"Jack, you came back!" Tamaki exclaimed, throwing his arms dramatically around the American.
Jack rolled his eyes, gently patting the blond head nestled against his chest. "Of course I came back. What did I do to make you think otherwise?"
"You mean, besides rushing out of the club room and disappearing, yesterday?" Kyōya asked, brow raised.
"He didn't disappear," Hikaru scoffed, sliding up to Jack's left.
"We told you that we found him in a bathroom downstairs puking his guts out into a toilet," Kaoru reminded, appearing on Jack's right.
"And we sent him home for the day," they finished, arms crossed pointedly.
"Oh, that's right!" Honey nodded from atop Mori's shoulders. "They did say that!"
"Right. They also broke a full tea set yesterday playing some stupid game," Kyōya grumbled.
"Hey, it's not our fault that your china is so delicate," Hikaru sneered.
Jack glanced over at Kaoru, receiving a quick wink. Ah, so that's what they did to cover for me. He felt a proud smile crawl to his lips.
Tamaki finally released Jack, placing his hands on his shoulders firmly. "Are you feeling better now?" he asked seriously.
The white-haired teen was momentarily speechless at the sudden concern glaring at him through royal blue eyes. How does he shift character so easily?
Remembering that he had yet to answer, he cleared his throat before replying, "Yeah, I think it was just something I ate. I didn't recognize any foods at lunch, yesterday, so I just took what looked good. I guess my stomach just didn't react well to it, but I'm better now."
He caught the twins flashing him two thumbs up behind Tamaki's scrutinizing gaze. The blond considered his explanation before nodding.
"Of course! Your commoner palette is not used to our cuisine! The same thing happened once to Haruhi; it makes perfect sense!" He paused his dramatics to give Jack a genuine smile. "I'm glad that you're feeling better. Why don't you eat with us from now on?"
Jack's cheeks tinted pink, and he was thankful for the distraction that Haruhi's sudden entrance made. The brunette burst through the club doors, not even triggering the gust of rose petals, three large boxes piled high in her hands. She staggered over to a table, depositing her load with a huff.
"Are those the costumes for today?" Kyōya asked, not even glancing up from his notebook.
Haruhi visibly gritted her teeth. "Yes; and if you knew they were coming, it wouldn't have killed you to send some help."
"I knew that you could handle it," the black-haired teen shrugged, glasses glinting wickedly.
"Damn rich people," Haruhi muttered, moving to unpack the boxes.
"What was that?" Kyōya asked, clicking his pen menacingly. The corners of his mouth were upturned just slightly.
Haruhi bristled. "I said, 'I love my job,'" she offered with false enthusiasm.
"I'm glad to hear you say that, because I'm adding a few more customers onto your debt," Kyōya sang, scribbling a note into his black book before snapping it shut.
Jack watched the entire exchange in silence, walking up to a deflated Haruhi's side as Kyōya departed. Haruhi glanced at him before prying the boxes open and examining their contents. While he didn't want to bother her, something was on Jack's mind, and he had to ask.
"What was that about a debt that Kyōya mentioned? Is that why you're really here?"
Haruhi nodded, lifting a jacket from the box and folding it neatly. "It's how I started out, yes. I was looking for somewhere quiet to study, stumbled into the club room, knocked over an eight million yen vase, and fell in debt to the host club. I hated having to do it at first. I only wanted to work on my studies here, not become a servant to some snooty rich kids. Thinking that I was a boy, they made me a host, and I thought that my life was ruined. But then…" she trailed off as she picked another suit from the box and draped it over her arm.
"But then…?" Jack prompted gently.
A soft smile graced the brunette's features, and she turned to face the other teen fully. "But then I got to know them, got to see where they were coming from, and I didn't mind anymore. It became fun. When I reached the point where my debt was repaid, they offered me a choice of whether to continue or not. I decided to continue, but I don't technically owe them anything anymore. Kyōya just likes to hold that over my head… even though I get enough regular customers to pay off whatever expenses they need to make for me. They're really not bad guys, though."
Her response surprised Jack, but he couldn't fight the smile on his face that mirrored Haruhi's. "I can tell."
Haruhi nodded in agreement, turning back to the boxes. "Oh, that reminds me! Today we're cosplaying as military servicemen, as recommended by Renge-"
"Who?" Jack interrupted, raising a brow. Was she one of the regular customers that he hadn't met yesterday?
Haruhi gave him a puzzled look. "You didn't meet-" suddenly her eyes lit up. "Oh, that's right, she was home sick yesterday!"
As if in response to Haruhi's exclamation, a female cackle resounded through the room, followed by a quake in the floor. Jack's eyes widened, and he grasped onto the table in a panic. Startled blue eyes watched a large panel in the floor slide open, and a multi-level platform rise out of it. Atop it sat a girl with long light brown hair dressed in the standard yellow girls' uniform. She beamed at him, standing and gracefully approaching him.
"You must be the new host that Kyōya told me about," she giggled, shaking his hand. "I'm Renge Houshakuji, first year and exchange student from France." Her expression suddenly became serious as she scanned the American teen.
Jack tried not to shuffle under the unwarranted gaze, keeping a steady smile and even offering a wink when she stopped in front of him again and met his eyes. "Like what you see?"
Renge chuckled. "I do indeed, Mr. Frost. You seem to me like… the 'fun' type!" She snapped her fingers, smile wide. "That's it! That's exactly the angle that we've been missing! Sure, the twins have their mischievous streak going for them, but you're like a cross between that, Tamaki's princely charm, and Haruhi's natural charisma! It's exactly what we need!"
Jack nodded along dumbly, looking to Haruhi for elaboration. The other host simply shrugged, turning back to the boxes in front of her.
"Like I was saying, Renge proposed we cosplay as military servicemen. Tamaki wasn't sure which branch you wanted since you left so suddenly yesterday, so you may choose from any of the ones in this box." She slid the bottom box over to him, picking up the others. "Let me know which you decide on when I get back. I'm going to hang the rest of these up for later."
Jack raised a brow, cautiously lifting the cardboard and peering into the box. A neatly folded stack of costumes nearly popped from their compressed state. He gingerly removed one after the other, wary of the detailing and obviously lavish fabric, and set them on the table. There was a uniform for every branch in every available color, and he had no doubt that they were authentic.
"Let's see what we've got here…" His eyes scanned the row of clothing. He could feel Renge peering over his shoulder.
With a sigh, he turned to the brunette, who was bouncing on her heels with excitement. "Do you have a suggestion?" he asked. "I'm completely clueless here."
Renge wasted no time in grabbing an informal navy blue Koukuu Jieitai uniform and thrusting it into his arms. The top consisted of a short-sleeved button up with a patch on each sleeve and medals covering the left breast. The bottom was a pair of pleated slacks, complete with a black leather belt. "The navy will complement your ice blue eyes and white hair without making you look too pale, like the black would, or wash you out like the white would."
Jack had to admit that the explanation made a lot of sense. "Thanks," he smiled, bringing a flush of pink to the other's cheeks.
"Oh, it was nothing," she replied, busying herself with packing the other clothes away. "Why don't you go hang that up and head to class? I'll take the rest of the uniforms to Haruhi."
Jack nodded, chuckling as he walked away. Were the girls at this school really that easy to mess with?
Jack almost dreaded when class was dismissed for lunch. He recalled Tamaki's offer that morning, but wasn't sure if he wanted to test its sincerity. He wasn't rich or notable like they were, after all. The last thing he wanted was to create a scene.
With a sigh he moved to sit at an empty table, wishing that Hiccup didn't have archery practice during lunch.
Hefting his bag onto the table, he rummaged through it for the lunch that Valka had prepared for him that morning. "I don't want you eating something that you could have a reaction to!" she'd scolded when he tried to argue.
The white-haired teen fished out a take-out style box and a pair of chopsticks. Using chopsticks was one of the first lessons Hiccup had taught him upon moving to Japan.
He easily picked up a piece of orange chicken coated in brown rice, lifting it to his mouth. The first grain of rice had just touched his bottom lip, when-
Crash! The table lurched and the American suddenly found himself covered in food. He winced when he shifted, feeling some of the sauce from his meal soak into his pants.
"Oops, sorry mate! Didn't see ya there!" a familiar voice cackled above him. Jack glared up, meeting a pair of menacing jade eyes shaded by dark grey bangs.
Jack didn't reply, prompting the Australian student to continue. "I really am sorry, ya know. This is my table, so I didn't expect to find someone sitting here."
Aware of the crowd gathering, Jack released a dry chuckle. "No worries, mate! I guess this makes us even after I knocked you down yesterday. How's your ass feeling? I didn't break the stick caught up in it, did I?"
A few gasps and anxious murmurs consumed the audience. A jade eye twitched in annoyance before the owner's face twisted into a smirk.
"Oops! Looks like I missed a spot!" he picked up his own tray and dumped it on Jack's head, defiling his snow white hair with vegemite, gravy, and caviar. Pieces of bread stuck to his cheeks, and spaghetti and steak rolled down his chest and back.
Jack plucked a stray noodle from his head, slurping it obnoxiously. "Hmm, strange taste you've got here. I was wondering what that smell was on you yesterday."
"You've got a lotta nerve, new kid!" The grey-haired teen towered over the American, who remained seated with a defiant look. "What's yer name?"
"Frost," the white-hair teen replied coolly. "Jack Frost. And to whom do I owe the pleasure?"
"E. Aster Bunnymund," the other growled in annoyance, balling his fists.
"'E. Aster?' As in, 'Easter'? Like the 'Easter Bunny'?" Jack snorted. "Then again, you're not really graceful like a bunny, you're more like an awkward kangaroo!"
Jack burst into a fit of laughter, getting much of the crowd to join in. Aster visibly shook with rage.
Before he could react, Jack was suddenly in the air, collar balled up in the Aussie's fist. "I'm gonna make ya regret sayin' that!"
Jack reflexively grasped onto Aster's hand, feet hovering a few inches off the ground. He bit his lip to contain the urge to use his powers to break the hold. Yet, in spite of his position, he couldn't help but make one more jab. "Do your worst, Peter Cottontail!"
Aster released a cry of rage, punching Jack in the gut with his other fist. The white-haired teen's eyes widened in shock, and he spluttered as the wind was knocked out of him.
"Aww, can't take what ya dish out?" Aster mocked, moving his fist for another blow.
Too quickly for him to react, a spoonful of mashed potatoes landed smack in the Australian's face. The unexpected shot forced the teen to release his grip on the American, allowing Jack to drop to his feet and retreat a couple of yards.
All eyes scrambled to find the source of the mashed potato rocket, finally settling on the Hitachiin twins, who each held a loaded spoon poised to strike. Haruhi stood next to them, holding a tray of food that they were no doubt getting their ammo from. Jack moved to approach them, but was engulfed in a warm, possessive embrace.
"Jack, my dear son!" Tamaki cried, nuzzling the paler teen's food-stained cheek. "Why didn't you come sit with us like I asked? You had me worried sick! Are you alright? Did he hurt you? Oh, you're covered in food! Mommy!"
Kyōya materialized beside them, scanning Jack quickly before whispering something to Tamaki. The blond gave him a nod, scooping Jack into his arms bridal-style.
"Wha- hey! Tamaki, I can walk, you know!" Jack cried indignantly, face completely red. He was suddenly reminded of the layers of food staining his clothes and still dripping down his body. "Tamaki! Put me down! You'll get dirty!"
"Shh, it's okay," Tamaki replied soothingly, stroking Jack's mangled locks. "Let me take care of you."
Jack was aware of several squeals of delight from the gathered students as Tamaki carried him out, Haruhi and the twins trailing a little ways behind. As he glanced back, he caught sight of Kyōya up in Aster's face, and wondered faintly what the black-haired Demon King was up to. But then Tamaki shifted him into a more comfortable position, and he found himself not caring anymore.
"There we go! All better!" Tamaki cheered, and the twins exchanged a pair of high-fives as the three admired their work. Haruhi had waited outside while they stripped Jack of his soiled uniform, then took the clothes to wash without complaint. Tamaki had called Honey and Mori, who had been napping and eating respectively in the club room, and had them bring in an extra set of clothes.
"My hair is white again!" Jack stepped up to the mirror, astonished at how clean he looked after only a pack of wipes and a quick shampoo in the sink. His eyes then landed on Tamaki's reflection, catching sight of the stains on his blazer. "Oh, but what about you?"
Tamaki smiled at his concern, removing the soiled jacket and folding it over his arm. "No worries, Jack. I have a spare in the club room."
Jack nodded, following the trio out of the restroom and up to their room. "By the way, thank you for what you did back there."
The American nearly bumped into the three as they stopped abruptly, each fixing him with a confused expression. "What do you mean?"
Suddenly self-conscious, Jack stumbled over his words as he tried to elaborate. "It's just that, you've only known me a day, and I practically blew you off yesterday, too; yet you put yourselves out there to stick up for me."
Tamaki furrowed his brow. "Of course we did."
"What, do you think we were just going to let him beat you up?" Hikaru huffed, crossing his arms.
"You're a host now, and no one messes with the Host Club!" Kaoru agreed with a firm nod.
"And we care about you," Tamaki finished. He wrapped an arm around Jack's waist, smile widening as the paler teen's cheeks colored.
So this is what Haruhi meant when she called them- er- us, a family. That was a wonderful thought, Jack decided as they reached the club room.
The twins held the door open for them, the expected gust of perfume and rose petals greeting them. What they hadn't counted on, though, was the brunette seated on Tamaki's "throne," as he liked to call it.
"Well, well, well," Renge crooned dramatically. "It would seem that our newest edition has already met a foe!"
A foe? Jack wrinkled his brow in confusion.
"Renge! Get off of my throne!" Tamaki cried, flailing his arms at her as if shooing a bird.
"No, I thought we agreed that before or after club hours, Kyōya and I were allowed to use your chair, too!"
"When did we agree on that?!"
"Hmm… maybe you missed that meeting…"
"Renge!"
"The point is," Renge continued, ignoring Tamaki's complaints, "you-" she pointed a finger at Jack "-have just made a mortal enemy! We can definitely use this to our advantage! Oh, I'm so proud!"
"Whoa there! I wouldn't go so far as to call him my 'mortal enemy,' per se…" Jack trailed off once he realized that no one was listening to him anymore. It looked like things were about to get a lot more complicated for him.
A/N: What's this? A new chapter? *le gasp*
I meant to post this for Easter Weekend, but I couldn't figure out how to end it until today, then some unforeseen deaths occurred and... yeah, sorry!
Anyway, I'm sorry that Bunny is kinda (really) OOC in this, but I needed a good antagonist for Jack. Of course, this doesn't mean that a couple of the Host Club's enemies won't return...
Oh, and in response to the question regarding Jack's love interest: *maniacal laughter* Just kidding! Originally, Jack was supposed to be with either Hiccup or Bunny, but I just love the idea of him being with one of the hosts, too, so... I've decided to let the people (that's you folks) decide! I will be putting a poll up as soon as this chapter is posted, and it'll basically be open until the last chapter of the story (which is a ways off from here). Since I don't have much of this mapped out, and to give you more incentive to vote, I'll write more interaction between Jack and whoever has the most votes at the time.
As always, thank you for reading, favoriting, following, and reviewing! Those email notifications that I get really make my day!
See you next chapter! x3