Disclaimer: Bisco Hatori owns Ouran and its characters.
09: The Party
"You did what?!" Tamaki exclaimed dropping the magazine he was reading into his lap. They were both sitting in their bed. Not to stir any suspicion around the house, they had to sleep in one bed and but with a huge pile of pillows right in the middle.
Tamaki stared at her his mouth ridiculously open. "Why did you see her!?"
"She knows senpai. Your grandmother knows about my amnesia" she simply said hugging her knees.
"Damn" he cursed under his breath.
"She is a smart woman. Even at that age" Haruhi sighed. "And she keeps talking about rumors" shaking her head she turned to him. "What are these rumors?"
At that moment Tamaki turned pale. "Well, you know if one is a member of the elite rumors are bound to spread to destroy that prestige"
"Senseless" Haruhi muttered out loud. "People spreading something as stupid as that isn't worth it. Your grandmother should least know that"
Tamaki just nodded.
"Ah..." she shouted burying her head into her knees. "This is driving me nuts! And the party is tomorrow. What should I do senpai? Your grandmother told me that I should be careful or..."
"Or what?" Tamaki was afraid to ask.
"I don't know" she said and sighed looking at him. "Is this what we do every night? You reading and me just sitting here?"
"Erm, you tend to hide yourself in your study and work" he said. Haruhi titled her head her brown hair falling into her knees. "Really? That is..." she flinched. "I'm still a bookworm eh?"
He chuckled and relaxed. "Very hardworking. That is one reason I fell in love" he blurted out without thinking. "Ah, I mean..." he blushed fiercely making Haruhi laugh. "Idiot... you say it so calmly. But..." she looked faraway. "I want to remember it"
"Do you like to hear it?" he asked softly.
Smiling, she turned to him. "It's okay. The twins told me it won't me a memory if I don't remember it myself"
"Quite true" he said. "Its quite an interesting memory anyway. Do you want a hint?" he asked mischievously. She blinked back. "Sure, I guess that wont hurt"
"Anne Sophie" he said heartily.
She smiled to him then instinctively she reached out to touch his cheek. They were warm and soft underneath her palm. "Anne Sophie, that is the most beautiful name I've ever heard"
He took her hand and kissed it. "Yes it is"
She closed her eyes, as his lips touched her hand. "Your mother's name..." she whispered.
"That is right" he said. Haruhi opened her eyes and found Tamaki staring at her. "Senpai?" she tilted her head once again. Tamaki released his hand and looked away. "S-sorry Haruhi..."
She gave a small laugh. "Come one lets go to sleep. Tomorrow is a long day" she said and settled in. Tamaki sighed and laid down.
-xoxoxoxo-
Haruhi Fujioka, as she always knew her name was, until she woke up one day knowing she was a Suou, walked inside the grand ballroom. Beside her Tamaki stood tall, looking strikingly beautiful in his white suit, his blonde hair fell in the right places, his attractive violet eyes surveyed the area.
Haruhi felt him radiating with power and beauty.
He tightened his grip on her hand. He had been holding her ever since they walked inside. Fierce protectiveness reflected in his eyes as they walked further inside.
"Senpai" she whispered.
"It will be all right" he whispered back giving her an reassuring smile. Haruhi didn't seem too impressed by his smile. She could tell he was just as nervous as she was.
This was going to be some play they have to present to the world.
As they entered everyone looked at them, smiles flashing, people bowing and greeting.
'I hate this' Haruhi's mind echoed. 'This attention...'
She put on a smile trying to imitate Tamaki who still held her close to him.
"How are you Chairman Tamaki?" someone greeted. Tamaki answered courteously.
"Lady Haruhi, you look young as ever" another complimented. She uttered a simple thank you.
Then someone came towards them, "Atty. Haruhi and Chairman Tamaki" he waved. He looked young, and a cheerful smile played in his attractive face.
"That is Hirata Hiko" Tamaki whispered quickly as the young man approached them. "He attended Ouran but he is a year younger than you and he also attended the same law school as you"
"Oh" she noted and smiled back. "How are you?" Haruhi greeted as he stood in front of them. He gave a shy laugh. "I'm all right. I've been busy too but I managed to attend this party"
"Precisely" Tamaki replied, "So you can meet old friends. Are you alone?"
"Well" he shifted, "My fiancé is here somewhere and --- ah!" he looked behind them. Haruhi and Tamaki turned.
"She is talking with the twins!" Hirata exclaimed and let out a defeated sigh. "She was so excited to attend the party because she wants to meet the acclaimed Host Club members. She fancies the twins" he said let out a small chuckle.
Haruhi shook her head. "Don't worry the twins are completely harmless" she reassured him.
Tamaki let out a dramatic sigh. "But do keep an eye on her Hirata-san"
"Y-yes!" he said and took off.
"Tama-chan! Haru-chan!!" Huni's voice hovered across the crowd. Haruhi found them near the buffet table.
"Are you enjoying all the food Huni senpai?" Tamaki asked him.
"Of course. I made it all" he answered munching on a shrimp while Mori held up the plate.
"Ah..." Haruhi sighed. "Figures..."
"Seems like everyone is here" Kyouya approached them with a mysterious smile playing in his lips. He looked strikingly good in his dark suit.
Then he gave Tamaki a look, "I can see your grandmother looking our way"
Tamaki jumped, "I must entertain the other guest" he said then gave Haruhi a apologetic glance.
"Go ahead" she said and released him.
Before he did that she noticed him give Kyouya a nod and left.
"What was that all about?" she asked him.
"You are quite keen aren't you Haruhi?" Kyouya took a sip in the glass of wine he was holding. "How are your memories?"
Her brown eyes widened. "Senpai..."
"She is fine, aren't you Haruhi?" Mori asked patting her head. She nodded with a small smile.
"Don't wander too far from us" Kyouya replied darkly. "Eyes are watching you" he sipped again. Haruhi's heart grew still. Later the twins joined them. "Oh my very lovely Haruhi!" Kaoru gushed twirling her around.
"Of course. I designed it" Hikaru replied.
"I did too!" Kaoru exclaimed back.
A giggle from behind them interrupted Kaoru and Hikaru. Kyouya saw Haruhi stiffened. Huni stopped eating and Mori placed down the plate.
"I am kinda insulted with that kind of greeting" she smiled at them, dressed in a revealing black gown Elcair walked in front of them slowly. "Shouldn't you all be smiling?"
Hikaru frowned. "What in the world are you doing here?" he stepped in front of Haruhi.
"I am invited by grandmother" she simply said licking her lips. Her crystal blue eyes surveyed them. "What a complete line up" she smirked. Then she tilted her head. "How are you Haruhi?"
Kaoru glanced at her and noticed something odd. Haruhi was clutching her hands so hard and she was practically shaking. Her brown eyes were wide with fear and confusion.
"No..no..."she muttered.
"Haruhi?" Kaoru called unto her. "Senpai!" he turned to Kyouya who set aside his wine glass.
Her mind was spinning and it was hurting to bad. "No...no..." she mumbled and closed her eyes. Her knees were failing her. Then he felt Kyouya's voice. He was whispering softly into her ear. "Get a hold of yourself Haruhi. Don't show your weakness on this woman"
His words snapped Haruhi backed. But the pain in her head did not cease.
"Are you all right?" Eclair asked trying to look concern.
"Yes" she said shakily. "But I..." she glanced at Kyouya.
"The season, its getting chilly and all. Let me check on you" he replied slyly and looked at Eclair, "excuse us" he said and lead Haruhi to a private room.
Eclair started to follow them when Huni extended his arm. "Don't even try"
She raised her eyebrows and sighed. "And once again I am up against the Host Club" she chuckled. "You can't protect her forever" she winked and went away.
And as if by queue Tamaki returned. "Where is Haruhi and Kyouya?" he asked looking alarm. "And I just saw Eclair here"
"Senpai brought her to a room. She didn't look quite good when she saw Eclair" Hikaru replied solemnly.
"Then I must---" Tamaki started to leave when Mori caught his arm. "They will be back soon" he said quietly and loosened his grip.
"I pray you know what you are doing Tamaki senpai" Kaoru replied. "Lets hope for the best"
-xoxoxox-
"Here take a sip" Kyouya handed her a glass of water. She drank it and handed it back to him.
"What happened to me back there?" she asked placing one hand her forehead.
"Anxiety attack" he said flatly and sat opposite her. He crossed his long legs and sat back. "Are you feeling all right now?"
"Yes. Thank you. The pain in my head has ceased" she said and looked at him. "Are you sure? It just happened so quickly and..." her voice trailed off.
"I'll be honest with you Haruhi" he said pushing his glasses up his nose. "Two words"
"Eh?" she titled her head. Her soft brown hair fell like a cascade of waterfalls into her bare neck.
"Bad memories" he simply said and an odd dark smile played in his attractive pale face causing Haruhi to shiver involuntarily. She looked faraway.
"Bad memories" she repeated softly. "Eclair is a bad memory"
The smile didn't leave his lips. He continued to stare at her, "Care to tell me why?" he asked in a liquid like voice. Soft and intoxicating his voice hovered into her thoughts. "She nearly stole Tamaki senpai from us" she said without thinking.
"From us?" Kyouya asked.
"From me" she replied in a voice that almost fell into a whisper.
"When?"
"When she was engaged to him" she lifted her eyes. "But I wasn't even 18 at that time, senpai. Does it matter?"
Kyouya stood up and ran one hand into his dark hair, "Yes it does. Every memory matters for it helps you understand your feelings"
She stood up and walked up beside him. "Do I hate Eclair?" she asked him. "For the trouble she put us through?"
Kyouya snorted. "You should answer that"
Haruhi rolled her eyes. "I am still confused, but I think I am feeling better now. Let's go back"
"Whatever you say Atty. Haruhi Suou" he said and accompanied her back. Tamaki spotted her and was about to met her when Huni caught Haruhi and brought her towards the buffet table and handed her some sweets together with the twins and Mori.
"Let it be" Kyouya replied.
"Is is all right? What happened?" he asked all at once. "She is pregnant. Congratulations" Kyouya replied flatly.
"EH!!" he said out loud.
"No idiot. Its just the weather" Kyouya said rolling his eyes.
Tamaki breath hard. "Don't surprise me like that!"
"Why?"
"Because..." a blush crept in his face. "We haven't done it for a long time..." he said in a small voice.
"Double idiot" Kyouya replied. "Why don't you cheer up Haruhi?" he suggested. Tamaki who sometimes can be slow blinked back. His cheeks were bright red now. "W-what do you mean?? Do it? Here!??"
"When it comes to this, I can't help but think you are 18 as well" Kyouya folded his arms across his chest.
"So ignorant if not dumb"
Tamaki just laughed nervously. "Why do I feel like I'm talking to someone in middle school?" Kyouya muttered impatiently.
His dark eyes drifted to Eclair who was glancing at them from across the room. She was standing beside Tamaki's grandmother and Yuzuru.
"Show the world your talent Tamaki" Kyouya said looking back at him. There was still this stupid look in his handsome face. As if he was imagining something. "Save it for the bedroom and go play the piano" he pushed Tamaki towards the grand piano right in the middle of the ballroom.
"Kyouya..." Tamaki replied then nodded and with his head held up high he sat down and started to play. The room was quiet and Tamaki's music filled the ballroom.
Sweet and soft.
Across the room Haruhi slowly made her way towards him. Not getting close, she stood a few meters aways from him. Slowly she closed her eyes.
And memories of how it began to flash in her mind.
-xoxoxo-
a/n: whew!! that was kinda long! I wanted to reserve the next chapter for something specific. Sorry for the errors. Take care guys! And yes konnichwa minna: I love Escaflowne so much! The story line and characters are simply beautiful. And its quite unique too. Watch out for the next chapter: Melodies of the Past.