I've started a poll about this fic, please go to my profile, "punnylove," and vote! The poll is about whose POV I should show more of. Notice that some choices have been left off—either because writing from their perspective won't suit the story or the story has mostly been written in their perspective anyway.

Chapter 12

The Host Club really doesn't have that much in common. They're all considered highly attractive, it's true—they're all wealthy, they will all become powerful, influential men in the near future. Besides these artificial points, however, a person would be hard-pressed to name any similarities.

The Host Club in itself functions so well because they are so diverse. Customers would soon become bored if all their characteristics were identical, but because of their differences, they are able to play off of each other's strengths and weaknesses to create the perfect "mo."

There is, however, one trait that all of the Host Club members share.

They are all fiercely competitive.

"Really, this is getting ridiculous," Haruhi grumbled, rolling her eyes as, once again, the twins managed to interrupt Daichi's introduction of the scenery. Not that they could see much of it—the limo's tinted glass was made to seclude those within, and it was doing its job admirably well.

Unfortunately, the "bustling city" and "charming shops" Daichi had told them about were barely visible behind the darkened glass. Combined with the twins' insistence of adding their own commentary every few seconds, their "tour" hadn't exactly produced a clear picture of their location.

"Oi," Hikaru was saying, poking Daichi in the arm, "You're boring us. Put a little excitement into your voice."

"You're in California," Kaoru said, perching on Daichi's other side, "No one says 'oi,' in California."

Haruhi had to strain to understand the fluid English. All of the hosts were apparently fluent, as was Kichi, which left her the only one with less than perfect mastery of the language. She listened intently, trying to pick out what Hikaru was saying.

"'Yo,' then. Isn't that what these rude, oafish creatures say?" She may not have been able to understand the entire sentence, but the way Hikaru was lounging against the seat—just close enough to invade Daichi's personal space—was obviously challenging. On his other side, Kaoru was doing the same thing, and Haruhi was surprised that, between the two of them, Daichi hadn't already smothered from the hostility.

However, just like all the other times, Daichi simply stood up and moved away, continuing smoothly about the "wonders of San Francisco." Haruhi felt a vague admiration for the boy, and then she caught a glimpse of Daichi's face and felt herself shiver.

There was a diabolical look in his eyes—a mischief that equaled the twins at their worst and a maliciousness that far surpassed anything the hosts had ever shown. He's not more mature at all—he's just better at hiding it.

"S'cuse me, Daichi," Kichi said, breaking into her cousin's description of the current weather. Haruhi had to admit—Daichi hadn't put any effort into making the spiel entertaining, it was nothing more than a bunch of facts executed like a robot.

Then again, maybe that's his plan. Bore us to death and we'll leave him alone.

Her eyes were drawn to Kichi then as the girl stood unsteadily to tap Daichi's elbow and get his attention. At that exact moment, the car jerked, throwing the girl into Daichi and sending both of them sprawling to the ground. They weren't hurt, but as Haruhi watched, the atmosphere seemed to grow darker.

She could have sworn she heard growls from several different areas of the bus as Kichi sat up, Daichi's arms wrapped around her, his hand laying flat on her torso. "Careful, Kaiya," he said, lowering his mouth to her ear, "Keep throwing yourself at me like that and people will start to get ideas."

Kichi's face turned red and she sputtered, but Kaoru got his words out faster. "Let me give you a hand up," he said, offering a hand to the girl and shooting Hikaru, (who looked like he wanted to jump Daichi there and then), a warning look.

There was a split second where Daichi's eyes narrowed and his arms tightened, but then the lazy smile was back and he let go. Kichi took Kaoru's hand then, only to find herself pulled between the Hitachiin twins with their arms around her shoulders and waist.

"They're like a pack of wolves all going after the same sheep."

Haruhi glanced up as Kyoya sat down next to her, eyes hidden under his glasses. "Excuse me, sempai?"

"The twins. Daichi. Even Honey and Mori haven't exactly been cordial. And look at who the conflict is centered around." He glanced speculatively at the group, "Even you didn't cause as much trouble when you arrived. Perhaps it's because Kichi actually looks female—"

"Thanks, I think." Haruhi followed his gaze just in time to see a very annoyed Kichi smack both twins over the head and make her way to the opposite side of the limo. "I think Kichi can take care of herself."

"She thinks she can, too." Masumi had joined them. Haruhi glanced at her, acutely aware of the way the front of her blouse sagged just enough to reveal a bit of cleavage. "This will be good for her. Kichi needs to learn that she can't handle everything."

Kyoya coughed and moved away, leaving the two girls alone. "I'm going to ask the driver when we'll arrive at our destination."

Masumi watched him go, eyes inscrutable, before she turned to Haruhi. "Now, I want you to be completely honest," she said seriously, inching closer, "Do you think he left because I was too tempting?"

Haruhi was tempted to ask why Masumi was directing this question at her, but the mischievous, confidential way the older girl was looking at her made her change her mind. "I've never known Kyoya-sempai to find anything tempting," she admitted, "Even in the Host Club, he's more of an 'adore-from-afar' type rather than an actual Host."

"Very true. You're quite observant." Masumi studied her speculatively, "You're sharper than you seem, Haruhi Fujioka. At first glance, it looks like you don't know anything about people, but you're actually a pretty good judge of character." She smiled, her otaku side suddenly threatening to break the surface, "So tell me, darling, what do you think of me?"

What is this, a test?

Haruhi shrugged. "I don't know, sempai. I barely know you."

"Ah, but first impressions are often the most honest," Masumi's eyes glinted, the otaku vanishing underneath her glasses. They were real spectacles this time, and once again Haruhi found the girl's similarity to Kyoya unnerving.

A thought hit her. "You're very good at that."

There was a flash of something that might have been surprise—but Masumi's face was calm again so quickly Haruhi couldn't be sure. "Good at what?"

"Masking yourself. Switching personalities. I wondered how Kichi got so good at it—and now that I think of it, Kaisei does the same thing, doesn't he? I mean, it can't be easy for him to hit Kichi in public, not if he's willing to travel all the way to America to keep her safe."

Haruhi smiled as the revelation dawned on her. "You're not an otaku all the time—but that part's natural too, just like you're not a businesswoman all the time." She paused as Masumi made a small noise. "Uh, sempai? Sorry, I guess I shouldn't make such quick judgements—"

"No, no." Masumi let out a small laugh. "After all, I brought up the question. It would be quite rude of me to ask you to be honest and then get mad when you follow my instructions." She watched Haruhi thoughtfully, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I think I'm beginning to see why they found you so interesting."

"What?"

"Nothing." Masumi turned as Kichi and one of the twins began an angry exchange. "Be a dear and go smooth things out, will you? I do believe Kichi has reached her limit."

Haruhi nodded and scooted over, leaving Masumi alone. She watched as the brown-haired cross-dresser descended upon the conflict, noting how Kichi turned to her for support much like a child did to an older sibling. Much as Kichi did with her.

"So, did she pass your evaluation?"

For a moment, she hoped it was Kyoya, but as she turned to reply she found herself faced with blue eyes and golden hair rather than Kyoya's dark features. Tamaki Suoh smiled charmingly at her. "I'm sorry about Kyoya. He can be an idiot sometimes."

"I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about."

"Your language gets very proper when you're flustered." Tamaki sat back, obviously planning to continue the conversation. "So, did my dear daughter pass your test? Is she a good enough companion for your precious little sister?"

Masumi hesitated before deciding there was no harm in telling the truth. "She's very insightful. For some reason, both she and Kichi see the world in a completely different way than the rest of us do."

"Some call it innocence." Tamaki's eyes were affectionate as he watched the two girls, "Others call it naivety—but I've found that those the world calls naïve can actually be the wisest ones among us."

Masumi jerked at the words, turning sharply to study the other boy more closely. Tamaki Suoh had never really stood out to her before, for the exact opposite reason Kyoya had never stood out. The blonde was just too flamboyant—too much of the stereotypical prince for her to really take notice.

She supposed he'd been "hiding in plain sight," while his quieter best friend hid behind his aloof personality.

Seeing this thoughtful, contemplative side, however, Masumi felt a bit of curiosity worming its way through her. "You've been called innocent as well," she found herself saying, "Untouched by the tragedy that surrounds your childhood. The unblemished knight-in-shining-armor."

Tamaki's eyes widened. "People actually say that?" His smile flashed, bright and joyous, "Oh glorious day! My efforts have finally been acknowledged. Surely I have earned my right to be called a King, for only a ruler can be called such a noble creature as the 'knight-in-shining-armor!'"

"Keep your voice down, you're disturbing the others."

Oh, so now you come back.

Masumi pointedly did not look at Kyoya, choosing instead to smile seductively at Tamaki. "I think you're a great King," she said, "But, as you know, all exceptional kings must find a queen…" she paused suggestively, meeting his eyes.

There was a pause.

"You are absolutely right!" Tamaki nodded vigorously, "I shall start on my quest right away." He danced off, and Masumi choked back a laugh despite herself.

"You're wasting your efforts." She turned to look at the dark-haired boy who'd finally sat down next to her. "Tamaki's an idiot. He's as dense as a brick and doesn't know what you're offering."

"And what exactly am I offering?" she asked archly, "I merely gave some good advice."

"He's in love with Haruhi." Kyoya's words were flat. "And she with him. Surely you can see that."

Masumi shrugged, letting her mane of red curls fall out of their bun and spring down her back. She arched her back, knowing full well that the movement made her breasts press against the soft fabric of her shirt. "Jealous, Kyoya?"

"I don't know what you're—" Kyoya's voice caught in his throat as the oldest Sakura girl turned and shot him the sexiest look he'd ever seen on a woman's face. Say something, idiot, anything!

His throat convulsed, trying to force words out, but for some reason his mouth had gone dry and he couldn't seem to gather enough saliva to form words. The silence was just about to get awkward when the sudden sound of the car jerking to a halt saved him.

Daichi, who'd been lounging nearest the driver's seat, stood up. "Come on," the boy said, "Time to enjoy your first encounter with a Californian beach."

OHSHCOHSHC

"I'm bored."

"I'm hot."

"We know." Kichi mimicked the twins' tone before she threw her hands in the air in complete exasperation, "Come on, guys, this is the beach! You can swim—"

"We didn't bring our swimming trunks."

"Or make sand-castles—"

"With what, our hands?"

"Or play beach volleyball—"

"Do you see a ball?"

Kichi glared at the two. "I give up. You two can just—be bored. I'm going to find something fun to do." She stalked down the beach, "Don't follow me."

"Aren't you two the charming duo." The twins turned at the sound of Daichi's voice. The older boy sounded smug despite the carefully impassive look on his face, "Let me give you a clue. When they walk away, you're doing something wrong."

"Shut up. It's your fault for being a lousy tour guide anyway," Hikaru snapped, "This is your idea of a good time?"

"This is where ninety percent of tourists go on their vacations. Besides," Daichi's smirk widened, "I'm not getting paid, so what incentive do I have for taking a bunch of spoiled rich brats out to the best places in town?"

"So you're saying this is a matter of payment." Kyoya's smooth voice cut through the twins' angry reply easily. "That's quite simple to arrange. How much?"

"My father's company, plus interest."

Masumi looked like she'd just been slapped. "Daichi—"

"I'm not talking to you, old hag. I'm talking to that dick of a boyfriend you've got. Great taste, by the way."

"He is not my boyfriend, and watch the way you talk to me! Do I look old to you?" Masumi's glare intensified as Daichi opened his mouth, and the boy reconsidered what he'd been about to say before deciding that he still wanted full use of all his body parts.

He closed his mouth.

"Takashi," Honey said, pulling at the taller third-years' shorts, "I wanna go buy some ice cream from the vender. Can we? Please?"

"Sure." Mori turned to look at Daichi. "When do we meet?

Daichi looked at his watch and shrugged. "Seeing that everyone's having so much fun, we'll stay here for a couple hours. Let's meet up at two-thirty. I'm sure you all can take care of lunch arrangements yourself." By the time he reached "yourself," Honey had already disappeared, and Mori was jogging more leisurely after him.

"So," Tamaki's exuberant voice broke the brief silence that followed the third-years' departure. "What shall we do now?"

There was no answer. Haruhi patted Tamaki's back comfortingly as the blonde melted in a puddle of noonecaresaboutme goo. "Come on, you guys," she said, "There has to be something fun we can do." She paused glancing at Kyoya. "Sempai, you should know some games we can play, right?"

"My area of expertise doesn't quite extend that far," Kyoya replied.

In other words, the others heard, you don't know.

Why couldn't he just say that?

Hikaru groaned as they made their way through the sand, "It's hot."

"I'm bored."

"You guys are still complaining?" Kichi had returned, cheeks rosy from the run. She had two fliers in her hand, as well as two of the gaudiest, brightest orange hats that the others had ever seen. Hikaru and Kaoru—who were more acute to the fashion world—literally shielded their eyes from the offending object.

"What the hell is that," Kaoru demanded, "It's so—orange."

"Brilliant observation," Masumi muttered, eliciting a surprised chuckle from Kyoya. The two glanced at each other, and then away again, both a little more flushed than they had been before the exchange.

"It's a scavenger hunt," Kichi explained, "We split into groups of four and take pictures of each group. Then, we try to find the items on these lists—" she waved the fliers, "and take pictures with them. The first group to complete the entire list gets a prize! The contest starts in two minutes, so we can still enter. Who has a phone with a camera?"

"This does sound like fun," Masumi said, catching on to Kichi's infectious excitement, "I've got a phone."

"We have one too." Hikaru pulled it out, snatched the flier, and rapidly snapped a picture of himself, Kaoru, Kichi, and Daichi—whose inclusion was purely accidental.

"I guess we're a group then," Kichi said unenthusiastically, but soon perked up. "Ok, let's start!"

Masumi finished snapping a picture of their group and sending it to the contest. The two teams waited for them to get the text signaling it was time to begin. Kichi counted the seconds in her head. Five…six…seven…eight…nine…

There was a ringing sound as both phones showed "BEGIN!" plastered across the screens.

The game was on.

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