This chapter is longer but I think you'll enjoy the ending. Review and critique like always!
"Hikaru, stop hiding Asher's sketchbook!" Haruhi was yelling at the older twin at the moment. Hikaru has been steeling my sketchbook every now now and again, and since I hate to speak up for myself I tend to let Haruhi do the scolding. She's okay with it, (I hope) and I have difficulty being persuasive enough, to get my sketchbook back from someone. I tend to sigh and where a blank expression whenever he does this. The first few times I would say something like 'Hey, could you give that back?' or 'Come' on, grow up and give me my sketchbook.' But anymore I just sort of look down and give up. He knows this annoys me. Yet the worst part is when I'm in the zone and I have a creative idea for a finishing piece, not just a sketch. Hikaru smirks and walks over to me from the other side of the room.
"Here," he chuckles. "This is yours," he sits in the chair in front of me and rest his head on the palm of his hand. His response is relaxed, similar to his body. We're all in the club room right now and we were coming up with ideas for next weeks themes. Hikaru just so happen to see me wonder over to my bag and grab my art supplies. Thats when the yelling started.
"Oh really? I could of never guessed." Im sarcastic with my response, and obviously annoyed. I open back to the page I was previously sketching on, but my idea is gone. Shit. It was a good idea to. I was looking at photographs and saw a girl laying on the ground with her hair brushed neatly up above her head. I was thinking about incorporating a few bruises and scars on her body. It tells a story. It describes vulnerability I believe. How did she get those bruises? Was she beaten? If she was, who beat her? Her father? Her mother? Boyfriend? Girlfriend? Or was it just a complete stranger? Did she just get into a car crash? If so who was driving? How was the car hit? What was the time that it took place? Did she experience any traumatic change from the event? That was the question I wanted to be asked. Did she experience a change?
But you know what, No. You couldn't sketch down the idea, so screw you. You no longer have the urge to draw, so wait for another mediocre idea to pop into your head. I close the sketchbook and start to walk over to my bag once again.
"Why aren't you drawing?" Kaoru ask. "You were about to but you didn't," His eyes were open completely, not half lidded like his brothers at the moment.I look to the ground then back up again.
"I… lost my inspiration." I say blankly and continue to walk over to my bag.
"You could draw Usa-chan," I hear Honey-senpai behind me and turn around to see him holding up his toy bunny to my face. Its better to draw something than nothing.
"Hmm. I guess so," Hunny's face lights up when I say this. He places Usa-chan in my hands and skips over to Mori-senpai who is sitting at a large table with Tamaki, and Kyoya.
"Take good care of him, okay," Hunny jumps up into the chair Mori is sitting in and lands in his lap. He's laughing. I walk back over to the table I was previously sitting at to see Kaoru sitting next to his brother. They both have the same bored expressions printed on their faces. Haruhi is at the table with the other members deciding on a theme for next week. I'm afraid to draw around them because they tend to either asked to many questions, or point out something unfinished, when I'm not even done yet. I find little things like that quite frustrating. I sit in the remaining chair across from them, and their heads perk up. I place my sketchbook and supplies in front of me and put Usa-chan in a sitting position. His head is tilted to the side but is hanging down against his chest. I start to sketch.
They surprisingly haven't asked or stated anything since I sat down, but they just sit and watch me draw. I'm drawing the scenery around Usa-chan at the moment, which incorporates a tea cup in front of him and a piece of cake. I drew some frosting on his cheek and on the corner of where his lips would be. There is windows behind him, like the ones in the club room. There are trees outside the window and birds and-
"Shouldn't there be a shadow under Usa-chan?" Oh god no. It was going great! This thing we had going. It was silent besides the subtle exclaims coming from Tamaki, and the slight discussion between him and the other members. I was enjoying myself. I didn't have to speak, or move much. I got tired easily when I moved anyway, do to lack of energy. Not from lack of sleep, but lack of food.
I look up at the person who spoke. It was Hikaru. Of course it was. He always was the one to point out the obvious, when I drew.
"I save the shading for last," I answer shortly. I stare at him for a little while longer, then finally move my eyes back down to the paper. I tend to move positions when I draw so I'm now resting my head on the back of my free hand, which is placed sideways to the front of the paper. My head is pretty much fully on the table, and my back is hunched over but I'm comfortable this way.
"Wouldn't it make sense to shade as you go," Hikaru is still talking. I guess he didn't receive my message that I don't wish to speak, but I feel the need to prove my point to why I shade last.
"Well if you worked, from left to right, top to bottom I guess so, but since I work in sections all over the place, I would more likely smudge it," I look up at the twin with my eyes, barely moving my head in the progress. They nod at one.
"We got it!" Tamaki exclaims. He jumps out of his chair and places his hand on his chin. Eyes closed. "Next week, we are to wear Kimonos," He seems proud of himself.
"Thats not very creative," Tamaki's face becomes dreadful. He's unable to speak to seems. I continue. "When I say it's not creative I mean, I thought you wanted a theme, not a predictably piece of clothing, that is already worn in Japan on a daily basis," Tamaki is now sulking over in the corner of the room. Maybe what I said was harsh. I stand up, and walk over to him. I stop about ten feet away. "Actually, now that I think about it," I approach him calmly. "Maybe it's not such a bad idea. It's so predictable. The guests wont be able to predict it," I say this calmly. "Actually, the guests would be happy to see them in such thin layer," I started to mutter my words. Next thing I know Tamaki is standing in front of me.
"See, I knew it would come to your liking," He says calmly, as I walk backwards to have more space between us. He strides over with every step I take, starting a whole new topic, on how to be a gentleman. My back hits something sturdy. Moveable, but sturdy. I look up. Right behind me is the twins, their wearing matching evil grins. They almost look plastic. As if they were made by a machine. Their just perfectly symmetrical. I can feel a little space between their legs, I'm small enough to fit through. I scramble between them. I'm sort of shocked that they haven't realized that I can figure out ways to avoid a situation.
"We have next week settled then. We are to wear Kimonos," Kyoya is shuffling documents, and gathering his belongings, as he speaks. "Since we have this all situated, you are free to go," Kyoya finishes what he has to say, and I start to gather my belongings. "Asher, may I speak with you," Kyoya is using a dominant approach, and it's working. I walk over to where he is standing. "I have one of your classes set up today, tomorrow and Friday, which is 3 days from now. It starts at 6:00 and ends at 7:30. I emailed you the location, that the class takes place" I nod in a response and start to walk away. Today is the first class and of course he reminds me of it. Their expensive, and cost the club money. He doesn't seem like one to throw around something, that shouldn't be wasted.
Last week went by quickly. I got to go to the art classes which I enjoyed and absorbed as much information as I could. Today was Monday and I was changing at the moment for this weeks costume idea. Kimono's didn't seem creative or anything but oh well. I looked in the mirror one last time. The kimono showed my chest a little. You could clearly see my collar bone. I was getting thinner. That's what I wanted. Thats what I wished for. Although there was a difference it wasn't enough. I wasn't perfect yet. I don't wish to show this much skin yet. I pull the hems of the neck closer. It did still show my chest but not as much. One thing I liked about the Kimono was the fact it was loose. It didn't show my distinct shape.
I take one last glance, and walk out of the changing room. Everyone is already dressed. They obviously don't obsess to much over their body image. Maybe they watch what they eat, but they don't worry about it 24/7 like I do.
I walk over to Haruhi who is talking to Kyoya at the moment. I can just hear the end of the discussion. Their something said in there about payment and the purple and grey kimono she's wearing. She mutters something, and looks up to see me.
"Oh, hello Asher," I raise the corners of my mouth into a small smile. Are attention is attracted by Kyoya speaking to the twins, and holding up badly taken photographs of what seems to be the club. Haruhi looks blankly at him. There must be something she's thinking about. Haruhi's name is called out by Hunny-senpai multiple times but I kind of tuned out what happens next. All I see is a few guests awing over Hunny and Mori.
Haruhi continues to mutter to herself. She tends to do this quite a lot but no takes notice to her very much.
She wonders backwards and bumps into one of the twins. A little bottle falls to the ground and lands at my feet. I pick up the bottle to read 'eye drops'.
"Your using things like this, to attract the attention of guest? Isn't that a little deceiving?" I look to Haruhi and show her the bottle.
"Thats cheating," she frowns. Hikaru places his arms around our shoulders and starts to poke our cheeks.
"Oh don't be such a party pooper," Hikaru says. One of his eyes are closed as if winking.
"Here, these are for you," Kaoru offers a few little box to us. Inside the boxes are individual pink, pumpkin shaped candies.
"Why are you trying to change the subject?" I ask holding a little box in my hands. Their large smiles fade away, and they both grab me. One of their arms are wrapped around my head and another around my waist.
"Cant we just give you a simple gift without you thinking its for our own good?" The twins ask in unison.
I can hear Haruhi speaking to Tamaki, but I can't hear very well since my ears are muffled. Although, I can see through a gap in the material. I'm able to see her hands now full with the sweets we were just given. (Probably given to her from Tamaki). Her attention becomes directed towards archway that leads to another room. There is a dirty blonde girl standing just behind the opening. She's wearing the uniform, but I don't recognize her. The twins leap towards her.
"Come on in, what are you waiting for?" Kaoru ask, holding out a rose. Hikaru steps behind his brother and places his hand on his shoulder, also holding out a rose.
"Watching from afar is no fun," Hikaru leans down to wear his head to resting on his brother's shoulder.
"Please miss," they say together. Tamaki has already intervened the twins.
"Stop that, how many times do I have to tell you boys to be more courteous to our guest?" He turns to face the the new blonde, holding out one of hi hands "Please, you don't have to be afraid, my princess," he places his hand under her chin, and steps closer. "I welcome you to the Ouran Host Club."
The girl's upper lip twitches.
"Yes?" Tamaki ask. At that exact moment, her hand comes apart from her side and hits him right in the cheek. I couldn't help but snigger.
"NO! Don't touch me!" Her voice is shrill. "Your phony!" All of our jaws drop. No one has acted that way towards Tamaki-senpai. Tamaki holds his hand up to his face, he has worry in his eyes, and he's starting to breathe heavy.
"Wha-What do you mean I'm phony?" You could just hear his question under the muffle of his hand.
"Just what I said!" The shrill of her voice is nauseating but by the looks of her, she'll be sticking around for a while. "Your Phony! I find it hard to believe that someone like you, is the prince character of this Host Club!" she walks towards Tamaki with he finger pointed directly at him. He backs up into us as much as he can. "You shouldn't go around spreading your love so easily like that, you stupid! You must be a dimwitted narcissist! Your incompetent! Your a commoner! Your disgusting!" She's finally done with her insults it seems.
I usually don't feel bad for people like Tamaki, but all those words were, were unnecessary. I lean down next to Haruhi's ear. "Well that was a bit uncalled for don't you think?" she looks up at me and nods her head. Her eyes are wide and continue to stare at the girl.
Tamaki falls to the ground in despair. Kyoya studies the girl and mumbles something under his breath. The eyes of the girl lit up. "Its you! Kyoya!" She reaches out and runs to him.
"What?" I almost screamed this, but I was surprised. Kyoya didn't have costumers. Yes, girls talked to him and such but they never sat by him to have a conversation, and yes he was attractive in another sense. I would've thought she would like Haruhi due to what she said about Tamaki. Haruhi is none of those things the girl called Tamaki, (besides a commoner), but still.
The new girl ran to Kyoya, and jumped into his arms. "Oh, how I longed to meet you. My one and only prince charming." she proclaimed her love as if it was already known. I once again snigger but I turned around a little and do it into my sleeve. She's dramatic, and very unrealistic. She'll fit into this school, just fine.
Renge Houshakuji, was the new girl who came to our club this week. She did cause havoc for our club for the first couple days, and yet some how became our club manager in the process. I'm not a fan of having Renge as our manager, and we don't need one I believe, but the club has been making more money. Kyoya must be happy. I guess she's been advertising us across the school, and has been spreading the word. We were already known enough around the school, but I presume not all of the girls came here on daily basis.
I was currently walking out of the school, since it was the end of the day. The Host club wasn't open today so I was happy to pack up my belongings and walk out the door. I did pack up rather slowly though since I didn't want to have to deal with the crowd of students walking to their vehicles, or stoping to greet and talk to their friends out in the court yard. I did understand why they stop to talk here though. The scenery was beautiful. There was the light sound of water running coming from the fountains on either side of you. There were little flower gardens that were maintained.
"Asher!" I thought I was the only one left. I turn to see the twins running towards me. They come up and they each grab one of my arms. My feet are fully off the ground. It's kind of unbelievable how their able to pick me up. I don't really think I'm that light. Especially with my bag.
"Asher, you are coming with us," the twin on my left demands. This is Kaoru, he's always on my left. This has to be him.
"We are driving you to your house, and meeting your parents." The right twin starts speaking. Hikaru. They have a determined expression, but still wear a smirk. The same smirk they always wear. I started to process what they were saying. 'We are driving you home, and meeting your parents.' 'We are driving you home.' 'We are driving' DRIVING.
"Wait! Wait! Wait!" I start to wriggle my body to escape their grasp. Their grip stays firm. "What do you mean drive?!" I'm yelling at the top of my lungs, straining my voice in the process.
"Exactly what the word means," Their talking in unison once again. I look behind me to see one of their limos waiting for them. My eyes widen.
"Wait! Stop!" I continue to yell but it does no good. I'm passed fully over to Hikaru, and he restrains me. Kaoru opens the door and they force me in. I'm fully in the vehicle now. It's spacious, and has beige seats. I scoot all the way over to the other door, and try to open it. It's locked. I bang on the window, hyperventilating. "Open the door!" I order. I refuse to face them when I'm like this. I hear no response, but can feel their stare. I shake the door handle.
"Hey, Asher. Its okay, you act like were going to hu-" Kaoru starts but never finishes.
"No!" I interrupt him. "Just please… open the door," I'm holding in my sobs. I look to the carpet of the limo, and up again to look out the window. I bang on door once again. "Open the door!" I let out the sobs entirely. I'm breaking down now. Anxiety is filling me. I'm causing a scene I didn't wish to start, but I cant contain it. I hear the door behind me open and one shuffles out quickly. I can barely move. I'm gripping the handle, my finger tips white.
The door I'm leaning against opens. I nearly fall to the ground, but I'm caught by one of the twins. I continue to breathe harshly. The twin thats holding me up, is fully against my body. He can feel my every muscle, bone, feature. He's probably sick to his stomach. Having to witness my meltdown, and feel my fat. I start to push the twin away and stumble to the ground.
"Hey, Asher! What's wrong? Do you need anything?" Oh god thats Hikaru. He has worry in the tone of his voice.
"Do you need a drink of water? A seat? Anything?" Kaoru has the same tone as Hikaru. This was the last thing I wanted, people caring for me. I didn't need others in my life. I didn't need this many friends. Friends are people and people spread news about other people. This will be heard fast.
My breathing slows down. "I don't… need anything. Don't touch me. Don't EVER punt me in a car again. Unless… I give you permission," I glance up at them and look back at the ground. I wipe my face of tears. I stand up slowly. That outbursts took a lot of my energy. Too much of my energy. I look at them out of the corner of my eye. "I'll send you the address, see you there in 30 minutes. If… you still wish to come," I walk away quickly not even bothering to say goodbye. I couldn't work up the nerve.
It was Saturday morning. I didn't receive a phone call or text yesterday. Nor did I see them at my house. I probably scared them away. Could I blame them. But I couldn't blame myself either. I only knew them for a couple of weeks. I'm not ready open up about my past, and give away why I have a panic attack, every time I get to close to a car. Thats not something I'm ready to let up yet.
I hope you all enjoyed! Review, critique! I am open to any advice!