruhi began and bowed. "I didn't mean to upset you. I wasn't doing anything unfavorable, I promise. I just…"
"We don't need your excuses," interrupted the smaller one. "Go, to your room and get ready for dinner. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes." Haruhi quickly took off her shoes and bowed as she passed the staff. The look of disappointment and distrust striking Haruhi's back like an arrow.
Down the hallway a younger girl made origami cranes. A circle of colorful paper birds separating her from the rest of the world. Walking down to her room, Haruhi admired the girl's focus and workmanship. Taking a quick glance behind her, Haruhi noticed the staff members had moved on to more important things. In that small instant Haruhi heard the crumpling of paper and a sharp cry from the smaller girl. A taller girl with long brown hair smirked as she stepped back.
"Oh, I'm sorry Kaito. How tragic! And it looks like you spent forever on them," the older girl's hair fanned out in the air as she quickly turned around. "Next time you really should use the table." She sniffed and briskly walked away.
The young girl's eyes began to water and Haruhi quickly walked down to kneel by her side. Haruhi made sure to leave the rest of the cranes undisturbed but stretched her arm out to the girl's shoulder.
"Hey, are you okay?" Haruhi offered. The young girl nodded her head but her emotions were too evident on her pale face. "Yeah, I had a run in with her this morning. She isn't the friendliest girls is she?" Her cowardness took all of her kindness away, thought Haruhi. Always quick on her feet after destroying those around her. "I'm Fujioka Haruhi," she said with a smile. "We have to go to dinner soon but I could help you rebuild your cranes after dinner. If you want the help of course."
The younger girl faintly smiled nodded her head yes. "I'm Watababe Kaito. You just moved in the other week didn't you?"
"Yup, and if this is your room it looks like we're neighbors." Haruhi nodded to the door they were beside. "I have to get ready for dinner. I'm in enough trouble as it is. Do you need help?" Haruhi asked gesturing to the Kaito's tiny paper sculptures.
"No, thanks Fujioka-sempi," the girl's faint smile quickly grew. "Will you sit next to me at dinner?"
"Of course!" Haruhi beamed flashing her natural smile.
Haruhi took another look back at the younger girl before she opened her door. She was only about 10 years old or so. Haruhi quietly watched the girl as she carefully picked up and cradled her prized possessions. She appeared in better spirits than just a few seconds ago. It's amazing what a small smile and gesture can do to pick up another's spirits. Haruhi stepped in her room and close the door. She changed out of her makeshift school uniform and cleaned up the remnants of hair from that morning. She didn't need the extra pressure of keeping a disorderly room. Adjusting her glasses, Haruhi took another look in the mirror. She wore a simple white shirt and some board shorts that were both practical and comfortable. She checked her watch again and made a made a face. She only had a short amount of time to study tonight. You'd think I would have studied on the subway, she thought with dismay. Leaving her room she lost herself in thoughts concerning today's English class. Practicing the different intonations and phrases from class in her head. She found her way to the room filled with six tables. She saw Kaito and quickly sat beside her.
"The boys aren't supposed to sit with the girls," sneered a girl's voice behind her.
The girls ignored the snide remark. Haruhi being clueless as she was most definitely a girl herself and she didn't particularly care about other people's business.
"Hey, I'm talking to you!" snarled the voice. Haruhi felt someone reach to the side of her head and ripped off her glasses. Haruhi turned around, eyes wide. The older girl gasped at seeing the rather feminine face of the girl she used as a trashcan this morning. She hadn't expected such a drastic change and dropped the glasses to the floor.
"You know, this is really unnecessary. You can't keep treating people this way," Haruhi huffed, standing up and folding her arms to the girl. "Are you really so unhappy that you have to be so callous and bitter towards everyone else?"
The girl was slightly taken aback as she assessed the turn of events. She was one of the older residents and was taken back by Haruhi's lack of respect and fear towards her obvious superior. Turning to make sure one of the staff members was nearby she quickly melted into tears.
"Why are you being so mean to me?" she screeched. "Tanaka-san!" she ran to the staff member nearby. "I don't know why she's being to callous and rude to me."
Haruhi visibly deflated and looked towards the staff member. Flinching as she felt two pairs of cold eyes focused on her.
"My apologies Tanaka-san, sempei. It was a misunderstanding." Haruhi bowed and stood back up brushed her hair out of her eyes. She offered a grimaced smile and shrugged her shoulders in a friendly manner. Their glares remaining uncomfortably persistent Haruhi's eyes nervously flickered to the floor. Although fuzzy, she quickly saw her grandfather's glasses. She picked them back up, placing them back where they belonged. To Haruhi's dismay and irritation, she noticed the cracked lenses immediately. Mom, Dad, I don't know how much more I can take of this.
Thank you for the follows, favorites, and comments! I'm very grateful for my readers and appreciate your patience! This is my first fanfiction and I'm still unsure what I'm doing. We will definitely see the rest of the host club soon. I'm still trying to sort out some ideas. I'm hoping Haruhi finds her happiness soon! Thank you for sticking with me on this new and fun endeavor!
*"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart." -Marcus Aurelius
*"Muddled" is in reference to the Ballad of Mulan. Although different nationalities, the two have similar personalities to me. It's a translation of the poem and is specifically when her old war buddies come to visit and realize she's a girl for the first time. "She goes out the door and sees her comrades. Her comrades are all amazed and perplexed. Traveling together for twelve years They didn't know Mulan was a girl. 'The he-hare's feet go hop and skip, The she-hare's eyes are muddled and fuddled. Two hares running side by side close to the ground, How can they tell if I am he or she?" I.E. Dudes, we were warring out. Who cares what gender I was. Shizz got done, Son. "I don't really care if you guys recognize me as a boy or a girl. In my opinion it's more important for a person to recognize who they are rather than for what sex they are.
P.S. I'm upping the rating to be on the safe side.