Hey everyone! Glad you guys decided to pop back in for this next chapter! And guess what...? I DIDN'T PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER THIS TIME WHILE WRITING IT! :D Yay for me!

Sorry about the shortie filler last week... I couldn't think of anything to put in between Chapter 27 and this one. Well, now that I can finally move on to my major sub-plots, the chapters won't be as choppy or short!

Anyway, if you guys are totally loving this fic, please recommend it to your friends, especially friends that are total Kyoya lovers! I know that there few in that pool, but that's fine!

HEADS UP: This chapter was pretty lengthy at first, so I had to split it into two parts.

Hope you guys enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I don't own Ouran High School Host Club, or anything related to that. If I did, everything would be completely random.

Claimer: I own K.C. and all my other OC's! (who can be found on my DeviantART profile)


~ Chapter 29 ~

Surprises around the Corner

Part 1

*Bleeeeeep* ... *Bleeeeeeep* ... *Bleeeeeeep*

Groaning, I buried my head under my pillow, trying to block out the all too familiar alarm with its constant, irritating beeping. From under the pillow, I could still hear the ongoing noise just slightly muffled. It was like it was mocking me, saying "Get out of bed, you lazy bum, and turn me off!" I growled as I tightly shut my eyes, desperately wanting to fall back into the arms of peaceful sleep. Of course, my alarm clock wasn't going to give up without a fight.

I was tempted to jerk it out of its outlet and hurl it against the wall, and I could visualize scraps and wires splashed out upon the floor. That would shut it up for good. Well, after what occurred two weeks ago, where I forgot that it was the weekend and ended up frantically running around my apartment to get ready, I couldn't decide what was worse, getting out of bed to get ready, or arrive at school late. I pondered for a moment, trying my hardest to block out the irritating beeping from beyond the cushion wall as I pondered.

Eventually, I slipped my head out and reached my hand over, groping around for the switch. The constant buzzing continued to ring throughout the room, and I was contemplating on the idea of hurling the clock against the wall. After a few more moments of the constant buzzing, my fingers finally rested on the switch, and I flipped the alarm off. At least, I thought I did, but I actually ended up flipping the switch that turned on the radio. Growling, I sat up and flipped on my lamplight so that I could see what I was doing.

After switching the radio off as well as the alarm, silence filled the room. I sighed with relief as I set the clock back down on my nightstand. As much as I wanted to fall back asleep, I had a paranoid feeling that a poltergeist would flip the switch back on; or I had accidentally pressed the snooze button, and the device would turn back on in a few short minutes. Either way, I couldn't be late for class, or else I'd end up frantic and run into walls again.

Without hesitation, I tossed the covers off my body and stood on the floor. As soon as my feet came into contact with the icy, wooden flooring, I quickly retreated back to the warmth of the covers. Once again, I forgot to slip on a pair of socks before I climbed into bed last night. It wasn't that I was too lazy and didn't feel like doing it. I was just ready for the term to be over with. More importantly, I couldn't wait to pay off my debt. I wonder how much more I had to pay off before I was finished...

Sitting up once again, I carefully placed my feet on the floor, and then I quickly threw off the blanket and raced over to the bureau and pulled out a pair of socks. I frantically slipped the cotton over each foot one at a time, and goose-bumps began to crawl up my skin as I fished around through my closet for my robe. I sighed as I tied the fuzzy strap around my waist, and then I staggered wearily down the hall.

I had stayed up a little over curfew last night because I arrived at the apartment late. I was pretty sure that I made, at least, six or so round trips from the clubroom to the storeroom packing the props and costumes in their appropriate box and stashing them on their appropriate shelf. Because I arrived around 7:30pm, I fixed myself a light supper so that I could quickly start on my homework, which took a good four hours or so. If I didn't receive my regular eight-hour sleep, I would nod off every once in a while during the day.

As soon as I entered the kitchen, I pulled out the rice to heat it up. Something warm ought to wake me from my drowsiness. Once my breakfast was ready, I sat on my knees at the table and stared down at the food in front of me. All that puffy white rice, reminded me of my cushy pillow on my bed, and I could visualize myself catching a few more winks before silently entering dreamland. Suddenly my eyes snapped open and I jerked my head up, realizing that I was about to doze of and land face-first in my breakfast. I released a sigh, and then I picked up my chopsticks and popped a few scoops of rice in my mouth.

Once breakfast was finished, I rinsed my bowl in the sink, and then I traveled down the hall to my room. Making my way over to the window, I drew the curtains aside to allow the sun to cast its faint morning rays into the room, as well as glisten upon the solid white ground. Wait, back up the truck a bit... White ground? I had to do a double-take to make sure my mind wasn't playing tricks on me. Sure enough, the entire ground, as well as the roofs of houses and other apartment complexes down the street, had been painted a solid white. The clouds looming overhead were an ash-gray color, with streaks of faint sunlight gleaming through it.

My face brightened as my mouth opened in a smile. A white ground and slick roads could only mean one thing... Whirling around on my heel, I raced out of the room and down the hall. Japan has snow days, right? I pondered to myself, sliding as I rounded the corner in the kitchen. Please, oh please, let me have a day off today! Even though it was only Thursday, I just wanted to have a day to myself, a day to relax an unwind from the stress of the Host Club.

Plopping down on the couch, I quickly grabbed the TV remote and pressed a button. I honestly hadn't used the television here much, so it was difficult to figure out what was on what channel. As soon as I flipped to the news, I set the remote down by my side and watched with eagerness. Of course the weatherman on screen spoke in Japanese, but it was easy to identify what he was saying:

"...This is one of the most moderate snowfalls Tokyo has seen in years." he said as he stood in front of an animated map of the Tokyo region. "Many schools are closing for today because of the weather..."

My grin grew wider as I kept my eyes glued on the screen. So, Japan did have snow-days... BONUS! But, did this mean that Ouran Academy would be one of the many schools that wouldn't be open today?

"...These school's include: Tokyo High, Azabu High, KAIS International, Musashi Junior and Senior High School, Musashino Joshi Gakuin, Kaisei Academy..."

I tightly shut my eyelids together and crossed my fingers. "Ouran Academy... Ouran Academy... Please say Ouran Academy!"

"...Hibiya High, and Ouran Academy."

"YES!" I cheered, jumping to my feet and pumping my arms in the air. Then I began spinning around the room and making up dance moves. "No school toda-ay. Gonna parta-ay. No school toda-ay."

"...There is a prediction for more snow to fall overnight," the meteorologist continued. I stopped dancing and turned my attention to the television. "The schools are left to decide whether or not to close their doors for the weekend."

"DOUBLE BONUS!" I cheered, jabbing a fist in the air.

I continued my dancing routine as I clicked off the television and step-slid through the living room and kitchen, twirling around every once in a while. Finally I would have a break from not only school, but the Host Club as well! And this time, I wouldn't have to worry about Kyoya raising my debt. Everyone would be free from the tedious homework piled on them every day, and they would be able to relax and enjoy themselves. Of course, I'm sure some of the girls may be upset because they wouldn't be able to visit their beloved host. Well, on Monday, things would return to normal.

As soon as I slid to a stop at the end of the hallway, I entered my room. Walking over to my window, I gazed out at the white-blanketed buildings, trees, and cars. It was amazing how such a chilling, leaf-stripping season could be so... beautiful. The sunlight peeked through the gray clouds that hovered over the cold land, and the rays cast down on the snow, making each individual flake twinkle.

I sighed dreamily, and then I turned away from the window and walked over to my dresser. After grabbing the clothes I would wear for the day, I made my way into the bathroom. For once, I was relieved that I would be wearing something normal and comfy than that puffy, itchy, canary-yellow dress. Okay, so maybe it wasn't all that hideous, but I preferred to wear something that was comfy around my legs. Since jeans weren't "all the rage" in Japan, I slipped on a pair of navy-blue slacks and a long-sleeved black shirt. After hanging my robe on the hook by the door, I brushed my teeth and touched up my hair (of course, pulling it back into a scrungie).

Once I was finished, I walked out of the bathroom and pulled out my burgundy, fleece jacket from the closet. After slipping that on, as well as my burgundy, knitted hat, I grabbed my navy handbag and packed my sketchbook and camera inside. Might as well add some stuff to the scrapbook.

Afterwards, I walked out the room, and finally out of my apartment, locking it behind me. I shivered and rubbed my gloved hands together to warm myself up, and then I strode down the walkway and then descended down the staircase. My black, rubber boots crunched the powdery flakes together as I walked through the snow and through the parking lot. As I ventured down the sidewalk, I would snap a few photos, and also try to find the perfect spot with enough scenery to sketch.

~ . . * . . ~

"Just a few more details here..." I mused as I scratched a couple of lines on the paper.

I would look up every once in a while from my sketch pad to the white-blanketed scenery before me. There was a deserted area in a park with the perfect angle of the lake in front, along with a couple of trees, and the gray silhouette of the city of Tokyo stood off in the distance. The sunlight danced on the thin ice of the lake, and the snow rested all over the ground, as well as in the boughs of the trees and branches. Once I was finished, I held up my work to examine it, and then smiled. Then, I rested my book back on my lap and etched the date in the bottom corner.

"Katherine?" a voice asked from behind me.

Startled, I jerked my head around to find a girl around my age wearing burgundy slacks, with a matching scarf and earmuffs, and a golden fleece jacket. She had fair skin, short, brunette hair, and large brown eyes. Once I took a good look at her face again, I smiled.

"Hey, Haruhi," I spoke. "What's up?"

"Nothing much," she answered. "I was just on my way back home from a walk."

"I see," I answered. There was a slight pause as I gazed out at the scenery. "It's great to have a break from school."

"I know what you mean," Haruhi added, leaning against the back of the park bench. "It's a relief to wake up and realize that I don't have to host anyone today."

"Or tomorrow," I added, glancing back over at her. "They said there's more snow on the way."

Haruhi nodded. "I bet you're glad that you don't have to bake anything."

I laughed. "Yeah, I've got today, and the rest of the weekend, all to myself."

Then, I thought over the fact that I wouldn't be able to see anyone until Monday. It sure would be lonely sitting around the apartment with nothing to do but study, or whatever else I could think of to relieve my boredom. Even though the only sane people in the entire Host Club were Haruhi, Kyoya, and Mori, they were all the entertainment I needed for the afternoon. And even though I didn't request any of them, they were there to relieve me of my stress and be there for me when I wasn't feeling like myself. I sure was going to miss a lot once I was gone for good.

"I would get a little bored though," I spoke. Then, I turned to Haruhi, "I mean, as crazy as the club is, there's always a surprise when I walk into the Music Room. You never know what to expect, but you still have some fun with it."

"I know what you mean," Haruhi spoke with a laugh.

"I'm guessing you had some crazy times last year with the club."

"'Crazy' is an understatement."

"I'm assuming that Tamaki had crazy ideas planned for the club?"

"Yeah, especially last year when the twins kidnapped me after school and dragged me to the Ootori Company's 'Tropical Aqua Garden'."

"Huh?"

"It's a theme/water-park Kyoya-senpai's family runs."

I raised an eyebrow in confusion as I stared at Haruhi. Ootori Medical, one of the most well-known medical facilities across Tokyo and possibly other areas over Japan, owned a water park?

"I thought Ootori Medical only focused on... hospitals and stuff like that," I spoke.

Haruhi shrugged. "Kyoya-senpai says that it's classified as a 'healing facility'."

I only continued to stare at her perplexed. How could a theme park like that be relaxing? I mean, running around to everything and growing excited as you wait in line pumps up the adrenalin in your body. I just didn't get it.

The female host only gave that sweet smile. "If you see it sometime, you'll understand."

I smiled back, and then I closed my notebook and packed it away in my bag. "Well, it was great to chat with you again Haruhi, and hopefully we can hang out together this weekend."

"I'll look into my schedule and see if it's okay with my dad," she answered standing up straight.

Shouldering my bag, I stood up as well. "Hey, you wouldn't mind if I walked back with you to the apartments. It's just that we never really get to chat much anymore."

She smiled again. "I don't mind one bit."

With that, Haruhi turned and walked from the bench while I followed her. As soon as we exited the park, we turned and traveled down the sidewalk. During out stroll, Haruhi would explain some of the "surprises" the Host Club had in store for her when she first joined; and when one of us made a humorous remark about something, we would just laugh together. It was nice to be able to chat with Haruhi since we never had the chance during club hours because one, I had to prepare everything for the club, and two, when hosting hours were through, Haruhi was either busy studying or already left ofr home. Now that we had two days off of school, plus the weekend, we could hang out all we wanted. This weekend was going to be perfect.

~ . . * . . ~

"...So Tamaki-senpai had to ban sweets from the club for three whole days," Haruhi ended, as we both rounded the corner.

"Aww, poor, Hunny..." I remarked. "He must've been so miserable."

Haruhi nodded. "He finally snapped on the last day, and hurled Mori-senpai over he shoulder."

A mental image of the short, eighteen-year-old, college student formed in my mind as he stood next to Mori, who was twice his size. Then, I pictured Hunny grabbing his cousin and flipping the tall, dark college student over his shoulder, and onto the ground. It was difficult for me to believe for a minute or so, especially with the size difference between those two; but because Hunny was a master at martial arts, it made perfec sense how he could lift things heavier than him like Superman.

"Whoa..." I commented. "I guess looks are deceiving."

Haruhi chuckled. "Yeah, It was hard for me to believe at first when I saw him take down Kyoya's-senpai's police force at the Water Park."

"Now that is surprising." We both laughed together, and then I continued, "Speaking of which, what made you want to go to the theme park? I mean, to me, you're more of the study 24/7 type."

"Well, you see..." Haruhi trailed off.

She stayed silent for a while as I walked ahead, mainly because we were nearing my apartment. After a few moments of silence, I slowed down my pace. Did I get too far ahead of her while she was answering? I could still hear her boots crunching the snow; but suddenly, there was a blast of could air from beside me, and I stopped in place.

"Target..."

"...Captured!"

Immediately after that, I heard Haruhi yelp and the sound of crunching snow ceased.

I whirled around to face her. "Haru– Whoa!"

At that moment, I was grabbed around the waist and picked up off the ground. I held onto my hat to keep it from sliding off my head, while I stared at the concrete below me. Okay, what the heck was going on? If some guys wanted to "have some fun" with a girl or two, then they've come across the wrong girl. Rocking my body back and forth, I wriggled my body as much as I could to free myself.

"What do you dirt bags think you're doing?" I yelled. "Let me go now or else I'll-"

"Hey, K.C.-chan!" a young voice squealed from above me.

I stopped squirming and raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Wha–?"

Twisting my body to glance up, I found the Lolita boy smiling down at me while he was perched on top of his older cousin's shoulders. Little Hunny was dressed in green slacks, with a matching hat, scarf, and gloves, and he also a bright red fleece jacket. Apparently, Mori was the one who grabbed me, considering the fact that his arm trailed to around my back. The tall, stoic host wore a dark blue puffer jacket, with matching earmuffs, and black slacks that matched his gaiter.

I blinked in confusion as i stared up at the two. "Hunny-senpai? Mori-senpai?"

"What's up, K.C.?" a pair of voices spoke simultaneously.

Twisting my body again, I glanced over to where Haruhi was originally. The twins stood on either side of the female host with their arms locked in hers. Both Hikaru and Kaoru had similar winter outfits. Kaoru's puffer jacket was a dark yellow with a red rim around the hood, and he wore red slacks; while Hikaru's attire was a reverse color. The older twin wore red earmuffs and a yellow gaiter, while Kaoru wore a yellow hat and red scarf. As my eyes trailed down to Haruhi, I noticed that she wore an exasperated countenance as she glanced from one brother to the other.

"Wha-? What's going on, you guys?" I inquired.

Before anyone could answer, a black limousine pulled up beside the curb. The seven of us stared as the back window rolled down revealing the Host Club president with a smirk on his face. I swallowed hard as I stared at him. This isn't going to be good...

"Great work, men," the president spoke slyly. "Now take them with you."

"Roger," the twins and Hunny chorused together.

As soon as they ended, Tamaki smiled, and then pressed a button on the door of the limo. The dark, tinted glass window slowly rolled up concealing his face from view. I stared at my horrified reflection in the glass as a million thoughts raced through my mind. Just when I thought I would have a couple of days off all to myself...

"Wait! Senpai!" I called out after him, as the limo drove down the road and disappeared out of sight.

Then, I felt Mori adjust his grip on me as he began to walk down the sidewalk. Glancing up, I found that we were following the twins, who carried Haruhi along with them. I felt an uneasy sensation churn in the pit of my stomach as I worried about what the Host Club 'King' had in store for Haruhi and me. Well, when it came to the Host Club, it could be anything at all. Hey, it was possible that we were taking a trip to the moon.

"Haruhi?" I spoke worriedly. "What's going to happen to us?"

"Who knows?" she answered flatly, glancing over her shoulder. "You'll get used to it though."

I continued to stare at her perplexed, and then I glanced up at the other hosts for answers.

"Don't worry, K.C.-chan," Hunny spoke cheerfully. "We're going to have lots of fun!"

"Lots of fun where, exactly?" I inquired.

The Lolita host plastered on a wide grin. "It's a secret!"

I sighed as I let my head sag so that I was facing the concrete sidewalk. Silence filled the group as the male hosts continued down the walkway. It felt like hours passed as I watched the thin cracks below me travel down to my feet. I sighed out of boredom, and then my head began to throb as I held it in my hand.

"Hey, Mori-senpai?" I asked, glancing up at him. "Could you carry me some other way? I think the blood is starting to rush into my head."

The stoic host stopped instantly after my request, and then I felt him swing my body around his. I gave a yelp as I felt his arm release me for a moment, thinking that he was going to drop me; but then, I felt his strong arm wrap around my lower back and his forearm rested behind my knees. With my head resting against his shoulder, I held my breath realizing how close we were.

"How's that?" he inquired.

My cheeks flushed a deeper red than they were when they were nipped with frost, and I glanced up at him. My voice was caught in my in my throat that it was hard to answer him. Mori rarely spoke; but when he did, that deep, manly voice of his sent goose-bumps crawling over my skin.

Swallowing my nerves, I managed a small smile. "Yes. Arigatou, senpai."

"Hey, Haruhi, want me to carry you?" I heard Hikaru ask.

I turned my attention to the three hosts in front of me as they continued to walk down the sidewalk.

"How about we both carry you?" Kaoru added with a sly smile.

"How about neither of you carry me," Haruhi answered dryly.

"Aww... You're no fun!" the twins chorused.

I giggled at the show in front of me, and then silence filled the air. As irritated as I was with the four hosts for practically kidnapping Haruhi and me and then dragging us off to who-knows-where, it was great that I wouldn't be spending the weekend alone. Not only would I get to hang out with Haruhi, but the other hosts as well... wherever we were going. They six hosts may be the strangest group of boys I've ever met, but they made everyday an adventure.

~ . . * . . ~

After a few minutes or so, Hikaru and Kaoru rounded a corner while Mori followed. The twins soon stopped as we neared a parked, black limousine with a chauffeur waiting by the back of the black car. Mori set me down on my feet while Hunny climbed down as well, and the chauffeur opened the door for all of us. One by one, we all slid inside and across the seats. The twins and Haruhi sat on one row, while Mori, Hunny, and I sat across from them. As soon as we were all settled in, the twins gave their driver a nod, who then closed the door.

I sighed, glad that I was surrounded by the warmth emanating from the vents in the car, and then I smiled as I slouched back. The limo soon jerked as the engine started up, and the vehicle traveled down the road. Gazing out the window, I stared at the snow-covered trees and building we passed by, wishing that I could just stop and relax in the beauty of it. But, apparently, Tamaki wanted us all to be together at a certain place at a certain time, so we couldn't keep him waiting.

"So, where are we off to, you guys?" I inquired.

"Koriyama," the twins answered.

I raised an eyebrow. "Koriyama? What for?"

"Since it's a snow day and none of us will be together at school, Tama-chan wants us all to spend the day together," Hunny answered.

"But don't we all spend the day together at the Host Club," Haruhi questioned.

"Yeah," the twins answered together.

"But, we only get to spend a little bit of time before and after hosting hours," Hikaru continued.

"So this time, the boss wants us all to spend the afternoon and evening together," Kaoru added.

Then, a pair of smirks played on the brothers' lips as they stretched their arms across the seat behind Haruhi's head; and then, they leaned closed beside her face. "Besides, we like to spend time with our little toy."

"How many time to I have to tell you guy?" Haruhi asked flatly. "I'm not you're 'toy'."

"Yes you are!" the brothers proclaimed, pressing their bodies against her sides.

An exasperated sigh escaped the female host's throat as the twins continued to grin devilishly down at her. I ignored most of their back-and-forth comments and gazed out the window at the quickly passing scenery. Everything was covered in a white blanket of snow, topping the trees, roofs of buildings, as well as cars. Of course, I didn't want to fall asleep right there and waste the entire trip to Koriyama. Not like last time with Haruhi and Tamaki on our way to Okinawa.

I only had four months left of the school year here in Japan; and as I looked back on everything that occurred, it was difficult for me to believe that my time here was nearly through. There were the good times that I would cherish forever and look back on every now and then, and then there were others that I wished to forget. As dismayed as I was that I would be embarking for home for the holidays, and eventually for the end of the school year, I wanted to spend as much time as I could with the friends I've made at Ouran.

~ . . * . . ~

It felt like only minutes had passed as the six of us chatted on and on through the entire car ride. Mori made a few slight comments, mainly affirming grunts or a "Yeah" here and there. We conversed about what we would be doing and where we would be going for the holidays. Most of the hosts would be leaving for trips with their parents to some other country on part of the world, while other's would be spending time in their vacation home's close by or a couple of hours away.

As soon as the limo slowly pull into what seemed like a driveway, followed by the crunching of gravel underneath the tires, the hosts ceased their chatting and gazed out the windows at the passing white scene.

"Looks like we're here," the twins chorused together.

"Yay!" Hunny cheered.

Once the limo came to a halt, we waited for the Hitachiins' driver to open the door, and then we stepped out of the vehicle. As soon as I stood up and took a few steps forward, I shivered as I hugged myself tightly, wishing that I was back in the comfy leather seats of the limo and surrounded by warmth. It felt like it was at least ten degrees or so colder out here than back in Tokyo!

While the remaining hosts climbed out of the limo, I glanced around at the area. I was standing on a gravel pathway that led up to a grand, wooden, two-storied lodge, where I assumed we would all be staying for the afternoon. Surrounding the lodge was a wide field that was covered in a white blanket of snow, and a forest rested down from the field. Large mountains were planted in the background with a few towns at the bottom. Apparently, this lodge was also at the top of a mountain.

The six of us turned as the Hitachiin brothers instructed their driver to pick them up that evening and that they would call him in case anything happened. Afterwards the chauffeur climbed back into the front seat and started up the limo. We all watched as the vehicle made a U-turn and slowly descended down the gravel pathway down the mountain. Once it disappeared, I sighed, still wishing that I was back in the limo surrounded by the heat.

"Hey, everyone!" a familiar voice called out.

We turned to find the blonde host waving to us as he and Kyoya walked down the pathway towards us. Well, Kyoya was walking; Tamaki was kind of running with a cheerful smile spread across his face. The host club president wore a blue, puffer jacket with white around the rim of the hood, which matched his earmuffs. The club president's navy gloves matched his slacks, and his black, rubber boots crunched the snow as he hurried over to us. Kyoya, on the other hand, was wearing a black fleece jacket, earmuffs, and boots, while his gloves and slacks were both a dark gray.

As Tamaki continued to race down the hill towards us, he stretched his arms out, presumably to start a group hug. Well, that was short lived. As soon as the club president was a meter or so away from us, he tripped on his foot and collapsed face-first in a snow bank. The twins pursed their lips together to contain their laughter, but they failed and began howling with laughter.

"Wipe out!" they exclaimed as Tamaki pushed his body up with his hands.

Ignoring the twins, the club president stood on his feet and joined Kyoya and us. "It's good to see that you all could make it."

"Thanks for... 'inviting us', senpai," I answered.

"My pleasure," he spoke. "Since it is a snow day, Ouran Academy has been closed, both today and tomorrow. So, to relieve ourselves of the tedious schoolwork we may have to endure if not for the weather, we will relax and enjoy each other's company, and-"

SPLAT!

At that moment, a wad of snow was hurled at the speed of a pitcher's fastball, smashing into a pieces once it collided with Tamaki's back. The club president ceased his babbling and whirled around, scanning each of us.

"Who threw that?" he exclaimed.

SPLAT!

Another one was hurled at his shoulder followed by cackling laughter. Tamaki scowled and turned around to face the masters of mischief. "YOU DEVIL TWINS! I DEMAND YOU TWO TO-"

SPLAT!

Headshot. Right in the face. I placed my hand over my mouth as I stifled a laugh, and when I glanced over at Haruhi, I found that she was struck with a snowball was well, followed by Hunny and Mori.

"Snowball Fight!" the twins announced as they packed some snow in their hands.

Tamaki growled and then molded a lump of snow in his hand. Reeling his hand back, he locked onto his target and then tossed his hand forward. Of course, the lump of snow only made a journey of a couple of feet before planting in the ground. I held back the urge to burst out laughing since it would be rather mean. I observed the scene as Mori helped Hunny pack snow together while Tamaki made pyramid after pyramid of snowballs at light speed.

"We haven't even been here for five minutes and the fun has already begun," I commented.

"Indeed," Kyoya commented as he strode up beside me. "Ever since Tamaki heard that school would be closed for two days because of the weather, he's been babbling on and on about gathering everyone together."

I smirked. "I assume that means that he woke you up this morning and annoyed the heck out of you."

The Shadow King only growled under his breath, but I smiled. It was strange since Tamaki was the one who experienced Kyoya's "dark side" first-hand, yet he was the one who went back to pester him in the morning. He knew the consequences right? Or, maybe the club president was just over excited and was oblivious to the fact that Kyoya had the power to kill him on the spot.

"Duck," the Shadow King spoke calmly, interjecting my thoughts.

I glanced up at him confused. Kyoya only raised his black notebook in front of his face; and in mere seconds afterwards, a lump of snow collided into it. Glancing out at the battle field, I scanned over the area to see who had thrown that. Of course, I only had about two or three seconds to look; because right after that, I was pelted in the face with a snowball. The twins cackling laughter echoed from the field of snow, while I wiped away the slush from my face.

"Hey!" I exclaimed at the twins. All of the hosts stopped in mid-throw and glanced over at me. "Don't you two know that you shouldn't throw snowballs like that?"

Everyone, including the twins, glanced around at each other confused.

I only smirked and grabbed a handful of snow, molding it in my hands. "You should throw them like this!"

With that, I reeled my hand back and hurled it straight towards the twins, and it lump of snow landed square in Hikaru's torso. The two brothers smiled as they bent down on their knees to form some more snow, and then they stood back up and hurled them towards me. I laughed as I ran, dodging any snowball I could, but then I noticed Haruhi, who was walking up to the lodge, from the corner of my eye.

Facing the battle field, I place on hand on top of the other signaling a time-out for me, and then I raced up the hill to the female host. "Hey, Haruhi," I spoke as I caught up with her. "Don't you want to play?"

"I'll pass," she answered dryly.

"Come on," I spoke, bending down and forming some snow in my hand. Then, I stood back up and smirked. "You know you want to pelt Tamaki-senpai with one of these."

I held out my hand with the molded snowball to Haruhi, who only looked from me to the lump of slush in my hand. Obviously, she was contemplating on the idea of hurling a snowball at Tamaki and his reaction when it hits him. After a few moments, I noticed a grin spread across her face as she accepted the snowball.

"Hey, senpai!" she called out racing down the hill.

I watched as she stopped a few meter from Tamaki, who quickly turned around to face her. When he did, Haruhi quickly launched the snowball at him, and the club president reacted by saying something along the lines of "Why did you hit Daddy? Get those devil twins!"

I laughed as I packed some more snow in my hand, and reeled my hand back to toss it down at the club president; however, my gaze trailed down to Kyoya, who was jotting down notes in that little black book of his, most likely calculating the cost of the rent of the lodge for the afternoon or something. Smirking, I turned my aim towards the Shadow King and hurled the lump of slush at him. Upon impact, his notebook was knocked from his hands, and Kyoya quickly gazed up at me.

"Take a break, senpai!" I called down to him. "Spend some time with your friends."

Kyoya only adjusted his and bent down to pick up his notebook. I sighed and shook my head at him. This was his last year here at Ouran, so he should at least make the best of it. Ignoring him, I turned and walked down the hill and into the "battle field". Suddenly, I felt something strike me in the back and it quickly slid off landing on the ground. Whirling around, I searched around to find where it came from. Kyoya stood on top of the hill with that smirk on his face while tossing a lump of snow in the air and catching it. I grinned back at him, and then I grabbed some snow and began building my ammunition for the battle.

~ . . * . . ~

It had been a few hours since our snowball fight ended, and then it turned into a snow-sculpture contest. Most of us decided to just build giant snowmen, or a dome-shaped hut out of snow. After an hour of that, we all decided to head inside the lodge to warm up. Upon entering, we set our boots on the porch and hung out jacket, as well as our gloves, scarves, and hats on the hoots. I glanced over at the grandfather clock set in the lobby which read 3:45pm. If we arrived in Koriyama around eleven in the morning, then we were all outside for nearly four hours. Time sure does fly when you're having fun with friends.

It turned out that the lodge was actually Hunny's vacation home here in Koriyama. Speaking of the Lolita boy, he and his cousin traveled into the kitchen to brew up some hot chocolate while the rest of us seated ourselves at the dining table. Tamaki and the twins chattered on about the snowball fight and argued about who won and who lost. Honestly, if they wanted to start that kind of game, they should've been keeping track of their own scores.

"All right, everyone!" Hunny called out as he and his cousin entered the dining area. "It's time for some hot cocoa!"

While the Lolita host seated himself in an empty chair, Mori set the tray in the middle of the table and began passing out the mugs. Once I received mine, I inhaled the sweet aroma and then sighed dreamily. As I stared down at my reflection in the brown liquid, memories of being back home with Joe began to flood my mind. It was a few years back around December when an ice storm hit our city. THe power was out for a couple of days; nevertheless, my brother was there by my side whether it was brewing up some hot chocolate or snuggling me under the blankets in an attempt to keep warm. I sighed as I thought back on that day. Just three more weeks then I would be back home.

Of course, I didn't want to leave Japan either. After building up relationships with the hosts and spending time with them, whether they were annoying me or kidnapping me on a trip, they were always there by my side whenever I needed them. They were like my family here. While I was in Japan, I would grow homesick when the time drew near to return to America; of course, when the end of the break drew near to where I would be heading back to Japan, I would grow homesick too. No matter which country I was in, I would still miss my family.

"K.C.?" a voice inquired, interjecting my thoughts.

Startled, I jerked my head up and glanced around at the hosts, who only stared at me confused. "Sorry, guys," I spoke. "I was just thinking."

"About what?" Tamaki inquired.

Placing two hands around the mug, I lifted it up to my lips and carefully took a sip. Then, I set the mug back down on the table. "Stuff."

"What kind of 'stuff'?" Hunny questioned, tilting his head to the side.

I sighed as I stared down at the hot chocolate gently sloshing around. "Just some stuff."

"Katherine-hime, you know you can tell us," Tamaki spoke.

I glanced up at him, and then relaxed back in the chair. "I've just been a little homesick, that's all."

"Don't worry, Johnson-san," Kyoya spoke. Then, he took a sip of cocoa from his mug, and then set it back down. "You have three more weeks."

"That's not it, you guys," I spoke. "You see, whenever I'm here, I miss home back in America; however, when I'm back in America, I miss my home here." I sighed and leaned on the table with my arms on top. "It feels like only yesterday when I first slipped into that uniform. And after graduation, I'll be back home in America taking classes online."

"It's all right, K.C.," Haruhi spoke. "We can still trade phone numbers or e-mail. That way we can chat together even when we're miles apart."

I smiled as I glanced up at her. "Yeah, you're right." Then I gazed back down into my mug. "I just want to make the best of this day, you know."

"Well, the day's not over yet," Hikaru spoke.

"We're not even finished with the afternoon," Kaoru added.

Smiling again, I nodded in agreement. Even though time had flown by me today, I still made the best of each small hour spending time with my closest friends. Even though Tamaki sent the twins, Mori, and Hunny to kidnap Haruhi and I and take us on a two-hour trip to Koriyama, it was nice that I could spend the afternoon with everyone and not just Haruhi. The more the merrier.

As I began to take another sip of hot cocoa, I heard the twins ask: "Hey, K.C.?"

"Hmmm?"

"What's your shoe size?"

I raised an eyebrow in confusion, wondering why they would ask such a random question.

Setting my mug down on the table I glanced over at them. "6 1/2," I answered simply. "Why?"

~ . . * . . ~

It had been half an hour since the hosts put on their jackets, scarves, gloves, and then packed a few blankets in a duffle bag, and some drinks in a cooler. We walked about half a mile or so down the mountain until the eight of us stood in front of a large lake with thick ice covering the top. A few naked trees surrounded the lake, while the towns and mountains lay off in the distance. While the hosts set down everything they packed, I gazed out at the lake with a raised eyebrow, completely confused.

"What're we doing here?" I inquired.

"What's it look like?" I heard the twins asked.

I turned around to face the two brothers, who had silly grins plastered on their faces. Both of their hands were behind their backs, obviously concealing something, which only made me more perplexed as to what in the world was going on. The twins glanced over at each other, with those grins still on their faces, and then they brought their hands around to the front, revealing a pair of brown shoes with blades on the bottom.

"Ice skating!" they cheered together.

I only blinked as I stared at the two brothers. We were going ice skating? On a lake? Well, that was how they did it back in the old days. Plus, I could overhear Tamaki saying something about "how the commoners originally preformed figure skating". I sighed at him and shook my head, but suddenly a pair of skates was shoved in my arms. I gazed down at the pair of modified shoes in my arms, and then back up at the brothers.

"6 1/2," Hikaru spoke.

"That's what you said," Kaoru added.

"Something tells me that you guys planned this ahead of time and already knew my shoe size," I remarked flatly.

The twins only smirked, and then they strode over to a picnic table with their own pair of skates and proceeded to slip them on. I, on the other hand, traveled over to another picnic table where Kyoya was sitting, typing away on his laptop. I set the skates down on the table and gazed at him. His eyes were glued to the screen as if he hadn't noticed me sit down across from him.

I grinned as I pushed the lid of his computer, which caused him to cease typing. "I thought I told you to spend some time with your friends."

Kyoya glanced up at me, and then adjusted his glasses with that smirk on his face. "So, we're friends?"

"Well, as far as I know, you and I are still acquaintances," I answered. "But, I'm talking about you and the other hosts."

The Shadow King pushed the lid of his computer back up and continued typing. "I spend time with Tamaki during class and the others during club hours."

I sighed. "I know that. But, I'm saying that you should spend time with your friends, senpai. You're going to be graduating at the end of the year, so you should at least spend as much time with your friends and classmates before the year ends."

There was a pause as Kyoya stopped typing. I wasn't sure if he was thinking over what I had just told him, or he was completely ignoring me the entire time and trying to figure out what to type next. I rapped my fingers on the wooden table as I stared at him waiting for an answer.

"What about you?" he asked.

"Huh?"

"From what you've mentioned, you only have one year here at Ouran, correct?"

"Uh... Yeah..."

"So, why don't you spend time with your friends?"

I was hesitant as I tried to come up with something, and I fiddled around with the laces on the skates. It would be embarrassing to just flat out tell him the truth; but as I glanced up at him, I noticed that he had stopped tying and gave me that "I'll-know-the-truth-whether-you-lie-or-not" look on his face.

Sighing, I sat up straight. "I would but... I can't ice skate."

"YOU CAN'T ICE SKATE?" a pair of voices cried from behind me.

Giving a small yelp in surprise, I whirled around to find the ginger-haired twins with their eyes widened as they stared down at me unblinkingly. I blushed as I rubbed the back of my head with my hand and glanced away in embarrassment.

"No..." I mumbled.

"Then you have to try it out," Hikaru spoke as he took a seat beside me and raised my leg.

"It won't be any fun without you," Kaoru added as he slipped on the shoe.

I stayed silent as I watched the two brothers slip on my skates and tie them for me. The tapping of keys emanated from behind me; and when I glanced over, I noticed that Kyoya was back on his laptop, typing away with his eyes glued to the screen.

"Come on, K.C.," the twins spoke as each grabbed an arm and pulled my up on my feet.

I teetered as I tried to balance myself on the metal blades. I even lost my balance a few times, but the twins would catch me and pull me back up on my feet. Smiling nervously, I took one step at a time with the twins as we made our way over to the lake. I stopped and glanced back over my shoulder at Kyoya who sat alone at the picnic table while everyone else was squealing with joy as they glided around on the ice.

"You sure you don't want to come, senpai?" I called out to him.

"Positive," came his reply.

I sighed as I turned back and traveled with the two brothers toward the lake. Hikaru and Kaoru stepped onto the frozen water first, and supported me from falling when I slipped and nearly broke my rear... if that was even possible. As soon as I was balanced on my feet Hikaru released me and glided a few feet across the ice before turning back to Kaoru and me.

"Okay, the first thing you need to learn is how to move across the ice," he spoke.

"Put one foot out," Kaoru instructed. I mimicked him as he continued, "and then push off with the other."

"Okay, got it," I answered.

Kaoru slowly released me, and my legs quivered from underneath me as I tried to balance myself. I swallowed hard as glanced over at Hikaru, who seemed to be miles away from where I stood with Kaoru. I took a few deep breaths to relieve myself of my nerves, and then I kept my focus on the older twin.

Just one foot in front of the other... I thought to myself as I took small glides across the ice.

I wobbled a few times, but kept my balance until I landed in Hikaru's arms. "I guess I don't know the breaks yet."

Hikaru only chuckled and then turned me around to face Kaoru. I practiced gliding across the ice back and forth from the twins; but after only three times, my legs grew sore. I concluded that it was because I was pushing off more with smaller steps, so I decided to use more force so that I would glide a few feet before putting my foot back down. Once I got into the rhythm, Hikaru, Kaoru and I raced the width of the lake back and forth, the twins winning of course since they were the pros.

After about half an hour, I began to glide across the ice solo. The other hosts would join me sometimes, and I couldn't help myself but laugh when Tamaki tried to push himself up after falling on the ice. My gaze soon traveled over to Kyoya, who was still trying away on his laptop, while his skates lay beside him on the ground. I sighed wishing that he could take a break, so he could loosen up and have some fun.

"Hey, K.C.!" I heard Tamaki call my name.

Snapping out of my reverie, I glanced up to find that I was at the other end of the lake while the other hosts were gliding around at the other end.

"Come back over here!" he continued. "Haruhi taught us a fun trick that commoners do! We're going to start a conga line while skating!"

I was hesitant for a moment because I wasn't sure how everything would turn out, considering the fact that I just learned how to ice skate. Nevertheless, I sighed and glanced back over at the hosts.

"I'll be right there!" I called back.

Right when I set my foot down on the ice, I felt it sink slightly. I froze in place as I glanced down at the frozen water beneath me. Underneath my skates, there were cracks in the ice, and I could barely see the water sloshing around. Lifting my foot up, I used my other foot to push me off; however, I felt the ice sink somewhat beneath me. I stared down at the cracked ice as more thin white lines grew from the previous made ones.

"This can't be good," I spoke to myself.

"Is everything okay, K.C.-chan?" Hunny's high-pitched voice broke my thoughts.

"Uh... yeah," I spoke glancing up at the six hosts who stopped skating and stared at me. "Everything's fine, senpai. Just... just trying to keep my balance."

I gazed up at them and wobbled somewhat to try and convince them. The hosts continued to stare at me confused. While Hunny, Mori, and Tamaki started gliding around on the ice again, the others continued to stare at me perplexed. I tried to feign keeping my balance while also trying to walk back towards them without cracking the ice any more.

"Are you sure everything is fine, K.C.?" the twins called out.

"Yeah, everything fi-"

At that moment, my foot gave in on my, and I toppled sideways, giving a cry in surprise. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion as I held my breath and landed on my back, smashing through the ice. I was sure that someone called out my name at that moment, but it was hard to tell from underwater. I could see the shadows of the hosts on the ice as they skate over to the gaping hole i just created, which caused some more ice to break off.

Perfect. Just perfect.

I frantically began twisting my body around and moving my arms around in an attempt to swim upwards towards the surface. Well, all that did was made me spin around in circles. That only made me panic even more. I couldn't swim, and even if I attempted to try, the weight on the skates would still pull me down to the bottom of the lake. I could feel my heartbeat ringing in my ears as I flailed my arms around to try and force myself up to the surface. Still no luck.

Glancing up, I saw six shadows near the hole, not wanting to get to close for fear of falling through and suffering the same fate as me. Right when I was going to try a third time to make my way up to the surface, I froze as my lungs felt like they were being squeezed together. I probably shouldn't have panicked so much or else I wouldn't be stuck at in the middle of the lake with no possibly way of escaping.

With all the strength I could muster, I swung my arms around, but my strength eventually weakened. I covered my mouth with my hand to keep myself from inhaling the water, but it was no use. My lungs were starving for oxygen. Glancing up at the hole I fell through, my vision soon became clouded. The last thing I saw was the shadows of seven figures on the ice and the faint sunlight radiating through the hole in the ice, and then nothing else.


MWUAAAAHHAAAAAHAAAAHAAAA! AAAHAAAHAAAHAA HAA HAA! EPIC CLIFFHANGER!

Man, I haven't used a good one like that since Chapter 7, and that was a long time ago...

Anyways, sorry you guys... The real chapter would've been SUPER LONG if I wrote it, and I'm dead tired. -.-'. I would've finished it sooner, but the website was acting up on me and making me angry by cutting off the internet everytime iI went to save! Grrrr :(

*Sighs* Well, at least It's done now, and, yeah I Know what you guy's are thinking... "GAH! Supergirl! You're sooooo EVIL! Well, can't wait to see what happens next week!"

*Buzzer noise* Wrong-O! I'm actually taking next week off because of Thanksgiving... I need a break... -.-'

Yeah, sorry about that you guys, but i couldn't resist! ;). My timing couldn've been better either...

IMPORTANT MESSAGE!

Okay, I know that I was evil and left you guys ahnging here... but! I want to see what you guys think happens next! It's optionals, but write a review on what you think happens in the next part! It can be in a summary format or... a story format (a fanfic about a fanfic:D). You guys dont have to do it. But, I would love to see what ideas you come up with.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

RATE AND REVIEW PEOPLES!

Replies to reviews from last chapter:

Aurora-16: Thanks! Ooooh Candy Canes! I'm gearing up for the Holidays! Thanks!

Me and Gaara 4ever: Hmmmm, I'll think about that. Thanks for tuning in!

unami: Yep, Vic is a tru-blu Star Trek nerd. Haha! But ya just gotta love him! ;). Thanks! Oh, my deviantart... Yeah, being a n00b, I meesed up on a couple of things and changed my account... The URL should be on my profile.

AllyraMortlock: I saw pictures and vids of the con on YouTube. And I saw a picture of a girl with Kyoya. Was she wearing the Ouran male uniform? The girl in the picture was... Anyways, it would've been cool it you did get a pic ^.^ But, that's okay!

Lock'n'Key You'n'Me: Yayz! 'Horton Hears a Who' quote! I love that movie! Yay for 'Fitting In'! And YAY for pen-pals!

silverrain1312: Thanks! Star Trek ftw. Oh, I know, right? But sometimes if the story's really good and gets sucked in the romance, I still read it ^.^ And, yay you've got a fortune cookie line! Lasting relationship absolutely Do NOT work that way. Haha!

Snow'n'Cupcakes: Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. *evil smiles* I have an idea jot down in my notebook... hehehe... I would never make my fans cry! Seeing my fans cry makes me cry too! Thanks!

Lydia kyoya: Awwww... thanks!