A Drizzle of Honey Chapter 7
Rustling skirts made the only sounds in the grand Ouran Ball Room. A sea of breathless women waited patiently for the most beautiful man in the room, the King, to make his royal decree.
"It is so good to see you here tonight my little lambs. The Ouran Host Club would like to bid you welcome," his white-suited royal majesty bowed low before his subjects.
A chorus of strings accompanied the lighting chandeliers and the peel of applause coming from Tamaki's devoted audience. Edie rolled her eyes at the evening's opulence. The dance floor was polished and packed with silly girls who coveted silly boys in a silly excuse for a party. Who celebrated the changing seasons with a ball? Haruhi and her six merry men overlooked the crowd of admirers from the sizeable staircase.
Kyoya opened his arms for the practical portion of the speech. As Edie expected, he reminded the ladies that he was pimping out the host club all evening. He continued, however, to another announcement that Edie hadn't seen coming.
"Based on her dancing skills, one lucky young lady will be chosen as tonight's queen. The Queen's reward will be a passionate kiss on the cheek from the King," he informed.
Tamaki bid the crowd good luck and the women in the room broke out into cheers, although the male students who haunted the fringe of the dance floor seemed less enthused. Edie thought she spied a girl stretching in the corner. Even her three friends frothed at the mouth.
"Can you imagine? The King!" Kimiko swooned.
"I bet his lips are softer than rose petals," Ayako sighed.
"Don't you guys love Honey? What do you want a kiss from Tama-chan for?" Edie was sure they'd gone mad, such devoted followers swayed so easily.
"Come one Edie, don't be so naïve. Our love for Honey is bottomless, but one does not simply turn down the opportunity to receive a kiss on the cheek from one of the most attractive boys in the whole school. Not just that, it's a passionate kiss," Chizuko fanned away the heat rising to her face.
"That too! What is so passionate about a kiss on the cheek. You do that with anyone, friends, family, little old ladies in nursing homes."
Her friends paled with concern.
"Oh no Edie. Maybe it's like that in America, but not here. A kiss on the cheek could be the start of something greater. A kiss on the cheek can be the start of a romantic encounter. It is very serious," Chizuko imparted to Edie.
She thought back to Honey's peck at the house. It was brief, nice, but honestly it only lasted a second. Honey didn't mean anything by it. He didn't even like her, not in that way at least. But what if he did? Edie recounted every second of their time together. It didn't feel like he treated her differently than any of his other guests. He was always very attentive to her, but that was just who Honey was. Still, something stirred in her base. She was wracked with panic.
Ayako and Chizuko eyed her worriedly and Kimiko was still fantasizing about Tamaki's embrace. Edie shook her head. She need to think about it and now was not the time. A smile forced its way across her face.
"Please tell me they have food her," Edie clasped her hands in front of her chest to beg.
"We have lots of yummy stuff, plus Kyo-chan just ordered some fancy tuna for Haru-chan. I bet he'd let you share," a bright voice explained.
Edie jumped nearly a mile in the air, or rather 1.6 kilometers, since she was in Japan. Somehow during her ponderous state, Honey managed to sneak up on her. She wasn't ready for this, for him. She didn't even know where they stood or if anything had even changed. Scratching her cheek Edie failed to meet Honey's gaze.
"Wow, great um… I guest I'll go find it while you dance with….Ayako. 'Kay bye," Edie pushed doe-eyed Ayako onto Honey and made a hasty retreat.
He watched her go. It was all he could do when a guest was waiting for him. Edie seemed jumpy, but Honey couldn't figure out why. She'd been fine during the car ride. Honey caught himself wishing he could quit being a Host for this evening so he could be there for her. Even so, he collected Ayako's hand. Though he was an impeccably trained dancer, he always stood on his guest's shoes. This allowed them to promenade him around the floor. It was cuter that way.
Rather than risking being found at the buffet, Edie scurried outside into the patio overlooking the starlit courtyard. She slumped her head over the railing and took deep calming breaths. At least, the breaths were supposed to be calming. Every inhale stoked her anger at herself. She acted like a spaz. Honey didn't deserve that, but Edie didn't know what else to do. She didn't think of him romantically. Who was she kidding, she didn't know what to think. Her phone rang providing her wonderful distraction.
It was a message from her oldest brother, Tyron:
Hi Edie. Conor had his big Bellator* debut. I filmed it all so you could see. Wish you were here. Fight night isn't the same without you screaming at us from the corner. Love you.
She couldn't press the triangle play button fast enough. Her brother fought out of the red corner and his competitor had an extra three inches reach on him, but she knew that wouldn't matter. Conor was a scrapper, he could take a hit, and he could win. Sure enough, in the second round, Conor spotted a moment when his opponent dropped his defense. Conor's left hook held enough power to knock the other guy out cold. The ref called the fight and Conor ran around the Octagon, glove held high. He paused to celebrate into the camera. His kissed his right glove and tapped it twice on the tattoo covering his left deltoid in curvy script. Edie couldn't help it, she burst into tears.
Conor was impulsive, therefore it didn't shock anyone when he decided to get tattoos at three AM on his 21st birthday. He emerged from the scuzzy parlor with the initials of each of his siblings on different parts of his body. From that point on, Conor dedicated each of his fights to one of his siblings by kissing the tattoo. The shoulder, that was Edie's spot.
Tears and snot dribbled down her nose. She missed everyone, her family, her Armenian striking coach, and even the gym rats that liked to poke fun at her size until she bested them in the ring. Life was less confusing in America, less lonely.
"You know, if you wanted to wear one of our mother's designs you could have just told us. She would've designed something especially for you."
Edie hastily wiped the tear tracks from her cheeks and whirled to find Hikaru and Kaoru back to back, arms crossed, and chins inclined. They eyed her head to toe. Hikaru leaned forward and poked Edie's forehead.
"You've been crying," he observed, not comforting, just observing.
"Not really, I'm really okay."
"What were you watching?" Kaoru tipped closer.
Neither boy was really trying to coddle her so Edie engaged them instead of running away or punching them. She waved her hand.
"My brother Conor just was in a fight. My family sent me a video."
"Fight?" Kaoru began.
"We want to see." Hikaru finished and snatched the phone from Edie's mitts.
Huddled around the video, the twins' eyes grew progressively with every blow. Kaoru winced when Conor delivered the decisive blow.
"So you cried because your brother lost. He'll get over it, so should you," Kaoru sniffed.
"That's not it. My brother won the fight, thank you very much," she snatched back her phone indignantly.
Hikaru and Kaoru were in agreement, "Denial."
"What? My brother was the one who…"
Hikaru cut off her angry tantrum while Kaoru patted her head in condescension, "I don't know a lot about fighting, but losing consciousness does not a champion make," he tutted.
Edie was about to burst out in fiery defense of Conor, but then she spotted the playful glimmer in their eyes. They knew perfectly well which fighter was her brother. She rubbed her temples and changed the subject.
"What were you two saying when you so rudely snuck up on me?"
The ignored the accusation and spoke in unison, "Your dress is our mother's design."
"The dress? That's impossible, I was dragged to Hitachiin Creations yesterday and…" Edie trailed off as she worked out the implications, "Your last name is Hitachiin."
"Guilty as charged," Hikaru looked pretty pleased with himself rather than guilty.
"Well that's surprising," Edie said dryly, leaning back against the railing.
"What is?" Kaoru bent down to match eyes with Edie.
"That you two troublemakers could have a mother who created something so beautiful," Edie spun to show the dress fluffing softly.
"She made us, didn't she?" was Hikaru's affronted defense.
The twins struck poses that reminded Edie of Tamaki's princely persona. Laughter bubbled from Edie's lips until tears gathered once more one her lids. She swiped them away before they could fall. Hikaru and Kaoru shared triumphant grins. Mission accomplished. The twins liked Edie. She looked pliable and puny, making her fun to play with; but she was also passionate and powerful, making it all the more fun to be caught. She was still an outsider looking in on their world, but she was the closed outsider. The twins wanted to keep her either happy or angry. Edie wasn't as much fun when she was sad.
"Why aren't you dancing?" the asked as one.
"I don't really know how," Edie looked at her feet embarrassed.
"Perfect!" the twins' toothy smiles were positively wolfish.
Edie sputtered complaints while the towering twins pushed and prodded her back into the ballroom. Hikaru spun her to face him and lifted her off the ground.
"Whoa!" she squeaked.
He waltzed her around the room for four counts of six, then winked at Edie. He tossed her high in the air. When she descended, she found herself bundled in the arms of Kaoru. Her feet never touched the ground as the twins passed her back and forth, so she began to enjoy herself. They laughed together until the final pull of the violins. She was returned to the earth, so full of laughter she could scarcely draw breath.
"Feel better?" Kaoru looked hopeful.
"Did you do all this to cheer me up?"
"No," Hikaru snorted his bashful denial, but flushed cheeks betrayed him.
The top of Edie's head barely reached the twins' waists, but that didn't stop her from cuddling them both into a group hug.
"Gross, back up tiny," Hikaru groaned playfully.
Edie shook her head in refusal, "You guys are the best."
Kaoru settled his hand protectively on the back of Edie's head, but Hikaru was unused to accepting affection from anyone other than his brother.
"We are not! We're troublemakers remember," Hikaru pulled gently against Edie's warm embrace.
She directed her icy blue eyes up towards the twins, "You can be both," she then released them and addressed the crowd of their envious fans, "Good news! Hikaru and Kaoru are giving away free hugs tonight!"
"Edie…" Kaoru growled and faced the throng of admirers with trepidation.
"I'm sure you'll find some way to pay me back," Edie smirked then weaseled her way out of there before she got caught in her own mischief.
She spun and dodged the stampeding hoard, but as she did she witness Mori kidnapping Haruhi away from a confused Kanako Kasaguzaki. The matchmaking plan that Honey warned her of must be underway. She knew none of the particulars, yet she was confident the meddling Host Club would succeed. With Tamaki's passion and Kyoya's resources, how could they not succeed?
Edie backed away from the dance floor and into someone's solid chest. She turned to apologize, but surprise stole those words. Speak of the devils. Tamaki and Kyoya rested against a pillar, surveying the crowded event.
"Tama-chan, I'm surprised you're not dancing. Your royal charm is in high demand tonight," she backed up a few steps to see the tall boys better.
"Why princess, you flatter me. In truth, I am taking a brief reprieve from my duties, so that I may devote myself fully to my flowers when I return. Though, should you wish to dance I wouldn't dare to refuse someone so precious," Tamaki lowered himself to one knee and offered his hand.
"No way buddy. I want you to rest lots 'kay?"
Tamaki's eyes welled with glistening tears and began a monologue about Edie's endless generosity. He made it through about two paragraphs before Kyoya placed a steadying hand on his best friend's shoulder.
"Tamaki, please notice that the plan is underway. Haruhi should be dressed by now, but none of the other hosts have returned. Perhaps you should fetch them before our guests get anxious."
"Yes Kyoya, you're right. If you'll excuse me," he asked Edie.
She motioned for him to be on his way, then took his place on the pillar next to Kyoya. "I will say that you have a talent for throwing parties Kyo-chan. How did you put all this together and plot to reunite two lovers?" Edie wondered.
"Let us not forget my plans I also hatched for you, Edie," Kyoya adjusted his glasses with gloved fingers.
"That's right, I'm supposed to be magically turned into a host after tonight. I'm excited to see how you plan to make it work, but I don't believe you'll succeed."
"It wouldn't do to reveal all my secrets before their proper time," Kyoya angled his head towards her to bestow an indulgent smile.
"Just a hint?"
The Host Club was spilling back into the ballroom. "Not even a hint," Kyoya summoned Mori to them, "Mori-sempai, be so kind as to dance with Miss Hale while I tend to the final festivities of the evening."
Kyoya bowed then left the two of them alone. Dang Shadow King! "Um, it's okay Mori. I can't really dance, so…"
Mori ignored Edie's quiet protestations and lifted her off the ground by her waist. He raised her much faster and higher than either Hikaru or Kaoru had and Edie needed to place her hands behind Mori's neck to steady herself. They were nose to nose when he started swaying back and forth. Edie tucked her head into his broad shoulder, so she could breathe.
Romance movies always depicted this moment the exact same. The woman grabs onto her true love and the world fades away from them. Nothing but the music and their hearts keeping time remains. Edie's heart was definitely pounding, but nothing faded. In fact she was painfully aware of every bit of her surroundings. It was as if her senses went into hyper drive. The females' dresses were too bright. The music was too loud. To be honest, the effect was more discomforting than anything. Everything about him was too big. She couldn't get comfortable.
Still, this was her chance. Maybe not to confess, but at least to talk to him. Edie summoned what little bravery she had.
"So Mori, what is your favorite subject to study?" Edie wanted to kill herself.
"Ugh."
"Um, do you have a favorite food?"
"Ugh."
Mori may speak in monosyllables like Demi, but the two were definitely not the same. Demi didn't like to talk because he was shy, as a result Edie worked with him everyday until she could understand what he meant without him having to say a word. Mori felt different. He didn't seem shy, just apathetic. He never felt that way before. Whenever he was with Honey, Mori was animated, silent, but totally animated. Now that she and Mori were alone, it was like all the life was drained from him.
Maybe Edie, just hadn't spent enough time with him. Mori probably expressed himself more subtly. She could get through to him surely she could. She'd just have to let him know, know that she cared. She cleared her throat and forced herself to pull away from his shoulder enough and look him in the eye.
"Mori, I think I like you. You seem amazing. From the first time I saw you, I felt something special and I want to know what that is," Edie was speaking too fast, but nothing could stop her, "So, what do you think?"
Mori looked at her. His face betrayed no emotions, but his eyes; his eyes dripped pity and disgust. Edie's core fell open and empty.
"Mori…" Edie tested.
He dislodged her hold around his neck and set her on the ground, "No."
"Sorry?"
But Mori merely turned and walked away. There was cold emanating off his shoulders. She could understand if he just wasn't interested, but that wasn't it. Mori looked at her with complete disdain. It was as if he was disappointed in her for something. The warm crush of people surrounding her was suddenly all too much. There was too much happiness in the room, while she was falling apart. She needed to be somewhere else, somewhere alone. The vacuous pit in her stomach was making her weak. She whirled to exit the ballroom and found herself face to face with Honey.
"Oh I um…" she looked down to hide her trembling bottom lip.
Honey grabbed her shoulders and ducked slightly to see her face, "Edie, what is it?"
"I gotta go, I'm sorry," Edie tried to run, but Honey moved in front of her.
"Fine, but I'm coming with you."
Edie's concerns from the rest of the evening melted away. Maybe it was selfish, but she needed someone. He was her best friend, the only person she could talk to in Japan. She allowed herself to be herded down a hall and into an empty and dark classroom. The tremors had stopped in Edie's hand, though she still couldn't lift her head high. Where her stomach had once been empty, guilt remained. Guilt that she had done something to make Mori hate her and guilt that, once again, she was relying on Honey.
Honey led her to the window and sat her down on the sill, "What happened?"
"I don't want to tell you," Edie mumbled into her lap.
Honey crouched before her and tilted up her chin, "Why not?"
Her eyes searched his face, looking for any clues to what he felt about her. All she could see was a concerned friend. If Honey did like her, what she was about to say could hurt him. Still, didn't he deserve to know the truth? She sighed then explained herself.
"I was dancing with Mori and…" She began.
"Aaand…" Honey prompted.
"And I told him that I might like him," Edie peeked at Honey, hoping he wouldn't be upset.
Honey wasn't upset, he was devastated. From the first moment Edie saw his cousin, Honey sort of knew what she felt. Still, sort of knowing and actually hearing it were two very different matters. He wanted to cry, to run, and to kiss her until she saw him, but that wasn't what she needed. What she needed was a friend to talk to; he was going to be that friend.
"So what happened?" Honey moved to sit next to her on the windowsill.
Edie nearly collapsed with relief, "Nothing, he just said no and walked away."
Honey didn't understand, so he waited while Edie arranged her thoughts. When she finally collected the phrasing she said, "He didn't just walk away. It was more like he gave up on me. He looked disgusted or disappointed or I don't know. I just feel like I let him down."
He understood. Mori knew all about his feelings for Edie. They were cousins, but they were so much more. Best friends was an understatement. Honey was sure the Mori was actually angry at himself for attracting Edie's attention in the first place. It wasn't like his cousin to begrudge a girl for her feelings.
"He wasn't upset with you," Honey cupped Edie's cheek.
"How do you know? You weren't there."
"He is my cousin, of course I know."
Edie leaned gently against his hand, "Promise?"
The light from the moon cast across her face and twinkled her eyes. Honey couldn't bear to look at her anymore. He bundled her into a tight hug.
"I promise."
She threw her arms around him to squeeze him tighter. Neither of them felt the need to move. They were the perfect size for each other. Edie and Honey merely breathed as one until bright colorful lights flashed in through the windows. They drew apart and saw a spectacular firework show. They watched in compatible silence.
"Did you guys fix things with Kanako Kasaguzaki?" Edie said after a while.
"There was one final step to the plan that I missed, but I'm sure it worked out. Kyo-chan planned it all. His plans always work."
"All except one. He planned to make me a Host by the end of today's ball. It's the end of the ball and here I am, not a host," Honey burst into laughter, "What?...What?"
"Kyo-chan's plan. By now he's announced to the ball that we are making you a new host. He's told the entire school," Honey managed between giggles.
"Are you serious?! Why didn't you warn me?"
"Sorry, I want you to be a host too."
"Traitor," Edie nudged Honey gently with her shoulder, "Just because he said it, doesn't make it true. I'll set things straight on Monday."
"The fact that you said that proves you are new to Japan. Here, an Ootori's word is law. You're a host now, you'll see."
Edie bumped her head against the glass pane, "I'd hate you if you weren't so amazing."
"Not even then."
"Yeah you're right, not even then," Edie sighed.
Honey studied her face. She seemed serene, not nearly as heart-broken as he expected. Maybe there was still hope. He had to believe there was still hope.
"Wanna dance?" Honey asked.
"I don't know how."
"Doesn't matter I'll help."
"There's no music," Edie pulled her forehead off the glass to look at him.
Honey gave her his brightest smile, "Good, then we can't get off beat."
She reluctantly grabbed his hand and he led her to the center of the room. He raised his arm and suddenly spun her. She nearly tripped over her own feet, but he caught her while she laughed. Her joy was so contagious that Honey couldn't help to dip her low, the ends of her hair brushing the floor. Edie stopped laughing and looked deeply into Honey's eyes. A lump gathered in her throat. That was weird. Luckily Honey dragged her upright before she could process the emotion. They swayed together, feet barely leaving the floor. Edie tucked her head into Honey's shoulder like she had with Mori; not because she couldn't breathe, but because she fit just right there. Honey held her tighter and she felt his muscular frame contract around her own. There was not much in the room. The lights were off and only a few tables and chairs were present. Even so, when Edie held Honey, when Honey held her, there was nothing else. She allowed the surroundings to fade until there was just the two of them swaying to silence.
Bellator: A mixed martial arts promotion specifically in the United States. Currently broadcast on Spike TV, this tournament was founded in 2008. It still uses the traditional weight classes for MMA, but uses a single-elimination format.
Author's note:
Hi guys! I put it at the end this time! I still wanted to thank every one of my reviewers and readers, but it started to feel obnoxious at the beginning of every story. This has been my favorite chapter to write so far because I struggled with it the most. I'm not good at the mushy stuff. I myself have never been in love, so writing about it is a challenge. Give me a fight scene any day. Anyway, let me know how I did. As always I love and am grateful for everyone who reads this story and takes the time out of their busy schedule to review. You guys are so funny and supportive. Thank you.
