Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High school Host Club. If I did, I would be a character and I would marry Kyouya.
Plot Summary: Katherine Yuri Inoue is your typical, average, half-Japanese, half-Spanish fifteen year old living in America. Except… She is secretly a Junior CIA agent, in training to become a full-fledged CIA agent. When she disobeys an order from her superior in order to save some people's lives from impending danger, she is sent to Japan on an individual assignment as a "punishment". Her mission: to find the Japanese ambassador's long lost niece. In Japan, she goes undercover as an Ouran Academy High school student. Kathy, who now goes by her Japanese middle name, Yuri, plans to find the ambassador's niece and return to America as soon as possible. However, she did not plan on finding herself with a group of new (and weird) friends, a club she has never heard of, a debt to pay, and… Love? Also, this secret agent not only has her identity and intentions to keep secret but a past as well that she doesn't want anybody to find out. Who is she really? And is only reason she doesn't want to stay in Japan because she was forced to? Or something else? And perhaps her newfound friends and a certain someone can change her mind…
_ _ _
Chapter 9- Surprises and a Childhood Fear
The Hosts meet Yuri's cousin and she tells them some startling info about Yuri. They also take Yuri and Haruhi out to a "surprise." With this surprise, Kyouya learns a little bit more about Yuri and discovers that despite her brave and tough exterior, she is as vulnerable as anybody else. We also learn a little bit more about Yuri's past and why she resents being sent to Japan through the arrival of a surprise guest.
A/N: Flashback
Akiyama Household
Saturday
10:00 A.M.
Laptop? Check.
Complete list? Check.
Information downloaded from last Wednesday? Check.
It is a beautiful Saturday morning. The weatherman said that today is going to be bright and sunny with a little breeze. A perfect day to go outside and play, hang-out, walk in the park, go shopping, any outdoor activity. Take advantage of a rare perfect day such as this. Unfortunately, others can't seem to stop working even on a weekend. Even with her cousin encouraging her to "please, please, please take a break and have fun like a normal teenager on a Saturday morning."
"You've been doing research and investigation for the past couple of weekends," Kaori told Yuri as the other girl shuffled through her papers and researched on the internet. "Take a break. Call Haruhi, go to the mall, buy sushi, anything." She's pleading now. "You haven't been out of the house either except for school and the few shopping trips. Other than those, you practically don't go anywhere else."
"I would love to go out today Kaori-chan but I can't put this off," she replied without looking up from her papers. She is sitting Indian-style on the floor with her materials on the coffee table. "There are fifteen girls whose backgrounds I have to keep researching and confirming. Fifteen girls. Just let me narrow it down to a one-digit number and then I'll take one weekend off. I promise."
Kaori sighed, giving up. Please let there be a miracle!
As if on cue, the door bell rang. Hmm… I wonder who that could be, Kaori thought as she walked out of the living room towards the hall. Maybe it's Aiko coming to ask about Ryou again. (Aiko was one of her teammates' and her best friend while she worked at the Secret Service. She's still an agent there.)
She opened the door and instead saw four beautiful male teenagers: two dark-haired and the other two are red-haired, identical twins.
"Yes? May I help you?" she asked, curiously.
"Ohayo Miss," the dark-haired one with the glasses greeted. "Does Yuri Inoue live in this house?"
"Yes, she does. She's my cousin. Are you friends of hers?"
"As a matter of fact, we are."
"I see." She opened the door wider. "Then, I'll assume you're all from that Host Club at Ouran that she talks about often." She smiled warmly at them. "I'm Kaori. Please, come in."
She stepped aside and they thanked her as they entered her home. As she closed the door, she heard shuffling, a thump, and Yuri shriek in horror, yelling, "No! No! No! You can't be here!" Giggling, she followed their guests into the living room. Yuri's laptop is now closed, the papers from last Wednesday haphazardly inserted inside a folder. There is a look of horror on the young girl's face as she looked at the four young men standing in the middle of their living room.
"What are you doing here? Don't you have lives outside the Host Club?" she shrieked, panicking. Her plans for the day are ruined!
Grinning, Kaori approached her cousin and placed a hand on her shoulder "Now, now Yuri-chan, these are your friends aren't they?" She smiled at the boys. "Please forgive her, she's been so stressed lately that she's a little cranky."
They chuckled and Yuri glared at them.
"Oh, we almost forgot to introduce ourselves. My name is Kyouya Ootori, this is Takashi Morinuzuka, and Kaoru and Hikaru Hitachiin."
Kaori nodded. "Yes, I've heard of all of you from Yuri. It's nice to finally meet you."
"And you as well Kaori-san."
She turned to Kyouya. "You are from the Ootori Medical Group, correct?"
"Yes. I am the third son."
"Ah… I see, well, it's an honor to meet you."
"Thank you. Likewise Kaori-san."
She then turned to the twins and smiled. "I love your mother's designs. My husband went through a lot of pain to get me one of her dresses for our first wedding anniversary. It's one of my absolute favorites."
The twins grinned happily and bowed. "Arigatou! We'll let her know."
"Thank you." She turned to Mori. "Morinuzuka-san, it's nice to see you all grown up. Last time I saw you, you were only two years old."
Mori gave a start. "Excuse me?"
She smiled. "You see, my husband and I used to train at your family's dojo when we were younger."
Yuri's eyes opened wide at her cousin. She knows that Kaori is a master at Kendo but she never knew she and Ryou had trained under Mori's family's dojo. "You did?"
"You did?" Mori said at the exact same time.
Kaori giggled. "Yep. But, that was a long time ago. Really long." She smiled at the tall boy. "Will you ask Hanabusa-sensei to visit his former students if he can? We haven't seen him since we left the dojo."
Mori nodded, still surprised. "Of course."
Kaori clapped her hands. "Wonderful." She looked at all the Hosts. "Are you here to visit Yuri-chan?"
"Actually, we're here to invite Yuri out," the twins said.
"Oh. Is that so? Well, of course she'll go!" She grabbed her younger cousin and pushed her up the stairs towards her room before she can protest. "Go and get changed Yuri!"
"Kaori! I have that thing I have to do!" Yuri protested, as she struggled. "You know, the important thing that I can't put off?!"
"You can do that important thing next week. You need a day off!"
"I don't need a day off!"
"You were sweeping the floor with a mop this morning!"
"I woke up at seven in the morning! It was too early!"
"My point exactly!"
"Bu-."
"No buts!"
The Hosts heard a door shut and Kaori came bounding down the stairs, gleefully. The Hosts sweatdropped but thought better not to ask.
"Well, while my dear cousin is busy changing, please sit down. Would you like some tea?"
"No, thank you Kaori-san. We're all right," Kyouya replied.
They all sat down on the couch while Kaori sat on an armchair next to them. The boys looked around the room, observing. Not too shabby. It's not big but it's not small either. Western style yet it has hints of Japanese. They looked at the coffee table and noticed some large books underneath. Kaori noticed them looking and smiled as she picked up one of the books. They realized that they were not books but photo albums
"Would you like to see pictures of Yuri?" she asked them. "She's my only cousin in my father's side that's why I love her very much! She's just so kawaii!"
The twins nodded enthusiastically as Kaori opened the album to the first page. They "oohed" and "aahed" at Yuri's young self. There are pictures of her as a toddler, as a five-year old, as an eight-year old, as a preteen. Kaori told stories of each picture of Yuri: her first crawl, her first bicycle, her first time playing the piano. The four Hosts absorbed each story of Yuri. She's so mysterious to them that this is an opportunity to know her a little better like they know Haruhi.
Meanwhile, Kyouya tried his best to listen but he can't help but keep his eyes open for one particular person in the pictures: Yuri's father. But, for some strange reason, the said parent is missing. Yuri has pictures with her mother, with Kaori and a man he assumes is Kaori's husband, with some friends, even a few with a grandmother and a pair of grandparents, but no father. He is disappointed but kept it well-hidden from the others. Looking at the pictures closely, he realized a pattern. In the pictures where Yuri is at least eight years old and below, her smiles are wide, happy, and so innocent and sweet. But after that, the smiles looked forced and even a little bit fake. Even if the smiles are wide and not forced, when you look in her eyes, there is a certain sadness in them. Then, he remembered what she told him before: her parents divorced when she was eight years old. A plausible explanation for the sudden gloominess.
"… very enthusiastic kid," Kaori finished, caressing one of the pictures lovingly. As the Hosts examined more of the photographs, she looked up the stairs and sighed. Typical Yuri. Always takes so long in getting dressed. She turned back to their guests. "By the way, I wish to thank all of you."
The boys looked up, surprised and confused looks on their faces.
"Whatever for Kaori-san?" the twins asked.
Kaori's smile began to wane but she kept it plastered on. "Back in America, Yuri was a bit… Different. She… I guess you could say she was some sort of rebel. You probably noticed that in her hair and the way she talks. Grew up a New Yorker after all. We, meaning her mother and I, assume that this is her own form of quiet rebellion. Yuri's not one for picking physical fights. She's more into verbal."
"I'll bet," Hikaru muttered, remembering Yuri's purple nail polish and the way she and Kyouya had shot words at each other. At present, she changed her nails into aquamarine blue and the word exchange with Kyouya had lowered to a minimum.
"But despite that, she's really sweet and will never hurt a fly. Unless necessary," she added, not wanting to make Yuri look weak. "She's always concerned about everybody else that she forgets to be concerned for herself. Being away from her mother most of the time, well, she's a bit independent. But, sometimes, I can just tell how lonely she is back when I used to visit her in America."
Then, she smiled brightly. "But that was before she met the Host Club. She's… Changed. But for the better. The first time she talked about the Club, she was curious and, I must admit, a little weirded out. Eventually though, whenever she talks about you, there may still he hints of annoyance but there's also… Respect and a little bit of admiration. But don't tell her I said that."
She was silent for a little bit before continuing.
"Two weeks after joining the Host Club, she shyly asked me that she's thinking of a change of wardrobe. She didn't bring much with her from America, just a bunch of dark-colored t-shirts and some jeans. The look on her face when I took her shopping for some new clothes was one of a child experiencing her first shopping spree. And the first time I saw her wear something that had no hint of black or any other dark color, it made me so happy. It was as if she's a whole new person, the person she should be if not for…"
Kaori didn't continue but only shook her head and chuckled. The Hosts, except for Kyouya who knows what she wanted to say, all began to look curious but thought better not to ask. It's a private matter that only Yuri could tell them.
"You know, she suddenly bought three pairs of flats when she used to be so against any pair of shoe that is not tied with shoelaces. I think she mentioned how comfortable they felt when you did the Victorian theme."
She looked at the pictures again with a faraway look in her face.
"Her smiles are more frequent and genuine nowadays. She still has that sarcasm but it's more playful now instead of bitter or mocking. And… Her childishness seems to be out in the open a lot more rather than kept hidden inside of her by force. And of course, she's wearing lighter and brighter colors compared to her usual dark colors." She looked at them, happily. "And I owe it to all of you, especially Haruhi. Whatever it is that the Host Club does, I hope it continues to make my Yuri happy." She smiled appreciatively at them. "Arigatou gozaimasu."
Silence. They are at a loss for words. They never knew. They never thought that the way she acts around them is because she's… Troubled. They never knew the sudden impact they had in her life. Just like how their Prince had changed all of them for the better, they managed to change someone too. It made them feel a bit… Warm. And fuzzy. Is this what Tamaki felt when he helped the twins step out of their own little world? Is this what he felt when he helped Kyouya paint outside the canvas? Is this what he felt when he helped Hunny accept himself and not pretend to be someone else?
They sat in silence for what felt like forever.
"She knows kendo?" Mori asked out of nowhere. He is looking at a picture of Yuri and Kaori in matching kendo outfits holding wooden swords.
"Oh, yes. I taught her myself," Kaori answered, perkiness with a hint of pride back in her voice. "She's really good. Why don't you challenge her sometime Morinuzuka-san?"
Mori nodded then gave her a small smile. "Okay."
"I'm here!"
They looked up to see Yuri emerge from upstairs. Gone are her plain black t-shirt, black sweatpants, and flip flops. Replacing them are a black unbuttoned vest over a pink graphic t-shirt, gray leggings under a light jean skirt with a tattered hem, and plain white converse sneakers. A small black crocheted purse is slung around her body. Her hair she placed in twin pigtails with black elastics.
The twins whistled in approval at her outfit and before she knew it, both are on either side of her, taking her arm.
"Ahh… So this is what you look like when you're not in your uniform," Kaoru said, as they guided her down the rest of the stairs.
"Still needs work but just a little bit," Hikaru added.
As they passed her cousin, they said, "We'll take her now. Thank you for having us"
Kaori waved good-bye and said, "You're very welcome! Take care!"
"Matte, Kaori! My stuff-."
"I'll take them to your room Yuri-chan. Have fun!"
The twins exited the house, followed by Mori, then Kyouya. But before Kyouya can step out the door, he heard Kaori call his name. He turned around, curiously.
Kaori has her hands clasped together in front of her and is looking at him with… Gratitude?
"Yes Kaori-san?"
"I want to personally thank you Ootori-kun."
He gave a start. Before he can reply, they heard Yuri's voice float from outside. "Haruhi! They captured you too?"
"Yes," a voice answered, solemnly. "I was taken against my will."
"I was forced against my will."
"Join the club."
"No arguments there."
"Club? What club? My darling daughters! You're already in my club! Don't leave Daddy!"
They heard two groans and a "Hi Yu-chan!"
Kyouya, meanwhile, turned back to Kaori. "May I ask what you're thanking me for Kaori-san?"
"You see… When I went to pick up Yuri from school last Wednesday, I saw you both talking. When we got home, Yuri told me…"
Flashback:
She went out to the backyard to call Yuri in for dinner. Before calling her name, she watched first as the younger girl did somersaults on the grass repeatedly. She watched as Yuri ran then did a triple cartwheel and an air cartwheel before landing on her feet. She can hear her young cousin panting as she caught her breathe. Then, she looked up to see Kaori standing just outside the kitchen door on the porch, watching her. Yuri waved before running towards her.
Kaori handed her a towel and a bottle of water. "That was a quite a work-out," she commented as they both sat down the porch steps.
Yuri wiped her forehead and breathed deeply. "Yeah." She sighed. "It feels so good to just… Let go." She took a swig from the water bottle. "So? What's for dinner?"
"I ordered some sushi."
Yuri looked at her teasingly. "I should really teach you to cook."
Kaori sighed. "Ryou always was the better cook." She tilted her head to the side. "Exhausted?"
"A little."
"Something's bothering you."
"How do you know that?"
"I know you enough to know that you're trying to get something off your head. You came home, did your homework like the wind then came out here and indulged yourself in gymnastics. Is it what happened at Headquarters today?"
"No, not really. The information I got were okay. Not much but I think they'll be helpful."
"Mmmm…"
Silence.
"Um… I told someone about… Dad today," Yuri admitted, timidly. "About the divorce that is. Not the other one."
"Ahhh… I see. And?"
"Well, he did promise not to tell anybody else."
"That was the boy with you today, right?"
Yuri nodded, silently.
"He must be a good a friend as Haruhi for you to tell him about your dad."
Yuri shrugged. "I don't know. I feel that I could trust him. Besides, he trusted me with his family background. I guess I should trust him with mine."
Kaori smiled, internally grateful that Yuri is able to let her feelings out instead of keeping them inside. She's thankful for this person.
End
"… so when I saw you enter that door, I remembered. So far, only you and Haruhi know about Yuri's parents being divorced and for her to tell you something so personal means that she really does trust you. I know that her parents being divorced is not such a big deal at this time and age but Yuri hates being pitied. She doesn't like being seen as weak or helpless. It's also the reason why Yuri has been feeling lonely for quite some time. The way she dresses, the way she acts, those are because she was hiding. But with you, with the Host Club, I think she's beginning to come out of her hiding place."
She bowed. "And for that I thank you very much."
Kyouya is startled but nonetheless smiled his usual and bowed back. "In that case, you're very welcome."
"Kyouya-senpai!" they heard the twins call. "What's taking you so long?"
"Okaa-san! Come on! Your daughters are getting impatient!" a dreamy voice called.
"I'm not your daughter!" one voice answered while another said, "Please don't embarrass me in front of my own cousin."
Kaori giggled. "I'm sorry. I've kept you too long."
"It's alright Kaori-san." Kyouya bowed. "I'll be on my way."
"Oh, one more thing Ootori-kun."
"Yes?"
She looked at him with pleading eyes. "Please take care of Yuri-chan."
The young boy's cheeks turned a little pink, a confused look on his face. He nodded and left the house, still puzzled.
_ _ _
"What took you so long Kyouya?" Tamaki asked as soon as the limo pulled away from the curb.
Kyouya shook his head. "It's my business Tamaki."
"But-."
At a look from the Shadow King, Tamaki shut up and changed to another topic.
While the "idiot" talked about a random subject, he looked at Yuri who is sitting gloomily with Haruhi. He smirked as she watched their in sync moves: they sighed, leaned forward and rested their elbows on their knees with their fists under their chins. The twins, fascinated, asked them how they did it. They shrugged together and Hunny giggled and asked if they were twins like Hikaru and Kaoru. They shrugged again.
Kyouya merely shook his head, losing interest, and turned his attention to his rambling best friend.
"Oh, we almost forgot!" the twins said. They took out two white handkerchiefs. "Blindfolds!"
"Eh?!" the girls' panicked voices chorused.
_ _ _
"Don't open your eyes," Tamaki said, leading the Host Club.
"How can we open our eyes when we're blindfolded?" Haruhi grumbled as Hikaru led her to God-knows-where.
"Where are we?" Yuri asked. She is being guided by Kaoru.
"You'll see in a minute," he answered.
"Yeah! You'll love it Haru-chan! Yu-chan!" Hunny added, enthusiastically. "Takashi and I are excited too!"
"Ahh…"
The girls felt themselves being stopped and the twins moved to take off their blindfolds.
"Welcome to the Circus!" Tamaki announced, his arms gesturing towards the giant tents, the different rides, and the animal cages.
Haruhi moaned then shook her head. "Well... At least it's better than being dragged to an artificial beach like that first time you kidnapped me."
"Have you ever been to a circus before Haruhi?" Tamaki asked, eagerly.
"Yeah, but I was very young and I was with my mom then," she replied, smiling at the memory. "That was the last and only time I went to the circus."
"Then I shall make sure that it will not be the last! I will make this one of your best memories Haruhi!"
"Right."
While this exchange is going on, Kyouya saw Yuri freeze at the corner of his eye. She hasn't moved ever since Kaoru took off her blindfold. In fact, she's looking a little pale…
Should I ask? Kyouya thought, feeling a bit worried (It is very rare for him to feel concern for something other than profits.)
In the end, he decided not to since Hunny took Haruhi's hand and Yuri's and dragged them towards the entrance of the circus, excitedly.
_ _ _
One hour later…
Giggling. Laughing. Enjoyment. She can hear all of it. Hunny's enthusiastic cheers made her smile and forget a little. A voice in her head says "Just go with the flow."
Speaking of Hunny, he has over ten stuffed animals, excluding his Usa-chan, in his arms won for him by Mori. Amazingly, his small body can carry the load plus a tall stick of cotton candy. Meanwhile, Haruhi herself is being loaded by prizes won by Tamaki and the twins. When Yuri looked questioningly at Kyouya, he simply replied that they are playing "Who can win the most prizes for Haruhi?" game. When asked why he is not joining in, he chuckled and did not reply. So, here she is, watching Mori win another prize for Hunny at a "Dunking Game". Haruhi, surprisingly, can also carry all the stuffed animals without tripping. But she looks like she's going to bolt anytime.
"Um… Haruhi? Do you need help with that?" she asked, concerned.
"I'm alright," Haruhi replied. "I just wish they didn't get me too much stuff. Besides, what am I going to do with all these? It's not like I'm eight years old or something."
Yuri giggled. "They just want your attention."
"Right."
"Haruhiiiiii!"
The said girl sighed. "Yes, Tamaki-senpai?"
Their blonde-haired, violet-eyed senpai grabbed one of Haruhi's hands and dragged her to a booth, rambling about winning her another price. Yuri shook her head and smiled.
If only Haruhi could see how hard he tries, she thought to herself. She crossed her arms as she watched Tamaki give the shooting game a try and failing terribly while Haruhi kept explaining that it was unnecessary. Hmm… I wonder where the twins went.
All the while, Kyouya is standing in a corner, hands in his pockets, looking bored. After all, this isn't his idea. It's Tamaki's. He doesn't have to enjoy it. Well… At least the color is back in Yuri's cheeks. The first couple of minutes they were there, she could barely talk and she looks as if she'd rather be anywhere but there. She would look around as if someone is about to attack her. But eventually, he noticed that she had begun to relax.
"Here Yuri-chan," Mori said, handing the dark-haired girl a brown and white stuffed dog.
Surprised, Yuri accepted it. "Um… Thanks Mori-senpai. But, isn't this for Hunny-senpai?" She gestured towards the tiny boy eating his third cotton candy.
"Oh, I asked Takashi to get you that Yu-chan," the other boy said, turning his attention to her. "You looked a little upset earlier so it's just a little something to make you feel better!"
"Oh, thank you Hunny-senpai. That was kind of you two."
She smiled at them.
"By the way Yuri-chan, I challenge you."
She tilted her head to the side, looking at Mori questioningly. "Eh?"
"Your cousin said that you know Kendo and asked me to challenge you."
"Oh. Well…" She hesitated. She may be good at Kendo but she's not that good. At least, not as good as Mori. But then again, she doesn't often back down from a challenge. How bad could it be? "Sure, why not? When?"
"I'll let you know."
"Okay. It's settled then."
With this little exchange, Kyouya's mind begins to form a plan to gain some profits not just from their regular customers… But, maybe, also from the rest of the students… Particularly, the Karate Club and the Kendo Club.
Just then, Hikaru and Kaoru appeared, stuffed animals in each hand for Haruhi. They informed their companions of a place where they can grab a quick lunch before their next surprise. When Yuri and Haruhi asked, they kept their mouths shut and the girls were dragged to lunch.
_ _ _
Another hour later…
The blindfolds are back on both girls' eyes and they are being led to the largest tent in the area. The stuffed animals were taken back to the limo by some unseen bodyguards so their hands and Hunny's are free (They have bodyguards, Yuri thought. I should have known.)
"Where are you taking us?" Haruhi grumbled.
"Can't we go home yet?" Yuri added. "I have stuff to do."
"Same here."
"Nonsense, we've only been here two hours," Tamaki answered.
The two girls were stopped in front of the entrance and the blindfolds were removed again.
"My daughters, we have acquired front seats at the circus show!" Tamaki announced proudly, eight tickets in his hand. "We get to see performers and acrobats, elephants and tigers, and of course, magic tricks!"
The twins and Hunny cheered. Mori stood and smiled at Hunny's happiness. Kyouya remains neutral. Haruhi shrugged and muttered, "Might as well." Yuri froze in horror but tried to calm herself. She's not scared. No, not at all.
They all went in and found their seats… At the very front. First Row. Tamaki wasn't lying. A performer could walk by and reach out to touch them. Yuri pushed the thought away and tired to relax. A few minutes later, the tent is closed, the lights dimmed and the show begun. She can feel herself shaking but did her very best to ignore the feeling, hoping that the others are too engrossed on the show to notice. She's out of luck.
"Yuri?" Haruhi whispered as the Ring master came out and greeted the audience. "You okay?"
She smiled fakely at the other girl. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
"You look… Nervous."
"Nervous? Me? I'm fine Haruhi. Just fine. Really."
"Okay. If you're sure."
"Hai."
Haruhi sent her a worried look before turning back to the show.
Thirty minutes into the show, Yuri can feel herself calming down again. She's still nervous but as long as they don't take notice of her, she'll be fine. Meanwhile, the twins almost cowered in fear when the white tiger came out, Hunny giggled at the contortionists and proposed that he would practice doing the same thing, and Tamaki stared wide-eyed at the tightrope walkers. They "oohed" and "ahhed" at the Ring master who is also serving as a type of magician. Yuri is amazed at her companions. They're like little children. But then again, they've probably never been to a circus before. And neither had she until today. As long as the performers don't get to close to her, she'll be alright. She's even starting to enjoy herself a little.
"And now for my next display," the Ringmaster announced to the crowd. "I would need a volunteer from the audience."
Tamaki, the twins, and Hunny instantly raised their hands. The Ringmaster noticed their enthusiasm and complimented them on it. Then, he noticed Yuri, who is sitting still and praying to God that he skip on her and pick the sullen-looking Shadow King sitting next to her instead.
"Ah! How about you my dear?" he said, approaching the nervous girl. He held out his hand graciously to her. "Why don't you step out into the ring?"
Yuri stared blankly at the hand and silently shook her head, "no."
"Come on miss, it's not going to be that bad."
She shook her head again. "Gomenasai."
And to the Ringmaster's surprise as well as the Hosts and the rest of the audience, the young girl bolted out of her seat, ran down the aisle and out of the tent.
Tamaki began to apologize to the Ringmaster, saying that Yuri must have had an emergency. Scratching his head, the Ringmaster turned to the girl next to his original volunteer and asked her if she wants to step out into the ring. Haruhi shrugs and does so. Meanwhile, Kyouya looked towards the direction of the entrance. When the rest of the audience turned their attention back to the show, he quietly got out of his seat and went to find Yuri.
He found her huddled on the ground in a secluded corner outside the tent. He is surprised to see her like this. The often headstrong girl is shaking with fright. She has her hands wrapped around her legs, her knees on her chest, and her head bowed. The shaking of her elbows and a muffled sound coming from her gave him the hint that she could be crying. And he doesn't know how to deal with this. Yes. He has dealt with girls who confessed to him whom he has to let down easy so that they'll still come back to the Host Club. He has dealt with girls who flirt endlessly with him whom he has to "request" to please stop since it makes him uncomfortable. He has even dealt with girls who are in hysterics like his sister when she was having pre-wedding jitters. But never has he dealt with a crying girl, complete with tears.
"Yuri."
She jumped to her feet as fast as lightning and began shaking her head, hysterically. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! That was so unlike me! Look... I'll go back in there and act like nothing's wrong! I'm sorry! I can do this! I…"
She's rambling. And she knows it. Crap. What's wrong with her?! She had managed to remain calm and here she is, panicking like it's the end of the world. It's so stupid! She's a Junior CIA agent for God's sake! For five years now! And she just burst out of there like a frightened monkey!
She felt two hands on her shoulders. Puzzled, she looked up at her senpai.
"S-Senpai… I can explain."
"Please do."
He let go of her hands and she shakily moved back to her spot on the ground, staring blankly in front of her, clutching the golden locket that the always wears.
"It's silly and I know you'll laugh but… I guess I owe you and the others an explanation after that…"
Kyouya stood quiet, waiting.
"Umm… When I was kid, my mom would sometimes work overtime so she would hire a babysitter. One time, when I was eight after the divorce, mom had to work really late so I had my usual babysitter. She was a teenager who lived down the block. That night, she put me to bed but I couldn't sleep. So, I went down to the living room where she's watching T.V. to ask for a glass of milk. But, she fell asleep and when I saw that she had rented a movie, I decided to watch it. It had a very nice beginning, all cutesy and stuff so I thought it was going to be a good movie. I didn't know it was a horror movie about an evil circus master who acted kind to his volunteers during the show but ends up kidnapping them, turning them into mutants and forcing them to work at the circus as freaks shows. The next couple of nights, I had nightmares and I skipped on the class field trip to the Big Apple Circus which I was looking forward to all year."
She shuddered at the memory and buried her face in her arms again, ashamed at this humiliating secret.
Kyouya is speechless. This girl…. This headstrong girl… This girl whom he would have long verbal fights with… This girl who appeared sweet yet can be as deadly as he when annoyed… This girl…
"You're afraid of the circus?" he managed, lamely.
She looked up and glared at him. "Not the circus. Ringmasters! I'm afraid of Ringmasters!"
Okay. That story was true. She did see the movie. She did have nightmares. And she did skip out on the Big Apple Circus. But that's not the end of it…
When she and her team were given their first assignment at age 13, they ended up investigating a circus suspected to be abducting children and selling them to childless people or couples illegally for hundreds, even thousands of dollars. While investigating, she was almost charmed by the Ring master's son, who apparently knew about the whole ordeal but denied it when she asked. He insisted that the circus is innocent and because of her naiveté, she almost fell for it and almost cost her team the assignment. They found that the children were placed in cages like animals, poor little things. She couldn't stand it. They attempted to rescue all of the children and take them to Headquarters. Unfortunately, her avid "admirer" handed her, Camille, and David over to his father in a silver platter and they were almost shipped off to Peru if not for the rest of their team's quick thinking. Jake, Mandy and Dylan called Team 2 for back-up and were able to get them out, bust the circus, and sent her would-have-been-first-boyfriend to juvy. Well… That whole experience discouraged her from circuses even more than when she was eight.
Frustrated, she shook her head. "I'm so weak," she said, referring not only to her ridiculous phobia but also because she was naïve and almost fell for a guy who cared little about her.
Meanwhile, Kyouya remained rooted to the spot as the now calm girl belittled herself.
"I must say that it is rather silly to be afraid of a circus Ringmaster," he finally said. "But we all have our own fears." He handed her a handkerchief. She accepted it gratefully and wiped her tear-stained cheeks. "You know what? Running away from you fears won't make it go away. No matter what you do, it will keep coming back and the longer you stay away from it, the longer you will be frightened. What I suggest you do Yuri? Face it. Don't run away. Confront your fear. Better now than later."
Yuri can feel shame seep inside her. Dang! This guy is good! Evil… But good… Though that sounds a bit contradictory.
_ _ _
After Yuri felt better, Kyouya escorted her back to the show. She sat next to Haruhi who had finished volunteering and asked Yuri if she's alright. The other girl laughed quietly and apologized, insisting that she's alright and that she just needed some air. To prove her point, she turned back to the show. A few minutes later, Haruhi sighed and did the same.
Yuri's still a little nervous. Actually, her hands are shaking though she tried her best to steady them. Ten minutes later, she felt a hand clasp her own. Surprised, she turned next to her. A couldn't-care-less Kyouya is holding her hand! Kyouya-senpai! Kyouya Ootori! Holding her hand! What has the world come to?
Though surprised and confused, Yuri allowed this. Eventually, she felt herself relax. Kyouya holding her hand is such a nice gesture… Despite the fact that he's evil…
_ _ _
Why did he do that? Why did he hold her hand?
Well… She was scared, a voice answered.
So? Kyouya answered back.
So… You were being nice.
Nice? I'm not nice!
Sure, you're not!
I'm not nice!
Then why are you doing this for her?
I'm not doing this for her! I'm doing this because I know that my idiot best friend would want to meet them.
Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that.
Kyouya shook his head as he made his way backstage. Stupid voices! I'm doing this for the others, not just for her.
_ _ _
"Where did Kyouya-senpai go?" Haruhi asked.
The show is over and they all are outside the tent, looking for their missing Vice President who had disappeared. They looked around them but he is nowhere to be found.
"I wonder where Kyou-chan went," Hunny said, worriedly. He is sitting on Mori's shoulders and is looking over the crowd.
"I see him," Mori said, pointing.
Lo and behold! Kyouya is walking towards them, coolly and confidently.
"Okaa-san!" Tamaki attacked him with a hug. "Your children and I were so worried! We thought you had gotten lost like that time at the commoner mall! We thought you were kidnapped! We…"
The others sweatdropped as Tamaki listed all of the horrible things that "they" thought had happened to Kyouya. They can also see a vein popping dangerously on Kyouya's forehead. Cautiously, they took a step back. In a matter of seconds, Tamaki is kneeling on the ground, rubbing his head.
"There was no need to be violent Kyouya," he complained. "We were just worried."
Kyouya ignored him. "I arranged a meeting with the performers. They are waiting backstage."
Within five seconds, Tamaki, Hikaru, Kaoru, Mori, and Hunny have disappeared, leaving Kyouya behind with the two girls.
"Well… That was quicker than I expected," he commented as they followed their five friends.
On the way, Haruhi noticed that Yuri seem to lag behind and stopped often so that she's be in step with the other girl. She's been noticing the sudden quietness about Yuri since they entered the circus. And when she ran out when she was asked to volunteer made Haruhi worry more about her friend. Wanting to make her feel better, Haruhi hooked her arm with Yuri's and smiled, encouragingly. Yuri smiled back and nodded as if to say "Thank you." Arm in arm, they followed Kyouya backstage.
When they arrived, the performers are already giving out autographs to the other hosts. The contortionists, two women, are giving Hunny tips on how to be more bendable. The twins are patting the elephants. And Tamaki is charming some of the female performers like the acrobats and the tightrope walkers. Mori just stood by, talking to one of the animal trainers while stroking one of the white tigers.
"Yuri," Kyouya called. "Come here. I want you to meet someone."
He is standing next to a man with a purple coat and a top hat: the Ring master. Yuri hesitated and clung to Haruhi like a child to its mother. Haruhi, noticing this, patted her on the hand.
"Go on," she whispered.
Slowly, Yuri disentangled herself from Haruhi and approached her senpai and the Ring master. As soon as she reached them, the Ring master held out his hand. She took it nervously.
"I want you to meet Hideki Otama," Kyouya said. "The Ringmaster of the circus and the Head of this little family here."
"N-Nice to meet you sir," Yuri greeted, trying to steady her voice. "I'm so sorry about earlier."
"It's alright young lady," he replied, smiling warmly at her.
A few minutes later, Kyouya watched from the side as Yuri talked with the Ringmaster. She is no longer afraid. Actually, she's laughing at his jokes like they're old time friends. It's impossible to believe that she was crying earlier because she was afraid of him. Yuri had suddenly found the circus interesting.
So? You did that for Tamaki eh? Explain why you introduced her to the Ringmaster.
The voice is back.
Going to the circus might give Tamaki an idea for a cosplay and I can't have her nervously serving the guests. Or worse, stay away from Tamaki who will most likely dress up as the Ringmaster.
Right Kyouya. Right. Maybe you just want her to finally face her fear. Admit it! You care that's why you're doing this for her.
I'm not doing this for her! I'm doing this for the club!
Of course Kyouya. Of course.
_ _ _
"Thanks for the day guys," Haruhi said as she got out of the limo, carrying her many stuffed animals. "Though you ruined my day of study so I have to make it up tomorrow, I had fun."
She smiled at them and waved good-bye.
"Next stop, Yuri's house," Hikaru said as the limo pulled off the curb.
The ride home is filled with Hikaru and Kaoru talking quietly. Hunny had fallen asleep in Mori's lap and Tamaki looked too tired to even talk to Kyouya. Yuri could have walked home from Haruhi's instead of enduring a short and nearly quiet limo ride. It's still light outside after all. But, no, they all insisted to accompany her because who knows what could happen to her on her way home? She just sighed. She's tired anyway so who's complaining?
The limo stopped outside her house. She thanked them for the wonderful day and got out. She is about to wave good-bye when Kyouya got out of the limo after her.
"Senpai?"
"You left these." He handed her the stuffed dog Mori won for her and a stuffed duck that the twins decided to give her since Haruhi was already overloaded with prices.
"Oh." She reached out and took them. "Arigatou. And senpai? Thank you, for helping me face my fear. About what I said before, about you being a good person, I think it came into play today. So, thank you very much."
Kyouya betrayed no emotions but something inside him began to bubble. Blaming it on the amount of food he ate, he cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses.
"There may be a possibility that Tamaki would want a circus theme any day now," he replied. "I don't want you running away in fear whenever you see him in a Ringmaster's costume. I merely did it for the club."
Nevertheless, she smiled and shrugged. "Even so. Thanks."
She waved good-bye to the others and walked up to the front door. When she turned around again, the limo is starting to pull off the curb. She watched it go until it is no longer in her line of vision. Sighing, she took out her keys from her bag and opened the door.
"I'm home!" she called.
"Welcome home Yuri-chan!" Kaori called back. "Come into the living room. I have a surprise for you."
When Yuri entered the living room, she gave a start of surprise then smiled.
"Obaa-san!"
"Hello my little lily. How wonderful it is to see you."
She placed the stuffed animals on a chair then bounded across the room and wrapped her arms around her grandmother.
"It's so nice to see you!" Yuri said, pulling away. "What are you doing here? I mean, not that I'm not happy to see you, it's just that, how did you know I'm here?"
Kaori is smiling beside their grandmother. "It seems that Auntie Alex called her."
Her grandmother, Minasaki Inoue, took her young granddaughters hand. "Your mother called me and asked me to check on you. She's upset because you haven't been calling her."
"Oh. Well, I want to. But, I know she's busy with her deadlines and all. I don't want to bother her."
"But she's worried about you Kathy." She patted Yuri's hand. "It's Yuri now am I right?" She sat down and her granddaughters sat on either side of her. "Your father picked that name. The lily was your grandfather's favorite flower. Such a shame that he did not live long enough to see you. You know, your father didn't want you to lose your Japanese side just because you grew up in America, that's why he gave you that name. In memory of his father whom he and I loved dearly." She stroked Yuri's hair fondly. "When are you going to forgive him lily?"
Yuri looked away from her grandmother. "I'm not ready Obaa-san."
"When are you going to be ready?"
Yuri shrugged. "I don't know." Wanting an excuse, she smelled something coming from the kitchen. "Kaori, did you try to cook again?" She got up. "Excuse me Obaa-san, I just want to check Kaori's cooking. No offense Kaori but Ryou warned me of possible food burning whenever you try to cook." She giggled nervously and left.
Minasaki sighed and turned to her other granddaughter. "There is still anger in her heart."
Kaori agreed then smiled pleasantly. "But it's starting to fade now. This assignment of hers, it seems to change her bit by bit. Her new friends are wonderful. I met them today." She paused as her smile disintegrated a little. "One of them is Yoshio Ootori's son, the third son."
Her grandmother gave a start. "Does Yuri know?"
Kaori shook her head. "I didn't even realize until I heard his last name today."
"Realize what?" Yuri entered the living room, a confused look on her face. "And what about Kyouya-senpai?"
Minasaki and Kaori looked at each other, warily.
"What?" Yuri asked again.
Her grandmother sighed and patted the couch, gesturing for her to sit. Yuri does so.
"You must listen."
Yuri nodded.
"You know that after so many years of being the Head, I finally handed over our family company to your father when you were born."
Yuri nodded again. Her great grandfather had worked hard to obtain the company that is now in her family's possession. She's not really a commoner. She's… One of them. One of those stuck up rich people who go to Ouran and act like they're Kings and Queens over people like the scholarship students. However, Yuri is also different from them. For one, she's not stuck up nor thinking herself Queen over everybody. Another is the the Inoues are not old money. No, they are new money. That is why their success was very much admired by the Japanese society. But even so… Lineage seems like an important factor to most of the people at Ouran.
"Well, the year before you were born, there came an alliance between the Ootori Medical Group and the Inoue Technology Industries."
Yuri's eyes widened. "Kyouya-senpai's family' company?"
"Yes," Kaori answered. "We thought you should know. The Ootoris… Well, they're old money, wealthy and prestigious by birth. Not like us whose ancestor worked hard for years that allowed our family to rise. That is why the Ootoris don't… Er… Like us that much. They don't love us but they don't hate us either. Sort of in between. You see, they need us. Our company provides their hospitals with the latest medical technology. We almost lost the alliance a couple of years ago due to some… Financial problems. But they stayed because there is no other company that provides the technology found in their hospitals like we do. They need us to stay on top."
Surprised by this information, Yuri remembered that Kyouya seemed suddenly interested in her on her first day of school. He knew who she was. But when she mentioned her financial aid, he immediately assumed that she's a commoner, of no importance. Just the way she wants to be seen.
"Not many of your father's associates know about you, don't worry," her Obaa-san said. "You're identity is safe. Besides, he knows that you prefer it that way. After all, you are his most precious heir."
Heir. She dreaded that word in reference to herself. Ever since she was young, that is all her father ever talked about her becoming. His heir. How about his daughter for once?
"He also knows that you are angry with him so he assumes that you will not accept your inheritance."
Damn right. I don't want my future decided for me. I'll decide my own future.
"But, even so, he still has that position reserved for you."
He can have it reserved for me as long as he wants. I'm not taking it.
"I guess I should be careful," Yuri finally said. "When Kyouya-senpai finds out who I am, he might treat me differently than he does now and my cover will be blown. And if he mentions this to his father, it might reach dad. The last thing I want is for him to drop everything and come here with a million gifts to gain my forgiveness."
She shook her head. Her father just tries so hard. But not enough to win her favor. She stood up.
"I fixed what you cooked Kaori," she said, changing the subject. "It needed more soy sauce." She smiled as if nothing happened. "Let's eat."
As dinner went on, Yuri can't help but think about what she learned today. She has to make sure not to trust Kyouya as much as before. It could result to something drastic and that is the last thing she wants. And of course, her father begging for her forgiveness is another thing. He mustn't know that she's here.
To Be Continued
A/N: "Yuri" is the Japanese word for "Lily"