I do not own anything.
a/n I apologize for the late update, some things came up that were unavoidable. Thank you all for your patience and continued support. As always thank you for reading, please enjoy.
The club room was buzzing with the excitement from all of the anxious girls. The sight made Haruhi flinch internally. She sighed, and maneuvered to the kitchen to get tea ready for everyone. She was glad most of her designees came later so she could finish her prep work. Once all the hosts had their tables set and ready, she moved to the back of the room, sitting in one of the window seats just to watch all the activity in the group.
Tamaki seemed to be in full swing today, but she noticed he was casting glances in her direction tossing her his host smile and a wink. She cringed and looked away. "That guy..." She sighed to herself. She looked over to the twins table, and they seemed to be really into their brotherly love act this afternoon, though she wasn't sure if it was actually real, or if they were trying to make themselves feel better. They seemed to be silently communicating, their eyes heavy and sad. She wondered if finding out her gender really bothered them that much.
The twins felt someone watching and Kaoru shot a glance behind them while Hikaru was holding his chin and saw Haruhi. She looked so guilty when their eyes met. He tried to send her a smile, but it didn't feel like it reached his eyes. He nudged his twin, before whispering in his ear. Hikaru sent a short glance as well, but they couldn't ignore their guests. He also sent a smile her way, but quickly returned to the act. Hikaru clutched Kaoru close and whispered in his ear.
"It's ok Kao, we'll talk to her after club. We don't need Kyoya hassling us." Kaoru just nodded and went along with the act.
Haruhi glanced away from her best friends, well she hoped they were still best friends, and looked over to the shadow kings table. She saw him vigorously typing at his computer. "Nothing new." She thought. She saw him stop to write in his book, but otherwise, he never looked up. Sighing she cast her gaze to her hosting partners for the day and saw them running low on cake. Hunni had decided to roll around on the couch, tossing Usa-chan up every now and then, and Mori just watched occasionally nodding to his cousin's questions. She decided it was time to get everyone another round of refreshments before joining the cousins.
Kyoya had felt her gaze on him, and did his best to look like he was working on something. In actuality, he had been trying to come up with every scenario in his mind to answer his questions. He didn't understand how someone like Haruhi had so many secrets. She was a female, she was covered in a mess of scars, and he couldn't get any information on her besides school records. She had no medical records, no information on her parents, nothing. Her file was basically empty. How could someone barely exist? How could someone have information he, an Ootori, couldn't find? He was silently fuming, and watched as she got up from her perch to get everyone their refills. Once she disappeared into the kitchen he sighed and slumped a little.
Haruhi passed out the tea and cakes to the different tables, making sure to give Kyoya a cup of black coffee before disappearing to host with the seniors. Mori glanced up at her as she approached and gave his version of a smile, pointing to a small chair to the side of the couch. He had pulled over another couch for her guests to join their guests as well.
"Haruhi." He monotoned. "Welcome."
"Yay! Haru-chan is hosting with us!" Hunni exclaimed, bouncing up from his seat and jumping into her lap. "I'm so glad Haru-chan!" He grinned, causing all the girls to swoon at this new development.
"Hunni-senpai, Why is Haruhi-kun joining us today?" A brown haired girl asked excitedly.
"Yes, is he hosting with you regularly now?" A small blonde piped up, a blush on her cheeks.
"Nope!" He answered, a sugary grin on his face. "Haru-chan was feeling down, so we are doing a special cake party for him! Won't you help us cheer him up?" He asked, his eyes tearing up a bit.
"Oh Hunni! You are so kind! Of course we will help!" The girls cried, clutching their hands to their chests. They were all making so much noise, it caught the host kings attention, sending him into a fit.
"Mommy!" Tamaki cried, making his way over to Kyoya. Sighing Kyoya rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"What Tamaki?" He growled, not bothering keeping appearances. Tamaki not noticing the reaction, continued grabbing Kyoya and pulling him to his feet, pointing at the cousins table.
"How could our daughter play with the neighbors instead of asking me for help?! I am much better suited to host with her!" Tamaki whined, tears coming from his eyes. Kyoya balked, "What did this idiot just say?" He thought angrily.
"Tamaki!" He whispered loudly, grabbing Tamaki by the ear and leading him to the back room. "You idiot, Haruhi is not your daughter. Where the hell did you come up with that idiotic idea?!" He slammed the door closed behind him and pushed Tamaki back. "Listen, until we know what is going on, and why, you are not to mention Haruhi's gender. Do I make myself clear?" He asked, his voice dripping in venom. Tamaki gulped, fidgeting in his place.
"But Kyoya, I have to..." He didn't get to finish before Kyoya interrupted.
"Do not make me repeat myself." He glared. "This isn't the time for your delusions, we will discuss this more after club. Until then, keep your mouth shut."
Tamaki just nodded, and quickly made his way back to his guests. Kyoya sighed, and shook his head. He was furious, and he wasn't sure why, but that baka just never learns. He leaned against the counter, and rubbed his eyes. Once he had composed himself he glanced around the room. "Interesting." He thought, as he made his way over to a bag on the floor. It was Haruhi's. Glancing out the door, checking to make sure she was still busy, he casually opened the bag.
"It's just notes and books." He mumbled, shuffling through the papers. "Why be so protective over nothing?" He thought, "No diary, no journal, no wallet, nothing." He sighed, placing the bag back where he found it. "She must've known I would go through it." He said to himself, straightening out his uniform. "If only those twins hadn't brought it to her attention." He to still not have any answers, he made his way back out to the club room in time to see Haruhi's first guests arrive confused.
"Excuse me ladies," He said cooly, flashing his host smile. "I believe the host you are looking for is over there." He pointed to the seniors table, where Haruhi was cutting cake for her senpais. The three girls all smiled happily, thanking Kyoya and hastily making there way over to their favorite host.
Haruhi looked up to see her first guests approaching and donned her natural host smile. "Welcome ladies, we are joining Mori-senpai and Hunni-senpai for a cake party today. I hope you don't mind." She said, tilting her head a bit at the end. They swooned and sat down quickly, nodding and taking the cake offered to them.
"We would love to join!" They said in unison with giggles. Haruhi gave another smile and they all blushed. Haruhi listened to the girls all talk about the different cakes they were trying. Her guests and the guests of the seniors all conversed as if they had been hosting together all along. She found out that some of them had been guests to Hunni and Mori before, though the cousins didn't seem that upset about losing customers to her.
"Haru-chan, Haru-chan!" Hunni exclaimed, jumping into her lap. "Are you feeling better yet?" He asked, causing all the girls to look over.
"Of course Hunni-senpai. Thank you for having us!" She smiled, giving him a squeeze. He giggled, and the girls all gushed about how adorable the display was. Tamaki on the other hand watched the scene from a far, wriggling in place. "That was just too cute!" His mind screamed. He had been casting glances over to the table all afternoon and it looked like they were having a good time. "I know, I'll have Haruhi join me too!" He thought as he abruptly made his way over to them.
Mori noticed Tamaki's approach before the others and was sure that it wouldn't end well. He had asked Haruhi to join them hosting to ease her anxiety and Tamaki is a huge part of her anxiety in the club. He sighed and this caught the attention of his cousin. Hunni looked up and a small grimace emerged on his face before he could stop it.
"What are you doing Tama-chan, don't you have guests?" Hunni asked loudly causing the rest of the hosts to look over at them. Not the least bit deterred Tamaki gave his host smile to the loli-shota.
"Of course, I just wanted to see if Haruhi could join me as well. You seem to be having so much fun, I only wish to share it with my own guests." He said, reaching out for Haruhi's hand. She pulled away and sent him a dark look.
"I am enjoying the cake party Hunni-senpai has invited me to. It's a bit rude to interrupt don't you think?" She asked harshly. She didn't want to deal with him today. She had enough at lunch, and now that he knew her gender, she knew it could only get worse. The guests watched in a tensed silence.
"Haruhi," Tamaki started, with a strained smile. "I just wish you to join me as well. I'm sure that Hunni and Mori will understand, afterall you're almost out of cake." He was going to get his way. Hunni and Mori cast a look to one another, before Mori quietly got up and picked up a new cake from the kitchen. Passing Kyoya's table, he paused.
"If you aren't going to do something, I will." He said simply, before walking away. Kyoya watched behind the glare of his glasses, debating on if he should let this continue. Tamaki seemed to be in a mood today. He was pushing things and it was interfering with business. Sighing he got up and walked over to the table in time to see Mori place the new cake down.
"Look, Look Tama-chan. We got more cake." Hunni grinned mischievously. "Haru-chan, would you like to stay?" He asked cutely, causing his guests to fawn over him.
"I would love to Hunni-senpai." She smiled, "Is it alright with you ladies?" she asked her guests with a sad look. "I would understand, but..." She trailed off, trying to manipulate the situation. Her guests gushed with hearts in their eyes.
"Oh Haruhi, we would love to stay."
"You seem so happy with Hunni and Mori."
"Please let us stay Tamaki-sama!" They all exclaimed, small tears in their eyes. Haruhi looked up to her senpai, trying to hide her grin.
"Yes, Tamaki-sama, please let us stay." She asked, in a sickly sweet tone. Hunni giggled slightly, covering it with a cough, and Mori turned away to hide the grin on his face. Kyoya watched amused as Tamaki tried to grasp something to say, but had nothing to retort. An agitated look crossed his face briefly, before he gave his host smile and bowed.
"Of course princesses," He glanced at the girls, "Haruhi," He gave a tight smile. "I apologize for intruding. I will just have to wait until tomorrow then." He grinned when he saw an annoyed look cross Haruhi's face. "Until then. Have a lovely party." He bowed again and turned, nearly bumping into Kyoya. They took a few steps away before Kyoya spoke.
"You need to tone it down a bit Tamaki." He said quietly. "Haruhi is still the same, no matter what gender. You pressuring is going to end the same everytime." He added, walking back to his computer. Tamaki sighed, and ground his teeth. "I've never met a more infuriating girl." He thought, before turning brightly to his guests.
"I apologize ladies, I was hoping to bring some fun to you, but alas we must be patient." He gracefully sat on his couch, and the girls flocked to his sides.
"It's ok Tamaki-sama, we always have fun with you!" One girl said excitedly, clinging to his arm.
"Oh Tamaki-sama, don't be upset, we can wait!" Another cried, clinging to his other arm. He smiled, and listened to them all comforting him. "This is much better" he thought to himself.
Haruhi breathed out in relief once Tamaki joined his mass of fangirls. She looked at the cousins and her guests and gave a small smile. "Thank you for allowing me to stay. It really makes me feel better." The girls swooned, and Hunni giggled.
"Of course Haru-chan!" He exclaimed, while Mori ruffled her hair.
The rest of hosting went well, and the cake party finally came to an end. Haruhi was just ready to leave, but she remembered they all wanted to talk. "Why did they have to find out." She sighed, leaning all the way back against the back of the couch. She closed her eyes and threw her arm over her face waiting for all the girls to exit the room. She was not looking forward to this, and with the way Tamaki was acting all day, she knew that if she skipped it would be much worse. "Hopefully he forgot that he said I had to stay an extra hour." She thought.
As the door closed with a click, the hosts all gave each other a quick glance before all eyes landed on Haruhi. Even with her eyes closed, she could still feel their gazes and it made her uncomfortable. She allowed her arm to fall to her side, and slowly pushed herself up, making her way over to the others. She didn't make eye contact with any of them, just slumped into a chair at the meeting table. The rest followed suit, unwilling to break the silence. Unable to keep still, or quiet any longer Tamaki snapped.
"Haruhi," he said more harshly than intended. "We want to know everything."
"No." She said firmly, casting a glare at him. He didn't seem to expect this, and balked.
"Excuse me?" He asked incredulously. "I don't think you have a say right now." He added, looking to the others for support, and surprised again when he found glares on him. "It's true, isn't it? I mean she lied to us multiple times now." He exclaimed, upset at the lack of support. "I am their king," He thought angrily.
"I said no. And I didn't lie, I just didn't correct or inform you." She stated cooly, her brown eyes staring directly into his.
"A lie of omission is still a lie." He argued, sighing and looking to his best friend. "Kyoya help me out here, I know you have questions." He leaned back in his seat and waited for the expected interrogation to start. Kyoya cleared his throat and glanced around at the others, who were watching him closely. Haruhi let out a deep breath through her nose and closed her eyes again.
"I am a girl, I have lived like a boy most my life, I don't think you need to know why. I don't feel like talking about it and I won't. I also don't care if you see me as a girl or a boy, but I would prefer to continue as I have. If you have a problem with it, you will just have to kick me out of club. But then you won't get your money. So it's your choice." She stated, opening her eyes and glancing at all of them. "I like you guys, but I understand if you feel betrayed."
The boys were kind of stunned that she even said anything, but none of them wanted her to actually leave the club.
"While we understand your...reluctance...we still need to know we can trust you." Kyoya said calmly, trying to form something to say to appease everyone in the club.
"It's ok Haru-chan, I still want you in the club!" Hunni exclaimed, climbing into her lap. Mori nodded in agreement, before turning his attention back to the others.
"Me and Kaoru really should've known you were a girl."
"Yea, I mean we design clothes, we should've seen your girlish figure." The twins said laughing, though it seemed a little forced. Kyoya sighed, knowing they would let it go.
"I don't think it's fair you give us nothing Haruhi." Tamaki said queitly, reeling on the inside. He was unsure how to handle the situation, but he really didn't like how this was going. It was leaving a bad taste in his mouth. "Is it because I saw her as a boy for so long, or what?" He asked himself. "Why do I feel so angry?" He wondered trying to keep his emotions in check.
"I don't think it's fair you interogate someone you don't even like." She spat back, unsure about the hostility that her senpai seemed to be showing. Just earlier he wanted her to join his group, now he's trying to intimidate her. The others were taken aback by the statement and looked at their already simpering leader.
"I never said I didn't like you!" Tamaki exclaimed, confused by what she said.
"Then why do you keep trying to change me?" She asked, trying to get her point across. "You don't like who I am so why should I tell you anymore?" She questioned, sitting up straighter in the process.
"Are you saying you didn't like my lessons?" He asked bewildered. "Why wouldn't a commoner want to learn how the rich live?" He pondered to himself. She sighed, and shook her head. "I give up." She thought bitterly. She cast a glance at Kyoya, wondering what he would say in support of the king. To her surprise he was already watching her. He cleared his throat causing attention to shift to him.
"If we aren't going to get anywhere, can we discuss how to proceed with the club? Is Haruhi permitted to remain a male as a member of the club or will we be losing a valuable host?" He asked in a business tone. Haruhi nodded in agreement, and looked to the others.
"We don't have a problem with it." The twins chimed, sending a smile her way.
"Me and Usa-chan don't have a problem either!" Hunni exclaimed from her lap, squeezing his bunny tightly.
"She should stay." Mori added, a nod in her direction, she sent one back.
"I don't think it's a problem either, after all, you owe a debt." Kyoya stated, his glasses flashing with a smirk. They all turned to the "King" waiting on his response.
"But she's a girl!" Tamaki yelled, looking at them like they grew extra heads. "She shouldn't be hosting girls when she is a girl! That just doesn't make sense!" He exclaimed, red in the face.
"She doesn't seem to mind, and no one else knows, I don't see the problem." Kyoya argued.
"Yea, I mean how else am I supposed to pay you?" She asked, her head tilted a bit. Tamaki looked away, cursing under his breath. "That was adorable." He thought, "But I'm still mad." He looked back at her, and a confused expression marred his features. "Is it because she doesn't take to my advances that I'm mad at her?" He thought, seeming to peice something together. He grinned.
"I guess she can stay. But no more secrets. You can tell us in your own time, but we are your friends." He stated in finality, standing up to leave. The others cheered gleefully and pulled Haruhi into a hug. Meanwhile, Tamaki pulled Kyoya to the side.
"Mommy I figured it out!" He whispered excitedly.
"What did you figure out Tamaki?" He asked, almost afraid of the answer.
"I just have to woo Haruhi to get her to like me! Now that I know she's a girl, I know exactly how to handle this. No girl can resist me, I just have to turn it up a notch. Then she will open up to me, and everything will be perfect!" He jumped up and down in his place, before entering his imagination. Kyoya looked at him in shock, briefly, before turning to look at the girl in question. "He's an idiot." He thought darkly. "This will only end in disaster. But it could be entertaining to watch." He mused, watching her smile at a joke the twins made, Hunni wrapped around her waist.
Mori had watched Tamaki excitedly explain his plan to Kyoya and just shook his head. "I will never understand him." He too watched the others playing around before they left. "I have to watch her to make sure she's safe." He thought, knowing Kyoya would let things run their course.
"Mitskuni, Haruhi, let's go home." He said, walking over and grabbing their things. Haruhi gave him a funny look, but nodded when she saw the look in his eyes. She glanced back at where Tamaki and Kyoya stood, and understood that if she hadn't accepted it might've been one of them. She sighed and went to follow the cousins.
"Bye guys!" She called out, slipping through the doors.
"Bye Bye!" Hunni shouted cutely, an evil grin on his face as the others looked on in disbelief. "Don't worry, we'll take good care of Haru-chan!" He giggled and skipped out the door. Mori following behind, giving a short wave at the others, a small grin on his face.
"Aw man!" Kaoru groaned.
"We were gonna do that!" Hikaru whined. Then they gave each other a grin.
"Doesn't mean we can't tomorrow though." They said in unison before leaving the room. The two club leaders stood staring at the door.
"Mommy, the neighbors are being mean!" He exclaimed, once he registered what happened. "I wanted to take Haruhi home! I have to start my plan!" He grumbled, slumping in his seat. Kyoya sighed. He had hoped to get a few questions in before the end of the day, but figured it was for the best that the seniors had taken her, and not left her in the hands of the idiot king. "Why is he my best friend?" He thought bitterly as he grabbed his bag.
"Let's go Tamaki, there's always tomorrow." He sighed. The blonde jumped up and grabbed his own bag.
"Yay! Mon ami! I get to ride with Kyoya!" He yelled as he ran through the hall. Kyoya just grumbled about idiots, and calmly walked out to his car.
Mori and Hunni sat quietly in the car with Haruhi. She watched them from the corner of her eye, pretending to be watching the scenery. Hunni was munching on a cake he found, and Mori was also pretending to look out the window. She sighed softly, closing her eyes a bit. They were so nice to her. She knew that they had heard what she had told Ritsu, about her mom, what had happened to her, and how it affected most of her life. But they were still nice. Sure they didn't know she was a monster from their story books, but she still felt they knew more about her than most anyone. Just them and Ritsu. She was happy for that. She shifted slightly and looked at them. Hunni stopped eating, and met her gaze with a smile, and Mori turned from the window, his eyes questioning.
"Thank you guys." She paused, "For being my friends." She added, chewing her lip a bit before continuing. "You know a lot about me, and yet, you are still so kind." She stopped and looked up at them. "Even if it's not forever," She sighed, glancing back out the window. "Thank you for giving me this chance." She finished softly. The two boys just looked at her with soft eyes, Hunni's slightly watery. They both felt a bit content that she had said that.
"Why not forever?" Hunni asked, remembering she had mentioned that. "We will always accept you Haru-chan." He added, in a semi serious voice.
"Yea." Mori added, "You are one of us." He stated, placing a hand on her head. She gave a sad laugh that caused both boys to frown a bit.
"I hope you're right." She said softly. "But until then," She smiled, "I am forever grateful." Her smile grew as theirs did, and they relaxed into a comfortable silence until they reached her home and dropped her off.
The twins were in their own limo wrapped up together. They hadn't gotten to talk to Haruhi like they had wanted, but they thought that it might be better for now.
"She seems to not want to talk." Hikaru stated, a tinge of irritation in his voice.
"Yea, but if we just keep being there, maybe she will." Kaoru added sagely. "Besides," he sighed softly, nuzzling into his brothers neck. "Those marks on her, they might be painful to see, but just think how painful it must be to have them." He closed his eyes trying to forget. He couldn't imagine what it would be like. He felt his brother nod his head.
"I just wish we knew more." Hikaru sighed, squeezing his brother a little closer to him.
"I'm sure we will soon. Besides," He giggled lightly. "It's not like we're Tamaki!" He laughed, his brother joining him.
"Yea! Did you see his face when she called his 'Tamaki-sama' like that!" Hikaru bellowed, letting go of his brother to hold his sides.
"Yea it was priceless!" Kaoru exclaimed, wiping tears from his eyes. "She's definitely mischievous enough to be our friend!" He added with a smirk.
"You know," Hikaru started, his own smirk in place. "We could play so many more pranks on Tono now." His smirk growing malicious.
"I can't wait." They giggled darkly as they pulled up to their home.
an/ yes I know there isn't much depth added to the story here after such a long absence but it will allow me to move forward. again sorry it took so long to get this chapter up. Thank you to everyone who reads and also to those of you who review. Happy reading.