Hello! Sooo, how's everybody? You out there in Africa who read this, HI! And those in Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Malaysia, U.K, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan and Canada! (Those of you in the U.S like me are no fun unless I know a state! Which I am not saying you should tell me, but I think it would be cool to know...) MOVING ON! Ok, I also noticed that I spelled manage wrong in the description. Fail. I fixed it! Please review! Now on with the story...
DISCLAIMER: Did I not already agree that I am making no money off of this in the Terms of Service agreement?! I thought so...
Moving my head slowly side to side to ease the crick in the muscle, I wandered through Ouran's halls. Turning away purposely from the one that would lead me to music room three. My steps echoing through the silent halls, my mind drifted to a place of nowhere, with no thoughts, pictures, or sound. In my state of bliss I failed to notice my two (sadly) best friends standing in my path. With an oomph I landed straight on my tailbone. Looking up at the two boys, I gave a cheeky smile, laughing as I bolted for the door, knowing very well that I would never make it. The soft black sleeves of the too big hoodie rubbing against my arms. As predicted, I managed to get a total of two steps forward before I was latched onto from behind. A childish face framed two bright brown eyes topped with a mop of blonde hair.
"Where ya goin' Tsu-chan?" Excited as always Honey toyed with my hood.
"Get off of me and I'll tell you." Using a sweet voice I waited for the extra weight to leave.
Once free of the puerile senior I turned to face the pair again. Clambering up on his cousin, Honey waited for my answer. The giant he was sitting on however looked utterly disinterested. Both Honey and I knew better though, Mori stood silent as a statue, but if you looked into the smoky depths of his eyes they would tell you otherwise. Right now they showed as much enthusiasm as his older cousins. Shaking the black hair away that had fallen in front of his handsome face, he waited.
"Do you want to know the truth to where I was going, or the nicer answer?" Cocking my head to the side like a dog I awaited the eldest boy's answer.
"The truth!" Bouncing up and down Honey gave the answer.
"Mitsukuni, stop please." Mori's deep voice rumble to my ears. I stood in shock. Did Mori just say a complete sentence? My face must have shown my surprise, as the now still Honey laughed.
"Just because Takashi doesn't talk a lot doesn't mean he doesn't know how!" Honey near fell off the said boys shoulders from laughing so hard.
"True!" Trying to use this as a distraction to get away, I started backing up slowly.
"Wait! You never told us where you were going!" With a sigh I gave up on trying to avoid this question. I hope the answer didn't hurt their feeling too much.
"I was going in truth anywhere but the third music room. I was trying to avoid even going today so that I wouldn't have to see what Hikaru and Kaoru wanted to put me in. So no, I was not heading to work even though it's a Friday. That work for you?" grimacing as I envisioned what the twins had put me in the past few days. Monday had been a maid outfit (over which I wore this same sweatshirt). Tuesday had been some atrociously bright colored pants and a similar shirt. Wednesday I had managed to get away before they could put anything on me. Thursday they "offered" me a tank top and shorts. That I blatantly refused. To which I was very happy to say I got Haruhi to back me up on. Over these past few weeks Haruhi and I had become very close. The day I asked if she was a girl, boy was that interesting...
Towering wooden doors opened to me as a blinding flash of light and rose petals clouded my view. Once I had picked all of the stuck petals out of my hair, the host club was revealed to me. Jumping into my arms Honey hugged me as tight as he could. Today was a meeting day, and I had become an unofficial member of the host club. Normally, I would cook, bake, serve and clean but today I had to do none of that. Releasing me, Honey scampered over to Mori dragging him over to a table piled high with cake. Everyone else had already spread about the room, doing their own separate thing. The twins were arguing over which was better: scoop-neck or V-neck. Tamaki was bothering Kyoya as he tried to figure out the finances. Of course Mori and Honey were still at that table eating cake, while Haruhi was studying.
Walking over to where Haruhi was sitting I sat in the chair across from her. After a few minutes of working tirelessly on our homework I couldn't help but ask the question that had been pestering my mind since I had met this 'natural' type.
"Haruhi," Looking up at me he/she gestured for me to continue. "You're a girl aren't you?" A stunned silence radiated across the room. Nodding yes Haruhi turned back to the Math book she was so arduously reading.
"What of course she's not! My Haruhi is most definitely not a girl! Heh heh heh..." Trying hard to cover up what I had already figured out. At this I shook my head, as if to tell him that I didn't believe it.
"So how'd you figure it out?" Placing a threatening hand on my shoulder Hikaru brought his face close to mine. Smiling I put my hand on top of his, and twisted.
"Ahh!" Stepping away from me he glared. I glared back. No one can beat me in this field, not with my eyes.
"It was rather simple really. But not at the same time. I will start with how it is simple. One: Haruhi is a girl's name!
Two: She doesn't look like a guy!
Now the reasons it was more difficult.
You had weaved an intricate web around her. If I wasn't around to hear Tamaki call her 'daughter' I probably would have dismissed the thoughts I had about her being female. The reason the rest of the school doesn't know yet is because you have given them no reason to think she could be female." Finishing I looked them all straight in the eye, looking lastly at Kyoya, who incidentally was the next one to speak.
"The real question is who will you tell?" Glasses glinting as he pushed them back up his nose, Kyoya looked back at me.
"No one, unless I am told by Haruhi to do otherwise. You don't have to worry about trusting me; I am loyal to the end." Feeling Haruhi smile at me I turned around to look back at her. Smiling I touched her shoulder, just inches below mine.
Plopping back on the couch I started to work on my homework again when I felt I was being stared at. Looking around I found three sets of eyes on me. Haruhi's chocolate brown eyes looked at me in a manner that reminded me of when she studied. Honey's lighter brown held the same sort of look. Then there was Mori's. I think I blushed slightly as I looked into his eyes and seen something I had never seen before in anyone's eyes. Whatever he was feeling, I didn't know what it was...
This had been last week and I think the twins had decided to punish me for figuring it out by constantly dressing me up. Turning my attention back to the cousins in front of me I gave a faint smile.
"You have to come today Tsu-chan! Tama-chan has a surprise for everyone!" Turning his expectant amber eyes to me, Honey begged. With a sigh of defeat I turned on my heel to go down to the third music room. Cheers erupted behind me as my older friends came to follow my retreating form. Walking with an ever so slight limp, I brushed my hair behind one ear and over to my left shoulder. Sometimes it really bothered me.
Soon enough they caught up to me, walking side by side, I risked a glance up at Mori. Steely eyes focused straight ahead, he seemed off in his own little world. I wonder what he's thinking about. Turning my own pale gaze to the hallway in front of us, a comfortable silence settled and made itself at home. This is how we walked, content in each other just being there, all the way till we reached the oak doors that marked our destination. Pushing open the doors, I trudged in, still unwilling to be there.
Setting myself down on one of the plush red chairs that littered the very pink room, I waited for our 'king' to make his 'very important' announcement. Important my ass. Currently the said blonde was sitting in a dark corner, drawing circles on the tiled floor. Biding my time I twiddled my thumbs, literally. Gazing around the room my eyes found an unexpected thing. Mori sat there looking between Honey and I. His gaze was not of someone trying to figure out with which one of us he would sit. When it was turned on me it was the emotion that I keep failing to see what it is. It burns heavy in his eyes whatever it is. Yet when he would look at his cousin, the look would change. His eyes then would show extreme protectiveness; all the while his face stayed a rigid mask.
A tingle ran down my spine as my eyes met his. Eyes locked it almost seemed like a trance that neither of us could break. It was one of the few times I have ever been glad to hear Tamaki's voice.
"I, your great King of the Host Club, have come up with possibly the best idea EVER!" Looking at all of us he seemed to wait for something. An awkward silence filled the room as we waited for Tamaki to continue. I glanced to my right at Haruhi then to my left at Kyoya, both seemed utterly confused. Haruhi shuffled her feet against the floor, not knowing where to look. Kyoya had ceased his writing in his black Death Note, oh sorry notebook. Looking over his glasses, eyebrows scrunched together in confusion he waited for Tamaki to continue also.
"Sooooooo, what is it Boss?!" Chiming in together, the twins couldn't wait any longer. Hanging on each of the older boy's shoulders they poked him in the cheeks.
"So?"
"I WAS PAUSING FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT! YOU TWO RUINED IT!" The wifty blonde shook the trouble-making twins off of him clearing his throat after they were on the floor. Oh, if only he could see the glares they are giving him. Letting out a silent little laugh I turned my attention back to Tamaki.
"I have decided that we need to take a family trip! It has been forever and a day since we last took one! Anyone have any guesses as to where we are going? I know Haruhi does!" Looking onto Haruhi with his big violet eyes I knew she wouldn't be able to refuse him a simple guess.
"Um, the Library?"At this point I couldn't help but laugh. Whether she knew it or not, the ever kind Haruhi had just suggested that they go to a place where senpai would have to shut up! I looked over at the girl needing to know if she realized what she had just done. As soon as she caught my eye, she fell out of her chair, clutching her sides laughing. Yep, you taught her well. Not long after I had joined Haruhi on the cold floor, trying desperately not to die of laughter.
Kyoya-senpai was the next one to get our joke, letting himself chuckle. Then came Honey whose laughter tinkled through the room. Mori soon joined in, cracking a smile. Soon all that was left was a very confused Tamaki-senpai and a pair of twins. Minutes later our laughter died down, and wiping tears from our eyes, Haruhi and I climbed back into our seats.
"Well, uh, no. We are going to the commoner's park! They have a big wood and benches and everything!" Still hopelessly confused Tamaki quickly turned back into his over excited self.
"Yay, Tama-chan! The park! I've never been to a commoner's park!" Honey looked at the only other blonde and smiled. I swear that kid's smile could turn anyone's heart to one of gold. Shaking my head I looked back at Tamaki-senpai, who was spouting off details.
"We'll all go in my limo. Haruhi will sit by Daddy and away from those shady twins! Away with you demons!" Picking up Haruhi, Tamaki commenced to run around chased by Hikaru and Kaoru. All the while Haruhi was shouting at him to get down. Ah, a normal day at the host club.
In one big glob, we all made our way down the final set of steps and towards an awaiting limo. The afternoon sun glinted off of the shiny black exterior and darkened windows. Slowly, the host club got in, leaving Kyoya and I for last. Carefully, I stepped in and lowered myself onto one of the open leather seats. With wide eyes I'm sure I looked around. It sure is more spacious than I thought...
"Is this your first time in a limo Tsuki?" Never looking up from his laptop Kyoya questioned me.
"Yeah, you see, poor commoners like me don't get to ride in fancy cars all the time." My fingers played with the sleeves of the hoodie while I looked at them while a highly amused expression.
"Finally someone besides me can tell them this! I honestly don't know why this always surprises you guys so much anyways." Haruhi looked at me and we sent each other looks of pity for having to deal with these idiots. Commoners, unite! Smiling again while still fiddling with the ends of my sleeves I watched the scenery roll past. Tree after tree went by in a blur, oak, maple and ash starting to change into more seasonal colors. Every now and then though, a dark green pine would whip past changing the colors dramatically. The others chatted amongst themselves, not bothering to watch the autumn beauty. I guess though, when everything is just handed to you and you don't have to wonder how long you'll live, things like rust colored leaves become obsolete and taken for granted. It's just so pretty; it feels like a waste not to admire it. Afteranother couple of minutes the rest of the host club must have noticed my silence as by now I normally would have chimed in with a sarcastic comment or such.
"What're you looking at Tsuki-chan?" Together the ever curious twins asked me. Turning kind eyes on them I told them.
"I'm watching the trees." Turning back to my window I tried to ignore their confused stares.
"Why would you want to watch trees?! It sounds so boring!" Together the twins asked me.
"I guess it could be pretty boring but I like it. Look for yourself and I'll guide you through," Everybody instantly went to find a window, everyone but Kyoya that is he doesn't give a rat's ass about anything. "Alright, you see that maple with the bright red leaves? When I see that I think of how it looks almost blood stained, and then that in a way it is. That tree has survived harsh winters that have broken its branches, and has probably survived a fire or two. Now the oak that seems to be made of gold, it too has faced the same things but it refuses to let others see its pain. In truth, it's much too vain to ever let anyone know that once it was on the bottom and had to fight its way to the top. Yet still it demands respect as it tries to raise others up, dusts them off and sets them on their way. So, it deserves its golden colors. That pine there, the tallest one, do you see it? It is the strongest of them all. When the other trees around him start to surrender to the cold because it is too hard, he keeps on fighting. Not only did he keep on fighting he was willing to bend against the weight of the snow on him, he didn't break. Because he did this he lived, he thrived. And now, he is the king of that forest." I looked back at the others to find them not looking out of their respective windows, but at me. Even Kyoya-senpai had shut his Pineapple laptop and was looking/glaring at me from behind his glasses. Tamaki-senpai's mouth was hanging open, mimicking the twins or vice versa. Haruhi just looked at me with knowing eyes. What she knew, I was certain that I needed to find out. Honey and Mori just simply sat there and stared.
"Shut your mouths, you'll catch flies." Instantly, everyone looked away and did as I said, blushes covering their faces, embarrassed at being caught. "Not so boring is it?" A blush covered my own cheeks. You just showed them part of you that only one other living person knows about stupid! Should have just said you like the pretty colors, acted like a ditzy blonde. Stupid. Turning back to the fall colors I glanced over my shoulder to find all eyes on me again. This is going to be one long trip. A sigh escaped my lips.
In an excited rush they all exited the car en masse. Leaving Haruhi and I to step out slowly and calmly, left to thank the driver. The second her foot hit the ground she was immediately searching for Tamaki-senpai. In her chocolate brown eyes I saw what I had hoped to see. Silently, I walked up behind her.
"You have a crush on Tamaki-senpai don't you?" Whirling around at my question, I stumbled back to avoid the surprised Haruhi.
"Geez you scared me Tsuki-chan!" Looking down a thick blush covered her small cheeks. "But, Y-yeah, I do. Don't tell him though please!" The wild look of desperation in her eyes astounded me. She really didn't want him to know.
"Do you remember what I said when I found out that you were a girl?" Giving a kind smile I waited for her to come up with an answer. Her eyebrows pulled together as she thought, then suddenly released as she gave me a bright smile.
"Thank you Tsuki-chan."
"No problem, we're friends right? It's what they do." Running after her senpai I watched her go, only then taking in my surroundings.
Black tar of a man made path crunched under my feet. Surrounding me were the trees that bore the colors of autumn. Reds, golds, greens, and browns swirled in the tree tops. Each step brought us further into the forest and farther from the black limo. Tamaki and the twins had pulled Haruhi into their circle of amazement at all the Commoner's Wonders. They had taken the lead with Kyoya trailing some feet behind them, walking and typing all at the same time. I myself had fallen into step besides Mori and Honey. Honey was staring; mouth agape at all of the trees while Mori walked in silence. Big surprise there. Letting my eyes wander over the trees, I soon lost myself in their colors again. A warm, large hand settled on my head and I couldn't help but flinch at the unexpected touch. Turning on the owner of the hand I glared. That is until I realized the owner of the hand was Mori. A sheepish smile settling on my face I gave him a questioning look.
"What were you thinking about this time?" I froze. Mori just completed a FULL sentence. Shoot.
"Umm, well, it was... Well, it was basically the same thing that I told everyone about." Looking back at the trees I closed my eyes. When I felt my heart stop beating through my chest I opened them again. In silence our small group of three walked, steps crunching on the black pavement, not needing to say anything. Unlike those fools up there. Poor Haruhi.
As we walked we started to fall further and further behind the others, to the point where we could no longer make out their words. That is when the true beauty of this strange park came through. Suddenly, you could hear the robins singing, the crunch of the grey squirrels footfalls, and rustle of the wind through the leaves. Once the noise of the other humans went by nature knew not to be afraid, showing us her true colors. Raising my face to the sun that specked through the falling leaves I let out a content sigh. This is where I belong. A true smile of joy fell onto my scarred features as we continued our journey to Who-knows-where. I may be a commoner, but that doesn't change the fact that I don't get out much.
Chirps of birds sounded around us, every creature today was happy for the nice weather. Stuffing my hands in the one large pocket in the front of my hoodie, I gazed at the happy creatures that surrounded us, high up in their homes. Fluffed up brown accentors called to each other, interrupting much thinner looking skylark's song. Bright cerulean and orange swallows dived down from the tops of the many trees, skimming closer and closer to each of our heads. A sharp gasp of surprise followed by a soft giggle escaped my mouth as one of them took a soft landing... on my head. It wasn't long until had had a bird on each shoulder too. Standing as still as possible to not disturb the wild creatures with eyes wide, I'm sure I looked ridiculous. A huge silly grin was plastered to my face with my eyes wide. Yup, ridiculous. This was most certainly unexpected...
Our group walked in silence, besides Mitsukuni's small gasps of wonder. Watching carefully as he ran over to what he deemed a "pretty rock", when he seemed relatively safe ahead of us I let my gaze shift over to the third member of our smaller bunch. Tsuki's tanned face was turned up to the sun, patches of the light danced across her skin. Her hair fell in wavy loose ringlets down her back. Eyes closed, she looked so at peace, relaxed. Her face usually looked tense, as if anticipating something, that or blank. My muscles clenched at how little we actually knew about her. The scar across her cheek gave her a dangerous look, but her submissive posture said anything except dangerous. Even though she was a danger to Mitsukuni and I, why did I want to get closer to her? Why had I accepted her so easily? Why do I want to trust her? Sure her duo-colored eyes are beautiful, and her facial structure is petite and delicate. She may be kind, and funny when she's around us, but why does my heart beat faster when I see her? Why do I miss seeing her so much over the weekends, and when it's the hours that she's not in our class?
Swiftly bringing my eyes away from Tsuki I looked for my older cousin. Yards ahead of us, Mitsukuni sat on the large rock he had pointed out earlier bouncing Usa-chan around on it. Relaxing my posture slightly, now that I knew everyone was safe, I listened to the birds. Chirping away, the birds called down to us. Soon colorful birds had started to dive at us. I looked at Tsuki, expecting her to run. I need to quit expecting things from her. Unflinching she followed the growing number of swallows with her eyes. Each swoop was recorded in her gaze, her tiny smile soon turning into a silly grin. I watched as one of the swallows decided to cut fairly close to her head, stunning me as it landed on her head. Stopping in her tracks I watched as her eyes widened to the size of saucers. Seeing her happy, yet stunned face I couldn't help but smile... and maybe I chuckled a bit too.
Animals had always liked me but this was taking it a little far. I had made friends with that tanuki but wild birds landing on you were new. Her smile though was what kept drawing my attention, not the birds. Tsuki's face no longer showed the signs of her stress, of sadness, or fear. I think this is the first time I've seen her truly happy. Thinking to myself upon this thought, I realized that I wanted to see her this way always, never unhappy. Suddenly I was staring right into pale blue and green. Heat flooded into my face, and my heart tried to jump out of chest. Embarrassed at being caught staring, I moved over to where she stood a few feet away.
On her head stood three of the pretty birds, while her shoulders and hands had a total of five. One long delicate finger came out of her black sleeve, plucking one of the birds off of her shoulder. Extending her hand towards me she offered the creature to me. Unconsciously my hand reached forward to meet hers. The swallow took no issue with clambering up my arm and straight to my head. As it climbed its long split tail ticked my arm while its sharp claws pricked. Tsuki watched the bird with intense eyes, all the way to the top of my head, having to crane her neck a little. Her laughter rang like bells around the trees, and I couldn't help but join in.
I'm not sure how long we stood there surrounded by the birds when Mitsukuni came running to us, finally noticing what was going on. Tsuki sat on the tar path with him, holding one arm out so Mitsukuni could pet them. After more untracked time passed the indigo swallows slowly flew off, releasing us of their weight. I never really noticed though as my mind was on other things. When my fingers brushed hers, I felt an almost electric shock. It wasn't unpleasant though. After watching all of the birds fly off, we were on the move again. The thought never left my mind though. I was vaguely aware of when we caught up with everyone else; I was however completely aware of every little glance the little female besides me sent my way. I wasn't an idiot; I knew what I was feeling. I just wasn't quite sure of it.
I couldn't keep the blush from my cheeks as I watched Mori smile at me. My heart beat a rapid pattern in my throat while I tried to stay calm. I had never felt like this before, and I never thought I would.
Soon after all of the birds left, we caught up with the rest of the club. Tamaki-sempai was wrestling with the twins in the clearing that we had found. Kyoya-sempai still was on his computer, his finger flying across the keys. Haruhi sat across from him on the rotted bench, absorbed in a book. Honey was on Mori's shoulders directing him where to go so Honey could look at things. They really are like a family. I sat by one of the far trees around the edge of the clearing, watching this mix-n-match group of people. Not knowing if I was considered as one of them yet I had settled on my current spot, soaking up the sun that shone on me. Tamaki-sempai and the twins soon broke apart and I could see them organizing some sort of game. Use to being left out I searched my backpack for something to do. Reaching in to grab a book a set of hands on each arm lifted me up and took off running with me in tow. Not expecting the sudden attack, a small high scream came from my lips. Laughing, I recognized the two voices as Hikaru and Kaoru. Those little ginger devils.
Deposited in the open space that the club had made in their circle, Tamaki-sempai explained the game. A small smile flitted across my lips. I was worried before that I wasn't accepted as part of this intimate family. It's been a long time since I've been this wrong.
SOOO?! I'm sorry that it took me this long to get out! From now on though, updates are going to be a little slower, as I get busier with life. Again I am sorry that it took this long! :C! Thank you for each review and view! I love you all! Till (hopefully) next Thursday! THANK YOU!
~Shade
