Hey everyone! Wow... having off days really makes me happy! Snow is great! Well.. sometimes... anyway...
Now, I was going to do a nice little Valentine's chapter... but it just didn't work out *cries*
Have y'all ever felt so tired that you just want to sleep? But can't? Yup. That was/is me. For Zeus' sake I just can't fall asleep! Maybe it's my addiction to coffee that's the problem... hmm... but enough about my rambling... here is chapter 11! Please enjoy!
"H-Hiro…?" Sora dropped her broom. Mori slowly pulled his hand away and gazed at the newcomer. A tall, young man stood before them. He had jet-black hair and a strong, chiseled jawline. He wore a dark suit and red tie. A business man. But his shoulders and arms looked powerful. Mori guessed he'd be a pretty even match in a fight. The man's eyes had gone from shocked to narrowed in seconds. He turned his sharp glare at Mori.
"Who are you?" He demanded, hand curling into a fist.
"Hiro, what are you doing here!?" Sora cut in before Mori could open his mouth.
"What are you doing with him?" Hiro looked like he was ready for an attack. Mori looked between the two, thinking. His mind flickered back to the 'H' that Sora had been carving into the desk some time ago. Was this the man she'd been thinking of? No. There's something about him… Mori couldn't quite name what he instinctively recognized.
"Since when are you in Japan?" Sora had her eyes also narrowed, tensing.
"Answer the question Sora." Hiro responded, head held high in superiority. The light-bulb went off in Mori's head.
"No," Sora crossed her arms.
"You're so stubborn," Hiro cracked his knuckles in a familiar way and turned to Mori. "Stay away from her, got it?" He pointed a finger at Mori's expressionless face.
"Who are you?" Mori finally asked, though already suspecting the answer. Sora sighed in exasperation and looked at him.
"This is Hiro…" She shot him a glare and continued, "He's my brother."
... a few minutes after...
"Brother?" Haruhi looked back and forth between the two siblings.
"Yeah," Sora shrugged. The hosts had come back, after having noticed Mori's absence.
"Did you know this Kyoya senpai?" Haruhi turned a suspicious face toward Kyoya, who was typing away at his computer. He turned, looked at her, smiled brightly, and turned back to his computer. Irritation marks appeared on Haruhi's forehead.
"This is a charming school," Hiro had walked over to gaze out the window, and now came back to the group, "I must apologize for my sudden entrance." He gave a curt nod to Tamaki and the rest of the hosts; except Mori. He kept his steely eyes locked on Mori's tall figure. "I was in town for a business meeting and thought I'd stop by," Hiro continued, "All I wanted was to see my beloved sister…" he paused dramatically, "Yet I find her in the clutches of a monopolizing host…" (Mori: monopolizing?) Hiro stopped and turned to look at the group; his eyes glistened. "My poor adorable baby sister!" He stretched out his arms and ran toward Sora.
"Stay back!" She easily dodged him, but was caught at his second attempt. Hiro hugged her tightly and Sora glared at the ground, embarrassment flushing her cheeks.
"Wow, he really has two sides, huh?" Haruhi murmured, gazing at the now doting brother.
"He looks alright to me Haru-chan," Honey's flowery face looked at the scene with curiosity.
"Ah you're so cute Sora-chan!" Hiro laughed merrily, "Shall we go play at the park like we used to?" Sora's face turned redder.
"What is he?" Hikaru looked at the two in astonishment.
"Do you…" Kaoru began.
"Have a sister-complex?" Hikaru finished, both twins tilting their heads. Hiro's head shot up.
"Wha? Not at all! I love my little sister as a brother should! I just can't help it if she's so adorable and cute!" Hiro re-flung his arms around Sora and she sighed in exasperation. (Haruhi: those two words mean the exact same thing…).
"So when are you going to leave?" Sora growled, extracting herself from Hiro's choke-hold. Hiro looked at her, hurt.
"Sora-chan! You want me to go that badly?" He made puppy-dog eyes. Tamaki instantly felt a connection with him.
"Don't make him leave!" Tamaki's eyes filled with tears at the sight of the siblings.
"Why are you even here? And don't tell me it was a 'business meeting'." Sora crossed her arms and looked sternly at her brother. Hiro straightened up, face growing more serious.
"Father told me you were going to be arranged with a student at Ouran for a potential marriage," Hiro shook his head, "I don't know what's gotten into father lately." (Sora: lately!?). Hiro turned a cold glare onto Mori, who'd been paying attention to the scene with vague interest. "I can't just let you marry some strange guy," Hiro added, "So I've decided I'll do anything to stop this ridiculous 'marriage'." (Hikaru+Kaoru: he really does have a sister-complex! The pervert!).
"Are you going to talk to father?" Sora asked, hopes soaring a little too high for her liking. Hiro turned to her, smiling widely.
"Nope! I'm just going to beat him so bad he'll never come near you again!" The rest of the hosts grayed and their mouths gaped open in horrified shock.
"Wha?… wah!… Takashi!" Honey cried in worry for his friend.
"C-can he… do that?" The twins shook.
"I mean," Tamaki had batted a hand, "It's Mori senpai we're talking about… he can't be beaten that easily… heh… heh.. right?" The nervousness in his voice made his teeth chatter.
"Pfft…" Sora gave a harsh laugh, "No way in hell brother! This isn't even any of your business!" Hiro's eyes hardened at that.
"Of course it's my business! I'm your brother!" Sora narrowed her eyes and glared at him. "I'll beat that pretty boy of yours don't worry!"
"Leave! Now!" Sora growled. She and Hiro were face to face, each glaring at each other.
"Never!" His once sunny attitude had been replaced by a sinister and serious manner.
"Leave!" Sora wanted to throw him out the window.
"Make me!" (Hosts: heh… heh.. they're definitely brother and sister…)
"Fine!" Sora smirked, "I'll fight you! And if I win you leave me alone." Hiro contemplated the idea and smirked right back at her.
"Fine. And if I win, you stay away from this Host Club and him," he looked at her haughtily.
"Fine!" Sora sniffed, determination kicking in.
"I'm here for the next week, so, bring it on, lil' sis!" Hiro laughed deeply and headed for the door, "Oh… and what was our score again? 45 to 37 was it? Hm." He shot them all a lazy grin and walked out.
The hosts gazed after him, still reeling from the sudden challenge. Sora had dropped to her knees, rage coursing through her. Her face was red and her arms shook in anger. That bastard! I'll beat him no matter what! He thinks he can win? I've grown stronger! I've trained! I'll kick his ass! The way she muttered to herself and glared at the ground made the hosts silence any comments they had been about to make. They then turned to Mori. Honey approached him, looking up at him with wide, brown eyes.
"What do you think Takashi? You didn't say a word." Mori looked down at his little friend, mind heavy with what had just occurred. Though he never liked to turn down a challenge, particularly one about pride and strength, he knew well enough to not get in the way of family conflicts. He gave Honey a light shrug and also headed for the door, intending to go home.
"They may do as they wish," he said, and exited, leaving the hosts puzzling at his bland and stony reaction.
The next day:
"So that's what that meant?" The twins had their heads tilted in meek curiosity.
"Yeah," Sora blushed again with chagrin.
"Wow… so Hiro won 45 of your fights?" Haruhi asked.
"Yeah," Sora blushed even harder, hating to admit her weakness.
"And you won…?" Kyoya paused from typing.
"37." Sora said through gritted teeth, promising to crack his computer in half.
"Ah right," he smiled innocently and turned back to typing. Sora grumbled beneath her breath, but held back her comment about Glasses and the back of a donkey.
"Don't worry So-chan," Honey said, using her pet name for the first time, "You're strong." He looked at her hesitantly, and she looked back as equally hesitant. Their interactions had been brief and awkward. Her attempt at taking his life hadn't really helped the whole 'friendship' thing. But as she looked at his sweet face, she realized that he was giving her another chance. This warmed her heart in a surprising way and she found herself smiling at him.
"Thanks Clover," she grinned. Honey's uncertain face slowly transformed to a bubbly smile.
"It's Honey." He corrected with a grin.
"Well… whatever happens… it seems like Mori senpai's not gonna react…" the twins yawned.
"Always serious," Sora shook her head, wondering how on earth he could keep that calm, cool, and collected attitude all the time. Does he just not care?
"Oh that's right! I have to go meet him now!" Honey jumped up from his seat and gave Sora a reassuring smile. He exited swiftly with Usa-chan in tow. Sora looked after him, mind turning. It wasn't ever going to be a perfect friendship. But he'd accepted her. How can such a small person have such a big heart? She thought back to how happy he always looked. Yes, she gave a determined nod, that's how I want it to be. Happy. Then she remembered Mori. His face always seemed blank. He was constantly level-headed. A calm façade. But not always… she'd seen him smile once or twice. But never truly emotional. Never angry… never joyous… never…
She shook her head, ridding herself of anything concerning Mori. She had to focus. To beat Hiro would be hard. She gritted her teeth and turned back to the hosts' conversation. Yes, but I will beat him.
5:10 PM – Music Room #3:
The Host Club had done well that day. Guests had been satisfied and happy, and the hosts had even all enjoyed themselves. It had been a pleasant afternoon. Everyone had been content. Everyone except Sora. She had practically stared a hole in the wall of the music room. Her mind had buzzed with the thought of fighting Hiro. She had always loved sparring with him, but he was good. And he knew her moves. It was going to be tough. Losing was not an option, though it worried her. There's a good chance I won't be able to… No! Don't think like that! She put her hands to her face.
The hosts had all begun to go home. Haruhi and the twins had just walked out, and Honey and Mori followed soon after. Mori hadn't even looked in her direction all day. If she had been up to her normal self, she would've gone straight up to him and cracked a joke at his expense. But today was not the day. She was too apprehensive and annoyed. She'd nearly cracked the table in half when she thought of losing to her brother.
"Ah, Sora? Can I speak with you a minute?" Tamaki stood beside her. She looked up at him and nodded, standing as well. Kyoya had just exited, giving Tamaki a short wave before disappearing.
"Yes Princess… Ah, er… Tamaki?" Sora corrected herself with a laugh. He laughed as well, but quickly resumed a serious face.
"I wanted to ask… to ask you who you are fighting for…" He looked at her sincerely. Sora looked back, startled at the question.
"Wha… what do you mean?" Tamaki bit his thumb, contemplating how to phrase his next words. Kyoya had told him not to say anything stupid, but he just couldn't help himself. He refused to believe that Sora had that much hate for her brother. A family is a family, and they love each other. That's what they do.
"Are you really fighting because of your dislike for your brother? Or are you fighting for… for Mori senpai?" Tamaki finally asked, violet eyes gazing out the window. Sora couldn't find an immediate reply. Who am I fighting for? Confusion swirled within her and a strange anxiety welled up in her chest. Blinking, she found an easy answer.
"Myself, obviously!" She raised her fist in the air, grinning widely, "This is about pride! I can't lose to my brother! He can't tell me what to do!" She hustled to the door and gave Tamaki one last convincing smirk, "Don't worry Princess. I'll beat him and prove my superiority!" Tamaki watched her go, sighing.
"Pride, huh?"
And here we are, a new character!
Hiro Eraito:
Age - 26
Height - 6 ft.
Eyes and Hair - dark, gray eyes and jet-black hair
Sign - Scorpio
Profession: -runs the overseas branch of the Eraito's company
Fun facts:
-Hiro has a split personality: 1) he is a cute-loving, doting and all around flowery brother 2) he is a cutthroat business-man
-He dotes on Sora way too much (he even gave her the motorcycle that she wrecked in an earlier chapter!)
-He and their father have a relatively stable relationship, but Hiro doesn't really trust his father's actions
-Sora really dislikes (even hates) Hiro... and his loving-brother attitude doesn't help!
Well, I hope you guys liked this chapter! Please let me know what you think!
If you're with somebody this Valentine's day, enjoy! Love them to the fullest and have fun!
If you're alone this Valentine's day, don't worry! Rock the single life and let me know what you do instead of cuddle to corny movies!
thanks for reading :D