punkish furball – Hiya, guys and happy July! :3
Words to Ponder:
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It's been almost a year, guys, and I'm so sorry! Thanks for sticking with me for so long.
Also, I shamelessly plug my recently updated and uploaded stories: Pack Dynamics, an InuYasha fiction; Just a Little Kiss, an InuYasha/TMNT crossover; and Floral Romance, my other InuYasha/Ouran High crossover. Check them out if you have the time! X3
Chapter 14: The Gauntlet is Thrown!
Haruhi hummed as she rocked back and forth on her heels as she stood beside Mori. When the two of them decided on the first stop of their search, her senior arranged immediate transportation to the Otori Group's rehabilitation center and open air garden in Chiyoda, The Silver Sun Sanctuary. The grounds were vast and highly secluded, full of every amenity the center's patrons and staff would need and more. The only thing it lacked was the presence of Kagome and Kyoya.
"I'm sorry, Morinozuka-sama, but Otori-sama and his guest did not arrive for their appointment earlier this afternoon," the director of the facility told him, "When we tried to contact him directly, the Otori family's staff informed us that he was indisposed for the remainder of the day."
Mori nodded, responding with a low grunt that Haruhi interpreted as disappointment before he turned to leave.
Haruhi politely bowed in front of the center personnel and said before she left to follow Mori, "Thank you for your time."
When the two of them were both seated inside their moving car, Haruhi sighed.
"So what do we do now?" she asked, "Kyoya-senpai obviously planned to take Kagome here, but they couldn't make it for some reason or another." She paused and pursed her lips together, thinking.
"Are you sure the two of them are together?" she questioned. If there was anything that could cut this search shorter, she wanted to know. Trying to follow both Kyoya's and Kagome's train of thought was extremely difficult and time consuming.
"Positive," Mori answered.
Haruhi shrugged and slouched in her seat. "Then they must have had a last minute change of plans. They could be anywhere between here and Kagome's home assuming they made the decision on the way to their appointment."
"That's possible," he surmised with a stiff nod, "Kagome isn't the type to enjoy going high-end places just because she can and would likely try to make things harder for Kyoya to sway the odds in her favor."
"Do you really think Kagome could be that underhanded?"
Mori nodded. "Kagome is smart and will do whatever it takes to win."
He smiled as he remembered their family soccer game. His little sister could be very cunning and clever when she put her mind to it.
"Our next move should be to check all of the surrounding parks and gardens to see if we could find them there."
"Mori-senpai, don't you think you're taking this too far?" Haruhi asked, "You may not like how Kyoya-senpai and Tamaki-senpai are acting concerning Kagome, but she is still your sister. As much as you want to protect her, you need to respect her decision to go out with them and trust her judgment." She frowned when Mori grunted, a sure sign of his dissatisfaction.
"I'm serious," she insisted, "If you keep this up, you're going to ruin all the progress you made with your relationship with Kagome."
Mori suddenly stiffened, and Haruhi quickly when into panic. She didn't mean to make him feel that badly about her honest observation. She only wanted to tell him what she thought.
"I'm—"
"No, you're right," Mori stated, cutting her off, "Maybe it would be best if we take a break. Do something else to clear our minds and then decide if we should keep searching."
"Just the two of us?" Haruhi whispered before she shook her head and spoke more clearly.
"Sure. Let's do it."
-O0o0O-
Kyoya and Kagome quickly stepped into the dining room right after Yoshio and approached a long, British elm table with three other people sitting around it in matching chairs. Without a look at the room's other occupants, the Otori patriarch stood by the chair placed at the head of the table. On his right sat a young man in his late twenties to early thirties wearing glasses similar to Kyoya's. He was clearly Otori Yuuichi, the eldest child and rightful heir of the prominent family. Across from him was Akito sitting next to Fuyumi. Both Yuuichi and Akito stood with their father as Kagome and Kyoya entered. Kyoya led Kagome to the right side of the table and politely pulled out her chair. She slowly took her seat on the cushioned chair after smoothing her dress over the bottom of her thighs. Once she was seated, the males of the Otori family did the same with Kyoya seated between Kagome and Yuuichi. The first course of their evening meal was brought out and arranged on the table.
"How nice of you to join us, Kyoya-san," Yuuichi said once the staff returned to the kitchen, "I assume this vision of loveliness is your guest I've been hearing so much about."
"Yes, this is Higurashi Kagome, Morinozuka-san's daughter," Kyoya answered.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Kagome told him, leaning toward the table to give Yuuichi her usual brilliant smile and slight nod. He chuckled and returned it.
"Likewise."
When Kagome sat back in her seat, Kyoya looked at her from the corner of his eye. She was clearly frazzled in the company of his family, but he had no worries. Even though he wanted to avoid her meeting his father, there was no preventing it now especially after she brazenly waltzed into his home. He knew she could handle anything his father or his brothers could dish out, and, frankly, he was looking forward to it.
"Please, Kagome-san, tell us how you and Kyoya-san met. It's very rare that he expresses interest in a young lady," Akito asked. Kyoya suspected he would be the one to begin the questioning. He was particularly intrusive when it came to his personal life.
"I initially met Kyoya-senpai at school through my relatives when I transferred to Ouran Academy. Our relationship continued after that," Kagome answered. Her response sounded rather diplomatic.
She didn't mention her membership in the host club, Kyoya surmised. It was a good move. Other than Fuyumi, his family didn't necessarily approve of his involvement with the club especially Akito.
"I assume you're close with all of Kyoya-san's associates at school then. Tamaki-san spoke of you quite highly during his last visit," Fuyumi commented.
Kagome fondly smiled. "That's good to hear. I like Tamaki-senpai as much as I like Kyoya-senpai."
"So what is it the Higurashi family is known for?" Yoshio asked, "I've never heard the name before."
Kagome's delicate features and her smile hardened and turned icy. "To answer your question, Otori-san, my family members have been the main caretakers of the Higurashi Shrine in Tokyo for several generations."
The Otori patriarch chuckled. "And what are your aspirations coming from such a humble upbringing?"
"I'd like to study nursing after graduating high school. That stems directly from my connection to my family's shrine," Kagome said.
"How so?" Yoshio asked.
"As a member of the Higurashi family, I come from a long line of priests. Keeping with the tradition, I began miko training when I was 15. It involved learning the medicinal properties of herbs, preparing herbal remedies, and treating minor injuries and ailments," she explained. She was clearly proud of her heritage.
"Ah! How interesting!" Fuyumi exclaimed.
"Indeed," Akito said, "Was the treatment you prepared for Kyoya-san learned from these sessions?"
Kagome nodded. "It was."
"It seems to have worked rather well," Yuuichi added, genuinely interested, "But I was sure the days of seeking medical counsel from religious figures were long over."
"I would agree, but keep in mind my training is very traditional. My grandfather and I often preform services for those that request them when they visit the shrine and such sessions are requested as well."
"Very fascinating interests for a young lady," Yoshio said, sounding more insulting than complementary, "What other activities are you involved in?"
The conversation continued with Kagome listing her interest in Japanese history and archery without undergoing formal kyūdo training. She also revealed things about herself that Kyoya even didn't know, and he eagerly took the information in. The longer he sat beside her, the more beautiful she looked to him. She wore her department store sundress like it was part of a world renowned designer's exclusive collection and carried herself with grace and confidence most women had to learn.
Of course, Kyoya thought, I prefer Kagome the way she is naturally, not coerced.
The evening progressed on pleasant enough terms though Kagome's responses were noticeably clipped when she answered Yoshio's questions. Kyoya's father continued to bait her, mentioning her family's inferior income and social standing, her status as an illegitimate child, and even her mother's past adulterous ways. Kagome rose to each challenge with her head held high but remained poised and polite. Kyoya could tell it took a lot of effort on her part and frequently reached under the table to hold her hand, silently giving her encouragement.
By the time the final course was served, a raspberry white chocolate mousse served with a lightly flavored coffee, they were all assembled in the drawing room of the large estate.
As if we needed to move from the dining room, Kagome thought, fighting the urge to roll her eyes as she looked at Yoshio, That pompous ass just wants to intimidate me.
When she knew she wouldn't be noticed, Kagome looked at Kyoya from beneath her lashes. He was sitting next her on a very expensive and very uncomfortable loveseat with his legs crossed as he sipped from his coffee cup. His left hand was resting comfortably on his knee, but his fingers absently stroked hers.
He is absolute loving this.
It was subtle, but Kagome was around Kyoya long enough to know what to look for. His lips quirked upward whenever she made a particularly caustic reply to Yoshio. Saying the relationship between him and his father was strained put it mildly. At least that meant Kyoya was on her side during this ordeal.
"Well, Kyoya," Yoshio addressed his son, "What else do you have planned for this evening?"
"I thought Kagome and I could retire to my bedroom. It's still a respectable hour to entertain," Kyoya answered, placing his cup on the table beside him.
"I see," he replied, "Is that agreeable to you, Kagome? If your activities run late, you are more than welcome to stay until morning. A guestroom can easily be prepared for an overnight stay."
Kagome's first instinct was to refuse and say she didn't want to impose any more than she already did. Then she considered how much she didn't care for Otori Yoshio. He probably expected her to refuse the offer. Well, who was she to deny his hospitable offer when all he wanted to do was show off his wealth and provoke her further?
"If it's not trouble, I'll be happy to stay. Thank you for being so considerate, Otori-san," she said, her voice sugarcoated with false sweetness.
Soon after Kagome answered, Kyoya set down his cup and stood before he held his hand to her. She readily accepted it and stood beside him.
"Goodnight, everyone. We'll see you in the morning," Kyoya announced before he walked out of the drawing room with Kagome.
Once they were further down the hallway, Kagome commented, "Well, at least I finally can see where you got your charming personality."
"My father is one of a kind," Kyoya quipped, "but I have to say tonight was one of his good nights. He's even reduced a few of our houseguests to tears."
Kagome snorted. "In all seriousness, your dad is a real piece of work. You could have given me a more direct warning before we got to the dining room."
"I was concerned about you meeting him, but I knew you could hold your own," he explained, "You never disappointed me before."
"Thanks, but that's more than I can say for you at the moment. By my watch, you have about three hours left before you reach your deadline," she countered, "The family dinner was a good idea in theory, but your father and I did most of the talking. There wasn't much time for the two of us to really spend time with each other."
"Surely, I'm not completely out of your favor."
"You're not, but you have your work cut out for you. Will you rise to the challenge?"
Kyoya grinned and pulled Kagome closer to him as he put his arm around her shoulder. "I plan on it. This sleepover will be my saving grace, don't you think?"
"Depends," Kagome said, her tone playful.
"On?" Kyoya pressed.
"How fast you can get a huge bowl of popcorn to your bedroom, and what's in your movie collection," she answered, pressing her cheek into Kyoya's arm.
"You're in luck," he replied, a knowing smirk on his face, "I have made several additions to my collection a few days ago. I trust you remember the circumstance that prompted it."
"You mean the all DVDs we rented?" Kagome asked, "I thought you returned those when you left."
"That was my original intention, but I decided to have the rental extended," Kyoya answered, "Besides, if I remember it correctly, there was a certain American musical you liked that we didn't get to watch."
Kagome smiled. "I hope you're ready to hear me singing! 'Summer Nights', 'Hopelessly Devoted to You', and 'Greased Lightning' are my favorite songs, and I know all the words!"
Just before he and Kagome reached his bedroom, Kyoya placed a quick kiss on her forehead.
"I'm sure you'll do beautifully."
-O0o0O-
Kyoya smiled as the credits to Grease the Musical began to roll. The film was interesting, but he was far more captivated by the girl sitting beside him with her raven head resting against his shoulder. The two of them were sitting on the lower level of his bedroom on top of a pile of blankets and pillows surrounded by empty cans of soda and a large bowl of popcorn kernels, both of which he asked his family's household staff to discretely obtain while Kagome was in the bathroom. She changed into modest, pink silk nightgown Fuyumi lent her with capped sleeves that loosely gathered at her waist while her dress was sent to be laundered. Between getting ready for the night and the ending of the movie, it was about a quarter to midnight. Although she was completely interested in the movie, Kagome was already drifting in and out of sleep, making adorable moaning noises as she tried to keep herself awake. Such an innocent gesture ignited an unfamiliar desire in Kyoya's belly. If he thought she was stunning during dinner, Kyoya found her absolutely irresistible now. This was her natural beauty he craved.
"Still awake?" Kyoya whispered as he used his remote to turn the TV off, his tone slightly husky. Kagome didn't seem to notice as she groaned before lifting her head and wiping her eyes.
"Just barely."
"Perhaps I should escort you to your room, my lady?" he suggested.
"Carry me?" she jokingly requested. Kagome squeaked when Kyoya suddenly scooped her into his arms and stood with ease. Her arms quickly wound around his neck so she wouldn't fall.
"I wasn't being serious!" she shouted.
"It's no trouble," he replied, kicking the door open with his foot, "You're as light as a feather."
Kagome huffed and hid her face in Kyoya's neck without saying another word. The walk to her accommodations was longer than she suspected even when she considered the large size of the Otori home. Their surroundings were still and quiet, making Kagome feel a little uncomfortable.
"This guestroom is pretty far from yours," she mentioned.
"It's in a separate wing of the house. All of the guestrooms are," Kyoya said, and his grip subconsciously tightened.
He added, "There's a call button in every guestroom so you can directly contact any available staff member if you need anything, and you can always reach me on my cell."
"Thanks, but you should know I don't have a cellphone of my own."
"There's also a landline available every bedroom."
Kyoya made a mental note to acquire a simple mobile for Kagome if Akira—or Tamaki if he knew—didn't already. He knew one of the newer smartphones wouldn't appeal to her old-fashioned sensibilities.
Just before they reached the doorway of the spare room, Kyoya glimpsed at an antique grandfather clock placed against the corridor. He had about thirty or so minutes left. Balancing Kagome with one hand, Kyoya quickly opened the door and walked inside before he gently placed Kagome on the bed. He could tell that she was nervous about sleeping alone in an unfamiliar place but was putting up a brave front. Not for the first time did Kyoya wonder why being alone frightened her so much. He understood that Kagome enjoyed the company of others with her outgoing and bubbly personality, but that wasn't a good enough explanation for him.
"I guess this is goodnight," Kagome surmised as she pulled back the covers and got underneath the sheets.
"It doesn't have to be," Kyoya said, "I suppose I could return the kindness you gave me and stay at your bedside until you fall asleep."
"If you don't mind," she responded with a shrug despite how relieved she felt, "Having you around is more reassuring than a landline."
Kyoya nodded and laid down beside her underneath the comforter. The two of them began a conversation as soon as they were both settled. After several minutes of talking, Kyoya decided to change the topic.
"Kagome," he began, "Why are so afraid of being alone?" He nearly regretted his question when Kagome's entire demeanor changed, and she saddened considerably.
"I didn't mean to—"
"No, it's alright," Kagome interjected, "I suppose it's kinda silly for someone my age to be afraid of something like that."
"It's a perfectly legitimate phobia. No one wants to be lonely," Kyoya stated.
"Yes, but it's not quite that simple," she said, "Do you remember those camping trips I mentioned?"
He answered automatically, "Yes."
"I went on those trips with some very dear friends of mine, friends I don't get to see as often as I like. They latest for days, sometimes weeks, and the entire time we slept huddled together underneath the stars when the sky was clear and inside makeshift shelters when it rained or snowed. We're pack—I mean, family" Kagome paused and shifted slightly. In the dim lighting, Kyoya thought he saw her eyes begin to water.
"I always felt better sleeping when they were around. If something bad happened, we were always there to protect and comfort each other. Now it's hard for me to sleep when I don't feel anyone around. In the back of my mind, I always suspect something bad is going to happen even though I know that those days of looking over my shoulder are long over."
Kyoya was quiet before he said, "I see." He reached over and placed a comforting hand on Kagome's cheek, stroking her skin with his thumb.
"You don't have to worry. Nothing will happen to you while I'm here."
"Thanks, Kyoya," Kagome said, feeling considerably better. She didn't reveal the entirety of her past, but, after telling this vague, condensed version of the truth, she felt like an immense weight was lifted from her shoulders.
I haven't really thought of InuYasha and the others for a while or checked on the Shikon Jewel, she realized. Kagome felt guilty about neglecting her duties, but Kyoya was right. There was nothing for her to worry about in the modern era in his presence or otherwise.
"It's almost midnight," Kagome observed, "You should probably get out of here."
"You're not asleep yet," Kyoya reminded her, removing his hand to lightly tap her on the nose.
"Aren't you concerned about how this will look? I'm sure your father won't find it very respectable," she remarked.
"I'm not concerned with what's respectable," he countered and reached out to stroke Kagome's cheek again. She instantly colored at Kyoya's suggested tone.
"Then what are you concerned with?" she whispered.
Instead of answering, Kyoya rolled over and covered Kagome completely with his legs on each side of her body and his hands on her shoulders. The unfamiliar desire he felt was set ablaze.
"What do you suspect?" he retorted, staring at her intently.
Kagome said nothing and took a deep breath before she closed her eyes, waiting for Kyoya to make his move. Kyoya slowly lowered his head but stopped when his lips hovered just above Kagome's and felt her rapid puffs of breath hitting his face. He knew what he wanted, and he had the perfect opportunity to take it. Kagome freely gave him her consent.
And yet…
Kagome wasn't really here of her own accord. Like his father, he coerced her. She was in this position because of his words and his actions, his plans and his schemes. For once, Kyoya forgot their wager, the other hosts, his brothers, his sister, and his father. He was only concerned with the young woman lying underneath him and how much he wanted her, but he wanted her to be irrevocably willing.
When she didn't feel Kyoya kiss her, Kagome opened her eyes and looked at him, confused. Kyoya only started to stroke her arm and wait. It wasn't long before they both heard the muffled sounds of the clock in the hall striking midnight with twelve distinct chimes.
Kyoya continued to wait until the clock stopped chiming before he asked, "May I kiss you?"
"But what's the point now?" Kagome asked. It was midnight, and the date was over. She didn't understand. Kyoya no longer had nothing to gain from kissing her now.
"What indeed?"
Kyoya lowered his head to the crook of Kagome's neck and placed several opened kisses along her collarbone. His touches were tentative at first, but, when he heard Kagome gasp, he became more confident. Her skin was warm and soft and smelt slightly of lemongrass, the aroma of the soaps Kyoya kept in his bathroom.
"Yes," Kagome breathed.
"Hmm?" Kyoya answered, stopping as soon as he heard her voice.
She drew a shaky breath and repeated, "Yes, you may kiss me." She felt Kyoya smile against her neck.
"What's the point?" he asked. He couldn't resist teasing her.
"Because I want you to," she admitted, "I really want you to."
Kyoya lifted his head from Kagome's neck and looked at her, his eyes smoldering like liquid mercury behind his glasses.
"That's all I needed to hear you say, my lady."
Kyoya readily placed his lips on Kagome's, perfectly molding his mouth to hers in one fluid motion. Kagome's fists curled and tightened around his shoulders as he lowered himself on to her with one hand tangled in her hair and the other resting on the small of her back inching closer to her bottom as he gathered the hem of her nightgown up her thighs. His touches were insistent and confident, lacking the timidity and innocence Tamaki possessed. As soon as that thought entered her mind, Kagome pushed it away. Now was not the time.
When Kagome opened her mouth to his questing tongue, Kyoya fully cupped her butt and pulled her tightly to him. In that moment, he understood why Tamaki was so disheveled after he kissed her even more so than usual. He was completely and utterly intoxicated by her taste just like he was now. Kyoya wanted more, to consume her completely. He only stopped when Kagome made a small sound and pushed him away after they broke free for breath.
"I think now would be a good time to concern ourselves with what is respectable," she said, her face flushed and breathing shaky.
Kyoya didn't want to. He really didn't want to, but he already resigned himself to follow what his lady requested. He couldn't go back on that now.
"I understand," he replied as he took a deep breath and lifted himself up before he adjusted his glasses on his nose.
When he was on his feet, he looked back at Kagome and said, "I will see you at breakfast."
"Will you escort me or do I have to navigate through this maze myself?" Kagome asked. Her voice sounded light and playful in an effort to diffuse the heated moment between them. Kyoya decided to indulge her by pretending it worked.
"Whatever you wish, my lady," he said as he reached out and grabbed her hand to place a tender kiss on her palm.
"Goodnight," she whispered as he stepped away from her and toward the door.
"Night," he said and entered into the hallway, closing the door behind him.
Kagome waited until she heard the lock click and was sure Kyoya was far enough away before she took hold of her pillow and sighed.
What a mess.
-O0o0O-
Kyoya groaned as his cell rang. He usually left it on silent so he wouldn't be disturbed before he was ready but didn't do so in case Kagome decided to call. He sluggishly reached over and grabbed it from his night stand, answering without opening his eyes.
"Moshi moshi?"
"Kyoya!" Tamaki shouted in his ear, "I need your help!"
"What is it?" Kyoya asked, rolling over onto his back.
"What is it? What is it!" Tamaki repeated, hysterical, "My cricket is missing! That what's it!"
"Tamaki."
"Kagome did not return home to the shrine or the Morinozuka mansion last night!"
"Tamaki."
"I know she was picked up by one of your family cars so you have to know her last whereabouts!"
"Tamaki."
"We need the Otori group's top men on this! Find Kagome should be prior—"
"Stop right there, Tamaki," Kyoya said as he sat up in bed, "You're standing just outside my bedroom door, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am," he answered.
"And I'm sure you're also dead set on finding Kagome, correct?" Kyoya questioned.
"Of course I am!" he answered, affronted that Kyoya would even ask such a thing.
"Tamaki, if you would give me this one allowance before you so rudely burst into my room, we can save ourselves a lot of wasted time and effort," Kyoya requested.
"But Kyoya—"
"Please go to the guestroom that is usually prepared for you to use during your overnight stays," he instructed.
"But—!"
"Do this, and I will be at your complete disposal until Kagome is found and however long you wish after."
By now Kyoya was standing in front of his closet picking out a pair of navy blue cargo pants and a dark gray graphic T-shirt before he headed to his bathroom.
"I will do as you ask," Tamaki relented, "but I want you dressed and ready to go by the time I get back to your bedroom or so help me—"
"Tamaki, you're wasting time."
"Okay, but I'm keeping you on the phone, and don't you dare hang up on me!"
Kyoya rolled his eyes and placed his phone on the counter beside his clothes after he put the device on speaker.
"Wouldn't dream of it," he said as he began to brush his teeth.
Kyoya heard Tamaki's every footstep as he stomped to the guest wing. When he came to a stop, he opened the door without knocking because he assumed it was empty. Kyoya was lucky his ear was away from the phone when he heard Tamaki excited wails.
"Kagome!" he exclaimed. Kyoya heard Kagome screaming her response over the speaker.
"What are you doing in here, you psycho? I'm trying to sleep!"
"I'm so glad you're okay! I was so worried!"
Tamaki paused, and Kyoya heard a brief scuffle over the phone, most likely Tamaki diving onto the bed to join Kagome.
"You look so pretty!"
"Get off of me! I'm not wearing any—"
Then it happened. Kyoya heard the slap of hand on cheek as he gargled and spit into the sink.
"I'm so—"
"Get out, ero-senpai!"
"I didn't mean to! I'm not a pervert!"
Kyoya chuckled as the door audibly slammed and continued preparing for the day. He was finished washing up and getting dressed when Tamaki arrived to his room, his right check red and swollen.
"Kagome is angry with me," he simply said.
"I know," Kyoya replied, "Perhaps you'll be forgiven when we leave to escort her to breakfast."
"She's never going to forgive me for touching her like that! I almost saw her—" Tamaki groaned and buried his head in his hands, ashamed.
Kyoya shrugged. "You can't be sure, but maybe our princes will be more receptive to forgiving you if we bring her breakfast in bed."
"Our princess?" Tamaki curiously repeated. Kyoya saved the pet names for their customers and didn't address Kagome with such endearments. To say the least, it was odd to hear.
"Yes," Kyoya nonchalantly answered as he picked up his landline to call the kitchen staff. There was no doubt that his father arranged an extravagant breakfast for their overnight guest, and it would take some time to transport enough food for three to the guestroom.
"That reminds me," Tamaki began, "how did your date go?"
"It ended as a draw," he tersely answered as he placed the phone back on the receiver.
"A draw?"
"I violated the terms of the agreement by not ending our date at the predetermined deadline. By default, there is no victor of our wager overall."
Tamaki nearly snickered. He expected Kyoya to be evasive when he answered but never thought he would respond so childishly.
"Have you told Kagome all this?" he asked.
"I plan to," he stated, "Let's get going. Everything should have arrived to the guestroom, and Kagome should be changed by now."
Tamaki nodded, and the two boys departed for the guest wing.
"You didn't answer my question," Tamaki reminded Kyoya, "How did everything go?"
"It began like yours did then progressed and ended the same way."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
Taking a deep breath, he admitted, "Nothing began as I initially planned, Kagome's desires dictated the entire course of the evening, and, right after midnight, I kissed her."
Tamaki stumbled and fell a few feet behind. Kyoya didn't tell him much but what he said spoke volumes. It wouldn't mean much to anyone else, but Tamaki knew Kyoya like the back of his hand. He also knew that Kyoya knew him exactly the same way.
"So…" he hesitantly began, "our princess?"
"Yes," Kyoya answered, stopping to look Tamaki in the eye, "unless there was a sudden change in our dynamic that I'm unaware of."
"Not at all."
As he spoke, Tamaki was completely aware that something had changed between the three of them and would undoubtedly continue to change. However, they would not talk about it and pretend it didn't happen for now.
The two of them walked until they stood in front of the guestroom just as several domestics left. Kagome was inside sitting barefoot on her bed dressed in her floral print surrounded by trays and platters of food. She looked up at them when they entered and, although she was still noticeably peeved, smiled.
"Really, Kyoya-senpai? A western style breakfast?" she asked.
"Not your favorite I assume," he assured.
"It's good, but I'm a miso and rice kinda girl at heart."
"I drove myself today!" Tamaki enthusiastically cried, "We can go out for breakfast if you'd like, sweet cricket!" He would do anything to get back in her good graces.
"You have a license?" Kagome asked, completely incredulous.
"A provisional one," Kyoya answered for him. He knew for a fact that whenever Tamaki drove, Yuzuru always arranged for someone to follow him at an unnoticeable distance.
"I have one as well," he added.
"As much as I would love to be strapped in a car with one of you at the wheel, I'd hate to ruin all of the arrangements Kyoya-senpai and his family made for breakfast," Kagome replied, "But, if the air is officially cleared, we can leave afterwards and find something to do."
"If you are referring to our perfectly legitimate wager as the source of tension between us," Kyoya said, "there is no longer a conflict of interest."
"But I never told either of you my decision on our dates," Kagome remarked.
As much as she hated to admit it, both Kyoya and Tamaki exceeded her expectations in more ways than one, and she was a girl of her word. She only hoped Tamaki and Kyoya wouldn't go overboard with their demands.
"It doesn't matter. I already know what the outcome is," Kyoya told her. He grinned when Kagome's face hardened, and she stood from the bed with her hands on her hips.
"You do?" she asked, "Then, by all means, please enlighten me."
Kyoya recognized her tone. She used it last night with his father. He said, "If you recall, I clearly violated the terms of our agreement; therefore, the date is voided. Since you added the stipulation that a victory is all or none, our entire wager ends in a draw."
As soon as he finished speaking, Kagome let her hands fall and her jaw drop. "Are you seriously admitting that you lost?"
Kyoya's eyebrow quirked. "I didn't lose. I merely broke the rules."
"Which resulted in your loss," she said, grinning.
"Which resulted in a voided attempted," he clarified.
"Which is code for you losing~!" Kagome sang.
Tamaki laughed. "Cricket, you're not going to get a better admission than that. I suggest we move on before we're here all day."
"Just you wait," Kagome countered, "I'll get him to say the 'l-word' yet!"
Kyoya scoffed. "You're more than welcome to try."
-O0o0O-
Haruhi sighed as she approached the Third Music Room. She ultimately wasn't able to find any trace of Kagome with Mori-senpai and spent the rest of that evening with him. A quick call from Nodoka to the Morinozuka home assured that Kagome was alright but nothing else. Mori and Satoshi wisely decided to keep all of the holiday's events from their father.
As irritated as she was when she began the search for his younger sister, Haruhi sincerely enjoyed Mori's company. He may have been the strong, silent type with an unkempt and wild appeal to their guests, but he was a little more open when it was just the two of them. He was still stoic and softspoken, but Haruhi learned he was just as fascinated by "commoner culture" as everyone else who was part of the host club. It was almost cute. The only drawback of their time together was Honey's playful teasing once they joined the others.
When Haruhi finally returned home, she tried once to contact Kagome herself to no avail and decided the lack of contact meant she was out one-third of her outstanding debt.
No, that can't be right. Kagome isn't like that. She'd tell me if something went wrong, she thought.
As luck would have it, Haruhi didn't have a chance to talk Kagome in class. The first day after the recent holiday was also the day freshmen students were scheduled to choose their elective classes for the second semester. Junior and senior students would do the same over the next two days. Haruhi's process was relatively quick. She kept Intro to Legal Terminology class and her free period then ended up going to the host club early with nothing better to do. Hikaru and Kaoru left long before she did. So, as far as she knew, Kagome—and, unofficially, Renge—was the only host club freshman who didn't finish the procedure yet.
"Haruhi," Kyoya greeted her as she entered, typing away at his laptop as usual.
"Hello, Kyoya-senpai," she responded. Before she could take a step further, he beckoned her closer with a white paper printout.
"I know I usually give you this at the end of the month, but I have an updated copy of your monthly statement concerning your host club activities," he told her.
Oh joy, Haruhi thought as she took the report and read the chronological list of financial activity beginning with the balance at the beginning of this month. The last item on the report was deduction made earlier today.
So Kagome managed to pull it off, Haruhi deduced until she crunched the numbers in her head.
"The deduction from this morning was only a 17% decrease from the previous amount," she observed.
"Yes, due to extenuating circumstances, certain negotiations were necessary, and Kagome and I agreed on the percentage," Kyoya vaguely explained.
"Really? I'm guessing since it's only equal to half the original amount means only you or Tamaki-senpai ended up being a good date," she deduced.
Haruhi already knew or at least suspected Tamaki was the successful host based on what she was told by the Morinozuka and Haninozuka siblings. That could only mean one thing.
Kyoya-senpai must have lost. For once, something didn't go as he planned. Haruhi felt strangely giddy.
"You're quiet, Haruhi," Kyoya remarked, "Do you have a problem concerning what happened?"
Haruhi stiffened. She recognized the tone, and she didn't make it this far in Ouran Academy by looking gift horses in the mouth. She was 17% closer to being debt free and extremely grateful to be. If she said anything else, Kyoya would reverse the deduction and then some.
"No problem at all!" Haruhi said and shrunk away to join the others.
When the host club officially opened, Kagome and, surprisingly, Tamaki were absent.
"Does anyone know where Tamaki is?" one of the guests asked.
"I remember seeing him in class, but he suddenly left before class was dismissed."
"Kagome is missing too."
"I don't think I saw him after we picked electives."
"Maybe the two of are together?"
"It's still odd for them both to miss club time. Do you know where he is?" Rei asked Haruhi. Because their favorite host wasn't there, Rei, Satoko, and Tsukiyo joined Haruhi's regulars.
She shrugged. "I'm not sure where he is."
"He's probably still looking at electives," Kaoru interjected, "He was still there when Hikaru and I left."
Hikaru snorted. Obviously, he was not in a good mood.
Before anything else could be said about the missing hosts, they appeared at the entrance of the music room, looking exactly as everyone pictured the prince and the rebel would be. Tamaki pulled a stiff and indifferent Kagome behind him and planted themselves on the nearest, unoccupied loveseat.
"We're here!" Tamaki announced as he bestowed her, who remained stiff and indifferent with the hood of her jacket completely covering her raven head, with affectionate touches. Rei, Satoko, and Tsukiyo were quick to join them in the surrounding armchairs along with Hikaru and Kaoru, the latter more cheerful than the former.
"So what were you two up to?" Hikaru bit.
"Someone's grouchy~!" Tamaki sang unfazed by his tone as he continued to snuggle into Kagome's neck.
"You would be to if you spent a perfectly good day running around with Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dumbass looking for a guy who's more of a princess than a prince," he replied, jerking a thumb in Kagome's direction. The host in drag finally looked up and stuck her tongue out at him.
"No one forced you to do that," she quipped.
"Don't mind him," Kaoru interrupted as he put an arm around Hikaru's shoulders, "He didn't enjoy our holiday as much as everyone else did."
Kagome's lips quirked upward. "If that's how you feel, I guess we all know who gets another invite to my place and who doesn't."
Hikaru rolled his eyes and said, "So what little secret are you two hiding? Tamaki get you fitted for any special cosplays, Kagome?"
The rebel host's regulars waited on baited breath for her answer. If they knew Tamaki's taste as well as they thought they did, Kagome would be an adorable vision in lace and ruffles before they knew it!
"Nope," Tamaki answered, "I just needed to help Kagome schedule her classes for next semester."
"What for?" Hikaru asked.
Kagome sighed and said, "He's assigned to be my tutor."
Hikaru rolled his eyes. "Again I ask, what for?"
"Kagome's going to take Conversational French," Tamaki told him and their neighboring guests, "In order for him to be enrolled for the second semester, he needed a tutor to help him catch up with the rest of the class. That would be moi!"
"You're taking Conversational French?" Tsukiyo cried, overjoyed, "I'm taking it too!" Soon after she spoke, other host club patrons chipped in.
"Me too!"
"As am I!"
"Is it too late to add it?"
Haruhi made a noncommittal noise in the back of her throat as she watched Tamaki continue to hug and pet Kagome until her three regulars finally stole her away. She knew for a fact that Kagome had absolutely no interest in taking a foreign language other than compulsory English lessons.
So Conversational French with Tamaki-senpai was worth 17%, she mused then shrugged.
Better her than me.
-O0o0O-
punkish furball – Until next time which I promise won't take as long as before, TCB! XD
(edited 07.01.2014)