AN: Hi! Remember I don't own Ouran. I had a dream I owned the Host Club once, let me tell you it was terrifying. Then I woke up in reality and I no longer owned any Host Club related media at all. Now I miss the chaos....
TDoHF Ch. 4 The Death of Haruhi Fujioka aka Cosplays, Cross-dressing, and Plots oh my!
The Hitachiin's arrived at the hospital early that morning, eager to see Haruhi. They had been busy with their parents for the rest of the day after asking if they could take Haruhi in, and had not yet returned to the hospital.
When they entered Haruhi's hospital room they were piqued to see Kyoya and Haruhi sleeping soundly together. They raised their eyebrows in suspicion and began to poke the Shadow King, not fearing the Low Blood Pressure Demon at the moment.
Kyoya opened one eye and leveled a glare at the red headed devils that were pulling him out of his sleep. "So, is this why you always volunteered to stay the night with Haruhi?" Kaoru teased.
"Pervert," Hikaru muttered.
Kyoya closed his eye, "If you are just here to mock, then leave."
"We're not just here for that. We came to talk to Haruhi about yesterday. Our parent's are waiting in the lobby for Haruhi to OK them so they can come up and see her. By the way Shadow King, you might want to do something about all the fan girls who are waiting down there for Haruhi as well."
Kyoya groaned and lifted himself out of the bed gently, trying not to wake Haruhi. His efforts were in vain when her large eyes snapped open. He smirked at her confused expression, "Apparently you have some visitors and I'm supposed to play crowd control."
This didn't seem to clear Haruhi's confusion, so the twins chimed in, "Haruhi, our parents are here to see you, can they come up?" The girl nodded, still not fully awake.
"Well of you go," they said triumphantly to Kyoya, smiling as they waved him away. The bespectacled teen grabbed his bag and headed out the door, intending to change and appear slightly presentable before the Host Club clients hoping to see Haruhi.
By the time the older two Hitachiin's made it to the room, Haruhi was fully awake. She was surprised to see Kaoru and Hikaru's parents until she remembered the conversation from yesterday and the twin's offer adoption. She blushed at the memory.
"Haruhi!" Yuzuha greeted warmly. She placed down a large bouquet of bright pink flowers on the window sill besides the rest of the get well tokens before sinking down in a chair next to the bed. "How have you been?" the woman asked kindly.
"I've been getting by," the girl answered humbly.
"She's just being modest," Kaoru spoke up.
"Yeah," Hikaru finished, "The first day she looked like crap."
"Boys," Yuzuha warned. The two smiled sheepishly. "Perhaps the two of you should take a walk while your father and I speak with Haruhi."
"But..." they stammered in unison.
"Relax boys, it's not like we're going to drop her out a window; your mother and I will just be speaking with her." Haruhi stared in surprise at the Hitachiin patriarch. For him that was an unusually long speech.
Hikaru was opening his mouth to protest when he was cut off by his brother, "Alright. We'll be back soon Haruhi!" He began to drag his more stubborn to the door. He was wondering if he and his brother really were identical, since at the moment he seemed to way twice as much as himself. Finally Hikaru relented and followed Kaoru to the door.
Once they were gone Haruhi looked to the two adults. She was uncertain of what to say to them. She was too embarrassed to bring up the topic of yesterday's conversation.
"Haruhi," Yuzuha spoke up, finally breaking the minutes of silence. The girl looked into the older woman's eyes. "I know we could never replace your parents, we would never try to do something like that. But I understand that you came to Ouran with a certain goal. If you would let us, we could help you accomplish that."
Haruhi looked at the pair. She hadn't expected them to be so open about everything. She felt tears begin to well up in her eyes. She looked away from the caring eyes. "I really couldn't," she whispered to the floor. "I don't want to accept an offer I could never pay back."
"Have you seen what you've done for our sons? If it weren't for you, they would probably still see life divided into two worlds-ours and theirs. You liberated them from that. It's something we never thought would happen. But you did it without ever realizing it. Our family will always be in debt to you for that. Would you really deny us this opportunity to thank you?"
In the clean white hall, Kaoru and Hikaru sat silently, not taking notice of those passing by. They only finally took notice of reality when a dark haired figure sat next to them, pushing up his glasses.
"If you weren't going to stay in the room, I could have used your assistance down in the lobby," Kyoya said smoothly.
"Sorry we were too busy thinking." Kyoya raised his eyebrow, intrigued.
"Well you see, we were thinking. If Haruhi accepts our offer, she will become a Hitachiin. Do you suppose that the paper work could make it appear as though Haruhi Fujioka never left?"
Kyoya was trying to follow the conversation, which was a challenge when the twins continued to alternate every sentence. His confusion must have been evident, for they continued.
"You know, in case someone was to try and find her after being away for a long time. Do you suppose that we could make it look like she never made it out of the hospital?"
It suddenly clicked in Kyoya's mind just what the two were asking. He leaned back, deep in thought. "I suppose the paperwork could be filed in such a way that should someone ever return and search from Haruhi, the trail could very well run cold here. Should she agree to you parent's proposition, it would be a very ambitious plan indeed."
"Boys," Yuzuha called to her sons and Kyoya. Their three heads shot up quickly. She couldn't help but let a small smile pull at her lips. All three got up and followed her back to the room. As they entered she said with a sweet smile, "May I be the first to introduce you to Haruhi Hitachiin."
Kaoru and Hikaru's eyes widened at the introduction. "Really?" they asked, thinking it almost too good to be true. Their friend smiled at them from her bed and nodded. "HARUHI!" Without hesitation they both threw themselves at the girl, embracing her in a tight hug. She shouted in shock, just as Kyoya shouted out something about stitches.
"I really do think that 'the Hitachiin triplets' really have a better zing to it than 'the Hitachiin Twins.'" One of the red heads exclaimed, though no one could tell which one said it from the pile of teenagers.
"Boys, I think Haruhi still needs to breathe." The red heads pulled away from the girl reluctantly.
"We'll be back later," Yuzuha continued, "We have to handle some paper work it appears." The four teens nodded, all at a lost for what today.
Once the older Hitachiins were gone, the twins turned to Haruhi, a devilish grin on each of their faces.
"Do I even want to know?"
"Well, Haruhi," they said at the same time, "Now that you've agreed to be a Hitachiin, we can make Haruhi Fujioka vanish once you get out of the hospital. It will be like you never made it out."
Seeing Haruhi's confusion, Kyoya volunteered an explanation, "They mean to say that we could manipulate the paperwork to make it appear to certain idiots who might come looking for you from a distant country, like oh say France, that you died."
Understanding flashed in Haruhi's eyes. She hesitated though, could she do something that cruel to Tamaki? She thought of all the times he had tried to help her at the Host Club. Sure he screwed up most of the time, but his heart had always been in the right place. Then she saw him standing in that car, Tonerre loosely holding his arm. She saw him remain perfectly still as she flew off the edge of the bridge. She looked into the three sets of eyes waiting for her response.
"So you think the lack of evidence will be enough to convince him?"
Kyoya's glasses flashed dangerously. "Possibly not, but we can always generate more plans. If he ever comes back, we'll be prepared."
The twins bared their teeth, "Does this mean you'll support the plan?" Haruhi merely nodded in confirmation. "Oh Haruhi!" They yelled excitedly, once again throwing their arms around her in a tight hug, "You really are a mischievous type! Its official, you've been promoted from toy to sister!"
"Haru-chan is your sister? So she's staying at Ouran?" A sweet voice asked. They turned to see that Mori and Honey had arrived, bringing with them bags of take-out for lunch. When everyone nodded Honey jumped onto Haruhi's bed and gave the girl a quick hug, "Haru-chan, I'm so happy."
Haruhi smiled. Soon the take-out was distributed amongst all of them and the five were eating and conversing merrily. The twins sat possessively on either side of her, forcing Kyoya to abandon his usual seat for one of the plastic chairs.
Into the early afternoon Kassanoda once again stopped by to check on Haruhi. Kyoya had excused himself to make some phone calls, and Honey and Mori had left to attend one of their karate classes. The twins had agreed to give the two privacy only after they let the gangster know that Haruhi was becoming their sister and nearly paralyzing him with fear from their glares.
Once they were gone, Haruhi turned to Kassanoda, eyes wide. "Kassanoda, we're friends right?"
The man nodded not sure where that question could go.
"Then would you mind doing me a favor?" He nodded once again. "Would you mind helping me out of this bed?"
He stared at her in shock, that was all she was going to ask him?
"I know the others wouldn't let me stand up, but the doctors said I was recovering alright and that I can move around the room if I want."
With a smile, her friend leaned over and helped her stand.
Kyoya hung up his phone and found himself drifting through the halls of the hospital lost in thought. He didn't pay mind to his surroundings until a figure stepped directly in front of him. He found himself looking eye to eye with no one other than his father, Yoshio Ootori.
"Father." He said calmly, wandering what his father was doing here. Relations had improved drastically between the two of them since the fair, Yoshio finally realizing his third son's potential. He now stood back and let his son basically act as he wanted to, no longer criticizing or reminding him of his place. Kyoya had not questioned his suddenly widened horizons, fearful that one wrong move could bring an end to this new peace.
"Kyoya," Yoshio responded calmly to his son, his voice never losing its cold and calculating tone. "I've been wishing to speak to you but have been unable to since you still have not returned home. I find it rather peculiar that I must come all the way to the hospital to have a conversation with my son in person."
"I can see where some would find that peculiar Father. I have been staying here to help my friend with this difficult moment in her life."
"Yes, the young Miss Fujioka. Although I have heard a rumor that she will soon be adopted, so would it be better if I say Miss Hitachiin?"
Kyoya wasn't really all that surprised that his father had already learned of Haruhi's status change. Although he highly doubted his father came only to discuss the rumor.
"Why have you been spending so much time here Kyoya?"
"As I said before, it is to help Haruhi, especially with medical decisions."
"I could understand that for the first night or so, but I have been told that your friend has stabilized since then. As for the transition, if I heard correctly none of your other friends have stayed here since the crash without going home, not even her soon to be brothers. So, why have you?"
Kyoya froze and looked at his father with widened eyes. His shock was gone in a moment however. "I believe I have already explained myself."
"Then explain this for me son, what is this girl to you?" Kyoya stared at his father, unable to answer. He feared that any answer he gave could be used by the older Ootori against Haruhi.
"Understand this Kyoya, whatever is between the two of you I will not interfere with it. I intend to see you home soon." With that Yoshio turned and walked away from his son. Kyoya watched his father leave; too numb to fully understand what had just happened.
"So, have you gotten your kick the can tournament started yet?" Haruhi asked as she gingerly paced back and forth.
"We start this weekend, the guys are..." Before Kassanoda could say anything more they were interrupted by a nurse clearing her throat as she entered.
"Excuse me, but I'm here to see Mr. Fujioka..." The woman started before staring at the very feminine figure in front of her. "Haruhi?"
"Renge?"
The two girls stared at each other, each at a loss for words. Kassanoda remained very still, believing the information he had learned from nature documentaries about staying still was the best way to survive should a huge fight break out.
"You're a nurse?" Haruhi finally asked to break the silence.
"Of course not silly. I'm just dressing as one to come see you. This was originally one of my cosplays for that shojo... Oh never mind that right now. You're a girl?"
"Well yeah."
"Oh." Haruhi could see Renge working out the whole situation in her mind, thinking over all the events of the past year. Slowly the girls eyes cleared, any mysteries that had formed around Haruhi finally solving themselves. Suddenly a glow came into Renge's eyes, causing Haruhi to take a nervous step back. She knew that look too well; the French girl was going into imagination overdrive and creating a story no doubt balancing romance and tragedy while making use of some stereotypical situation. Many would not find such a thing threatening, but those many people had never met Renge.
"Oh how romantic!" the French girl cried. Haruhi felt her stomach clench in fear of what wild story she had cooked up. If she didn't know any better she would even guess that she saw a drop of sweat fall from Kassanoda's forehead.
"It's rather sweet now that I can fully understand everything. You obviously ran into financial trouble when you ran up a debt with the Host Club, no doubt through destroying some irreplaceable piece of art. You disguised yourself as a boy to earn credit within the club faster to nullify your debt. But as you did so you wormed your way into each hosts heart without realizing it. Of course they did the same to you, causing endless drama and situations both angsty and humorous." At rounding out her theory Renge turned her large doe eyes on Haruhi. "Am I right?"
Haruhi's shoulders slumped foreword. Of course the onetime Renge manages to concoct a wild story that did apply to real life was the one time she didn't need it to happen. "Something like that."
"That is true, but we need a better spin on it for the Host Club customers if you want to remain in the club," Kyoya's silky voice spoke up from the door way. He entered the room calmly, followed by Haruhi's new brothers.
"Haruhi, you shouldn't be up and about so soon, you might hurt your stitches again." They said as they began to herd the girl back to her bed. "What were you thinking letting her walk around like that Casanova?" She rolled her eyes but let them lead her back to the white bed. At least she had been given a few minutes to walk around.
As they did this, Kyoya turned his attention to Renge. "I'm glad you could come on such short notice. As the Host Club manager, I thought you would be interested in this turn of events for the Host Club. We were also hoping that you would be able to help us put a more interesting spin on our previous concealment of Haruhi's sex."
"We were?" three voices asked simultaneously.
"Of course," the spectacled teen answered, giving his customary plotting smile. Haruhi merely rolled her eyes in response.
"What would you need me to do?" Renge asked, all too please at the idea of assisting Kyoya.
"We need you to create a story about why Haruhi hid her true sex to the world while she was at Ouran. It needs to stick with her 'natural' style and leave the clients feeling sympathetic and even more endeared."
"Why does anyone even have to know that Haruhi's a girl?" Hikaru asked, his arm casually wrapped around Haruhi's shoulders. "Can't we just stick with the story that she is just a really pretty guy?"
"Sorry we're late, kendo ran a bit long," Honey chimed from Mori's shoulders. Both froze upon entering and seeing Renge in the room. "Renge-chan, how nice of you to visit Haruhi! I'm sure he appreciates it! I didn't know you were a nurse here."
"It's alright, she figured it out." Kassanoda spoke up, happy to finally have something to add to the conversation.
"Will someone answer my damn question?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Haruhi answered, "People are going to hear about your parents adopting me. Your mom likes to dress me up as much as you two, so I doubt she'll lie on the paperwork and say I'm a boy. Besides, that's kinda illegal. People are going to find out after that."
"And if we want Haruhi Fujioka's disappearing act to work, it would be better for you two to suddenly get a sister then a brother who just happens to have Haruhi's first name," Kyoya added. Turning back to Renge he continued, "On that note, if this story didn't reach France, it would be a good thing. Also, if it happened to cast an unflattering light on a certain false prince, that would be good as well." '
"I'll see what I can do. So the Hitachiin family is adopting Haruhi? You know this opens up more possible acts right?" Upon seeing numerous blank stares she continued, "Well, we can still have the 'brotherly love' act, but the 'rookie' will be harder to pull off now. Haruhi could still dress as a boy I suppose, but now we'll have to make it seem like she is doing it to please the other girls. We could make it conspiratorial, make it seem she is undercover and the girls are helping keep her secret. The 'public-secret' act! It's perfect!"
"Its mind boggling how quickly she can come up with these things," Haruhi mused. The twins and Honey nodded in agreement. Mori and Kyoya seemed unphased.
"So this means you'll help us?"
Renge nodded eagerly and fell into a chair in the corner. She whipped out a notebook from the folds in her nurses costume and was soon scrawling notes.
"While we are on the topic, I expect everyone to keep up the good work, since everyone will have extra clients now. Also, keep your eyes open for anyone who might make a good addition to our team."
"Kassanoda," Mori said solemnly. The gangster jumped when he heard his name and looked up at Mori worriedly.
"Excellent idea!" Renge squealed, "A tough trying to embrace his softer side and become a full-fledged gentleman. It's so precious!"
"Ummm..."
"Of course it is all up to you. But, things might run more smoothly if you were to agree, since it would create a new option for all of the clients. Also, it might avoid any nasty rumors start to circulate about what might have been between you and Haruhi..."Kyoya let the statement dangle.
The twins seized the opportunity, "Yeah, we couldn't let anyone thing something bad about Haruhi. Especially after that display a few months ago."
Kassanoda found that he had backed himself into the wall. He knew he wasn't able to stand up to the Host Club threats, his experience with them when he discovered Haruhi's secret had proved that.
"You don't have to force him if he doesn't want to do it," Haruhi argued for him. She looked into Kassanoda's eyes, "It would be fun to have you in the club though. We would get to see each other more often." Kassanoda sighed, sometimes that girl was more persuasive then any of the other Hosts threats.
"Well, I suppose I can do it."
"Congratulations, starting today you are a host. I'm sure Renge will help you learn the ropes before school starts. She is our lady manager after all." Renge nodded excitedly at Kyoya's words.
"Well, if we're in the plotting mood, maybe we should discuss our plans for getting back at..." Kaoru suggested, not saying the name that had become taboo around them.
"Well, if everyone else is on board," Kyoya looked around and saw everyone nodding, even Renge. "Then let us prepare...."
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End of chapter 4
Haruhi-I just noticed this writer isn't really using Honey and Mori all that much...
Hikaru/Kaoru-Yeah, what's up with that?
Kyoya-Well, the anime ended at the end of the school year, so it would make sense for those to graduate and move on.
Honey-Shhh Kyo-chan. If the manga can keep us around for no reason, then this fanfiction author should have no qualms.
Mori and Honey pointedly glare....
Scara K.- Ok, I promise, you guys will start showing up more.
Hikaru/Kaoru- Pushover.
As always thanks for reading, and remember reviews are appreciated. I'll try to get at least one more chapter out before the summer, but be warned after that they may slow down for a bit. Once August/September roles around things will pick up again. -SK
