Disclaimer
I do not own Ouran High School Host Club; the rights go solely to Bisco Hatori-sama. I, however, do own the plot of this story and if it is in some way similar to yours, it is merely a coincidence. Also, this story, unlike its prequel, will be rated M for its future maturity content. Do not say I did not warn you.
Author's Note
So very sorry for the two months delay since the last update, Uni's been hectic, but here's the next chapter! I hope you'll enjoy reading this. We're getting close to the present time soon, in about a couple more chapters.
If, in any way, you find some parts in the current chapter confusing, do let me know! So that I can clarify it to you. In any case, please enjoy yet another flashback chapter.
…...
Previously on Of Black and Red Roses II…
"I'll be with you every step of the way," he simply said as he caressed the side of her face with his thumb, looking at her with adoration in his eyes.
"Thank you, Taka. That means the world to me."
…...
Chapter 4 – Requests and Declarations
The day they got back to the academy, Haruhi requested for a short meeting before hosting activities started. All of them arrived there one hour prior to hosting hours, with Haruhi being the first one to arrive. She gestured for them to sit at the lounge area, and every one of the men – except for Takashi and Mitsukuni – had a look of confusion plastered on their handsome faces. However, Kyouya hid his expression very well behind the glare of his glasses. He was confused as well, but didn't let it show. Although, the idea of not knowing why Haruhi had gathered all of them here was extremely unnerving.
"I've gathered all of you here today for a valid reason, and I'd like to keep this as short as possible." Haruhi started, she was evidently nervous for their reactions, judging from the way she was constantly wringing her fingers ever so often. She looked over at Mitsukuni and Takashi, the former slightly nodding to her in encouragement while the latter gave her the tiniest of smiles.
Haruhi took a deep breath to calm her nerves.
"Tamaki-senpai, Kyouya-senpai. Hikaru and Kaoru," she looked at them one by one as she uttered their names. "It's thanks to you all that I'm as determined as I am to strive for the best since I started in Ouran Gakuen, and stumbled upon this eccentric club of ours. It's thanks to you, my world has expanded and my perspective broadened." Her gaze turned softer at their reactions. "However, it isn't only the host club that I have to thank. There's also my classmates and all the customers who visit the host club. Therefore, I have one selfish request. I don't want to leave with them still believing a lie about me. Can't I… tell them the truth?"
Tamaki was, of course, surprised when Haruhi requested to reveal her secret to the others. It was as if a part of him had shattered into tiny irreparable fragments; he wanted her to always stay as and be the Host Club's very own princess, but looking at the expression on her face at that moment, he knew he would not be able to deny her of anything. If this was what Haruhi really wanted, then he would make it happened. Even after all this time, Tamaki cared for her deeply.
Kyouya, on the other hand, knew that sooner or later, Haruhi would have wanted to reveal the truth about her real gender. Would the ladies accept this wholeheartedly in a positive light or will chaos ensued? What about the views from the other students? Kyouya knew some of the male students fancied Haruhi even though they viewed her as a 'boy'. What would happen if they found out about the truth? Kyouya had no doubt that things would get more 'lively' than before, it would be really interesting to observe the outcome of this event. However, if results seemed unfavorable, he would use all his power as Ohtori Kyouya to protect Haruhi, because whether he was aware of it or not, Haruhi had dug herself a special place in his Shadow King heart. Although we all know he wouldn't voice this out loud.
The twins were against it at first, especially Hikaru. His jealousy got the better of him, he didn't want others to know that Haruhi was, in fact, a girl. The thought of other men trying to win her attention didn't sit well enough with him. Kaoru, the ever reasonable twin, sort of understood why she wanted to reveal the truth about her gender, but Haruhi had become their most special person and he didn't really want to share her with anyone else. He knew he should not be selfish though, Haruhi had freedom to do whatever she wants.
They told her that there might be upsetting results from revealing the truth about her gender, but Kyouya reasoned that it might not be the case because throughout the times Haruhi became one of the hosts in the club, the bond she developed with everyone around her might just create the necessary leverage for everyone else to accept who she really was.
"Well then, if that is what our princess wishes, then we of the Ouran Host Club, shall make it happen." Tamaki said, as his violet eyes narrowed gently towards Haruhi. "And we shall do this the Host Club way."
…...
The following days passed by quickly and the host club president decided to throw a farewell party for Haruhi. Preparations were made and invitations were sent out to the patrons who visited the host club, as well as to Haruhi's classmates. In the midst of these preparations, Haruhi barely saw Takashi as he had to do some preparations and forms to fill in before he and Mitsukuni entered Ouran University.
It was decided that the two cousins will take different faculties when they enrolled in Ouran University; Mitsukuni chose to enroll in the Science and Technology faculty so he'd be able to create new projects for the Haninozuka group, while Takashi chose Jurisprudence, or the Theory of Philosophy and Law. This surprised everyone in the host club, they had thought these two cousins would be inseparable until the end.
Even Satoshi voiced out his extreme surprise when he dropped by to visit his brother one day – and to check up on how Haruhi was doing – by the music room, with Yasuchika following close behind.
"Concerning the faculty, the Morinozuka family had a council without Taka-nii and they decided that by themselves," he voiced out bitterly, it was evident from his expression that he disagreed with their decision wholeheartedly. "Taka-nii never wanted to part from Mitsukuni-san."
"Satoshi, do not talk of the Morinozuka family like that. I'm sure there's a valid explanation on why Takashi was in a different faculty than Mitsukuni," Haruhi reprimanded.
"But Haru-nee! I'm sure Taka-nii is not happy about this decision! That's why…" before Satoshi even managed to finish what he wanted to say, Takashi knocked his head lightly with the end of his bamboo shinai.
"That's enough, Satoshi. Don't spread things around," the older Morinozuka brother scolded lightly. He had just arrived to the music room when he heard his younger brother talking about him. "My path is something I decided by myself. Don't be mistaken."
"Taka-nii…!"
"Satoshi."
At the warning look his brother gave him, Satoshi held his tongue back but because he was feeling dissatisfied with the issue, he let his feelings show. "B-But… if it was me, even if I went to the University, I'm sure I would never leave my eyes off Yasuchika."
"…If it was up to me, I would extremely like you to stay away from now on…" Yasuchika interrupted in a quiet voice, but unfortunately, Satoshi had sharp ears.
"What did you say?! Huh?!" he started chasing after Yasuchika as the younger Haninozuka took flight from the music room, screaming at the top of his lungs as Satoshi quickly chased after him.
"OH SHOOT. I FORGOT SOMETHING." The rest who were still in the music room heard Satoshi shouted in the hallway and then the incoming sound of running shoes as they hit the marble tiled floor.
Satoshi popped his head through the doorway and his eyes landed immediately on Haruhi.
"Haru-nee! Okaasama wants you to join us for dinner tonight! Okay, that's it! Gotta chase after Yasuchika and give him an earful for earlier! Ja ne!"
Just as he abruptly appeared, Satoshi quickly left. They could hear him shouting after Yasuchika in the hallway and Yasuchika's cry of mercy.
"I'm joining your family's dinner tonight?" Haruhi turned to look at Takashi with confusion marring her brows. Judging from his reaction, she deduced that Takashi didn't even know she was going to join his family for dinner. Was there some sort of special occasion? Why didn't his mother tell him about it, but chose to convey the message through Satoshi instead?
"Let me give Haha-ue a call for a bit." At Haruhi's slight nod, Takashi excused himself and stepped out of the music room to make a call to his mother.
It was quiet in the music room for a short while as the occupants gathered at the lounge area – until Kyouya voiced out his opinions regarding the matter.
"Well, it seems like a good choice," started Kyouya, his face full of contemplation.
"Kyouya-senpai?" Haruhi inclined her head questioningly.
"Haninozuka and Morinozuka are each part of excellent, individual families. Even if they discontinue several projects together, their familiar relationship with each other won't be cut," he reasoned. "Mori-senpai is looking to the future as well, in order to make the Morinozuka family go to the top and aiming to be a good partner for Honey-senpai. For this, I understand well why he was resolved to go to different faculties.
Before being involved in projects, the knowledge of law is mandatory. Of course, if Honey-senpai wants to become a researcher and developer in the future, he'll be needing special permissions and someone who can provide all that."
"Ah, so that's why…" Haruhi murmured as realization dawned on her. When Kyouya puts it that way, it was easier to understand Takashi's decision. Even the twins were nodding in agreement after listening to Kyouya's reasoning.
"Haruhi, didn't Mori-senpai tell you anything about it?" Tamaki inquired, a slight curiosity lacing his voice. At the negative shaking of her head and the frown that started to appear on her delicate face, Tamaki continued where Kyouya had left off. "Satoshi and Yasuchika probably are still unable to understand this because they are still young, but I agree with Kyouya that it seems like a good choice. Apart from thinking far ahead into the future, I think Mori-senpai's decision to choose his own future is admirable. Don't you think so?" He was standing by the large window then, with a smile on his princely face that showed his rare maturity.
Kaoru had picked up Tamaki's underlying message through his given opinion. Truthfully, it was admirable for Takashi to think of his own future. After being bounded to the master-servant relationship for so long, it was a good decision made on Takashi's part because Takashi now thinks of himself first and foremost. Sure, his decision to invest his time in Jurisprudence would greatly benefit Mitsukuni in the future, but still, this was Takashi they were talking about. He always puts Mitsukuni first and foremost before himself, and would have followed him to the very ends of the earth, but somewhere along the way, he stopped to think about what he wants for his future. That action was admirable in itself.
The younger Hitachiin twin also thought that Haruhi might have played some major part, if not a little, regarding Takashi's decision – even if she was completely unaware of it. She has that kind of influence; the kind where it drove people to strive and chase after their dreams after seeing her chased after hers with hard work and determination running through her veins.
"Haruhi," Takashi called by the doorway as he slightly opened the music room door. He beckoned her outside to the hallway to have a word with her; the others were wondering what that was about, but paid it no heed as they fell into idle chatter about the preparations for Haruhi's upcoming farewell party.
"What did your mother say, Taka?" Haruhi asked as soon as she closed the door behind her.
"Apparently, Haha-ue did want you to join us for dinner tonight. When I asked what the occasion was, she skillfully dodged my question," Takashi mused though there was a twitch in his eye showing his mild irritation, and it made Haruhi laughed quietly. "All that aside, will it be alright if you join me and my family for dinner, Haru?"
Her eyes softened at his request. 'Always the gentleman', she thought to herself.
"Sure, Taka. I'd love to have dinner with your family. Dad has a late shift tonight, so it should be fine." There was a cheerful beat in her voice and it made the corners of Takashi's mouth to lift up just slightly at her reply. It made him want to kiss her right at that moment.
He did a quick survey of their surroundings, making sure they were the only two people at their vicinity.
It made Haruhi tilt her head slightly at his change in behavior, pondering what was wrong. Before she could even utter his name, Takashi suddenly clasped her chin with his fingers to tilt it up towards him in a swift motion and claimed her lips with his in a sweet, heated kiss. Once he broke the kiss off, Takashi laid his forehead against hers and traced Haruhi's slightly bruised-by-his-kiss lips with a callous thumb. He could feel her warm breath as she tried to calm her heart down.
"What was… that for…?" Haruhi murmured breathlessly.
"I just… had the urge… to kiss you…" Takashi answered in the same manner as he gave her a crooked smile. The smile that made Takashi even more handsome than before, if that was even possible; the smile that also sent Haruhi's heart and mind into overdrive.
She blushed furiously at his reply and seeing her react like that made Takashi want to do… things to her. He really needed to calm down the carnal desires that always sprung unexpectedly whenever he was with Haruhi. He stood straight (which already made Haruhi to miss his warmth) and cupped the side of her face with his palm, as he ran his thumb along her cheekbone.
"I'll pick you up here in about an hour, is that okay Haru? I just need to finish up a few more forms for the entrance to the university."
At her nod, Takashi reluctantly let her go, but he really needed to finish up those forms if he was going to go to Boston with Haruhi. Although, she didn't know he was going to go with her. Yet. Maybe later will be a good time to tell her, right after the dinner.
"I'll see you later, Haru."
"I'll be waiting here, Taka."
…...
By an unexpected turn of events, the group of girls who were frequent customers of Haruhi (with a few who were fans of Takashi, who also became Haruhi's frequent customers after they witnessed their close relationship) had watched the exchange between the two accidentally – they were walking towards the third music room when a couple of the ladies stopped abruptly when they saw the two together. It was safe to say that none of them were safe and were instantly knocked unconscious from the amount of nosebleeds that seemed to overflow endlessly. Every single face was burned with a furious blush, and every pair of eyes were seeing a thousand stars.
…...
By the time the promised hour had arrived, Takashi was already escorting Haruhi to the parking lot so they can get to his car. He finished his errands at the administration office a little earlier than expected, which meant more time to spend with his beloved before the dinner started.
The drive back home to the Morinozuka's abode was spent in comfortable silence between the two lovebirds. However, both were wondering whether the dinner would be an ordinary event or the Morinozuka Matriarch had something hidden in her sleeve behind the sudden dinner plan. Well, they would find out soon enough.
Once they arrived at Takashi's home, a couple of the maids escorted Haruhi towards the guest room for a change of attire. Before Haruhi walked away further, Takashi called out to her and told her to meet him in his room when she was done changing. Taken slightly aback by his request (because he had asked her in front of the maids), Haruhi could only nod shyly. The maids were smiling knowingly with each other and Haruhi saw their exchange. She ducked her head in embarrassment and that made the maids giggle at her reaction.
…...
A knock was heard on Takashi's door. Already dressed loosely in an ash colored kimono, he was lounging around on his bed as he waited for Haruhi. He got up from his bed and walked towards the door to slide it opened, and there stood Haruhi in a dark blue kimono with blooming cherry blossoms amidst a ripple of water. It contrasted beautifully with her pale skin. Every time she wore a kimono, Takashi could not help but be enamored by her. No matter what style of clothing she wore, Haruhi is always beautiful in his eyes. However, there was just something about it, whenever she wore a kimono.
"Takashi?" Haruhi murmured his name as she inclined her head to the side questioningly. He had been staring at her for a short while by the doorway and Haruhi wondered what was wrong.
He snapped out of his thoughts and took her hand in his. Takashi pulled her into his room with a little tug and slid the door shut behind them. His slightly forceful gesture made Haruhi's blood to rush to her cheeks, and her heartbeat to increase. He was still quiet when he led her to his bed, and then proceeded to sit down at the end of the bed with her on his lap. Takashi wrapped his arms around her waist and laid his head on her shoulder, his hold around her tightening slightly.
Minutes passed by, and they were still in the same position as before. No words were exchanged, though Haruhi didn't mind one bit. She continued to wonder what was wrong with Takashi, and as she was about to ask him, she felt a tender press of his lips on the nape of her neck. Haruhi shuddered at the contact and let out a breathy sigh as a familiar warmth was starting to pool in the pit of her stomach.
"Haru…" his warm breath as he whispered her name yearningly against her skin made her thoughts fogged with the beginnings of lust. He ran his hands agonizingly slow alongside her hips and down against the fabric on her thighs, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. Even though the kimono's fabric was slightly thick, Haruhi could still feel Takashi's searing touch.
"We mustn't… Taka…" her rationality clawed its way up to the surface desperately as she tried very hard to suppress her own desires. However, Takashi's continuous ministrations towards her nearly overwhelmed her own rationality.
"We still have time," he murmured close to her ear in persuasion and turned her head slightly towards him with his index, just so he could plant a kiss on the underside of her jaw.
Haruhi twisted her body so she could easily wound her arms around his neck, mind reeling with thoughts full of Takashi. She clasped her fingers behind his nape and pulled him closer to her with a little tug – the small action catching him off guard. It wasn't everyday Haruhi was being assertive, well actually, this was a rare occurrence – not that he was complaining or anything. He wished she would show this side more often.
His mind stopped momentarily when Haruhi lightly traced his bottom lip with the tip of her tongue, and grazed it slightly with her teeth. Her actions had caused him to dive in immediately and claimed her lips with his in a heatedly fervent kiss. He pulled her closer to him by the waist, and held the back of her head gently with his other hand as he deepened the kiss.
Both were clearly trying to dominate the other, but it was clear that Takashi had the upper hand in this heated battle, due to his strength alone. Without breaking their kiss, he maneuvered the both of them so that Haruhi was lying on her back, while he got on top of her. He stopped to admire the way Haruhi looked nearly wrecked, and that was only due to his kiss. He quietly wondered what she would look like if they went all the way; the thought itself was fueling his desires for her further.
"You're intoxicating…" Takashi murmured huskily against her neck and traced his tongue along the lines of her veins.
His warm breath made her shudder, so she reached her arms out to wound them around his neck and pulled him closer to her, urging him to continue further.
'So dangerous, so very dangerous…' Takashi thought quietly, but continued his ministrations nonetheless because he wanted to touch her and feel her everywhere. Just like Haruhi, his only thoughts were of her. Then his hand travelled down to the obi of her kimono, with thoughts of untying it.
However, just as he was about to untie it, there was a knock on his door.
"Young master, dinner will be ready in 15 minutes," one of the maids announced, then footsteps leading away from his bedroom was clearly heard.
"Damn it…" Takashi muttered bitterly.
His sudden reaction to the maid's announcement made Haruhi laugh quietly in response. Takashi quickly averted his gaze towards her and raised an eyebrow. He was still hovering over her with a meaningful look on his handsome face, but that expression suddenly changed into something that was close to being devilish. He smirked lightly, one of the corner of his lips lifted mischievously.
"Takashi…?" Haruhi asked apprehensively, her heart rate increasing at the sight of his devilish side.
"I can do so much in just under 5 minutes," he said quietly, and yet, his ashen eyes were piercing through her brown ones sharply. There was still a trace of heated lust in his ashen eyes.
Her breath hitched at his declaration and it made her anticipate greatly of Takashi's actions. However, seeing that they had less than 15 minutes to go, she should – even though reluctantly – not let this continue any further.
"I… don't want you to do this hastily, Taka," she started in a murmur, eyes searching meaningfully through his, "even though I really want you to continue…" she said quietly, cheeks blazing in heat at her own sudden confession. "Do you remember what you told me before…?" As she was steadily holding his gaze, she continued to say the things in her mind, "You told me you'd… make… love… to me in the right way, at the right time. But, do you think this is the right time?"
Her question had caused Takashi to widen his eyes in realization, then immediately narrowed tenderly as he gazed at her with affection. He cupped the side of her face and ran his thumb over her cheekbones, relishing in the way her eyes fluttered closed at his touch. He leaned down and kissed her softly, just a light touch of lips but Haruhi could feel his true feelings being conveyed through the kiss. Takashi didn't need to verbally say his answer because Haruhi already understood. She smiled at Takashi, the smile that contained her deep affection for him.
"We should go out soon," Haruhi said teasingly as she stared at Takashi with gleefulness dancing in her eyes.
"Mm," he hummed in agreement, but made no effort to move away from her. He continued to watch her intently with gentle gray eyes, and traced the features on her pretty face as if he was etching them permanently in his mind and in his heart. It suddenly made him realized one thing – he had fallen too deeply in love with her and he found that he did not regret it, even by a little.
In the midst of Takashi's sudden self-revelation, Haruhi was mesmerized with the way he was looking at her right now. She saw the array of emotions in his eyes, even though his expression had remained the same, except for that illusive intimate smile he always reserved for her. She saw his never-ending affection for her reflected in his eyes, saw the love he had for her that was rooted deep in his very soul, saw his devotion towards her, his loyalty, and his honesty. It was overwhelming, to the point that her eyes had glistened with tears because the happiness that she felt right now was like a dream.
He moved slightly from her to sit at the edge of the bed, and held his hand out for her to take. He pulled her to sit beside him and faced her, while clasping her hands in his large ones. Takashi soothingly rub her hands with his thumbs, caressing them tenderly with his touch. He didn't say a word, but continued to hold her hands quietly.
"We should go," Takashi murmured with a smile as he stood up from the bed, bringing Haruhi with him.
Haruhi only nodded in response as she smiled up at Takashi affectionately, then they both headed out of the bedroom to go to the dining room, where the others were already waiting for dinner to be served.
…...
"Takashi, Haruhi," Riko, Takashi's mother, greeted them with a motherly smile as soon as they stepped foot inside the dining room. "I was going to ask one of the maids to fetch you two, seeing that you two weren't here yet. Did something came up?"
Haruhi suddenly had a flashback of what happened earlier in Takashi's room, and she tried desperately to control the heat that was threatening to spread on her cheeks. Takashi, on the other hand, had put on a stoic mask. At times like these, Haruhi wished she could have successfully hide her emotions as easily as Takashi.
"I am sorry we are late, but nothing came up, Haha-ue," Takashi smoothly replied as he looked at his mother. "I was only showing Haruhi my collection of miniature figurines, and we didn't realize the time." He placed his hand on the small of her back and led her to the dining table. The slight pressure from his touch led Haruhi to understand that she should just follow his lead in this conversation. They sat around the dining table, with Haruhi sitting next to his mother, as he sat across from her.
"Ah, that's right. Takashi was showing me his collections earlier." Haruhi said convincingly, and smiled politely at Riko. She recalled seeing Takashi's miniature figurines placed next to the sitting area in his bedroom. She should inquire about those one day.
Next to Riko, Akira was drinking a cup of steaming matcha and he was hiding an amused smile behind his teacup. He knew his son was lying, but he did not expect Haruhi to go along with his son's convincing statements. He continued to smile amusingly at this thought – Haruhi was indeed the perfect match for Takashi.
"Oh, I see. Takashi always has an interest in miniature things since he was a child. No wonder he took a liking towards you, Haruhi dear. Ah, but I don't mean that you're miniature or anything like that." Riko laughed quietly, as she saw how Haruhi's cheeks flourished into a lovely shade of pink.
Riko was looking at Takashi with a knowing smile, he knew she had caught onto his lie but still held on her gaze. He had never done this before, this attempt at trying to cover up what really happened. He was always honest with his family, but there was no need – ever – for his family to know about what had transpired earlier. Moreover, Satoshi was also here. There was definitely no need to taint his young and innocent mind – Takashi chuckled at that thought silently.
…...
Dinner was eventful, as eventful as it can be in the Morinozuka household. They were now lounging in the main living room after that fulfilling dinner, conversing about everything and nothing in particular – until Riko dropped a sudden question.
"Haruhi, when's your father's off day from work?" Riko asked.
"Um, I think his next off day is next week on Thursday," Haruhi pondered, trying to remember her father's work schedule.
"Alright, could you confirm that with your father?"
Haruhi nodded in reply to Riko's question. She looked over at Takashi and wondered why Riko was asking about her father's off day, she was debating whether to ask about it or not.
"You're thinking why I'm asking when your father's off day is, aren't you?" Riko laughed at the look of surprise on Haruhi's face.
To this, Akira decided to answer her unasked question. "We are planning to meet your father over lunch or dinner on his next off day. There are a few things we'd like to discuss with him."
"By discuss, you mean…" Takashi suddenly stated. He had an inkling feeling on what the discussion will be about.
"Of course it's regarding your engagement with Haruhi, silly Takashi!" Riko jokingly reprimanded her eldest son. "Don't tell me you weren't planning to get officially engaged with his daughter after you proposed to her in that manner?" She reminded Takashi of the proposal he did before.
Haruhi could feel her face getting warmer at the memory, so she took a peek at Takashi who was sitting beside her, and she noticed the slight blush on his face. Takashi caught her stealing a glance at him, so he held her gaze with his as he answered his mother's question.
"There is nothing in this whole wide world that I want more, but to have Haruhi as my wife."
Takashi's sudden declaration of love in front of his whole family made Haruhi turned beet red in embarrassment, and it didn't help when Satoshi suddenly shouted, "WAY TO GO TAKA-NII! Aww, Haru-nee's embarrassed." When it looked like Satoshi was about to add more embarrassing things to say, Haruhi flung a cushion at his face to shut him up. Both Takashi's parents couldn't help but laughed at the current situation.
Really, it was an eventful night.
…...
Author's Note
Look forward to the next!
