oOoOoOo

Night came. There was a big and bossy full moon who ruled over the dark sky. The sea was calm and the sand glistened under the moonlight. Little fairy lights were strung along the shore while soothing music played from the stereo. It was the perfect setting for a wild party.

Mori had created a huge bonfire in the beach. The Hitachiin brothers had set up a long picnic table and a barbecue grill. Haruhi and Honey made most of the dishes that were served. Kyouya was making notes on his favorite corner. Tamaki was manning the barbecue grill and trying not to burn anything.

"Tamaki-senpai, you're going to burn it!" Haruhi said, exasperated.

She was wearing a flowy pastel blue dress with a low neckline while the hem came down to the tops of her knees. On her feet was a pair of cute flip-flops. Under her dress was her new white one-piece swimsuit. Her huge brown eyes were reproachful.

The Suoh heir laughed uncomfortably. He stepped aside and watched her apply sauce on the cooking meat. It was fun to watch her. She was graceful and careful. He sat down and wondered what he should do. It was against his principle to let a lady take charge of the barbecue grill.

"Let me do that for you," Hikaru said gently. Haruhi sighed and gave in. She was sure that he wouldn't let it go to waste. It was their dinner after all. She would scold him if he did anything funny with it.

"Haru-chan, let's eat our cake!" Honey suggested cheerfully. He'd helped Haruhi bake the strawberry cake. It looked delicious.

The Haninozuka heir was dressed in a floral print polo, khaki shorts and flip-flops. He looked adorable. Haruhi stared at him. "I think we should wait after dinner. It might give you a stomach ache."

The blonde senior pouted but he conceded. She saw Mori let out a small sigh of relief. A grin leaped to her lips.

Mori was a stark contrast to Honey and not just in height. He was very tall, dark, tanned and brooding. The women who designated him claimed to adore his taciturnity and placid attitude. She knew that he cared about them and showed it through his actions. But it was Honey that Mori always focused on.

"You cooked a wonderful dinner, my daughter!" Tamaki declared with an ecstatic smile. He gestured to the set of dishes on the table. "Daddy is so proud! You'd make a terrific wife someday! Oh! But I don't want that to happen just yet. I'd beat any boy who comes near you to pulp! I swear it on my honor!"

Haruhi stared at him doubtfully. He was dressed in a crisp white polo, Bermuda shorts and flip-flops too. He was also bronzed all over. She had to admit that he looked like a handsome model straight out of an ad.

"You're really embarrassing, Tamaki-senpai," she said under her breath.

The twins laughed when Tamaki retreated to a corner. He was crouching and sulking. It was not a very pretty sight.

She wished he would stop claiming her. He wasn't her father. She didn't need two fathers. Tamaki was supposed to be her senior. He was the Host Club King. She didn't want to confirm if she was really his daughter or not. It was tiring sometimes.

But she understood him. It was his way of protecting them. Tamaki created the game so that they would never get hurt. They would always be happy. He'd do anything to keep the peace. They were his family in Ouran High School. They can't deny that family the most important thing to Tamaki so they let him be.

Haruhi thought that it was fine. At least he'd never find out about her feelings. She had no intention of ruining the atmosphere of the Host Club. She didn't want to break them apart. She loved them so much that she was willing to suffer in silence.

Tamaki was still immature anyway. He wouldn't understand it at all.

"Haruhi, let's eat!" Kaoru said as he sat down right beside her. He was carrying a plate loaded with food. His smile told her that he was very pleased. "It's my first time to eat something that I cooked! Even though we had a kitchen in our house, we never went there. I think it's great that we discovered a whole new hobby."

"Can we borrow some of your mother's recipes?" Hikaru asked, excited. He sat down on her other side. His plate was also full. She wondered if they were really that hungry. They had worked up an appetite after working so hard. She grinned. "We'd love it if you teach us."

"Sure," she said, nodding. "I'd love to."

"We'd get it from your house, okay?" Kaoru asked with a cheerful smile. "It's summer vacation. Maybe we can even study together."

Haruhi had to smile. "That sounds good."

"What are you all plotting?" Tamaki asked loudly. He noticed that the classmate trio was whispering in the corner. It was not a rare sight but he felt jealous. "Why are you monopolizing my dear daughter?"

The Hitachiin brothers gave evil smiles. "It's a secret, milord. You wouldn't understand."

"What are you talking about?" Tamaki snapped. "I don't think it's nice to keep secrets from others. You should share! Haruhi!"

She shook her head.

"Why are you shaking your head, my daughter?" the blond boy cried out. "You're keeping a secret from Daddy! Tell me what they're planning to do to you! Mom! Haruhi is ignoring my wishes!"

Haruhi wished Tamaki would stop being nosy. She knew that it would torture Tamaki but she knew it would pass. He was going to spend summer in France anyway. It was not like spending summer afternoons with the Hitachiin twins would bother him. She did not want him to think that they were having fun without him. It would make him jealous.

Kyouya adjusted his glasses. He was eating when Tamaki started shouting for him. "Dad, sit down."

Mori and Honey were watching the whole thing with cheerful smiles. They were also eating heartily. It was great entertainment. Life was not complete without Tamaki blowing up against the twins. But they knew that it did not matter if Tamaki yelled at them or how often they teased him because they cared for each other.

"Haruhi, eat something!" Honey reminded the girl.

She giggled. They watched her pick up a plate and cutlery. There was so much food on the table. She felt overwhelmed. The girl ate well at home but she was not served so much in her entire life. Then her eyes landed on the plate of ootoro.

Haruhi looked up. She met their eager smiles. It was not on the menu. They did not buy it from their recent shopping trip.

They got it just for her. "E-Everyone..." she started to say but Tamaki placed a finger between her lips. He smiled then pulled it away. "Thank you."

The Hitachiin brothers exchanged high fives. They sneaked it in without Haruhi's knowledge. Kyouya was the one who thought it up. Tamaki approved it. They all wanted to make her very happy.

She finished placing food on her plate. The twins scooted aside to let her sit but she opted to sit down beside Honey and Mori. They pouted.

"Let's all eat!" The Host Club chorused happily. Dinner was rowdy, as usual. The table was full of conversation, jokes and hearty appetites. It was a happy affair. They acted like they were a real family.

"Are you going to stay at Ouran?" Haruhi asked Honey. She noted that he'd consumed most of the cake. "You've graduated already."

Honey nodded. "Yes, we will. It's great that Tama-chan's father opened a university last year. I didn't want to change schools..."

She smiled when he pouted like a little boy. Honey was so cute and he acted so well. It was a part of his charm. Girls from all ages fell for that act.

Ouran High School had recently expanded into a university. The Suoh family had decided to widen their territories by adding college courses into their curriculum. Education was still their highest priority and it was the one of the best in the country. They offered the best of everything to their students.

"What will you study, Honey-senpai?" Kaoru asked, interested.

"I'm not sure," Hani replied cheerfully. "But I'll figure something out. I have to make sure that it's going to help my family though."

"What about you, Mori-senpai?" she asked.

"I'll study with Honey-kun," answered the usually silent young man.

Haruhi grinned. Wherever Honey went, Mori was sure to follow. It was good that they were staying in Ouran. She would definitely miss them if they left. She couldn't imagine the Host Club without them.

"You're still a part of the Host Club, right?" asked Hikaru.

Hani nodded as he chewed. "I talked to Kyo-chan already. We'll stay in the club! We don't want to miss out!"

"Won't you be too busy to join us after school?" Haruhi asked, practical as always. The rest of the boys spat out what they were eating. That was so Haruhi.

Mori shook his head. "We won't miss it."

Kyouya took note of that.

"I still want to be around you guys!" Honey announced happily. "I don't want to be apart from my friends."

Haruhi smiled at him. Me neither, she thought.

oOoOoOo

The Host Club decided to play games after dinner. They left the food alone, just in case they wanted more. When Haruhi wanted to clean up, they scolded her.

"Let's play, Haruhi!" said Kaoru with an enticing smile. "We want you to relax!"

"Ah, sure," she said uncertainly. Maybe the mess could wait?

Tamaki was waving a soda bottle. He was standing on the open deck. "Let's play Truth or Dare! I've got the bottle!"

Haruhi stared at him. She had a bad feeling about it. Truth or Dare usually led to unusual events. "Let's go!" The Hitachiin brothers said excitedly. They ran to the deck, chanting happily. Though they were almost adults, they were still little kids inside.

Mori lifted Haruhi like she was a sack that he was carrying to the mill. She protested feebly but she let it be. This was how Mori showed his affection. Honey and Kyouya trailed behind them, chatting amiably. The twins went ahead to the deck.

Tamaki had changed the music from jazz to rock. He was dancing wildly on the deck as if he did not have a care in the world. It did not resemble any of the elegant dances he knew but it was beautiful anyhow. Tamaki danced and laughed as if he was drawing joy from the deep reserves of his soul.

"He's not drunk, right?" Hikaru whispered to his twin. Kaoru burst out laughing. Mori set Haruhi back on her feet. She gave him a big smile that he returned.

"Haru-chan, let's dance!" Honey said as he took her hand. She laughed as they twirled on the makeshift dance floor. Honey let her go and she landed in Mori's arms. "You're a great dancer, Haru-chan! I wish that I'll grow tall enough to lead you someday."

Mori was too tall but she liked looking up to him. His face was always calm and serene. She smiled up at him while they waltzed. Mori was her big brother. His touch told her that he would always be there for her. In his arms, she felt secure and protected.

"May I?" Kaoru asked huskily as he cut in. She grinned as he held her close to dance. They were well-matched. She always felt like a lady in Kaoru's arms. After the Ouran Dance Party, Haruhi had discovered that dancing was quite a lot of fun. She had a grace that was all her own.

"Kaoru, can I cut in?" asked Hikaru. He bowed like a true gentleman. He extended a hand to his brother with a wicked grin. She giggled in spite of herself. The beautiful brotherly love act was still hilarious. It worked wonders to win other women's hearts but it never worked on her.

The twins started to dance with each other in an exaggerated manner. Haruhi laughed harder. They were also making kissing noises and lovey-dovey faces. Mori and Honey were grooving to the beat. Tamaki was still dancing alone. She stared at his ecstatic face.

She grinned and stepped back to take a photograph inside her mind. She wanted to preserve that image in her memories forever.

Kyouya stepped in front of her then he bowed. He held out his hand. She took it. They danced with equal grace. Kyouya was decisive and he led her like a true gentleman should. She felt that he was enjoying himself. It was felt strange to be dipped and twirled but it was a nice kind of strange. She can't help but laugh when Tamaki noticed them.

The blond man approached them and he took her away from Kyouya. Haruhi didn't want to spoil his mood so she let him. They danced like they'd never danced before. It was not an elegant waltz or a seductive tango. Theirs was a dance that expressed their true emotions.

"Haruhi.." Tamaki said softly. She was smiling and laughing while she swayed. They danced like there was no tomorrow. The night grew older while they danced their worries away. It felt good to be young and free.

When they got tired, Kaoru turned off the stereo. The Host Club boys were all panting and laughing from their exertions. Tamaki was laughing the loudest. He stretched his arms and lay down on the smooth hardwood deck's floor. The other boys followed suit to form a small circle.

A benign moon smiled down on them. Stars twinkled in the velvet sky. It was a perfect night. Haruhi's eyes softened. She was lying beside Tamaki and Hikaru. They were also smiling contentedly. She wished that they could stay like that forever.

"I feel good," Haruhi said quietly.

"Milord, let's play something fun," Kaoru suggested. He sat up and picked up the green bottle of soda. "What's that commoner's game? Wasn't it called Truth or Dare?"

"Yes! That's it!" Tamaki recovered and stood up. He towered over all of them. "Let us play that fantastic commoner's game to know more about each other! It will be a magnificent game to play!"

Haruhi sat up and looked up at him. Who knew he was so tall? Did he know how to use it to his advantage? She shook her head, smiling.

"I want to play!" Honey said, waving his arm.

That's what so much fun when she was with the Host Club. They were always game to try anything. They never shied away from any interesting experience. The boys got up and sat cross-legged on the deck. Tamaki placed the bottle in the middle with great ceremony. The twins turned to Haruhi.

"How do we play this game?" they asked.

"Well, we spin the bottle," she explained carefully "and when it points to someone, we'll make him choose truth or dare. If he chooses truth then he has to answer our questions honestly. But if he chooses dare then he has no choice but to do our orders."

"Sounds like my kind of game!" Hikaru cheered.

"Thank you Haruhi for the short and sweet explanation," Tamaki said grandly. "We'll enjoy this game with all of our hearts!"

Haruhi rolled her eyes.

"Haru-chan! We shouldn't lie if we choose to say truth, ne?" Honey asked eagerly.

She nodded in agreement. "No lying."

Tamaki knelt down in front of her, holding a red rose. "Certainly not! We give you our word, in our honor as gentlemen."

"I don't know why I should participate," Kyouya said coolly.

"Don't be a party pooper, Mom!" Tamaki begged with big puppy eyes. The dark-haired man sighed and resigned himself to his fate. "There should be some merits from this…"

Haruhi sighed and accepted the rose. He sat down and spun the bottle. It went on and on until it stopped in front of Kaoru.

"So, what do you choose? Truth or dare?" Tamaki asked in a serious tone.

"Dare!" said the younger Hitachiin twin.

The other boys huddled together and started whispering with each other. They wanted to make Kaoru do something very entertaining.

"What should we make him do?" whispered Tamaki.

"Don't make it hard," cautioned Hikaru.

"Can we make him eat cake?" Honey asked, grinning.

Kyouya was glad that he had set up security cameras everywhere. A video of the Host Club antics would fetch a tidy profit. It would need some editing but there would be lots of great raw material. He can imagine the six digit numbers that will add to their club funds.

"Hmm," Tamaki said as he thought deeply. "Let's make him run three laps to and from the beach!"

"That's too easy," Hikaru objected.

"I thought you didn't want to give him a hard time," the King said slyly.

Hikaru pouted. "He's my brother but I want to be entertained too."

"I have an idea," said Haruhi. "Please listen."

Kaoru watched them with a smile. He scratched his head as they whispered inside their huddle. It was really great that they were using teamwork. He was game enough to do anything that they can think of. The Hitachiin twin was certainly not a daredevil for nothing.

"Kaoru, create at least sand angels for us!" Tamaki ordered. He grinned. "You're not allowed to shake the sand off your body!"

He knew it was going to be itchy but he did it anyway. It was not good if he disgraced the Hitachiin name! The Host Club rolled over laughing as Kaoru lay down on the sand to create seven sand angels. Then the brown-haired boy carved faces on the angels and labeled them on the sand.

Haruhi grinned at the adorable sand angels. Kaoru had thoughtfully created a portrait of a mini Host Club on the shore. Tamaki's angel even had a small crown on top of his head. The details gave the sand angels character.

When they were all seated in a circle again, she told him what she thought of it. Kaoru squeezed her hand gratefully.

Tamaki spun the bottle again. It stopped in front of Kyouya. The twins exchanged evil grins. This was good. "Truth or dare?" Tamaki challenged.

"I choose truth," Kyouya said as he adjusted his glasses. He knew that this stupid game would gain him nothing personally but he decided to play along. It wouldn't hurt at all. His pride wouldn't survive if he chose the other option anyway.

Before anyone could say anything, Honey asked. "Do you like Haru-chan?"

Kyouya flushed. The rest of the guys stared, amazed. He cleared his throat. "I do. She's an interesting person."

"I'm glad you have a good opinion of me," Haruhi piped up.

The Shadow King did not say anything. He hoped that his face would stop heating up in the most inconvenient times. It was not the right time to lose his cool. He didn't want to disgrace himself. It was the safest answer. He'd said it a thousand times. He just wished that the others would leave it at that. They were still looking at him as if they found it strange that he had that kind of opinion.

"Let me spin!" Honey volunteered. He spun the bottle with a smile. It spun for such a long time they started to wonder what was wrong with it. Then it stopped in front of Tamaki. The blond smiled and extended his arms. Haruhi stared at him, curious.

What kind of idiocy will Tamaki do now?

"Truth," Tamaki said simply.

"What do you like best about Haruhi?" Honey asked eagerly. This could get interesting.

Tamaki blushed. He bowed his head, twiddled his fingers and bit his lip. What was he supposed to say? What will they think if they found out that he loved her more than he should? What will they do when they know that he loved her smile, her personality and her kind heart?

"I like everything about her," he said quietly.

Everyone watched him in stunned silence. Kaoru rescued him by spinning the bottle again. They got distracted.

The Host Club enjoyed the rest of the game. They made Mori recite a long English poem when he chose dare. It was the longest speech that he'd ever made in front of the club. They conspired to make Honey eat something sour; the Haninozuka heir gamely tried it before bursting into tears. Hikaru was forced to admit most of his misdeeds in middle school to Kyouya. The black-haired boy was glad that he had lots of raw material for blackmail. Kyouya, to his misfortune because he chose dare, was also forced to dance "Asereje" when the bottle stopped in front of him. They all agreed that they would not stop playing until Haruhi got her turn. The boys got their wish.

The bottle pointed its nose to Haruhi.

"Truth or dare, darling daughter?" Tamaki asked, smiling excitedly.

"Um, I'd rather have a dare," Haruhi said, thinking that she got the safe choice. She didn't want to choose truth. It would not be to her advantage if they found out the truth. Maybe she should just do whatever they wanted to get them to shut up. They won't do anything that would possibly embarrass her.

They gathered together in a close huddle.

Now she was the one who was left out. Haruhi giggled at the sight of them. They were all so busy whispering and arguing. It was amusing. Tamaki looked like he was violently objecting to one of the suggestions. The Hitachiin twins were wearing identical evil smiles. Honey was jumping up and down. Mori and Kyouya were nodding in agreement.

What the hell are they planning?" she asked herself.

"We've decided!" Tamaki said in a deep voice. "Show us your swimsuit! Let us revere your beauty. You're not allowed to wear the dress for the rest of the night."

"Eh?" she squeaked.

The twins smiled and rubbed their palms together. Honey and Mori smiled at her encouragingly. She couldn't read Kyouya's face.

Tamaki looked at her curiously. Their eyes met. She was surprised that he looked so serious. They were her best friends. They would not let anything happen to her.

"Is there anything else?" she asked. Her voice was heavy with irony.

They shook their heads eagerly.

Haruhi didn't really care. She was used to wearing swimsuits to the beach. They were not perverts either. (Though they had the annoying habit of barging in the room whenever she was dressing, it was not their fault. It was her fault because she didn't think about locking up.) It was good that she was wearing a one-piece swimsuit. Otherwise she would have a whole lot of problems in her hands.

It was only a silly game. She was doing it for a dare.

She stood up and lifted the edges of the dress. The Host Club held its breath. With a smile, she pulled the dress off. The white swimsuit clung to her body like second skin. It hugged all the right curves. The little belt emphasized her small waist. The under-wire gave her small breasts a great boost. Kaoru was not kidding when he said he knew what looked good on her.

Their noses started to bleed. Tamaki began to hyperventilate. Everyone let out a collective sigh of admiration. Haruhi was... beautiful. No other word came close.

"I was right," Kaoru whispered. He nudged his twin who was speechless.

Mori and Honey were fanning an unconscious Tamaki. Haruhi rolled her eyes. She folded the beautiful blue dress into a small bundle before sitting down again. "Are we finished now?"

The guys nodded at once. They kept their eyes averted from her. "What shall we do next? It's still very early," Haruhi said brightly.

"Let's rest and have some cold drinks," Hikaru offered. The rest of the Host Club agreed. They were tired and hot from all of their activities.

So they left the deck to go back to the long picnic table. Tamaki sat beside a giggling Haruhi. Kyouya was seated on her other side. The Hitachiin brothers, Mori and Honey sat across them.

Hikaru and Kaoru smiled at each other. They remembered the beer that they stored in the minibar. It was cold, refreshing and very different from what they were used to. They would not admit it but they'd opened a bottle once to test it out. The Hitachiin twins liked the fact that it was unlike the expensive wines that they grew up with.

They went inside and took out six bottles each. Mori followed them on their second trip to the kitchen. He carried six more bottles while they took the can opener and a bowl of ice. The rest of the group was engaged in a conversation that revolved around different kinds of cakes.

Hikaru set the can opened down. He thought that this was the first time that they would be drinking alcohol. It was a manly activity that would bond them more. The Host Club usually served tea and coffee to ladies. Alcoholic drinks were prohibited.

They never had the opportunity to drink together before.

"Well, this is a first," Kaoru observed.

"With Haruhi no less," Hikaru added.

They broke the ice, placed them on glasses and opened a few bottles. The other guys looked at the amber-colored drink curiously. It was different from champagne, brandy and cognac. They thought that the smell was intoxicating and the color was mesmerizing. It was the drink that would bind them all together.

Tamaki poured beer into his glass eagerly. He'd never tasted the commoner's drink before! "Shall I make a toast?"

Kyouya stared at him carefully. He realized that he didn't have any notes about their behavior when they were drunk. It was easy to guess the worst drinker. His eyes landed on Tamaki. Would it be easy to control them though? The Host Club would surely get rowdy.

He decided not to get drunk.

"To the Ouran Host Club who is my family," Tamaki said seriously.

"Cheers!" The rest of the group yelled. Even Honey and Haruhi had a glass.

Haruhi raised it in response. They drank it at the same time. She winced at the bitter aftertaste. They looked like they enjoyed it. She smiled to herself.

It was the first time that the six young men had sat down to drink together. They were eager to explore this new territory.

Beer loosened their tongues and inhibitions. It removed invisible barriers and opened new avenues. Old stories were retold and cherished. New stories were told and enjoyed. They all experienced a feeling of closeness and bonding while they drank together.

Mori went back to the minibar every once in a while to get new bottles. He was the only one who had any resemblance to sobriety by that time. Hikaru and Kaoru became more loquacious after they finished five glasses. They also started to sing songs and tell hysterical stories of their childhood. Tamaki was only too happy to oblige by singing along. Honey became quiet and pensive after his sixth. Kyouya did not have more than four glasses in order to maintain control.

Haruhi decided that she liked drinking with them. She had consumed four and a half glasses at least. They were entertaining her with stories of mutual childhoods and shared secrets.

She wondered if they could do this more often. Maybe she could invite her father. He used to be a heavy drinker. In fact, Ryoji Fujioka used to work for a liquor store. The Host Club would love to know her father more.

She stared at the amber-colored liquid on her glass. Why was she thinking about her father? He'd definitely kill them all. Ryoji didn't want any man to take her away. He was a protective man. If her father knew about her secret affection to Tamaki, he'd kill the blond without mercy.

"You know, Kaoru used to cry whenever Mom made dresses for girls," Hikaru said loudly. "He didn't want Mom to want little girls."

"You're so mean," the younger Hitachiin said with a pout.

"But you're so cute," the elder twin said as he cupped his younger brother's cheeks. "You make me want to wipe away your tears..."

"If you want to hear squeals of admiration, dream on." Honey said slowly. He didn't change his serious tone. "It's not cute because we're all guys."

Hikaru and Kaoru were wrapped in a sleepy embrace. They turned to the Haninozuka heir. "Haruhi is not a guy. She can still be seduced."

Honey giggled. "Yeah, right. Like Haru-chan will fall for the incestuous implications of your twisted relationship."

"It will work," Hikaru insisted.

"It won't." Honey said in a decisive tone. He looked at Haruhi with knowing eyes. "That's nothing compared to mine. Loli-shota is a technique that works every time."

Mori looked at Honey strangely. It was odd to hear the cute and sweet Haninozuka heir talk this way. He did not know that Honey could be so cool and calculating. He was actually surprised. Maybe it was because he had never seen an intoxicated Honey.

"You're too childish, Honey-senpai," Kaoru said innocently. "Haruhi will not get attracted to a cute boy. What she needs is a real man."

"Are you Hikaru or Kaoru?" asked the blond boy suspiciously. He squinted at them. It was like seeing quadruple. "You're starting to look alike..."

They all gaped. Honey was drunk! Mori turned to a sober Kyouya with questioning eyes. The Ohtori heir gave a subtle nod. If Honey became violent, Mori would restrain him.

"Yes, that's because we're identical twins," Hikaru said sarcastically.

Tamaki suddenly yelled. He turned to them with watery eyes. "What are you doing? Why are you discussing strategies on how to take away my darling daughter from me? Why are you comparing techniques? It won't work, I tell you!"

They blinked. Did they miss something?

Tamaki burst out crying in a dramatic fashion. "It's not proper for you to think of her that way. She's your sister, your friend! How dare you assume that she would fall for any of you! Your brotherly love is not adorable. A man who pretends to be a boy is not attractive. A quiet man without any words is boring. Men who think too much about money is a turn-off!

"There's no way my precious daughter would consider any of you. If you want to arouse a woman's inner femininity, you must show her your true masculinity! You must be passionate and aggressive. Show her whose boss! You must be like an inspired rake, an ardent lover!"

The Hitachiin twins snapped out of their sleepiness and started clapping. When Tamaki started on his bombastic speeches, who knows when it would end.

Honey listened but his eyes started to close against his will. Mori watched Hani patiently. Kyouya listened while he sipped his drink. It was fascinating to listen to Tamaki's Freudian slips.

"A woman rejoices in undivided attention from a man! She feels loved, adored and worshipped. Haruhi must feel like a woman if we pay attention to her. She must be flattered and admired. Her maiden's blossoming aesthetics must be respected. My daughter is becoming a young woman..." Tamaki shed waterfalls of tears. "As a father, I cannot stop her. There's a vast ocean between us. Before we know it, she'd be snatched away by some stranger..."

Kyouya patted his back insincerely. He noticed Haruhi's expression. She had an odd look in her face.

"You really care that much, huh?" she said softly. The whole Host Club looked at her. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were bright. Haruhi was suddenly hyper-aware of her surroundings and her feelings. She was getting into the moment.

"Of course, I do." The half-French boy answered. "We all do. Ever since you joined the Host Club, everything changed."

Hikaru and Kaoru slid closer to her. They wrapped possessive arms around her. "Yes but it was good change. We're grateful to the circumstances that brought you to us. It was fate," said Kaoru. "We believe it was fated for you to walk in the Third Music Room."

"You're a blessing, Haru-chan." Honey smiled radiantly. "We're always happy because of you. Whenever you're with us, we feel better. We're more animated and more inspired to do our best."

"Different from others," Mori said after drinking his sixth glass. "You're just the girl we're looking for."

Haruhi blushed harder. She didn't realize that they felt that way for her. It was turning into a deep and meaningful conversation. She was aware that her friends were very fond of her but she had no idea that they loved her. But she was happy because she loved them just as much.

Hikaru and Kaoru started reminiscing about their early days as Hosts. Honey became hyper again after his eighth glass. Mori and Kyouya went on drinking and observing. Haruhi laughed and laughed at the twins.

Tamaki felt the wine go to his head. He felt dizzy and happy from the heady sensations. Then he felt the urgent need to relieve himself. His violet eyes settled on the beach. The waves looked calm and soothing. "I need to clear my head. I'm going for a walk. Excuse me," he said quietly.

The Host Club watched their King go. He was ranting about womanhood, Haruhi and love when his mood suddenly changed. They let him be. Tamaki headed to the beach without a backward glance.

They watched, scared and curious. It took some more prodding from Kyouya to resume their drinking. They talked and joked and laughed some more. It took all of their efforts to regain the light atmosphere. They would deal with their moody King later. It was nothing out of the ordinary anyway.

Haruhi watched him go. "Shouldn't someone follow him? What if he passes out?"

The Shadow King adjusted his glasses.

Hikaru and Kaoru were too smashed to notice. Honey was slumped over the table, asleep. Mori was staring at her with sleepy eyes. She rolled her eyes. "Does this mean the party's over?"

"Yes," Kyouya answered as he got up. He realized that he'd underestimated the beer when he took a wrong step. Haruhi's hands stopped him from falling down. "Can you deal with Tamaki while I make them go to bed?"

She gave him a grateful smile.

Kyouya watched her go. He wished that he was also too drunk to notice.

oOoOoOo