Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High School Host Club
A/N: Thank you everyone for the reviews! I want to address a few things that people said. First of all, I'm horrible at finishing fan fictions, but I will promise to finish this one. I like it and the people who are reading it like it as well. Usually I stop when I don't really get any reviews and I feel people aren't really interested (or I just completely lose interest). But since I know how much everyone likes it, I'm more enthusiastic about finishing it-although I don't plan on ending it anytime soon (meaning, I plan on this fic being kind of long).
Also I got some "poor kaoru" reviews and now I feel bad! One person said that Kaoru is the nice one but Hikaru's always getting his way. Omg I'm so sorry! But I recently thought of something that could make everyone happy, including my little fickle mind. So I'm going to let it play out, sorry if I disappoint some people.
Also I want to apologize (should I be?), this chapter is the longest that I've written this far (For this fiction). I hope it wasn't too long for some.
Also I may start releasing chapters every other week; I'm starting to develop my death note fan fiction. I think I thought of one of the hardest plots and now I have so much research to do and to put in order. I'm also looking for a co-author, so if anyone is interested give me an email. But you have to have a Livejournal or a Myspace account so it will be easier to communicate (and get in touch with you).
But anyway! I Hope everyone enjoys this chapter!
Warning: The personalities are a bit out of character, I'm working on fixing that as the storyline progresses!
Chapter 4: Give me…
There were many phrases that could describe Haruhi's feelings right now. Most would seem cliché but those were the only ones that could describe how she was feeling. She regretted letting go of Kaoru, but she needed to devote herself to Hikaru. Her mind was spinning as she weighed her options. However considering what was at stake, she couldn't risk a relationship with him regardless of the twins' consent. She thought about the time she had spent with her future mother-in-law and felt a slight tingle. She didn't want to mess things up.
She glanced sideways at Kaoru as she watched him doodle on a piece of paper. She rolled her eyes as she thought about how he never paid any attention to the lectures. But considering right now she wasn't either, who was she to judge?
Her eyes moved back to the front of the room, when she suddenly felt the need to look over at Hikaru. Just like she thought, he was doing the same thing as Kaoru. They did the same things with out realizing it at times.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Hikaru suddenly tossed a note onto her desk. Looking down at it, she opened it calmly and read its contents.
Haruhi mom made you a lunch so just keep yours put away. Also she wants you to come by the house after school.
Haruhi nodded as she refolded the paper and placed it on her desk. She began to take notes as she focused on the lecture once again.
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"Haru-chan!" Minami squealed as soon as Haruhi sat down in the limo. Her eyes widen in surprise for she did not expect her to be there now. She watched Hikaru and Kaoru climb into the limo, with Hikaru sitting next to her and Kaoru close to his mom.
Hikaru sat his bag down on to the car floor as he crossed his legs and causally wrapped an arm around Haruhi.
"Thank you for the lunch you made for me today," Haruhi said as she continued to look over at her future mother-in-law.
Minami beamed as she waved her hand in embarrassment. "It's okay, it was nothing at all, I only did what I wanted to do," she answered as she moved closer to Haruhi and Hikaru.
"You know Haru-chan I have this gorgeous red dress that I just designed and I want you to be the model for it. I want to measure you and have you wear it, as a model, until I feel it's perfect enough to present to my buyers."
Haruhi nodded as she looked over at Hikaru, who was staring at her calmly. She felt herself blushing faintly under his gaze as she looked away towards Minami who was grinning ear to ear as she stared at them.
"Hikaru, Haruhi…you two seem to be getting along just great." She said as she moved closer and reached behind Haruhi and stroked Hikaru's hair gently. She then moved her hand towards Haruhi's hair and ran her fingers through her brown locks affectionately.
"M-ma!" Hikaru protested as Haruhi tried to hide her blush.
"What?" she protested. "I'm only happy that you two seem to like each other."
Haruhi glanced over at Kaoru, who seemed to look like he wasn't paying them any mind. Did she like Hikaru? Her eyes roamed over to the guy next to her as she watched him interact with his mother.
"Oh yes now that I think about it I think I need to address this now. Hikaru, Kaoru, guess who's moving back to Japan?"
The twins looked at their mother inquisitively as they waited for her to tell them. Kaoru looked interested while Hikaru looked a bit worried.
"Who's coming back to Japan?" Kaoru asked edging her to tell them.
"Layla," she sing song as she looked at Hikaru.
Kaoru's eyes moved to his brother as well as Haruhi picked up on Hikaru's suddenly change of body language. She could only come to the conclusion that Hikaru and this Layla had a bit of history.
"When is she coming back?" Kaoru asked.
"Tomorrow," Minami said innocently.
"Huh?!" Hikaru finally spoke up. "Couldn't we have been warned about this earlier?"
"Why would you need to be warned?" his mother asked.
"Because…" Hikaru trailed off.
Haruhi suddenly felt uncomfortable, but it was nothing she could do about it if Hikaru had feelings for this girl. Although it was just an assumption that she had in her mind at the moment.
The rest of the car ride was spent in silence, and Haruhi was more than happy when she parted ways with Hikaru and went with Minami to her office on the first floor. When they stepped inside, Minami shut the door and walked over to her desk and put down her purse. Haruhi sat down as she noticed a few pictures on the desk. Two were of Hikaru and Kaoru when they were younger, and one was of them at their current age. Another was with the whole family together and the other…
Haruhi stared at it as she noticed a girl in the picture. She had long straight brown hair light brown eyes. She was standing in between the twins, holding onto the both of them. Haruhi's eyes looked at the faces of the brothers as she observed their smile. She had never seen them smile like that.
"That's Layla," Minami said as she stared at the picture. She gave Haruhi a nervous look as she pulled out her sketch book. "She was one of the few people who knew the boys inside out. She knew their individual habits and not once confused them after she befriended them. They were all connected by the hip, until she moved to England three years ago."
Haruhi flinched, three years wasn't that long ago, she had suspected that it had been longer, or was it just hope?
"She wanted to come back after hearing of the engagement," Minami sighed. "I had no idea she was going to react that way."
"Then why didn't you…" Haruhi felt the question hard to ask.
"Simple, she loves them both as a pair not as an individual." Minami asked without having to hear the whole question.
"It is true she knows them even better than you, however she loves them both as if they were one person. That is a person I cannot allow to marry into my family. It would cause problems for the boys down the road. I wanted to avoid that situation if possible."
Haruhi began to feel guilty, in a way she was no different from Layla in that aspect. Although she wasn't sure of the emotion she was feeling towards the two, she still selfishly wanted the both of them. Each of them possessed aspects that as a whole man would make a great lover.
"Haruhi, who do you care about more? Hikaru or Kaoru?" Minami asked seriously. She continued to look at her sketch pad while waiting for the answer.
Haruhi then realized what was going on, finding both of her sons a fiancée' at the same time. Two girls who felt the same for the twins, but could possibly favor one just a bit more.
"I…"
Minami forced a smile. "You're stuck between priority and who you really like huh?"
Haruhi shook her head. Where was this coming from? "I can't say for sure since I've never had a boyfriend before. This is my first time dealing with guys in this manner. So I'm not sure how I should feel," she confided.
Minami's forced smile became genuine as she stood up and walked over to Haruhi. She sat down in the chair next to her and grabbed a hold of her hand. "I'm happy to hear that."
"Really?" Haruhi asked a bit surprised.
Minami nodded. "Now let's start working on that dress I mentioned."
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Haruhi sighed heavily as she left Minami's office. They were finally done with measuring her and picking out material for the dress. Haruhi at first felt like she shouldn't be doing something such as this, but she was reminded that if she were to marry Hikaru this was something she had to have at least a bit of knowledge in.
She walked down the hall and made her way towards Hikaru's room. She felt that she needed to talk to him before this girl showed up tomorrow. She was confused about so many things right now. Why was Minami happy to know that Haruhi's feelings weren't confirmed? Why would she tell Layla about everything when she knew of the girl's feelings for the twins? What was the point to all of this? She wasn't sure of any of this; all that she knew was that since they had come around, she hadn't been lonely anymore.
For a long time, she sat around lonely while her dad worked all of the time. Since she wasn't the one to complain, she made it seem like she was perfectly fine with it, but deep down she wasn't. She pretended to not care about things that any other girl would. She closed herself off to things that any other girl wouldn't dare to. However, now she had someone, although she wasn't sure how he felt for her, and she wasn't quite sure her feelings for him, he was there. She had a mother now, which was more than enough to protect her from her former lonely existence.
In her hand she had some maple syrup flavored candy that Minami had recommended she bring along. Why? She had no idea.
She arrived at his door, and knocked softly. When she didn't hear a response, she opened it slightly and noticed Hikaru lying down in his bed, with a small night light on.
"Hikaru," she said as she walked in and shut the door. The boy sat up as he let out a yawn.
"What? You became bored playing dress up?" he asked as he looked at her.
"No actually we just finished up for the day that's all," Haruhi said as she walked slowly as her eyes adjusted to the almost dark room. After a few more seconds she was sitting on Hikaru's bed next to him. She could faintly smell the scent of Orange spice as she sat next to him. Where should she begin? She wasn't even sure how she felt about him yet.
Before she could get a word out Hikaru wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. The scent of orange spice became stronger as she allowed herself to relax.
"Layla is a bit possessive but you'll get use to her attitude pretty fast. But she definitely won't like you."
"I kind of figured that much."
"Really?"
"Your mom told me a bit about her."
"Ah…" Hikaru trailed off.
Haruhi reached inside of her pocket and pulled out a piece of the maple syrup candy and handed it to Hikaru.
"Thanks," he said as he opened the candy wrapper and popped it into his mouth.
"Your mom told me to bring these."
"They're my favorite, you should remember that."
Haruhi nodded ignoring his tone.
"Do you have a favorite candy?" he asked suddenly.
Haruhi shook her head no, "I don't really eat candy. When I want something sweet I go for strawberries."
"Would you try anything once?" he asked.
"Depends."
"Try a piece of this then," he said pointing to the candy.
Haruhi scrunched up her nose, "it looks too sweet."
Hikaru tilted her chin up this and kissed her lips lightly. Haruhi licked her lips and she could faintly taste the flavor of maple.
"How did it taste?" he asked.
"I could barely taste it," she answered.
Hikaru chuckled as he leaned down and brought his lips to hers once again. He kissed her lips as he brought his hands up to the sides of her neck and supported her chin with his thumbs. Haruhi parted her lips as Hikaru followed suit, allowing the small piece of candy to slip into her mouth.
"Now, how does it taste?" he whispered not letting her go. Their lips were barely a centimeter apartment as he spoke to her. Haruhi tasted the candy and frowned, "it's really sweet."
Hikaru let her go and burst out laughing. Haruhi grabbed a piece of tissue from the tissue box on his night stand and spit out the candy.
Hikaru reached in the bag and was about to open another piece when suddenly Haruhi stopped him.
"The candy wasn't that good…but…"
Hikaru let go of the candy as he kissed her forehead. Why was he suddenly so affectionate, he couldn't say. He just knew that being alone with her was doing something to him that he couldn't explain. Her big brown eyes stared up at him innocently as he kissed her head again and brushed aside her bangs.
Soon after she left to go home, not sure if she was prepared for the next day.
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Hikaru and Kaoru had gotten up at five in the morning. Both had agreed that they were going to meet Layla at the airport and spend the day with her. The twins were looking forward to seeing her again and they sure that her reaction concerning Haruhi was not going to be a good one.
They arrived at Narita Airport at seven to find themselves in front of a very early Layla. They both stared at her as they noticed she had definitely grown, they just hoped her attitude hadn't grown with her. She looked around when she suddenly spotted them.
"Hikaru! Kaoru!" She shouted as she ran over to them and gave them both hugs. She gave Kaoru a kiss on the lips, and when she was about to kiss Hikaru, he turned his head and her lips landed on his cheek.
"That was mean Hikaru," she protested.
"I'm not a free man anymore," he stated.
"You aren't married yet," she said emphasizing the yet.
Hikaru sighed as he shrugged. "So where are you staying?"
"Your house of course," she said with a giggle.
Both boys looked at her dumbfounded. "No you're not," they both said in unison.
"Why not!"
"Because," they both began. "Before you left, something happened that shouldn't have."
"Oh that?" she said innocently.
"That wasn't a small matter," Kaoru stated.
"And besides, Haruhi has been coming over a lot lately, I don't want her to feel uncomfortable," Hikaru added.
"This must be some girl."
"No there's nothing special about her," Hikaru answered.
"She's stubborn," Kaoru added.
"Speaks her mind regardless of whether she offends anyone."
"Although her intentions are never to do something such as that."
"She can be a bit naïve."
"And a bit sensitive, though she tries to hide it."
"A normal girl," they both finished.
Layla looked at the two in surprise, but then quickly smiled and wrapped her arm around the two. "I'm still staying at your place."
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Haruhi looked at the two empty seats on the side of her as she realized that the twins may not come to school today. Her mind wondered to Layla and wondered if they were they spending time with her. Although she knew it was stupid to assume that they weren't, it wasn't everyday that both of them were absent at the same time.
She went through the whole day wondering what this Layla could actually be like. She wanted to get along with the girl, but from what she had been told, it felt like they would be doing every thing but.
Haruhi picked up her bag and prepared to go home. She had no intentions of going over to the twins' house today. When she exited the building her plans seemed like they were going to be changed, possibly. They didn't see her, but she clearly saw them. The twins were standing in front of one of their limos with the girl she had seen in the picture. The girl was all over both of them and it didn't seem like they minded at all. She said something to them, and they smiled. Haruhi watched Hikaru with her and noticed he was a bit more loud and crazier than she had seen him, and the way he smiled at her.
Haruhi flinched when she realized the directions that her thoughts were taking her. She needed to find another way out of here so she could go home and collect her thoughts. If she hung around them this way who knows how she would act.
She turned around and began to walk back to the building when suddenly a hand grabbed her wrist. "Haruhi where are you going?" the familiar high pitched voice asked her suspiciously.
She turned around and looked at him calmly; none of her thoughts were displayed in her features. She looked at him and realized that it was rare to see him in street clothing. He wore two silver rings one on each hand along with his engagement ring, blue jeans that hung loosely and a white shirt and a white sleeveless hooded jacket.
"I left my English book in my desk, I need to go back and get it."
Hikaru looked at her distrustfully, but before he could get anything out he was suddenly hugged from behind.
"Hika-chan, what's going on?" the girl asked as she peeked from behind him and looked at Haruhi. Hikaru sighed as he let go of his fiancée's wrist and turned towards the girl. She draped her arms around his neck and looked up at him curiously.
Hikaru grabbed her arms and pulled them from around him. "Stop that, I already told you who she was."
Layla looked at Haruhi again and then back at Hikaru. "This can't be her; I was expecting someone a lot prettier."
Haruhi rarely became angry, but right now her irritation level was heading in that direction. She had never been the type to care about those types of things, but recently after spending so much time with Minami and dressing herself up, maybe her carefree attitude by looks was starting to change a little.
"Layla, Haruhi is pretty," Hikaru said jumping to her defense. He wrapped his arm around Haruhi and pulled her close. "And whether you approve or not, she's my finance'," he finished as he glared at her.
"Kao-chan, Hika's being mean again," she said as she flung herself into Kaoru's arms.
Kaoru rolled his eyes and patted her back, "you know how Hikaru is, and this isn't anything new."
Haruhi looked at the girl in disbelief and up at Hikaru who was looking at her with a bit of regret. Did he regret sticking up for her? Not wanting to stick around and find out, Haruhi removed Hikaru's arm and looked up at him. "I need to get my book and head home, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?!" he asked a bit surprised. "You're not coming over today?"
"It seems that you have a bit of catching up to do, so I'll let you be with her today."
"Let?" Layla said a bit too loudly.
Hikaru and Kaoru shot her short glare as Hikaru attention quickly turned back to his fiancée.
"Haruhi," Hikaru protested, obviously becoming irritated. "Are you intimidated by her?" he asked pointing to Layla.
"What?!" Haruhi answered in surprise. She couldn't believe he put her on the spot like that. "I'm not intimidated; I just refuse to be around someone who's obviously looking for a fight. I'm not fighting over you Hikaru."
"So I'm not worth it? Some other girl shows interest in me and you just decide to give me up like that?"
Haruhi didn't say anything, because she knew that wasn't it. She just didn't like confrontations, they only made things worse. Like right now, she and Hikaru had never come close to an argument and not suddenly they were shouting at each other.
"I'm going home," she said finally before walking away without bothering to listen to another thing Hikaru had to say.
Hikaru watched her walk away and he couldn't help but to feel angry. After yesterday he was sure that they were going to have a normal relationship but now this.
"She doesn't deserve you," Layla said as she stared at Haruhi's retreating figure. "She's too willing to give you up. If you were mine I wouldn't give you up to anyone."
Layla wrapped her arm around him and they walked into the building where the host club held their activities.
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Haruhi arrived home two hours later to an empty apartment. She had grown use to being around Minami and the twins, that it made her feel a bit down to be alone. However, everyone needed a little alone time to put things into perspective.
She laid out her homework, and then went into the kitchen to make her some tea. She was considering making herself something to eat when suddenly there was a knock on her door. Walking into the living room, she made her way to the front door and opened it. To her surprise, and unexpected happiness, Hikaru stood before her.
He didn't say a word and instead walked into her house uninvited.
"Hikaru aren't you suppose to be with Kaoru and your friend?"
Hikaru ignored her as he took off his shoes and walked into her living room and sat on the couch. Instead of saying anything, he patted the spot next to him, signifying for her to sit down.
Haruhi groaned as she walked over and sat down without saying anything as well.
Haruhi stood near the door and stared at him with an unreadable expression. She knew she was being stubborn by doing this but she didn't want to sit down next to him. She didn't want to be civil, not after what had happened today. However, she knew by acting childish was going to fan the flames, right now she didn't care.
Hikaru sighed when he realized Haruhi wasn't going to come and sit next to him. "Haruhi, come here," he said to her firmly.
"No," she said obstinately.
"Wha…" He began before exhaling loudly and standing up. He began to blush before opening his arms slowly and looking away from her. "Haruhi…"
She watched him without moving from her spot. However her anger was melting away. It must have taken a lot out of him to make a gesture like that, and besides, it was a bit funny looking at him that way.
And just like that, it escaped her mouth although she tried to stop it. She let out a small chuckle and watched Hikaru's expression of embarrassment turn to that of annoyance. He put down his arms and stared at her.
Haruhi's giggle turned to full out laughter as she apologized, "I'm so sorry Hikaru it's just that…"
"Haruhi…do you think that my feelings for you are a joke?" he asked suddenly.
She stopped giggling as she observed him. It was hard to read what he was thinking but he was obviously not happy with her laughing at him.
"I don't know," she answered honestly.
Hikaru sighed as he walked over to her and leaned on the wall right beside her. "Sorry," he muttered softly.
"Huh?" she asked not sure why he was apologizing.
"What do you mean huh?" he asked becoming annoyed once again.
Haruhi leaned against the wall as well. "It's all been forgotten."
"So you're not mad at me?" he asked.
"Not at all."
Hikaru smiled softly and draped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. He leaned his head down and rested it on hers. "Kaoru wanted to come too, but someone had to keep her busy."
At hearing Kaoru's name, Haruhi felt her heart beat speed up. He was alone…with that girl.
"Also, I need to warn you, she'll be staying with us for a while."
Haruhi sighed, "I figured that much."
"But you can still come over like usual."
"I hate confrontations."
"It's a big house."
"Doesn't mean she won't hang around when I'm there."
"You're right but, Kaoru and I won't let her do anything to you."
Haruhi sighed, "I don't need your protection."
"I'm not saying you do."
"Hikaru…"
"Haruhi…"
Haruhi rolled her eyes and looked up at him. She knew that he meant well it's just that she hated feeling like others thought of her as being a weakling.
Hikaru began to play with her hair a bit as they stood next to each other. "There was another reason why I came over."
"Minami?"
"Yea, she wants you to come over for dinner tonight."
Haruhi nodded. The conversation that she had with her yesterday suddenly came flowing back.
Who do you care about more? Hikaru or Kaoru?
Even now she couldn't answer that question, because…each one was…
"Haruhi let's go," he instructed as he let her go and walked over and grabbed her jacket and keys. She followed him out the door.
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When Haruhi and Hikaru arrived at the house, dinner was already ready. However, Haruhi wasn't quite ready to let everyone know of her presence. Instead, she went up to Hikaru's room and sat down her things.
"If you didn't want to come you could have just said so."
Haruhi groaned, "you didn't leave me with much of a choice."
Hikaru threw his jacket down on his bed and sat down soon after. He grabbed Haruhi's wrist and pulled her onto the bed. "You're moodier than usual."
"I'm not moody."
"Okay then snappy."
Haruhi exhaled.
Hikaru laughed and pulled her into his arms.
"You've been acting different lately."
Hikaru shook his head, "no you're just starting to see who I am. Not impressed?"
Haruhi relaxed in his arms, "I didn't say that."
Hikaru's embrace tightened as he placed his face near the nape of her neck, "that's good."
Haruhi turned her head and kissed his forehead affectionately. She became extremely nervous from the sudden gesture but didn't want to pull apart. His lips softly brushed her skin and she could feel herself becoming weak. She suddenly didn't want to have dinner with the family; all she wanted to do was to stay here with him. Hikaru slowly raised his head, his hands followed as he softly placed them behind her head.
Haruhi watched him as her heart beat sped up. Hikaru kissed her lips gently. The kisses were soft and sweet, never lingering her lips for too long. The movements were affectionate and yet very enticing. He then lifted her chin tenderly and kissed her neck. His tongue softly traced a path down to where the top of her shirt began, as Haruhi let out a moan.
"Hika-cha…"
Hikaru groaned and let his face fall onto Haruhi's chest. Haruhi looked over at the doorway surprised and a bit embarrassed to be caught in this situation. But most of all, she was a bit annoyed that they had been disturbed. For the first time, she and Hikaru had become a bit more intimate, it was a huge step for them but every step forward always has an obstacle.
Haruhi looked towards the door at the person, who had interrupted them. Both girls stared each other down as the tension rose.
"Hikaru, I think we better go down stairs now," Haruhi said as she stood up, letting him go.
Hikaru sighed as he shot a glare at Layla.
Layla stood there as she glared at Haruhi, never taking her eyes off of her until she left the room. When Haruhi did exit, Layla shut the door and walked over towards Hikaru. By the look of her expression, it was obvious she was jealous and a bit angry. Hikaru stood up preparing to leave.
"I don't like this."
Hikaru sighed, there was nothing he could really say at the moment.
"Did you hear me?!"
"Yea but it won't change anything."
"Why?!"
"Because you no longer have any say."
Layla's eyes watered as she stared up at him. She knew she couldn't have him, and yet she didn't want anyone else to have him as well. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his chest. "Hikaru…don't."
Hikaru felt guilty but it was her decision to move away, her decision to break up.
"Layla, let's go to dinner."
He escaped from her embraced and walked towards the door, leaving her to follow him if she wanted.
End Chapter
A/N: Sorry this chapter may be a bit messy! Last night I tried to finish this fic up in peace but my neighbor started blasting her music at 11pm. So I had a hard time concentrating. Today I didn't have much time and throughout the week I don't have much time. But regardless of the mistakes I hope everyone enjoyed it.
