Author's Note:

Is it bad that I really enjoy writing the dark stuff? o.O

Chapter Ten

|| A Proposition ||

xxx

Kaoru clutched his phone in hand, staring at it blankly for a few seconds. Finally, he made the decision to call.

It rang out, which unsettled him. Kyoya had promised that it was the right number.

Either it was on silent, or he really didn't want to talk to him.

The younger Hitachiin exhaled sharply, reminding himself to calm down. There was no other choice here. He had seen the positive effect Haruhi's presence was having on himself and Hikaru, but he could admit that they needed something else. A distraction perhaps; someone with unfathomable optimism and charisma.

He took a deep breath and dialled another number, making sure to read of the small piece of paper within his hand, so he didn't make mistakes.

On the third ring, someone picked up.

"Good morning, this is Isabelle Brousarrd of the Suoh residence." A lady answered in fluent French.

He mentally slapped himself. He had to stop worrying and simply answer the woman. The twins could both speak French, but they hadn't used it for many years and Kaoru knew he was rusty. "Good morning," he answered at length, "I was hoping to speak to Tamaki Suoh."

Isabelle paused on her end of the line. "The young master is very busy. To whom am I speaking?"

"My name is Kaoru Hitachiin." He answered promptly.

Despite that their mother owned the Hitachiin Designs, it was still under their name and Isabelle clearly recognised it. The twins had each also contributed to the fashion world under their family names. "Very well Mr. Hitachiin, I shall pass on a note saying that you called. Unfortunately Master Suoh is in a business meeting at present and is unable to speak." Isabelle told him, almost regrettably.

Kaoru doubted she believed him at first hand, but had to trust that she would at least tell Tamaki. "That's fine, as long as he knows I tried to contact him. Thank you." He replied and soon hung up the phone.

He stared at the corded phone for minutes, frowning as he thought.

Eventually he shrugged and stood up, stretching luxuriously to help himself relax.

Briefly, he wondered what everyone else was doing.

Hikaru he knew was attending the first court meeting over the custody of the Hitachiin business.

Kaoru had seriously disagreed with the idea of his brother going alone, but Hikaru's lawyer was confident they could win this hands down, especially since their father's Will had outlined their succession. Their mother could never really inherit this side of the business, but she could still fight for some of the profits. In the end, Kaoru had agreed to stay home simply because the first court case was more of an introduction. It could take many of them before a solution was found.

Kaoru wasn't fantastic at understanding the legalities of it all, and idly thought that he might talk to Haruhi about it.

He brushed his shirt down, more out of habit than anything after setting his mind to finding the girl boarding at their manor. Semester didn't begin for a week or so, so Haruhi was simply relaxing and getting a feel again for studying.

Perhaps when this is all over, I'll re-enrol for a tertiary degree. He thought.

Just because his mother had created the Hitachiin's company for fashion and designs, didn't mean he couldn't make his own. After all, Hikaru and Kaoru had both always been artistically gifted.

Just as he was about to step out of his room, he felt a small vibration from within his jean's pocket. Seconds later, a familiar ringtone blared out, one he hadn't heard for months.

Abandoning all thought of checking up on Haruhi, Kaoru frantically pulled out his mobile and answered.

"Hello?"

"Kaoru! Kaoru is that you?" Tamaki voiced, almost yelling into the phone.

Kaoru sighed with relief. "Hey Tono."

Tamaki paused, probably trying to calm himself down, Kaoru guessed. "I'm sorry I didn't answer my phone, I was in a meeting." He explained at length.

"It's alright, I'm just glad you returned my call."

"I've been a lousy friend." Tamaki admitted quietly.

Kaoru frowned. "No, you haven't."

"I have, the last year I've only been focused on myself. I should've tried to help you out!"

"Tono," the younger Hitachiin cast his eyes down wearily, "Tamaki... I'm sorry."

The former Club King didn't respond for a few moments. Eventually, he decided that he wouldn't rebuke Kaoru. After all, the twins only ever took the blame when they thought they deserved it. Fighting it wouldn't make a difference. "Thank you." He relied simply.

The smallest of smiles appeared on Kaoru's face.

"So, why did you call me?" Tamaki asked softly.

"Well, to apologise for one thing. But I also wanted to ask a favour of you."

"Oh? What favour?"

Kaoru's amber eyes gleamed with purpose as he answered determinedly, "I want reunite the Host Club."

"You do?" Tamaki sounded sceptical, but Kaoru could hear the longing in his voice. "But I'm still in France, you know that. When were you planning for this to happen?"

"As soon as you can return to Japan."

The blonde paused on his end, allowing a hand to run through his hair.

Feeling the former King would need persuading, Kaoru told him, "We've all really missed you Tono."

More silence followed.

"There's an empty throne here waiting for you." He pressed.

"Alright!" Tamaki announced suddenly. "A few months in Japan won't hurt what I'm doing here. Besides, we have a Club to reform!" He laughed happily, and Kaoru knew he had made the right decision.

"That's great news. When you get back here we can organise everything. I was already hoping we could have a giant gathering, of us seven as well as our former clients."

"We could have a ball! Of course we're all proper young men now, but we can still entertain our guests!" Tamaki suggested excitedly.

"But perhaps the role-playing could start later on? I think for now we could just dress formally."

Tamaki huffed slightly and Kaoru could imagine him pouting.

"Well, nothing is final. We can sort it out when you get here, is that okay?" Kaoru compromised.

The former King hadn't responded. Kaoru realised it might have finally hit him that he had yet to learn of Kaoru's motives. After all, it would have been far more likely for the suggestion to have originated from Honey.

But it seemed Tamaki was satisfied simply with speaking to Kaoru.

"Just you wait," he said enthusiastically, "I can be there in a few days."

"That sounds great, Tono."

Abandoning all attempts at discovering his friend's underlying motive, Tamaki told him, "Well then, I have some packing to do, don't I? It was a pleasure to speak to you Kaoru."

"Yeah, it was great talking to you." The Hitachiin replied sincerely.

The phone line cut out and Kaoru stood in his room, staring at it for a few more moments.

He thought that through the combined efforts of Tamaki, the Host Club and Haruhi (whether she knew it or not), Hikaru could regain some peace of mind and start to enjoy life again.

Or at least, he hoped so.

A/N:

I know, abrupt/short ending. Ah well. Gets far more interesting after this. There is a plot, it's just a really smooth one without major dramas or anything. Hopefully it keeps you guys reading :)

- Mae.