Disclaimer: Kairan Akiyama does not own Ouran High School Host Club. Kairan Akiyama does not own A Christmas Carol. This could probably be considered SHOUNEN-AI. Probably.

NIGHTSHADE: The special word is SHOUNEN-AI, i.e. meaningful phrases, lingering touches, and penetrating stares.

KAI-CHAN: Ha, you said penetrating.

NIGHTSHADE: Don't like SHOUNEN-AI? Steer clear of Kai-chan.

"…" – talking

"italics" – thoughts

italics – emphasized

-x- – scene change

-x-

Arigatou-hamsters!

Zayk: I did think of making Hunny Christmas Present, but no.

Taseea: Why is everyone so adamant about Hunny being Christmas Present? XP. Kaoru as Claire is a good idea, but alas, it is not for the win.

Hobo3: Ranka-san 3. Wow, he wasn't even on my radar, how dare I call myself a fangirl? That's an awesome idea, though. Hunny Tiny Tim, you are correct!

Sake Bottle Swing: This is what happens when Kai watches Mickey's Christmas Carol and A Muppet Christmas Carol in succession. Don't worry; there will be some KyoTama action. Just not in this chapter. Gomen nasai.

StarRuby: Traditional's okay (actually prefers Haruhi w/ Kyoya too. when she's not with Mori). I love Father, but I don't see him and Haruhi together. That's just me though. But that means more Father for Mother, yay!

Ri kun a.k.a E.H.P.oP.: Hope this chapter doesn't disappoint. Still have that X-mas hang over?

never-know-never-knew: Hope this is the kind of interesting you're looking for.

firedragongirl: Here's an update, hurray!

Enjoy the ride.

An Ouran Christmas Carol

Chapter Three: Harbinger, Jacob Marley

There was a change in scenery immediately; the tiny furnace and the counting house backdrop were replaced with a roaring fireplace and elegant lounge chair. Atop the fireplace, a clock chimed the hour, midnight. Kyoya was now dressed in a pajama ensemble, a deep royal blue with a majestic black robe. The girls squealed. He was seated in the chair, his eyes closed as though napping and his glasses folded and tucked into his robe sleeve.

Suddenly the fire went out. The girls in the audience shrieked at the abrupt darkness. An eerie silence filled the auditorium. Soon, what sounded of low, sweeping chains filled that silence. The clanging become louder; foreboding footsteps joining them. There was the flash of a match, and Kyoya was before the hearth, relighting the kindling. But he wasn't alone on stage. The girls shrieked again.

Beside the fireplace, brilliant against the fading darkness, stood Jacob Marley. The suit was a white almost too pure to look at, silver chains hanging from his wrist and a collar fastened to his neck. He looked pleadingly at Kyoya. "Ebenezer…"

Kyoya felt his cheeks redden and his thoughts darken as well. Even during the rehearsals, he never would have imagined seeing him like that; it was almost overwhelming and torturously cruel. Remembering where he was, Kyoya returned to character. He took a step back, fear in his stance. "Who are you?"

"Ask me who I was."

"Very well." Kyoya tried to regain his composure. "Who were you?"

"In life, I was your partner, Jacob Marley." The figure gallantly bowed, earning a delighted squeal from the fangirls. "Do you doubt your senses, Ebenezer?"

"And why not? A slight disorder of the stomach makes them cheat. You may be an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a piece of underdone potato. There's more gravy than grave of you!" Kyoya resisted the urge to crinkle his nose. He could hear the twins chuckling in the wings; that was their favourite line, after all.

"Hear me, Scrooge!" The figure shook and the chains rattled, echoing off into darkness. "These, these chains…yours are heavier than mine, unless you atone for your transgressions!" He lowered his head, as though the chains were heavier now.

"What are the chains, Jacob?" Even if Kyoya didn't believe that this sprit was his departed partner, advice was advice.

"My punishment, for the wrongs of my life…" He looked back at Kyoya. "Don't ask me how or why, but I have appeared to you this night. You will be visited by three spirits, though you will see me no longer."

The figure stepped closer and Kyoya felt his heart beat faster. "What is he…?" Kyoya shivered as arms wrapped him tightly. "Tama–" He froze.

There was silence. The girls didn't dare gasp. The twins had stopped snickering. Haruhi had her mouth covered in shock. Even Renge was caught off guard.

Stepping back and smiling gently, he turned his back to Kyoya. "Do not forget this night, Ebenezer." The chains rattled one final time as Tamaki faded from sight.

Kyoya went to his chair and reclined easily enough, though he still appeared shock. Sliding his glasses back into his sleeve, a hand hesitantly brushed against his lips before they grimaced. "Humbug."

-hateshi nai-

What, an update? ZOMG! Yes, I had a supreme case of writer's block, but here it is, an update! I want to thank all of my loyal reviewers for actually waiting for this and I promise this should never happen again.

The "guess the role special chapter" contest is still in effective, in case anyone was wondering. You may submit guesses for multiple chapters, but it's guess per chapter so getting two guesses right in the same chapter is still only one special chapter. I don't know if that makes sense, it does in my head.

Finalized Roles:

Haruhi – Bob Cratchit

Kyoya – Ebenezer Scrooge

Kaoru – Fred

Tamaki – Jacob Marley