notes: Well, even though I wanted to get Sugar Cube's next chapter written, I realized that I left all my notes and snippets that I'd written for it at my grandma's house. :I We'll be going back to her house in a few days so I thought, what the hey? I'll just update Just a Little Bit since I have that entire chapter all planned out.
Also, THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL THE REVIEWS MY LOVELIES! As for those of you who are wondering when Sakura'll be found out, you'll be getting your answer soon. Incredibly soon. A part of me wanted to prolong her gender being found out but then a (much larger) part seriously wanted to write the scene that went along with it and the snips afterwards.
So, here we are.
You can all thank cherryvampiress for indirectly-challenging me to get this chapter out faster than I'd expected to. Freaking 3 days after I posted the third chapter. Go me.
A bit of pronoun mixing up ahead. 3rd person POV, but switching from one characters focus to another mid paragraph. Don't be confused when Sakura's referred to as a 'she' in one sentence when she's thinking/being focused on and then referred to as a 'he' when it switches to Haruhi or the boys' focus. Which will happen. Right away.
Also, a bit of cliché ahead. :D
And away we go!
Enjoy!
::
Just a Little Bit...
Of Unwanted Explanations and Annoying Outings
::
Feeling the tension, feeling the stress
I've got a motion I wanna' confess
::
After everything was explained to Haruhi and she was told just why Sakura was now a member of the Host Club (at which the brunette offered her condolences with a sympathetic smile) it was the pinkette's turn to learn why Haruhi was in the Host Club disguised as boy. She sat on the couch, single pink eyebrow rising further and further at every new bit of information. 'Fujioka had managed to survive an entire year with these idiots? Her patience is damned admirable. I don't think I'll be able to last a week with these guys!'
"So I guess we're one in the same, huh Haruno-san?" Haruhi said with a small smile, unaware that their similarities didn't just stop at being forced into the Host Club. Sakura inwardly flinched, worried that her own gender-secret might have been found out. It didn't' seem so, though.
Sakura gave her a weak grin and nodded slowly before pausing.
"Since we'll obviously be spending a lot of time together, feel free to call me Sakura or Saki, Fujioka-san." She held out her hand, her smile widening.
Haruhi returned both the smile and the gesture, "Only if you call me Haruhi," she paused, "Sakura."
The pinkette nodded, giving Haruhi's hand a firm shake. She could tell that she and Haruhi were going to be great friends. Similarities (both obvious and unknown) aside, their personalities complemented one another and there was just something about Haruhi that Sakura liked.
Glancing down at herself, Sakura realized that she was still dressed in her animal tamer outfit. She stood, excusing herself, and quickly went to the room she'd changed in. Haruhi watched her go, realized that the clothes must have been hers. Reminded of her own coat, she hurried over to the bench she'd left her jacket and slipped it on, glancing over her shoulder when Tamaki suddenly shouted.
The six boys had huddled away in a corner of the room, discussing what should be done about Sakura now that he knew about Haruhi's secret. They'd been relatively silent for most of the time that Haruhi explained most of everything to the pinkette and now seemed to have come to a conclusion.
"So, it's decided! Saki-kun shall be watched closely to see if he plans on revealing Haruhi's gender! He'll continue to be a host but, rather than just have the title, he shall accompany us on our many trips and adventures!" Tamaki said as he turned from the huddle and approached the middle of the room.
Haruhi frowned, realizing that Sakura had been lucky before and not been given the entire Host Club treatment. Now, he'd have no choice but to tag along with the group (whether they were doing something Host related or not) and would be subject to even more of their idiocy. She sighed, it looked like Sakura was going to be assimilated into the Host Clubs 'family', much like she had back in her first year at Ouran. What role would Tamaki bestow upon the poor boy? Cousin like Mori and Honey? Or son/brother like Hikaru and Kaoru?
"Now!" Haruhi's attention was drawn back to the excited Tamaki. "We must celebrate having everyone back and welcome our dear Saki-kun!" He turned to Kyouya, a happy smile on his face.
"Mother, what should we do? Any ideas?"
Kyouya played along, albeit not entirely focused, as he read through his notes again. "I don't know Fatehr. Throw a party?"
"No, no!" Tamaki replied, gripping his chin in thought. "It needs to be more special! This is an important, memorable day!"
Haruhi sighed and sat back down on one of the couches, gaze traveling over to the other four Hosts. Hikaru and Kaoru didn't seem to be paying much attention to Tamaki and were simply immersed in their own, strangely silent, conversation. She could see their scheming smirks and knew that whatever they were planning wouldn't end well. Mori and Honey also seemed oblivious of Tamaki's planning and were occupied with Honey's tea party.
"Ah! I've got it!" Tamaki exclaimed and everyone looked up, their attention piqued.
"We shall take a trip to the commoner's shopping district! And then mark the day, as significant as it is, by treating Saki-kun to commoner's instant coffee! This shall be the most spectacular day of his young life!"
Everyone sent looks at the blonde, each of varying expressions and degrees. Haruhi massaged her temples, still blaming herself for every bringing instant coffee to the Host Club in the first place. She had a feeling that, with Tamaki's personality, his 'punishments' for Sakura weren't going to be anything close to an actual punishment. 'Though,' Haruhi thought, 'Considering Sakura's personality, he might find most of this more punishable and annoying than it should be.'
Maybe, deep down, Tamaki was secretly a sadistic on a psychological level.
Much like Kyouya? Kami knew he was enjoying lengthening Sakura's membership in the Host Club.
"Where is dear Saki-kun? We must inform him of our celebration!" Tamaki announced, violet eyes scanning the large room.
"He went to change." Haruhi answered, nodding over to the room he'd disappeared in to.
"Ah!" the blonde replied, his eyes falling on the twins as he grinned, "Hikaru! Go tell Saki-kun of our plans for this afternoon. Quickly!"
The auburn-haired boy sent Tamaki a look as if to say "Why me?" but, nevertheless, stood and approached the small changing room. He didn't bother knocking as he figured the boy had had more than enough time to undress and get decent. His hand curled firmly around the doorknob and he was inwardly struck by a dreading feeling. He ignored it and opened the door, words falling almost uncaringly.
"Yo, Haruno, the kin-"
He froze, however, throat closing and words stopping as his eyes landed on the pale form of Haruno Sakura, his – her back facing him and her black pants only pulled up as high as her mid-thighs. He could only watch with impossibly wide eyes, mouth hanging open, as she stiffened, shoulders tensing and just barely tugging at the straps of her bra.
Hikaru felt his hand shake around the doorknob as he caught her expression of identical horror in her reflection of the full-body mirror in front of her. He was aware of his gaze slipping down lower, watching as her legs tensed as well underneath the material of her pants, muscles wound painfully tight.
He couldn't even keep his gaze from pausing on her matching red boy-cut underwear, her hips tilted at just the right angle to give him an ample view of her behind.
"Wha-?"
It was his whispered, broken word that seemed to snap her out of her inner reverie. Her head slowly turned, gaze leaving the mirror to look over her shoulder at him. Her emerald eyes were nearly the size of dinner plates, her lips slightly parted to allow her breaths to stagger out in short, ragged gasps. He saw many different expressions swim through her eyes: surprise, shock, fear, terror, horror – each more intense than the last.
And then, as her fingers curled around the hem of her jeans.
Anger.
Fury.
Pure, unadulterated rage.
"Get...out..." she whispered, hand reaching blindly to the bench at her right, grasping whatever that was in reach.
He was silent, still frozen in his spot, wide-eyes unblinking.
Her anger flared even more, if it was even possible.
"GET OUT!" Sakura screeched, a fire burning behind her eyes.
Hikaru was pulled from his daze just in time to dodge the shoe she threw at him – hurled at him. He jumped back, slamming the door behind him as he heard – felt her second shoe smash into the wood. He sunk down, back sliding against the door, as he stared ahead of him, eyes unseeing. Later, he would be incredibly relieved that he'd managed to dodge her shoe after finding a dent in the far wall with the shoe lying innocently on the floor, just under it.
But, now, all Hikaru could do was sit there in a daze as he tried to make sense of the storm of thoughts racing through his mind. He was vaguely aware of his brother crouching down in front of him.
Kaoru read the expression on his brother's stunned face, feeling the words he wanted to say but was unable to.
"We have a problem."
::
Looking so good when your hair is a mess
I'm tearing the buttons right off of your dress
::
The seven sat on the couches in a silent daze, all but one pair of eyes resting on the shell-shocked form of Hikaru. His own topaz gaze was pinned to the floor as he tried to come to terms with what had happened. Pinky was a girl. A freakin' girl. He'd been punched and nearly gotten his nose broken by a girl. True, he saw the obviously femininity in him – her, but it he was having trouble believing it. From what little he'd interacted with Haruno, she didn't act like a girl, much less leave one thinking she was.
He groaned, head in his hands, as his mind involuntarily replayed the scene over and over. That look of fury one her face was haunting him. After being punched in the face by the girl merely because he'd said something to tick her off, he couldn't help wonder how much it was going to hurt when she punched him this time with all that rage backed up behind her fist, because she obviously was going to deck him again.
Kaoru was sending him a worried look, still slightly unbelieving what had happened. Hikaru had been so stunned he'd barely managed to explain everything to them. His words had been broken and jumbled as he told them what happened, that Haruno was a girl.
Tamaki seemed to be having trouble believing it as well and was currently deep in thought. Kyouya had mumbled something along the lines of, "No more new hosts; eventually there will be more girls disguised as boy than actual boys." and scribbled something away in his book. Honey and Mori were taking the news much better than the others and were currently distracted by their own hushed conversation.
Haruhi sent a worried glance at the door behind which Sakura was most likely trying to come to terms with what had happened as well. It had been almost ten minutes and the pinkette still hadn't left the room. It was eerily quiet. What was going through hermind? Why had she been pretending to be a boy in the first place? Haruhi stood, face set in a mixture of determination, sympathy, and worry.
"I'm going to go talk to hi – her." She announced, correcting herself at the last moment. The boys watched her go, each with varying expressions. Hikaru looked up at last, face twisted with both apprehension and annoyance, inwardly accepting the fact that he'd probably have to visit the doctor again soon.
Haruhi approached the door and knocked once on the firm wood. She waited a moment before speaking.
"Sakura? It's Haruhi. May I come in?"
Silence rang for a few seconds and the brunette glanced over her shoulder at the other hosts. And then she heard the pinkette's muffled voice.
"...Yeah."
Smiling encouragingly to herself, Haruhi opened the door and slipped inside, closing it behind her. She came in just as Sakura was finishing up a conversation on her cellphone.
Emerald eyes glanced up at her as Sakura bid whoever was on the other line a farewell.
"Yeah, thanks again Sensei...I'll try not to go all crazy like that again; I'll practice my exercises...Kay, sorry for bothering you...Huh?...Oh shut up Sensei, I'll see you tomorrow...hopefully...Bye." Sakura sighed as she ended her call, sending Haruhi a weak smile.
"So, I guess the truth's out?"
Haruhi nodded and returned her weak smile, moving to sit beside her on the bench. Now that Haruhi knew the truth, she was seeing the girl threw new eyes. She saw femininity the in her face, the small build of her body appearing much more doll-like than trim, and her pink hair giving her an air of delicacy rather than curiosity.
Sakura scooted over, head falling back to rest on the wall with a dull thud. "Man, and here I thought it was all going so well. I'd lasted this long without anyone knowing!" She crossed her arms over her chest, a pout at her lips. She was fully dressed in the Ouran uniform that she had been wearing before, her coat and scarf splayed out over her lap, and her animal trainer boots hugging her feat due to the fact that her other shoe was still outside the room. She glanced over at Haruhi out of the corner of her eye, pout deepening. "Guess I really should have made sure the door was locked, huh?"
Haruhi chuckled softly, nodding absentmindedly. "Yeah, that probably would have helped."
Sakura smirked to herself before grinning devilishly.
"I bet Hitachiin is scared out of his wits, isn't he?"
The brunette laughed, smile widening. "You should have seen the look on his face when he told us what happened. He looked like the devil himself was coming after him."
Sakura's grin grew, "I would expect so considering how I reacted. I nearly took off his head with my shoe."
Haruhi giggled, Sakura joining in with her own chortle.
Unbeknownst to the two, the six boys were all just outside the room, ears pressed against the door to try to hear their conversation (unsuccessfully). Well, Tamaki, Honey, Hikaru (who was calming down slightly), and Kaoru were, at least. Kyouya and Mori were looking on with faint amusement.
Sakura suddenly grimaced, hands rising to massage her forehead.
"I should probably apologize. I really overreacted; it wasn't his fault for walking in on me and finding me out. I guess I was just so surprised; my short temper doesn't really mix well with surprises."
Haruhi nodded slowly, an admirable smile stretching her lips.
"Honestly, I'm kind of jealous. You lasted much longer than I did." Sakura sent her a confused look and she continued. "They all figured out my gender the first day." She paused, a finger at her chin. "Well, everyone except Tamaki-senpai. He didn't figure it out until he walked in on me changing." She grinned at the pinkette here, "But his reaction wasn't nearlyas entertaining as Hikaru's was to walking in on you, Sakura-chan."
Sakura smiled widely at the addition of the honorific and the sound of the incredibly familiar name. Only her closest of friends and family called her Sakura-chan. Maybe this meant that her and Haruhi's friendship was steadily growing?
After a moment of comfortable silence, Sakura stood, holding her hand out to the brunette. "Well Haruhi-chan," she began, returning the friendly gesture by adding the honorific, "I suppose it's about time I got out there and explained myself." Haruhi accepted the offer and the rosette pulled her to her feet. The two stepped out of the room, unaware that the four boys had scrambled back to the couches only moments before.
Sakura sat down, mildly surprised (but inwardly pleased) when Haruhi took a place beside her. They all seemed to be watching her and she sighed, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly.
"So, I guess I've been found out." She said, face twisting almost unnoticeably. She watched their faces, shocked when she didn't find any still-lingering surprise in Kyouya, Honey, and Mori's faces like she'd expected.
Kyouya looked up from his book, a sly smirk at his lips as he pushed his glasses further up his nose.
"Actually, Haruno-san, I've known for quite some time." Sakura blanched, eyes widening minutely. He raised an eyebrow at her reaction. "You didn't honestly expect me to not do a little research on you, did you? I couldn't allow just some random student to join the Host Club, no matter Tamaki's unorthodox decisions."
He paused, smirk returning. "It took quite a bit of searching but I finally managed to find you. You can imagine my surprise when I learned that the information in your school file wasn't all true." If it was even possible, Kyouya suddenly looked even more sinister.
"Lying to the school board and giving faulty information, tut, tut. I do believe we'll have to lengthen your punishment, Haruno-san." Sakura's heart nearly stopped at the look on his face. It was just that scary.
"How about indefinitely? It would be a shame if this scandal got out to the school administers."
Everyone was giving Kyouya looks of shock and horror, each of varying degrees. Sakura groaned, he was blackmailingher again. She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck.
"Fine, I guess this means that not only am I now a permanent member of the Host Club (at least until you bestow your pity upon me) but I'm also in your debt." She sent him a questioning raised eyebrow. "I'm never going to live this down, am I?"
Kyouya grinned, a frightening sight.
"Indeed not, Haruno-san."
Sakura nodded to herself before jumping in surprise when Honey suddenly hopped into the seat next to her.
"I knew since the first day, Saki-chan! And I told Takashi of my suspicions when everyone was distracted yesterday!" The small blonde announced, grinning at her.
Sakura blinked in surprise, glancing up at Mori for confirmation. He simple nodded and Sakura almost collapsed in on herself. "Y-you knew Honey-senpai? How?"
He sent her a somewhat curious-looking grin.
"Why do you think I kept jumping onto your back and hugging you Saki-chan?"
Her eye twitched at his cryptic response and a million different answers and possibilities flew through her mind. She groaned again, running her hand through her hair.
"Well, what's done is done. I guess I'll be leaving now?" She asked, wanting nothing more than to bury herself under her covers and sleep the stress of the day away.
"Ah, ah!" Tamaki exclaimed, speaking at last. "We are still going to have our celebration!"
Sakura's shoulders slumped.
"Celebration?"
"Indeed! To celebrate having both Haruhi and Hikaru back and welcome you to our family," Tamaki paused, obviously trying to figure out what he should call her. He grinned, choosing the ever simple "Sakura."
She felt the corners of her lips tilt up in a small smile. 'Welcome? Family? There's more to the Host Club than I thought.'
Tamaki spun away, gesturing for everyone to follow. As they all did so, Sakura glanced over and caught Hikaru's eye, motioning for him to stop. He sent her a wary look but stopped, arms crossed as she approached him. Kaoru took his place at his brother's side and watched Sakura with distrust.
Her gaze dropped to the ground as she rubbed her arm absentmindedly.
"You weren't here to hear my apology when these guys first dragged me here and I doubt Kaoru-san replayed what I said back to you, so I'll just say it again." Sakura began, face twisting with a mixture of emotions. "I really am sorry for punching you that day. Seriously. I was in a bad enough mood as it was and you kind of egged me on. I," she paused but continued, admitting something she didn't like to confess to other people no matter how obvious it was, "I don't have that good of a reign on my temper and I can go off the wall sometimes. I try to control my anger as best as I can but sometimes I let it slip." She looked up, not bothering to try and read the expressions on his face.
"Sensei taught me that taking my anger out on someone, both physically and verbally, is never the answer and I try not to. But, like I said, I'm not all that great at controlling my temper." She managed a weak smile. This confession was killing her. "I really am incredibly sorry that I took it out on you Hikaru-san. And earlier, I kind of overreacted when you walked in on me."
She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "Thank Kami I didn't hit you with that shoe." She glanced over at the far wall and eyeing the dent.
"So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I," she paused unsurely again before holding out her hand, head tilting to the side as her eyes closed and that somewhat sad smile appeared, "I hope you can forgive me and we can be friends, Hikaru-san."
To say Hikaru was shocked was an understatement. He was downright freaking stunned. He'd expected her to punch his head off, not apologize. And now she was saying she wanted to be friends? He'd been the one to piss her off and mess with her and here she was, saying she was sorry.
This girl was teeming with surprises.
Hikaru felt himself smile as his hand rose to grasp her own, giving her hand a firm shake.
"I should really be the one apologizing Pin – Sakura-san. But let's just put everything behind us?" She blinked and grinned up at him as he continued, a smirk forming on his face. "I'm sure this is the start of an entertaining friendship." Sakura couldn't help but return the smirk, giving his hand a shake as well.
Suddenly, she turned to Kaoru, holding her hand out to him as well.
"We didn't really get off to such a great start either, huh Kaoru-san? I'm hoping we can be friends as well?"
Kaoru seemed surprised as well but then grinned, accepting her offer.
"If Hikaru's forgiven you, there's no reason for me not to." His grin widened, "I look forward to pranking you mercilessly."
Sakura's smirk grew.
"I've had my fair share of pranksters; don't expect me to be a big pushover once you two get started. I have a few tricks up my sleeve."
The twins sent her sly looks but before they could say anything, Sakura was suddenly enveloped in a monstrous hug from Tamaki as he spun her around.
"So cute! Just like Haruhi! You and she are going to be the best of sisters, my daughter! I'm sure of it!"
Sakura blinked from the confines of Tamaki's arms. 'Sisters? Daughter? Looks like he was being literal when he said family.'
As she was broken from her inner musings, the rosette was suddenly aware that it was getting harder and harder to breath.
"Tamaki-senpai! Put her down! You're smothering her!"
The blonde squeaked at Haruhi's accusation and immediately released Sakura, apologizing to his new 'daughter' profusely. She stumbled back a few steps, mind reeling as she gasped for air. After a few moments, she managed a weak smile and attempted to calm down the tearful Tamaki. Once he was thoroughly convinced that he hadn't killed or harmed her, they all set out again.
Sakura honestly wasn't very surprised when Honey latched onto her back. She did, however, send him a questioning look but, as he simply grinned and snuggled closer to her, she merely shrugged and reached back to hook her arms around his knees to keep him steady.
The group exited the school and Tamaki ushered them into a waiting limo. Sakura raised an eyebrow at the vehicle, bending down slightly to let Honey slip off her back, but climbed in nonetheless. The inside was understandably roomy, but with eight teens space was limited.
Squished, albeit comfortably, between Kyouya and Mori, Sakura suddenly straightened as she realized that she had no idea where they were going. The limo pulled away from the school and sped down the road.
"Um, Tamaki-senpai? Where exactly are we going for this 'celebration'?"
"To the commoner's shopping district of course! For a wonderful outing with so many intriguing and cute stores! Have you ever had commoner's instant coffee Sakura? It's delightful!"
After glancing at Haruhi's exasperated expression, Sakura realized that Tamaki was perfectly serious.
'Commoner's shopping district? The mall?'
Uh, wait, what?
::
Ooh!
Working you overtime
I'm getting you over the line
::
Sakura sat down in one of the food courts chairs, a deliciously greasy hamburger in one hand and a strawberry malt in the other. She moaned as her taste buds exploded in pure pleasure and blatantly ignored the slightly disturbed look Kyouya sent her. Haruhi chuckled and sipped her soda, glancing at the shops nearby and mentally figuring which were having sales.
The pinkette set her malt down (swatting Honey's hand away when his fingers inched closer) and loosened her scarf. After learning that Tamaki was going to drag them to the mall, she'd demanded that they swing by her home to allow her to change into more publicly acceptable clothes. It was Saturday and she'd rather not get stared at for wearing a school uniform.
She'd given the chauffer directions and had instantly denied any of the curious Host's access into her home when they realized she didn't, in fact, live in a mansion. Her cozy two-story house had sat innocently between another house and an apartment complex, welcoming her back with open arms. She'd felt their stares as she quickly unlocked her door and hurried inside (locking the door again for good measure) and hurried to her room.
She changed out of her uniform and into simple forest-green T under a grey pinstriped vest (which she noticed looked much like the one from her animal tamer outfit) and comfy jeans. After a moment's thought, she slipped into a pair of black ballet flats and tucked the boots under her arm. She switched coats, a dark green jacket that matched her shirt, but kept her scarf (a shimmery white which she just adored). She'd ran a comb through her surprisingly unruly locks and raced back downstairs.
Grabbing her wallet, her beanie, and slipping her phone back into her pants pocket, Sakura exited her house in record time, locking the door behind her. She jogged back to the limo, inwardly pleased that none of the seven had attempted to follow her into her house.
They were obviously interested in what it looked like inside but she'd rather not give any tours anytime soon. But she was aware that, now that they knew where she lived, they'd be stopping by (most likely unannounced) in the near future.
It had been about then that the other seven (excluding Haruhi who had arrived at the school in normal, somewhat androgynous, clothing since the girls would still be having their Hosting time) had decided they wanted to change out of their school uniforms as well. So, Sakura learned what the boys' houses (fucking mansions) looked like and where they resided and had simply raised an eyebrow at their model-worthy clothing.
The ride to the mall hadn't taken much more time and, although Tamaki had wanted to head straight for a few of the stores, they'd journeyed to the food court at the beckoning of a few empty stomachs. Everyone had separated then, choosing different kiosks for food.
Apparently, she and Haruhi had similar tastes and had both headed for the small burger-joint. It had been then that Sakura told Haruhi that, while she was wealthy enough, she much preferred living more modestly and, ever since she'd moved to the city of Ouran, she'd grown attached to the mall. Haruhi had been surprised, to say the least, and the two had chatted about their favorite stores as they moved ahead in the small line.
After ordering and obtaining their food the two girls had headed to the innermost part of the food court, searching for a free table or two. Sakura had glanced around, mildly amused when she noticed that the six boys were drawing quite a bit of attention.
Tamaki had been 'entertaining' the attendant at a pizza booth and had apparently yet to order. While the customers behind him were getting antsy, most of the female patrons were too awed to do much.
A surplus of squeals had come from the direction of the sweets stand (which specialized in enormous cookies) and Sakura had managed to spy Mori and Honey amongst the crow, the latter perched upon the former's shoulders.
Kyouya, Hikaru, and Kaoru had gone to the generic Chinese-food kiosk and, while the twins were broadcasting one of their episodes of Brotherly Love (which Sakura wasn't too used to and had almost had to double-take as the older of the two brought his brother's face impossibly close to his own), the dark-haired boy had stepped ahead of the occupied twins. Many young ladies had been squealing but a few more reserved girls merely watched with faint blushes as Kyouya simply ordered his food and turned, spying both Sakura and Haruhi.
Not wasting any time he'd made his way towards the two, face deceptively impassive. They'd pushed two tables together and enjoyed their meals, waiting for the others to migrate towards them.
Sakura took another bite from her burger, eyes closing in bliss. Kami, she was hungry. Kyouya twirled his spicy noodles around his fork and sent her another slightly uneasy look.
"Those things are unhealthy." he informed her blankly. Sakura simply took a sip from her malt and bit into her burger once more.
"All the best things are."
He snorted at her answer from his spot at one end of the two tables. Sakura sat adjacent to him on the left, Honey next to her, and Mori next to him. Across from Sakura sat Haruhi who was enjoying her soda (she'd eaten before she'd left her house) with Hikaru next to her, followed by Kaoru, and Tamaki at the end opposite Kyouya.
Tamaki was most upset with the arrangement. Mother was hogging his daughters.
Their group filled the two tables and had attracted quite a bit of attention. The rosette was pleased to say that all the stares and glances weren't merely caused by her hair (which was hidden under her beanie, for the most part), rather by the six incredibly handsome and cute boys.
"Saki-chan! Do you want a bite of my cookie?" Honey asked innocently, holding up the cookie which was nearly larger than his head.
Muffled squeals were heard in the distance and Honey grinned, swinging his legs childishly.
Sakura smiled in thanks but declined, too immersed in her burger to enjoy anything sweet at the moment. The blonde had chirped a happy "Okay!" and munched on his cookie once more. Mori stared ahead coolly, apparently enjoying his ice cream.
The twins had ordered the spiciest thing at the Chinese booth and were challenging one another to see who could go the longest without drinking anything.
Tamaki was entranced with his pizza and the strings of pure white cheese that stretched impossibly far. It was just that cheesy.
The pinkette idly sipped her malt, decidedly comfortable with these strange new friends of hers.
"So, where are we going to first?"
And then, the calmness broke.
And all hell was released
Everyone wanted to visit different places, from bookstores (Haruhi, Kyouya, and Sakura) to candy shops (Honey and Mori) to novelty toy stores (Hikaru and Kaoru) to the pet shop and/or music store (Tamaki). It was a mad rush of saying where they should go first, which store was most important, and "Dammit, it sounds fun!"
"Why don't we just split up and all meet back here in say, half an hour?" Haruhi supplied, rolling her soda cup between her palms. Tamaki seemed to contemplate this and nodded slowly, holding a finger into the air.
"Alright! We all head to wherever we want to go and meet up here in the food court in half an hour! Agreed?"
Everyone nodded, muttering okays and alrights.
Tamaki held his hand out in the middle of the table, an excitedly determined look on his face. Honey cheered and held his hand out over Tamaki's, Mori following soon after. After a moment the twins did the same, obviously playing their own inside-joke.
The blonde waited for Haruhi, Sakura, and Kyouya to add their hands but, when they appeared to want no part in it, he simple stared ahead, expression still determined as he smiled.
"And, BREAK!"
The five threw their hands into the air and repeated Tamaki's word (with the exception of Mori who remained silent, as usual).
"BREAK!"
They raced off in different directions, leaving the three still seated at the table.
Sakura raised a slender pink eyebrow at Haruhi who simply shrugged, twirling her straw around in the few remaining ice cubes. Kyouya took another bite of his noodles and took a gulp from his bottle of water.
The pinkette shrugged to herself and finished off her burger, savoring every bite.
Once they were done, they headed to the directory to locate the bookstore in a comfortable silence. Sakura kept the remainder of her malt with her, taking a sip every now and then, as their eyes scanned the map of the mall.
"It's on the third floor." Haruhi murmured before glancing around. "There's the elevator, unless you two would rather take the stairs?"
"Nah," Sakura answered, waving her hand offhandedly. "And the escalators are on the other side of the food court."
Kyouya pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, fully content with remaining silent as the girls talked. They leisurely made their way towards the elevator. It wasn't one of those fancy glass ones that gave the occupants a view of the shoppers but a simple elevator in the wall.
Haruhi paused, eyes traveling over to one of the stores nearby. She bit her lip but ultimately made her decision.
"You two go on ahead, I'll meet you there in a few minutes." She said. Sakura nodded and bid her farewell, continuing towards the elevator with Kyouya close behind.
His silence was beginning to get to her and she couldn't wait to get to the bookstore and immerse herself in the printed words, mind forgetting everything but what she was reading. Finger pressing against the 'up' button, she waited patiently, sending a curious eye at Kyouya when he leaned against the wall. He ignored her and waited for the lift to arrive.
There was a ding and a three older woman stepped out, smiling and bidding Sakura a good afternoon. The pinkette grinned back and waved, stepping into the vacant elevator. Kyouya followed in after her and clicked the button for the third floor, reaching over her shoulder. He retreated to the far wall, leaning against it leisurely. Sakura fiddled with her scarf, steadying herself as the small box of a room jolted upwards before moving at a slower pace.
She turned to the dark-haired boy, about to say something, when the elevator suddenly stopped, rocking the two occupants, and the lights flickered once, twice, and went out. Sakura landed against Kyouya and he quickly righted her (she was inwardly surprised at this and filed it away for further investigation).
The red emergency light came to life and illuminated the inside of the elevator, a beep sounding before everything went quiet.
But only for a moment.
Sakura stared ahead of her, expression unbelieving.
"Oh, hell no."
The elevator had shut off
They were stuck.
::
I'm climbing your ladder and making you better
'Cause it's what you need
::
notes: Speedy update, right? Yup.
Good chapter? I hope so...
I'd been having trouble how Sakura would be found out. It could have gone one of three ways: Haruhi figuring it out and confronting her much like Sakura had done, someone walking in on her (Hikaru, which I went with because it sounded the most fun but was so cliché), or Sakura stumbling upon Haruhi being 'attacked' by the Lobelia girls and Benio realizing she's a girl and announcing it with Haruhi in earshot. (Which will happen, eventually. I freakin' love Benio).
I enjoyed writing this chapter though. And the ending was something I've been looking forward to. Some KyouSaku-bonding for all you fangirls ahead!
By the way, I'm leaving out a lot of canon stuff. Personally, I never got far in the manga (finished the anime, three times over) and even though I know a lot of stuff happened during Haruhi's second year with the Host Club, I'll be leaving it out in favor of making up new scenarios and stuff with Sakura. As for how the manga ended and what happened afterwards, yes I know about that but I'm not sure if I'll ever get around to it. Once the story is over I might write a little epilogue of sorts that ties in with the canon ending.
Also, I did a little research on Japanese school years. While most first terms (there are usually three) begin in April, I've bumped Ouran Academy back a month (for story-sake). So, it should be about early March (9?) where we are now. If you guys know your facts, you can guess what will be coming up eventually ;D
What'll happen next? Will Sakura be able to survive trapped in a small enclosed space with the notorious Shadow King? Will anyone realize they're missing? Will they ever get out? WILL SAKURA HAVE ANOTHER FIT AND PUNCH A HOLE IN THE WALL?
All in the next chapter! Which might be bit of a wait since I really need to work on Sugar Cube.
Tell me what you think! I hoped you enjoyed this chapter!
Remember...
Reviews = Love = Happiness = Inspiration = Faster Updates = More Smiles
Create some smiles people
::Thirrin73::