Chapter 12: Troublesome Redheads
The next day one of the few days that one of my classes is close to one that Honey and Mori partake in. We are making their way to said classes when the two apprentices come along, bowing low in greeting to their mentors. That is, Mori and I.
"Good morning Morinozuka-senpai!" Ritsu exclaims loudly.
"Oh, good morning to you too!" Honey greets for the silent Mori.
"Right back at ya Honey!" His face has that scary look on it again, and Honey hides behind his cousin. I find that oddly funny, that reaction. Don't know why...I just do.
"Good morning Yase-senpai," Kitsu states, trying to come off as rough edged but it comes out as more of a gentle greeting.
"How many times have I told you? Just call me Kyofu," I grumble out with a roll of my eyes. I see the flinch of the long haired man and purse my lips, "Good morning Kitsu," I greet with a smile. Being rough with the kid apparently isn't the key.
"H-hey!" Ritsu exclaims as suddenly he's pushed back on his ass, "What do you think you were doing?!" But he's answered as a pot and it's plant shatter on the ground.
Kitsu looks up to see another headed the group's way, and he looks like he's going to move to protect me, but freezes up as the pot comes closer. How could he protect the me? Should he catch it? Tackle me out of the way? I can see him thinking this over and he sigh, again, before sticking out my free hand and letting the pot land on the bellies of my fingers, it stopping and becoming balanced. I know that the look on my face is cool and my eyes are narrowed. However, people gather around myself and Mori to see if we're okay seeing as the pot fell and caught their attention. Praises of my action are sent my way. However I don't care much for it. They're just praises from people who don't really matter in my book.
"What? You mean to say that someone's after Kyofu and Mori-senpai?" Tamaki confirms. Yea okay. As if anyone would dare fuck with me.
"Definitely, we saw it with our own eyes. Some how, the two of them have gotten on the same person's nerves!" Ritsu explains, leaning forward with his hands on his spread knees.
"That's something rare, for two people to anger the same person to the same degree," Kitsu states, "As far as I know at least".
"That's insane! Mori-senpai would never get on someone's nerves. And everyone knows that Kyofu kicks ass so why would they even try?" Awww shucks, you're gonna make me blush.
"That's the thing, they probably don't know that I can beat the shit out of them" I chuckle evilly, fiddling with a senbon by rolling it between my fingers without a care, "So they have no fear".
"And...Another thing," the Kasanoda twins start off before switching spots "I was wrong about my choice! Please teach me, Kyofu-senpai/Morinozuka-senpai!"
"E-eh? What do you mean you were wrong?" Sure, they were all along, but still that's not the point...I don't think at least.
"I'm sorry Kyofu-senpai...This is all my fault! I mistook you for someone who can't really harm someone. And yet, now I see that I was wrong. Morinozuka-senpai is the more docile of the two of you".
"On that note, you're so very loved despite your ultimate scariness. Please teach me your ways," Ritsu states, "And please forgive me, Morinozuka-senpai!"
I raise a brow before looking to Mori, "I'm fine with it if you are. At least they see the truth now". Seriously. Kyoya pointed that out yesterday. Did they have to see us in action just to realize that Kyoya's right?
"I agree," Mori nods once to show he doesn't mind switching students.
"Well now! We still have to make them look like their goals! Operation turn Ritsu into a total softy and Kitsu into a badass is a go!" Tamaki grins to the lot of us. Sometimes I wonder how you function with how simple you are, Tamaki.
"I wouldn't place my bets on those guys if I were you," Haruhi states, approaching with a tray of tea. "They'll have a hard time just changing your brother's look".
"Huh?" Ritsu's eyes land on Haruhi whilst I chuckle lightly. "Sorry, but who are you? I don't think we've ever met". I watch this along with Kyoya from the corner of my eye. This should be interesting to see.
"Oh, I'm Fujioka Haruhi. We're both first years and I was admitted into this school when I hit highschool. So I guess we're buddies," Haruhi introduces herself whilst sliding some tea towards the young man.
"'Buddies'? Really Haruhi? Man can you sound any more girlie?" I chuckle lightly with a smirk, my silver eyes teasing. I watch with amused eyes as Ritsu seems to think on my words. However it also seems that not everything clicked.
"Hey Bossanova!" Tamaki speaks up.
"Yes?" Ritsu replies, voice high due to the slight spook he got.
"We've got an idea," behind him, poor Kitsu is covered in dirt and he's wearing all sorts of gold jewelry...But it's just not making the cut of making him look badass.
Unfortunately, their idea for Ritsu was no better than their one for Kitsu, putting simple black cat ears on his head. In the end, it's made him look like a cat monster according to Honey.
"Man, I really thought that would work," Tamaki sighs out. "Renge said that cat ears are all the rage for lovely items".
"You've got to be kidding me, Tamaki. Putting cat ears isn't going to make him less frightening," Kyoya sighs out, exasperated. Well said, lover.
"I have so say that my brother doesn't fit cat ears well," Kitsu sighs lightly. Then again, he doesn't fit this 'gangster look' that they forced him into only moments earlier either. However, Morinozuka-senpai had suggested these guys, so he's gotta sick with it...Right? That's what I bet is going through his timid little head right now.
"Yea. Besides, he looks more so girlie now. And if we wanna go that, why don't we turn him into a kitty maid outfit?" The twins joke as they hold up a little maid's outfit, making me snicker.
"Grrrah!" The redhead glares darkly, only to feel an arm slung over his shoulders.
"Calm down Ritsu," I state with a sigh, eyes narrowed upon the group as well as I step forward and take the cat ears off for him. "They're being idiots, and not taking this seriously. Why don't you and Kitsu get out of here and take a break, okay?"
Ritsu looks up to me before nodding. And as soon as Kitsu is back into his normal clothing and straightened up, they leave the room.
"Kyofu, why'd you let them leave?" Hikaru pouts out.
"Yea, we were having fun! Besides, we really are trying to help them," Kaoru pouts out as well.
"You're going about it the wrong way," I answer with a roll of my eyes, tossing the cat ears over my shoulder.
"Yea...I don't think that look changes are going to help anything," Haruhi supports.
"I agree," Honey nods once, "Remember what Ki-chan said? They're still young and sometimes they wanna do nothing but play. Ri-chan wants to learn how to interact with people, and Ki-chan wants to learn to be more aggressive when needed".
"Look at you Honey," I tease with a broad smirk, "I think you're completely right".
"I just hope they realize it soon," the little blonde states with a lightly worried frown.
"Hey, why don't we go play some kick the can? Maybe we we'll run into Bossanova and he can join us. His brother too of course." Tamaki suggests brightly. The others agree brightly and head out of the door. That is until Haruhi stops to look at me as I remain in my spot.
"Kyofu? Are you coming?"
I shake my head lightly with a smile, "Nah...I can never play kick the can- I'm always too strong for the can to handle. You go ahead and play with them. Just don't go getting yourself hurt; I know you're not much of a physical activity kind of girl". She pouts before turning and taking off through the doors. I in turn, turn towards where I know the musical instruments are kept. I'm only worried about one; a violin in there that's calling my name. I don't know why, but I just have the urge to play. I make my way towards the closet before looking for the violin. It takes little time to tune it, by my luck, and therefore I'm set to play once done. After positioning my silently, I rest my fingers on the strings and my hand on the bow lightly. "It's been a while since I last played...I think it would be good for me to really sit here and pour my soul out," a light smile rests on my lips. With a sigh, my fingers play out of muscle memory, my eyes glazed with other thoughts. The plays a pretty song called 'Broken Wings'. This is one of the songs I heard on a piano and managed to turn into a violin song. I play it when I'm feeling most emotional. And who can blame me really? I mean...I'm rather happy with how life for me has been going on. And to be honest I've recently been transfered into Class 2-B, two letter grades up from where I started. That's saying a lot. I'm proud of myself. Not only that, but I have Kyoya whom seems to be falling for me, what with his lack of interest in Tamaki. That's a huge plus for me as well. As the sun shines upon me, anyone coming in would think me to be a fallen angel...Maybe. I can feel my soul pouring deeply into this next song, 'Time to Let Go' for obvious reasons. While this is mostly a piano song, this too has a voilin version that I work with.
My mind wanders, thinking of the friends I've made thus far, and just how close to them I've become. There's Tamaki, with whom I get along with fairly well despite our differences. I have to say that I'm slightly jealous of him thought. He is a beautiful man with a beautiful soul, and I would hate to see him die let alone get hurt. Then there's Kyoya, the fame d Shadow King, who looks for every merit he can find in the simplest of things. He is the man I've found I love like no other. I'd gladly die for the man that I kiss and hug and hold. And while that still sounds slightly odd coming from me, another man, I can't help but feel that my words are true. Yes...I need this badly. The twins didn't really seem to like me for a good while, seeing as I just kind of stepped into their world and so quickly made nice with their friends. 'Ocean Soul' is played next as I continue to ponder. Still even if we get along most of the time, I and the twins don't always see eye to eye, and I can see easily that I'm still not completely part of their world, but they're a good part of my own- and that's an honest thought. When we especially get along, things are wonderful and calm. It's fun to fiddle with people's emotions like they do.
And to be honest, I've joined in on their little 'gay love' parade during the hours of the club. What can I say? I like to play too. Next up on my mind are Honey and Mori. I get along with them just as fabulously as I do with Tamaki. The two of them are martial artists in their own respect just as I am in my own respect. And although I know I am probably stronger than them both I also know that if I went against them at the same time, they'd give me a very hard time if we were ever to spar. I smile at the thought lightly of sparring the duo. However, I doubts that Honey would ever think of hurting me, even if it was just for fun, and neither would Mori. It's not in either of their nature. Mori is probably one of his favorite people in this world, despite his silent ways. Just as I am protective of Kyoya, Mori is Honey's guardian, and it's obvious that he doesn't plan on leaving his cousin to fend for himself any time soon. I wouldn't be surprised if they're gonna go to the same college after this year is over. The black haired man's strength is something I can relate to. To be honest, I think that because I had protected his cousin while at that Tropical Garden place when the tidal wave came, Mori has a good amount of respect for me. Finally is Haruhi. Little, innocent, tomboy Haruhi. Sure she's not a tomboy in that she does so many sports, but she's one in that she obviously firmly believes that gender does not matter when it comes to almost all things. Living with a tranny of a father can do that to you, I suppose. Still, the girl's acceptance of basically everyone is amazing. Despite the oddness, she takes everything this club does in stride. And she was the first one to come in contact with me, even if by accident, before I was part of the club. I can see why Tamaki and she are meant for one another- they're both beautiful people with beautiful souls.
Both of them have lost so much. I know much about both their pasts, both sides throu Kyoya. I know about Tamaki's horrible grandmother whom is a person I would honestly love to kill and tear to shreds before strewing her body parts all over the place. What kind of mother forces her son to marry a woman he doesn't love, and leave the mother of his current son? 'Heaven's Lullaby' slips from my fingers as I continue to think to myself. Haruhi's story isn't so tragic as Tamaki's, however it is sad. Having a loving mother whom worked hard and loved her family very much is a hard thing to lose. I know wellf the feeling of losing a mother, having lost both my mothers and both my fathers for already stated reasons. The fact that Haruhi is subconsciously trying to walk in her mother's footsteps by being as she is and even striving to be a lawyer tells me that she misses the woman greatly. I purse my lips, and now that I think about it, I've seen her fall asleep during a few of the club meetings for the next cosplay, and has seen her cry in said sleep. My mind again travels to the others and I sigh. Each of the people in this group have hard lives- not suicide dark but still hard enough. The twins lived in a world of their own, and no one until Tamaki came along could tell them apart. That had to of been horrible; not even their own mother could tell who was who. I wonder if she can now...I doubt it. Still, their world is very small as I have seen when the club came upon Arai in Karuizawa when Hikaru had that fit. I honestly can't say that I know everything about Honey and Mori. However, I do know that Honey was shunned by his own little brother simply because of his love for cake and other cute things. 'Bottom of the Ocean' comes to me as I continue. The fact that Honey had tried giving up sweets just for one simple sibling is saying something great. The fact that the younger boy decided that since Honey is so great at Karate and Judo, that he should be a harsh and serious soul, says that the boy does not have an open mind. It must of been very hard on my little blond friend.
I hear the door opening to see Haruhi stained in red the same color as blood, though being experienced with the stuff, I know that it's not blood. My glazed over silver eyes look to Haruhi, and become unglazed. "Hey, what happened to you?"
"Oh this? I was talking to Ritsu-san and while the others were playing kick the can Honey-senpai kept us from getting hit- but still paint got on me. I came in to change".
"Ah. Would you like me to leave?" He wonder as 'A Dance with Dragons' comes from the violin, "After all, you are a girl; girls shouldn't change in front of people who aren't their husbands or boyfriends, or even their brothers".
Haruhi laughs a bit and shakes her head, "No, you're fine. Besides, the music is nice to listen to. Have you been playing this whole time?"
"Yea...I just got the urge to play. This one's called 'A Dance with Dragons,' and this," I state as I move smoothly into the next song, "Is called 'Love Lost'".
"Wow...It's beautiful," she murmurs with a smile.
"Thank you...You don't know how much that means to me," I'm not quite used to being praised for my musical talents; not many hear me play.
Haruhi just smiles before she begins to change. However, the door opens to show the two redhaired brothers.
"Hey, Fujioka? We wanted t-" Ritsu tries, only to fail as he and Kitsu become red as their hair. However, Kitsu has his...No her eyes fixed on myself.
Yes, Kitsu is actually a girl, I can see due to the raise in her male uniform around the chest region, despite the fact that her shirt was open the day before. However, now that I think about it, her torso skin didn't seem real so she must of been wearing something specially made to wear over her person just in case for whatever reason she becomes shirtless. Why doesn't Haruhi have one of those?
By now, Haruhi is shirtless with me politely looking away as I play the violin, and she looks over her shoulder to the twins. Her eyes widen as she covers herself and yelps, "G-get out!"
I snap to attention, looking passed the girl and to the twins with narrowed. eyes. What the hell do they think they're doing? From what I can tell I was right about Kitsu. She's wearing something like skin tight armor, making herself look male as to make her father proud- apparently he wanted two sons, nod a son and a daughter. No wonder 'he' is so kind hearted, 'he' is actually a she. That's the only reason I can think of at least. Stupid families make their children do stupid things. "You can let them in, Haruhi's decent now". I can hear the rest of the hosts from outside the room.
"Oh...But they're gone now!~" The twins coo as they and the others walk in.
"No they're not," Kyoya states as the other red haired twins step in shyly.
Haruhi walks to Ritsu, while I tilt my head at the sight of Kitsu staring at me. "Hey, sorry about that. Listen, I don't mind if you tell anyone; it's not that big of an issue," the small brunette assures, making Ritsu blush hotly.
I stand from my spot, lowering down the violin and bow to each of my sides as I do so. I smile down to Kitsu and wonders politely, "How come you were pulling a Haruhi? Why were you dressed as a guy?"
"O-oh! U-um well...Our father had wanted two boys when he figured out that our mother was having twins. But when I turned out to be a girl, he got disappointed. Even though he's gone, I want to make him proud, so ever since I've entered school I became a 'boy'". I knew it.
"Sounds like a father I'd like to kill...But it sounds like he's already dead," I scoff out bluntly. Seriously, making your daughter cross dress just because she's not male? Bullshit parenting right there.
"So...Now that you know Haruhi's secret...Are you in love?" Hikaru teases Ritsu.
"What about you Kitsu? Never thought that big bad Kyofu was actually a big softy for music, did you? Are you in love too?" Kaoru teases the girl.
"U-um...We've got to get going home; it's almost time for dinner," Kitsu whimpers out before grabbing her brother's hand and dragging him with her as she bolts out of there.
"Hey, that wasn't very nice you guys," Haruhi scolds.
"Yea...I'm not a softy!" I mock pout, brows furrowed. My eyes land on Kyoya whom is standing next to a motionless Tamaki. "Let me guess...He went into shock when he found out Ritsu knows Haruhi's secret, and now he's in even more shock from the teasing you just did".
"That's basically it," Kyoya smiles out me. Why do his eyes read 'bullshit you are too a softie'?
I sigh before picking the blonde up and tossing him over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes, "I'll take him home". I'd let Kyoya take him home, but I don't like the thought of that.
"Make sure that you get him home and get home yourself," Haruhi smiles out lightly.
"I'll take you home," Kyoya offers her with a fix of his glasses, "I have to go in that direction anyways to get home myself. Doubling back will be no issue".
The next day, during the Host Club is a day where the group isn't cosplaying, and I am perfectly fine with that. However, I have no guests to entertain at the moment, so I'm stuck doing nothing. But I can hear whispering about two new comers, and it turns out to be sweet hearted Kitsu and her cold older brother Ritsu- not that the girls know that the former is indeed one of their own.
None the less, as one the two awkwardly sit, Kitsu biting her lip constantly and Ritsu placing his hands on spread knees.
"I'd like to request Fujioka," the older of the two speaks up.
"And I'd like to request Yasei," the younger of the two follows.
I tilt my head lightly before falling into stride with my brunette friend as she carries a tray. However, I can see that the tray is heavy, and take it from her with a single hand calmly, holding it above my head as though I were a waiter.
"I can carry it you know, Kyofu," Haruhi insists lightly, "Besides, it could fall if you hold it like that".
"I'll be fine, Haruhi," I chuckle to her, "You know how good my balance is; the tray will be fine". Once we make it to the redheaded twins, I gently place tray down with Haruhi's help, before she sits and offers the older brother some tea. He accepts. In the mean time, I smile to the younger cross dressing sister and motion to the violin sitting on a table and in a case not too far away.
"Would you like for me to play for you? I think you enjoyed my music yesterday...Am I wrong?" She keeps on eyeing my fingers and the violin case I just mentioned. "I'll play for you," my smile turns into a smirk, "For a certain price".
"N-no...You're not," Kitsu admits. I smirk wider to her before walking with her to the small instrument, and let her sit in a chair while I stay standing. "What payment must I give?"
"Smile more often," I tell her simply, resting the wooden thing on my shoulder. "Ready to watch make magic?" I grin out, raising the bow to the strings. I then begin to play 'Hadley's Hope' my bow and fingers drifting beautifully. There's a light smile on my face as I does so, and the attention goes to me; I can feel it. I close my eyes and gladly play on, easily sliding into 'Awakening'.
"I didn't know Kyofu-senpai could play! Look at him go; it's like there's an orchestra playing with him; how amazing!" One of the girls say. The hosts around them listen as well.
"Tamaki...Did you know he could play so well?" One of his guests ask as they listen to the lovely music as it seems to echo around them all.
"I knew he could play, but not so well...," Tamaki smiles out, heart soaring out to the song.
"I agree," Kyoya agrees with him as he stands not far from the blonde. "He is a man of many talents as the lot of you can see, and I'm happy to call him my friend". Or rather boyfriend.
"I thought he was just a mercenary," a girl with Hikaru and Kaoru speaks up.
"He's a mercenary of sorts, but not for any of us; he's unemployed at the moment," Kaoru states lightly while.
"He's our friend as far as we care," Hikaru agrees.
The music stops and I sigh, putting the bow down and cracking my fingers. I look to Tamaki casually. "Would you like for a duet?"
"Huh?"
"A duet. You know, two musicians playing at once and with one another?"
"You want me to play with you?" Tamaki's eyes widen. I've never asked him to do that.
"Yes, Tamaki," I beam to the blonde brightly. "Will you? We'd be playing what ever comes to your heart," the grin turns into a playful fang bearing smirk.
"I'd be honored," Tamaki agrees, walking to the piano that hasn't been touched since that incident with Shiro.
"The honor is mine, I assure you". I nod to Tamaki, and the blond King begins, playing a song I'm honestly surprised he knows. It's called 'My World', and a relatively sad song but beautiful all the same.
The rest of the club hours are spent like this, with Tamaki playing whatever comes to him most naturally, and me accompanying him when I can- which is most of the time. I can hear the women loving the music, and I couldn't be having any more fun than this. It's not sparring or fighting, my two favorite past times of all time... However, as the guests leave and the only two nonhost members are Ritsu and Kitsu, we play one final song. Snapping Tamaki out of his shock that had been going on after Ritsu found out Haruhi's secret by using the piano was an excellent idea. I don't know why I didn't think of it before.
However, that is until Tamaki sees Ritsu still remotely close to Haruhi. The blonde becomes basically a monster, and rushes the older redhead gang heir before practically tearing his face off with words. Some jumble about kick the can and that he has no reason to be near Haruhi now that he's friends with his underlings...Or something like that.
"As Haruhi's father, I forbid you from even seeing her!" Tamaki finishes up dramatically. Oh damn...Here we go...
"Wait...You're her father...? That's not possible," Ritsu throws back bluntly, confused.
"Ahh shit, he's gonna ruin all my work, I sigh from beside Kitsu.
"Work?" The girl wonders.
"Part of the reason why I wanted to play for you was to help our dearest 'King'". Well, kind of. For the most part I just wanted to show off. "The piano makes him beyond happy, and I theorize now that should I ever really need to bring him out of deep depression/dramatic shock- as it's hard to do for the lot of us- I'll just ask him to do a duet with me," I explain simply. "But unknown to Tamaki," My voice becomes low so that only she can hear me, "He has feelings for Haruhi. However he's very stupid about emotions such as love, and as such he thinks he sees her as a daughter instead of a possible lover".
"Well...Not by blood but..." Tamaki tries, the fire dying in his eyes.
"Oh no! He's got him in a corner," Kaoru states worriedly.
"Okay...So what, you're married to her mother or something?" Ritsu prompts.
"No actually...I've never even met the woman," Tamaki admits.
"Then you're not her father at all," Ritsu finishes. This causes Tamaki's self esteem to burst like a balloon and wonder what the hell Haruhi is to him.
I can hear him wondering why he finds her so adorable, and why he gets jealous when she's around other men, and why he doesn't want anyone to kiss her. I smirk mentally to myself, this is good. This is very good indeed. Even if Tamaki convinces himself that he's like a father to the brunette, making Kaoru doubt his theory, this is a very good thing. Why? Because it makes Kyoya's chances of winning Tamaki over even smaller than ever before. It's a win win situation. I get Kyoya, Tamaki gets closer to Haruhi.
I chuckle as I walk to the younger Hitachiin twin, Kitsu following me like a lost puppy, and place my free hand on Kaoru's shoulder comfortingly. "You're not wrong," I state lowly, "Even if it seems like you are, you're not. In fact, I'm surprised you figured it out- I'm also happy you did. The possibility that the feelings are because of something different are in his head- even if it's in the back- and they won't go away". I shift my senbon needle from the right side of my mouth to the other side, letting it rest between my lips lazily. Definitely a win win situation.
Later on, outside with everyone else, I can be seen playing a wondrous game of kick the can. Ritsu is it, however Kitsu insisted on helping him no matter what- as a right hand woman should- and thus there are two. None the less, I chuckle as I walk at a steady pace through the rose maze, and find Kyoya, the Hitachiin twins, Tamaki and Haruhi are under the table. However, I make myself scarce as I look up to find Honey and Mori in the tree right by the others' hiding place. Easily do I leap up to join them, hands grabbing at what they can and feet pushing against the tree to help me do so.
"So, even though Hika-chan seems to be oblivious about this, he actually knows deep down that he feels for Haruhi. But Tama-chan is completely oblivious?"The little blonde confirms to the black haired man and myself.
"That's right," Mori nods out.
"But what about Kao-chan and Kyo-chan?" Honey wonders.
"There's something there," I state from my position on a higher branchthan the other two. I'm standing, so I get a nice view of it all, "But there's a huge possibility that they're even more oblivious than Tamaki is".
"Kyofu-chan? Are you really happy with Kyo-chan, another man?"
I chuckle lightly and nod my head, "Although my sexual orientation came to me as a shock and so sudden, I've been raised to be very open about stuff like that. My right hand man is gay, for example, but I treat him no differently. I am happy with Kyoya, even if it doesn't seem like we'd make a likely couple. I feel it's the similarities between us that keep us together, rather than the differences. In terms of people, opposites don't always attract. Haruhi's much like a little sister to me like Tamaki could be like a brother, and just like the rest of you are family. I want her to be happy just as I want the rest of you to be".
"So you're saying that you hold no feelings for her save for maybe being her sibling?" Mori confirms and he gets a nod in return. "I see".
"And I feel that you are the same as I," I state lightly, "You're thankful towards her for keeping you company and understanding your worry for Honey when he and I got swept away by that tidal wave. But you don't see her that way".
