Chapter Twenty-Eight: Sports Day
Saturday, 7th of October 2006 â Tokyo Metropolis, City of Chuo, Ginza District, Tokyo Japan
Harry joined Atsuya and Ichita outside of Kagari, the latest 'best' ramen shop in Tokyo. As he had suspected the two got along from the moment they met. Ichita, an Omega Male who had remained unmated until twenty-nine was able to give Atsuya insights Harry just couldn't.
"Ossu," Harry jogged up to his friends and wrapped his arms around his fellow Omega Males' shoulders as he joined the queue of customers waiting patiently outside the tiny shop. It felt good to be outside. Harry still had a hard time believing this was his life and he was free to do normal, every day activities with friends without having to look over his shoulder. "I got here as quick as I could."
"How did it go?" Atsuya, used his foreign behaviors by now, returned the hug without thought.
Harry had spent the morning at his new school receiving the results of his pre-placement tests for his new language classes.
"I tested at Level 2 on the language portion of my exam, but since I don't know any kanji and my grammar is so poor my advisor placed me in a Level 1 class."
Harry shrugged. It's what he expected so he hadn't been disappointed.
"How many levels before you graduate?" Ichita asked before flinching and absently rubbing his baby bump.
"Six. It'll take me two years before I graduate and my language skills good enough to attend university. Takashi and I talked and I'll get a degree here while Takashi finishes law school and then we'll make our home base in England for a couple years."
As they talked the other customers in the queue sent annoyed looks their way, probably not liking the way Harry jumped in line to join his friends. Harry found himself flushing sure he just violated a weird social taboo. Ichita saw the expression on Harry's face and rolled his eyes. A couple seconds later, his pregnant friend shifted on the balls of his feet while sighing heavily and rubbing the small of his back. Then he wiggled restlessly, his eyes darting around in a slightly panicked manner. Before Harry could blink, the always-polite Japanese catered to the pregnant Omega and pushed them to the front of the queue. The wait to get a seat at Kagari usually took an hour, thanks to Ichita, they waited less than five minutes.
"You are my hero," Atsuya told Ichita in between slurps of ramen.
Harry nodded in agreement, as he too slurped his tori-paitan ramen, a thick and creamy chicken based ramen. It was the best he'd tasted since he'd been in Japan. Ever since Satoshi and Chika brought him here, Harry had been trying to discern the ingredients and cooking process so he could recreate the dish at home.
"This is great," Ichita, a pureblood wizard looked around the twelve-seat shop in wonder. "Different from what I'm used to. Thanks for including me I needed a break. If I stayed home another minute, I would've been locked up for murdering my Alpha. The closer I get to my due date, the more paranoid Nori becomes."
"Well she did seem a bit rigid," Harry said delicately.
Ichita smirked. "Well as I am sure you are learning young one, it is a truth universally acknowledged that the more rigid an Alpha is in public the more passionate they are in private."
Harry's face flamed and Atsuya chortled but then turned contemplative.
"How did you know?"
"I dated a lot," Ichita said with a pleased groan after taking a big slurp of ramen. "I knew myself. I knew my worth. I refused to settle for less than what I wanted and was patient enough to wait for the right person while still going out, having fun, and enjoying my life. I wanted an Alpha that treated me with complete respect and devotion. Nori is a bit rigid, and the fights we have about housekeeping could get us arrested, but I knew without a doubt that she would always put me first. And she has. She has never treated me less than an equal partner even when we disagree."
Harry bit his lip and sighed wistfully, looking away, not daring to meet his friend's eyes. Thankfully, they didn't notice.
Atsuya nodded intrigued. "You never felt the need to find someone to ease you through your heats."
"Yes, I felt the need. I just never gave in to it," Ichita carelessly waved away Atsuya's concerns. "Terrible heats are a curse of being an Omega. You just suffer through them and know there is an end in sight. Unpleasant heats never go away completely even once your mated. There are ways you can ease the unpleasantness, so they're not as bad. I have something I can whip up for you to help with the burning."
Harry stiffened. "Potions won'tâ"
"Essential oils you rub on your body twice a day once your internal temperature reaches 40 Celsius until your heat commences." Ichita interrupted.
"Internal temperature?" Harry frowned.
Atsuya and Ichita exchanged incredulous looks before turning in unison to regal Harry on ways to chart your daily weight and body temperature to anticipate the approximate day your heat would arrive. That conversation took them through the rest of lunch and the car ride to Ouran Academy for Sports Day. However, the minute they reached the elaborate, roman style stadium they were set upon.
"Harry-chan, Atsuya-chan!"
"Kuso!"
Both he and Atsuya exclaimed simultaneously then broke into giggles. Ichita looked at them curiously before turning to see what freaked them out, his eyes widening at the group coming towards them.
Taking a deep breathe Harry waved at Ranka, Haruhi's, elegant drag-queen father who made his way toward them with Misuzu-chan and an equally garish too tan, heavily made up girl who was obviously Misuzu-chan's daughter.
"If I ever express a desire to go down that road," Atsuya said fervently, "knock some sense into me."
"Ditto," Harry whispered just before they were glomped by the drag queens. They were saved once they noticed Ichita's belly and began exclaiming over that much to Ichita's discomfort.
Mei-chan, a budding fashion designer complimented them on their clothes before she and Atsuya began a long discussion on their favorite shops in the area as well as art. While Atsuya drew buildings, Mei-chan drew people and clothes. While they talk and got settled in their seats inside the over the top stadium, an announcer introduced the games. When the announcer stated that the first event would be a bread-guessing contest, their group stopped talking amongst themselves and gaped down at the field in disbelief before collapsing in hysterics at what rich teenagers considered a sports related activity.
"It's a tea party on the field," Mei-chan leaned against Atsuya. Tears of mirth rolled down both their faces.
From then on they couldn't stop giggling and commenting on the ridiculous of the entire festival. Ranka amused them by making snarky comments about the announcer's use of the term 'commoner' when describing the ball-throwing contest. To compensate for having to lower themselves by playing such a commoner game, they used luxury handwoven baskets and the beanbags woven with expensive fabrics. Mei-chan had a fit when she saw Haruhi throwing 'bean bags' made of material worth several thousand pounds. He, Ichita, and Atsuya almost pissed themselves they were laughing so hard at Mei-chan shouting down to Haruhi to pick the fabric off the ground. Haruhi, instead of playing the game, scampered about following Mei-chan's orders. Of course, her team lost.
Harry stopped laughing though when Umehito freaked out once forced under spotlights and began to look at the events with a more critical eye. Tamaki's 'cheerleading' speech was powerful. He would make a rousing stage actor. Harry perked up when it was time for Takashi and Mitsukuni to compete against each other in the obstacle course. It was the most athletic event during 'Sports Day' and Harry wasn't surprised when Takashi grabbed Mitsukuni when he stumbled, yet Takashi still won. Harry was on his feet cheering his mate when he saw Nekozawa wearing his wig and robe out of the corner of his eye. He nudged Atsuya and pointed him out.
"The boy that freaked out under the lights," Atsuya said surprised. "That's Honey-senpai's mate?"
"It's hard to tell with the wig and robe, but he's a blue-eyed blond. Handsome. He looks like a softer, Omega version of Tamaki with longer hair. He suffers from photophobia."
Atsuya's eyes widened. "Oh. Is there anything you guys can do to help?"
"Sure. His physical symptoms and I'm sure he probably takes something to calm his anxiety, but like with any medicine too much can be addicting and doesn't take into account why he has the problem at all nor the emotional toll it takes on someone."
"Good point," Atsuya voice was filled with sympathy. He stared at Mitsukuni and Nekozawa on the field speaking together for a few seconds then chuckled. "So is he addicted to that puppet he's holding as much as Hunny is to Usa-chan?"
Harry's gaze traveled to the pair. While Mitsukuni and Umehito chatted, Umehito waved his hand puppet around while Mitsukuni nodded to whatever he'd saying his stuffed bunny clutched to his chest. Harry recalled the stories Takashi told him about the blond Omega and his cat puppet and nodded.
"Yes."
"Well then we never would've made it," Atsuya said wistfully.
Harry laid his head on his friend's shoulder and wrapped his arm around Atsuya's waist.
"I'm sorry." The words seemed so inadequate.
"No. I needed to see this," Atsuya said quietly. "He wasn't the one, but I had hoped he would be. It's hard to find a truly nice Alpha."
Harry snorted. "Umm, you did realize Mitsukuni's child act was complete bullocks, right?"
"The innocence yes, but not the kindness," Atsuya replied wistfully.
"So that is the heir," Ichita said curiously looking down at Mitsukuni.
"Yes," Harry told Ichita.
"And you two dated," he asked Atsuya.
Atsuya flushed. "Not really."
Ichita looked between Mitsukuni and Atsuya curiously and shook his head. "Not a good match. He's too domineering, and you're not a sub."
Harry gaped. "You can tell? Really? How can you tell that by just looking!"
"Obvious," Atsuya snorted. "It bleeds from his very being despite him trying to mask it."
"Tell what," Atsuya said at the same time.
Both Harry and Ichita flushed.
"Things not appropriate for an unmated Omega to know about," Ichita said delicately.
"Ho, talking about Hunny's clubs are you?" Ranka said with a high-pitched giggle. "Not my scene but I have friends who work there. They make good money and Hunny's known for his interesting tastes, so there's never a dull moment. I'm told he's very good at what he does and has submissives begging for more."
Harry felt like banging the drag queen's head in especially when Atsuya's mouth dropped open as Ranka's meaning sank in.
Atsuya seemed to finally recover. He took a deep breath and straightened his shoulders. "Education first. I decided to follow Anika (older brother) to America and go to University there. They have better schools that focus on architecture. I am stronger than this."
Harry's respect for his friend quadrupled.
After the tournament, where a demonic Kyoya trounced Tamaki in the relay race the Hosts decided to meet up at a restaurant that specialized in nabe, though Ichita left them to go back home and rest. Kyoya booked a private room for everyone and Tamaki bullied the staff into pulling out kotatsu tables for their group. While they waited for the staff to set up the tables, he met Takashi's gaze from across the room and jerked his head slightly in Atsuya's direction letting him know he didn't want to leave his friend's side. Takashi nodded before going back to his conversation with Mitsukuni.
Since Mitsukuni had won the bet on whose team won the competition, the grinning Alpha handed Takashi a list on what cakes he wanted baked and delivered to him over the next three months. Since it was Harry who would ultimately be fulfilling the terms of the bet (and if Takashi thought he was going to get out doing some major baking, he had another thing coming), Harry thought Mitsukuni gave his list to the wrong person. Takashi must have caught the expression on Harry's face because he caught Harry's eye and smiled sheepishly. Harry only rolled his eyes in answer and relaxed with his friend.
What Harry hadn't counted on where the fan girls. Several of the Host's Club patrons paid for the privilege of dining with the Hosts. When they discovered he was Takashi's mate, they pounced with a fervor that made his previous dealings with fan girls seem like a walk in the park. When he tried to back away saying he was having a hard time understanding them (while he could understand a good deal of spoken Japanese, he was complete bullocks deciphering the squeals of six girls speaking over each other while speaking a mile a minute), they immediately squealed 'moe' before switching gears and speaking fluent English.
Stupid, posh boarding schools who taught their students a second language from birth, Harry thought in annoyance. By the time Harry detangled himself from their grasp, Nekozawa had Atsuya cornered. The blond was out his cloak and wig but had the hood to his Ouran track suit over his head. Harry rushed over to the pair.
". . . my cowardice in not informing Mitsukuni of our contract has hurt not only you but Mitsukuni as well. Mitsukuni was justifiably annoyed with how I handled the situation."
"An apology is not needed. We are just friends," Atsuya looked as if he'd rather be having a root canal.
"Nevertheless . . ."
"Jeez, those fan girls are relentless." Harry bounced up to them and stood next to Atsuya. "I don't know how the hosts handle it, I couldn't last five minutes. Hey, Umehito-san, good to see you, how's Kirimi?"
Nekozawa bowed. "Happy to have met the great Harry Potter-san. She wants to see you again to wheedle more sweets from you."
"Send her over tomorrow. You could probably do with a break. I'll have her help me bake. I usually do all my baking on Sundays."
Nekozawa's eyes widened and his face morphed into one of surprised delight. "I see that in this case the rumors are true. You are amazingly kind and forgiving, Potter-san."
Mitsukuni appeared, drawled Nekozawa in conversation while pulling him away from them.
"Thanks," Atsuya breathed.
They looked to see Mitsukuni apparently scolding Nekozawa. Nekozawa had his head bent and nodded in agreement, to whatever the shorter Alpha said to him.
"It appears I am missing something important again," a voice chimed from their side.
Both he and Atsuya jumped and Harry glared at Kyoya.
"What are you a ninja?" Harry groused.
Kyoya smirked.
"Harry." He turned to Atsuya and kissed his hand. "Atsuya-kun, a pleasure as always."
Harry rolled his eyes at the host. "Congratulation on your win. It's nice to see genuine passion in your eyes for once."
Kyoya flushed and adjusted his glasses. "Well it appears Tamaki can be somewhat manipulative." They looked up at a loud noise from the waiters entering the room and setting up the kotatsus, donabe pots, and portable stoves. "It appears we will be sitting down to eat soon. One of these days Tamaki will outgrow his commoner fetish and I will be able to treat you to a meal at a more appropriate restaurant."
"I don't think anything could beat the restaurant Harry took me to the other night," Atsuya smiled in remembrance. "It was amazing."
"You think." A glint appeared behind Kyoya's eyes as he zeroed in on Atsuya. "It appears that I will have to broaden your horizons."
"I doubt anywhere you can take me can top the dining experience Harry and I had."
Kyoya smirked as his gaze scooped Atsuya from head to toe.
"I will be at your place of residence next Saturday night at 6:30. Be prepared."
"For?"
"If I win, I will demand payment."
"What?"
"Your first kiss."
Harry could literally see the flames erupting between the two.
Atsuya flushed. "And if I win you will have to spend the day following me."
Kyoya smirked and his eyes dropped to Atsuya's arse clad in skinny jeans. "Not a problem. The terms have been set."
Kyoya strolled away with such a demonic grin on his face that everyone shrieked and jumped out his path.
"School first," Harry mocked.
"Shut it."
After dropping Atsuya off, Harry turned in the car to give his Alpha a searing kiss.
"My brave victorious warrior."
Takashi snorted and pulled Harry against his body trailing his fingers up and down Harry's sides.
"He okay?"
"Kyoya sniffed out their was something going on and pounced. They have a date next Saturday."
Takashi frowned. "Should I step in?"
"I like you in one piece. The sexual tension between them was off the charts. Mitsukuni?"
"Adjusting, getting to know Umehito."
"No tact."
"Ah. His confronting you two was his way of trying to make friends."
Harry sighed. "I invited Kirimi over tomorrow, they can come over too, and I'll get to know him better."
"Not tomorrow, we have plans. I told Mitsukuni we'll reschedule for next weekend."
Harry backed away and scowled at his mate.
"What plans?"
Takashi flushed. "Surprise."
Harry moved from Takashi's lap and looked out the car window.
"This isn't the way home."
"Ah."
"So you aren't going to tell me anything," Harry asked his arms crossed over his chest as he glared at his mate, trying to disguise how excited he was becoming.
"Iie," Takashi answered with a smirk, no doubt feeling his excitement through their bond.
"Can I seduce the surprise from you?"
Takashi chuckled.
"Meanie," Harry pouted, before he dragged his mind back to dinner straightening when he remembered what he had wanted to ask Takashi. "By the way, what's up with Haruhi? I tried to talk to her, but she spaced out."
Takashi chuckled; his amusement reached his eyes, which glowed. "She's beginning to realize Tamaki doesn't annoy her as much as she thought."
"Oh . . . that's not funny though . . .. Is it really impossible for an Alpha and Beta to be together?"
Takashi flushed. "Sexually, it's not ideal. A Beta's opening is three to four inches on average; an Omega's is eight to nine. Of course, they expand and you can try products that stretch you but most Betas after a while just walk away. Then there's the hormones." Takashi shook his head. "It's not worth the drama. It's instinctual for an Alpha and Omega to search out a compatible partner. The beginning and the end forming a complete circle, to go against nature . . . it's a difficult life. Your wolf is never satisfied and will make its discomfort known. Mitsukuni knew an Omega married to a Beta. Her heats weren't satisfying; a Beta doesn't have the pheromones to keep things going. They tire too easily. Despite their love for each other, they couldn't maintain a physical relationship. The problems in the bedroom spread to other areas in their lives. They divorced and she's bonded to an Alpha now and is much happier."
Harry sighed. "Haruhi doesn't go into heat; it could be possible they can be together."
"Ah," though Takashi looked skeptical.
"Poor Haruhi," Harry said thinking over the situation.
"Ah. Luckily she's nearly as dense as Tamaki and doesn't realize she's in love."
"Well love does tend to rob one of all reason and common sense."
Takashi's head jerked up until their eyes met. Harry found his skin pinking and noticed Takashi's had done the same.
"Ah."
AUTHORS NOTES:
Hi, I'm back sort of. I apologize, but things have been hectic. In the last couple months I've . . .
Went back to work part time
Part time at work became full time
Got really sick
Had surgery
Got sick again
And that's not talking about the personal crap.
While I still have good days and bad days with my health issues, I have been thinking of writing again and thought I'd get this chapter out to get a feel of writing again. I apologize if it's crap.
While I don't have as much time as I did now that I'm working full-time, I'm thinking that things are evening out to where I can get back to writing this and A Chance At Happiness again.
Thank you for all your support and please know that while I haven't been responding, I have been lurking around and still appreciate every review, every favorite, follow, and kudos!
I appreciate you!
