My apologies everyone for not updating sooner! I ended up being busy Wednesday, and I had to work Thursday night. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Also, chapter 10 won't be released until either Monday or Tuesday.
Chapter Nine
Haruhi had been trying on a pair of new heels that could possibl match the dress that she had bought a short time ago when she heard the sneering voice. This had caused her to momentarily freeze. She knew who it was without turning around. However, Haruhi wanted to confirm that her suspicions were, in fact, correct. Haruhi quickly finished buckling the other heel on, then rose slowly while turning to face the new person.
Standing in front of her was none other than Eclaire Tonnere. She had been correct in assuming who had been behind her. Haruhi did not really want to talk to Eclaire, but thought that it would probably just be best if she did. The sooner she got away from Eclaire, the better.
"Hello there Eclaire. Fancy meeting you here." Haruhi replied in her natural host way, complete with a smile.
While Haruhi had been trying on her new shoes, everyone had noticed someone approaching. They all knew it was Eclaire before long. Between Kyoya and Tamaki, they both tried to give Eclaire a silent warning with their eyes not to do anything. However, none of their warning glances were received by the girl.
Kyoya sighed. At least he had tried to give Eclaire a warning, albeit if it was a look. If Eclaire dared Haruhi enough to make her mad, she probably could use martial arts. Kyoya decided to leave the issue of Eclaire alone, as he also wanted to see how Haruhi would react.
"Well, it really is a coincidence that I came here, commoner. I am surprised to see you in a place like this even. Did you happen to get lost going down to one of your commoner's mall, or are you somehow bribing these guys to buy everything for you?" Once again, Eclaire had sneered at her former upbringing.
However, before Haruhi could respond, her body guard rushed up to her, considering he was the one taking her bags down to her waiting limo after she was finished at each floor. "Mistress! Please forgive me for not alerting you sooner! I had noticed Ms. Tonnere coming in after you were on your way to the third floor." He had sank to the ground, kneeling with his left hand crossed over to his right.
Haruhi took a deep breath in. Then attempting to hold back greatly, which had never been in Haruhi's interests in the past, sent a sharp karate chop to the man's head. "Geez. How many times do I have to say that no matter what my grandmother says, you can just call me Haruhi-chan. This madam and mistress stuff is driving me up the wall. Maybe I should call a household meeting tomorrow afternoon to tell everyone that." Haruhi had lashed out the first half of her speech, though she had really calmed herself down enough to mumble the last portion.
"Please forgive me, Haruhi-chan." He tried again. It was better, since Haruhi smiled.
"No worries." Haruhi then turned to a shocked looking Eclaire. "I am no longer just a mere commoner as you still like to say I am. To be honest, I was only living as a commoner as part of my grandmother's orders. Now, if you would kindly excuse me, I think these are the perfect pair! "
Haruhi walked past Eclaire with her purchase. Eclaire, in all honesty, was peeved. How dare she treat me like that! Then again, I wonder who her grandmother is?
~Time and Scene Skip..6:35pm, Ootori mansion.~
"Good evening Madam, Sir. I welcome you to my humble house. After you have met the rest of my family, please feel free to make your way inside to where the rest of the party is." Yoshio spoke to a couple who had just arrived.
Yoshio was in a regular suit, which consisted of black dress pants, a white button up shirt, a black tie, with a black blazer. Beside him were his sons, dressed in similar fashions though their acts were completely different. Yuuichi had a fake smile plastered to his face. He did not want to be a part of this event, though they were celebrating one of their medical clinic's successes for a business merge. Akito was really excited for the event to start in general. Kyoya, on the other hand, seemed the same as ever. He greeted the clients by "sir" or "madam", as he had been told to do. Beside him, was his sister Fuyumi. She had decided to sport an elegant crème colored cocktail dress. She was complete with the same colored heels, which must have been at least two inches high along with an off white clutch bag. Her hair had been done up in a bun.
Haruhi was relieved when her limo pulled up to the mansion and she still had some time to spare. She had been worried all day about being late. So, she insisted that they leave their mansion at 6:05pm, since there was a 15 minute drive to the Ootori's. However, Haruhi still had to wait. Everyone must have had the same idea to come early. A long line of limos stretched out ahead of her, dropping off their charges at the stairs of the doors after gaining admission through the gates first.
Haruhi sighed. Her patience would be worn thin, but she was also excited and nervous. This was the first official party she had been selected to go to within the elite families. Not that she ever got to go to parties with the Host Club before then.
Haruhi's limo lurched forward a bit. They had reached the gates. The guard who was taking attendance asked, "Name?"
Her driver responded, "Tsuji, Haruhi."
The guard looked at the list, checked off the Tsuji name before motioning them to go in. Apparently, Haruhi had been holding her breath at the gates. She let the breath out when they were at the front doors. Gaining her nerves once again, she stepped out of her limo and walked up the stairs.
Yoshio looked surprised, Haruhi noted to herself before stopping herself in front of him.
"Good evening Ootori-sama. I'm Haruhi Tsuji. It is a great honor to be invited to your party tonight." Haruhi said with a bow.
"Pleasure is mine, Tsuji-sama. Please feel free to meet the rest of my family before going inside. Perhaps, my dear boy Kyoya can escort you tonight?" Yoshio replied.
"I will most gracefully accept the escort. Thank you Ootori-samas." Haruhi said as one by one she gave her hellos to each of the family members. In her inner mind, she was twitching. She hated all this really formal speech stuff.
"Well, shall we go in, my lady?" Kyoya asked, breaking Haruhi's inner twitching.
"Yes, she shall, Kyoya-kun." Haruhi replied.
However, once they were out of ear shot of the rest of his family, Kyoya started to feel a bit more relaxed.
