For those of you who have reviewed and favorited, thank you! I am glad that you enjoy my story. I feel like I take forever to update, so I wouldn't blame you if you quit reading. Also, concerning when this takes place, it is technically after when the anime ends. I am going by the manga, though, but for those who haven't read it, don't fret. The ouran plot is non-linear at times, so you'll be able to understand. :) Thank you!!!
~Blue
--(･ᆺ･)--
Haruhi sat on one of the chairs at the Host Club, her head draped over the table, arms sprawled out in a way that would definitely be scrutinized if Tamaki were in her presence. He wasn't there, though, and that was the problem. It had only been a day since they had heard the news concerning Tamaki's disappearance, but to her, it felt like a million years. She hadn't slept a wink since the news, either, and it was all she could do to keep her worried father from driving up to the school and forcibly escorting her out himself. But she couldn't leave, not at all. They needed to find Tamaki, as fast as they possibly could. And they haven't even heard any news concerning his whereabouts.
Of coarse club was cancelled, but that didn't stop a couple of girls to drop by, confused at the Kings absence and the lack of club activity. They were all turned away, disappointed. Yes, Haruhi was tired. So tired that she was almost tempted to fall asleep.
A few feet from her, Kyoya sat, almost as tired looking as Haruhi. His hair wasn't in its usual neat style, but instead stuck out in odd directions in some places. It also appeared that he had not changed clothes, either, since the incident. He typed, almost inhumanly fast, probably communicating with the Ootori secret police. He was the only one making any movement worth anything. Everyone was drained of their energy, amplified by the absence of Tamaki.
The lack of information they were getting on Tamaki was concerning. Not only were the Ootori secret police on the mission to find him, but the public police had also been notified. Tamaki being a prestigious man's son, all the measures were being taken in order to get him safe and home. He should have been found by then, surely. But it seemed fruitless, and everyone felt like they were going crazy waiting for something to happen. They could honestly do nothing but sit there, no matter how hard they tried to convince the officials to let them help.
Finally, after almost a whole day of silence, Haruhi decided to speak. "Guys...if they don't find Tamaki...what do you think will happen? Will his father pay the ransom?"
Everyone seemed to tense at the question, probably not wanting to think of the worse case scenario. What would happen if Tamaki were never found? What if ransom money couldn't even bring him back? If he was brought back, what would be his damage?
Kyoya finally sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, straightening up a bit.
"I have talked to Mr. Suoh. He should be...offering the ransom..." Kyoya yawned and lost his composure. If Kyoya lost his composure, he truly was tired.
Haruhi looked around at The Host Club sadly. Hunni was crying silently atop Mori's lap, cradeling Usa-Chan in his arms. Mori was cradeling Hunni in the same fashion. Haruhi would have giggled if the situation weren't so dire.
Across fron them sat the Hitachin twins, Hikaru and Kaoru. They looked equally as distressed. Hikaru looked more angry than sad, but it was almost as if he were a match that had reached the end of its fuse. Kaoru looked grieved. He had dried tear tracks on his cheeks, and he didn't seem to ever let go of Hikaru's arm. He looked like a child.
And Kyoya...Kyoya definitely was not alright. His eyes held a certain darkness that only seemed to shine through when he was woken up in the morning at an unwanted time. Nobody dared talk to him directly in fear that he may yell or do something rash, even violent. No, Kyoya was not okay. Nobody was.
Haruhi felt tears come to her own eyes, but she quickly blinked them away and focused on her lap. If anyone could find Tamaki, it was the Ootori Secret Police...and the hole entire cities police force. Everyone was looking for him. and if Suoh planned to give the ransom money, there was no real reason for him to not be returned safely. If the kidnapper wanted money from Tamaki, they would keep him well...right?
Suddenly she realized it was useless. They shouldn't have to wait at the school all day when they did nothing. The only one who was taking any action was Kyoya. It wasn't fair to the others to be stuck here with no rest. Tamaki would want them to go home and take care of themselves. They were wasting themsleves away. Kyoya could call them if there was any change.
"Guys...Kyoya..." They all glanced at her half-heartedly. She gulped.
"We should all go home. Take a rest. We can't—"
"Take a rest? Take a REST?!"
Haruhi flinched at Kyoya's high volume, but he didn't notice. He stood up quickly, looking more dangerous than ever. "Tamaki is somewhere out there, probably scared, probably hurt, and you think we should rest?!"
"Kyoya, Tamaki would have not wanted us to stay here and—"
"OF COARSE TAMAKI WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED US TO STAY HERE, HE DOESN'T CARE FOR HIS OWN WELL BEING, HAVEN'T YOU NOTICED?!"
"Kyoya—"
"NO! WE CAN'T LEAVE, THAT WOULD BE GIVING UP ON HIM! DO YOU CARE ABOUT HIM AT ALL, HARUHI?! OR WERE YOU JUST HERE TO PAY OFF YOUR STUPID DEBT?"
The room seemed to go quiet with the weight of Kyoya's words. As soon as he said it there was a flash of guilt that showed across his face, but it was gone as soon as it came. Haruhi felt herself shake, not sure whether she was going to burst out crying or yelling. Maybe both.
"You think I don't care about him, Kyoya? Tamaki...Tamaki is my friend. The same as everyone here. Sure, it may have been a stupid fine at first but...I enjoy being here if I get to be around you guys! And I know Tamaki well enough that he would want us to rest, not because he doesn't care about himself, but because we could do much better finding him if we're well rested. I'm not giving up."
Kyoya seemed to deflate upon her words. He suddenly seemed to lose all energy as he slumped down into his chair and hid his face with his hand. "You're right Haruhi. I'm sorry. You can all go ahead and leave. Come back when you feel rested. I'll call you if there is a change."
Haruhi still felt like a shaking autumn leaf, but she smiled nevertheless. "Thank you, Kyoya." She looked at the other Host Club members, who seemed to be just as shaken as she, even Mori Senpai. They all looked resolved though, so she could tell they agreed with her. Good, because she didn't feel like she could handle another screaming match. Once they were all rested they could come back and help...if they could help at all. A lot could change in just a couple of hours.
She joined the rest of The Host Club as they all hugged Kyoya and left. He didn't change in his disposition, but his eyes seemed to get lighter, if just a bit. She locked eyes with Hunni Senpai and he dived down and hugged her, tears wetting her shirt. She hugged him back and was surprised to find she was crying too.