Chapter 2: 12 months (April)
Ringing
"Tama-chan, she's here! She's sooo cute! She's sleeping though. I think it'll be best if we do lunch tomorrow, k? Invite everyone over, make sure Haurhi comes too! Oh and she knows Japanese. She's got all these cds and said she took a class. But she's so cute because she gets words wrong. I think you'll like her. Usa-chan does! He's sleeping with her right now! And you know what, she's got Mr. Pigs. Usa-chan and Mr. Pigs are becoming great friends!"
"That's really sweet. I'll let the rest of group know and we'll see you tomorrow for lunch."
"Let me guess," Kyoya pushed up his glasses, "She's with Hani-sempai and wants us all to come over for lunch tomorrow? I'll call a baker so we have something to bring over."
The next day
Mori and Izumi were sitting at the table together as Hani went off to see the rest of the group in. Mori didn't know what to say. Hani was usually leading the conversation during the Host Club, and Hani always understood what Mori needed to say without him actually having to speak. And now he was alone, with Izumi.
"Be nice, ask her how her flight was… say something, she looks so uncomfortable…" he lectured himself.
"Umm…Morinozuka-san?" her voice was soft, her eyes were tired, but her smile was sweet.
"Call me Mori."
"Umm, Mori, am I making you uncomfortable?"
"No! My apologies," he bowed. Was she always this frank? "I just didn't want to disturb you."
"Hahaha," her laugh sounded like sweet bells, "You can't disturb me if I'm not doing anything!"
Why was he so awkward without Hani? "Izu-chan, Izu-chan! Here are the rest of my friends!" Izumi and Mori stood up and made introductions.
"You're a lot lighter than your pictures" the twins echoed. Tamaki stood wide eyed and Kyoya paused. Haruhi was about to say something when Izumi retorted back, "That's because winter just ended. I'm pretty yellow in winter and very golden brown in summer. I haven't been out in the sun much." She winked at the twins.
"Oooh we like you!" and they snaked closer to her, all three of them giggling.
"Please forgive them, Saitou-san. They are a bit lacking in manners." Kyoya stated as he sat himself down. "I've brought cake."
"Oh it doesn't bother me at all, and please, call me Izumi. No need for honorifics or whatever. Just my first name is fine." Hani grabber her hand, "Please sit Izu-chan! Can you sit beside me?"
"You just want the cake don't you little one?" shs teased as Mori pulled out her seat and pushed it in as she sat. "My, what service. Are you all always like this? It's hard to find gentlemen now a-days."
Tamaki brightened, "Oh Izumi, you should see our Host Club! It's the best, we serve beautiful princesses all-"
"Tamaki stop, she's not going to want to hear it. Let her eat she's probably exhausted and hungry. Did anyone even ask when the last time she ate was?"
"Are you Haruhi?" Izumi arched an eyebrow.
"Yes, my apologies, I'm Fujioka Haruhi. I'm sorry you'll have to deal with this group, but at least you're with Hani-sempai. He's normal." Tamaki and the twins looked hurt.
They ate their lunch and the rest of the afternoon they asked her questions, which she happily answered. She was only supposed to be in Japan for a year. She wanted to try and keep up dancing (as a hobby not a class) while in Japan. She learned Japanese through immersion program and cds as her parents taught her only English. She didn't want to get into details about her family background or ethnicity as they were 'irrelevant.' And, apparently, Hani's father was tickled pink to have her as a guest since he always wanted a daughter. Apparently, there were flowers as centerpieces all over the house to make it more 'friendly.'
Her class schedule was finally settled, and they found out that she will be in classes with Mori and Hani, leaving Kyoya and Tamaki little to do with by means of escorting her during school.
The group was leaving and Mori was walking them out leaving Hani with Izumi. "Mitskuni, Mori was the only one not really talking. Is he always like that or did I offend him or does my presence make him uncomfortable?"
"Oh no! No not at all. Takashi is normally quiet. It's okay," he patted her hand. "He likes you just fine!"
"What's the deal with Kyoya… he seems, very… calculating?"
"Yes, that's him. He's nice too, so don't worry, he's very well meaning and is a really good friend."
"Mitskuni, I have to say, you're making this transition very easy and less lonely for me. Thank you." And they hugged each other as Mori walked in.
"Mori, hug too!" Not knowing what to do, he walked over and put his hands on their shoulders.
"hahahahahahahahha" Izumi busted out with a belly laugh that shocked Mori. "Wow, that's, just awesome."
"Izu-chan?" Mistkuni stepped back, looking worried…
"I'm sorry, Mori," she turned to look up at him, "that was the coldest hug I've ever had. I think my dentist is more affectionate than you, hahahaha."
Mori's face was stoic, showing no emotion and she placed a hand on his forearm, "It's okay, it's okay. You don't have to be uncomfortable. Really, I'm much more open than conservative. You can relax around me okay. Treat me like you would one of your friends."
"Okay."
"Wow he speaks!" Hani and Izumi giggled.
"Izu-chan, he's just not like that."
"Mori, my apologies. I'm pretty blunt, I don't meant to tease too much, so if I offend you, you have to let me know okay?"
"Okay."
Hani had an exasperated look while Izumi just giggled.
