Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High School Host Club but I do own my OCs.
KEY:
Bold = English
Italics = Thoughts/French
Ruki had let him and Ryuu to the furthest end of the pier. The air was warm and as they watched the ocean in a comfortable silence, Ryuu wondered why Ruki had brought them all the out here however he didn't have to wait long before he'd know why.
"I'm going the meet up tonight." Ruki said quietly, avoiding eye contact with Ryuu.
"You're what?" Ryuu's eyes widened ever so slightly.
Ruki only nodded and looked up, watching the array of emotions play on his boyfriend's face. Before he wouldn't have cared so much because Ryuu wasn't major part of his life but now that he was, Ruki didn't want to keep any major secrets from him.
"Why do you have to go? Doesn't uncle usually represent the family?" Ryuu asked, voice wavering and hands slightly, very slightly shaking.
"Dad wants me to learn the ins and outs more...eventually I'm going to take over him and he wants me to learn all of this before that happens." Ruki replied.
"But-"
"I promise I'll come back safe and unharmed." Ruki interrupted quickly."
Ryuu shook his head and quickly wrapped his arms around Ruki's neck. The younger simply buried his head into the older's neck and stayed there while Ruki stayed in his state of mild shock.
"You better keep that promise." Ruki heard through some muffling and snaked his own arms around Ryuu's waist.
"I promise." Ruki replied, pressing a kissed to Ryuu's temple.
Ryuu pulled back slightly and have Ruki a stern glare. "I mean it! Not even one scratch!"
"I don't know about that sweet pea..."
"Ruki!" Ryuu pulled away completely and folded his arms. He knew he sounded and looked completely childish but he didn't care. The male would do anything to ease his heart and mind.
Ruki sighed but gave Ryuu a sincere smile and pulled him into his arms again. "Fine, I promise to come back unharmed and without any scratches." He finally agreed.
Ryuu smiled slightly and relaxed into the hug. "Is that why you took us all the way out here?"
Ruki nodded and pulled back, tender smile still present on his face. Ryuu sighed and looked away, eyes narrowing slightly. Ruki simply watched as another set of emotions washed over his boyfriend's face. Ryuu then sighed and faced Ruki.
"You better keep that promise."
"I will."
Ryuu's eyes narrowed further before his shoulders slumped and he sighed. Ruki smiled and gently took the younger male's hand.
"Let's go back," he said with a light tug, "they'll be wondering where we went."
Ryuu only nodded and silently followed along, gazing at the back of Ruki's head. He then thought with a grim heart, this could possibly be the last moments he'd ever spend with the male.
Claudia grimaced as she sat down on the cool benches in the changing rooms. The red head was waiting for Haruhi and Stephanie to change all the while debating on what she should wear herself. So there she sat, in her bikini top and shorts with two articles of clothing in her hand; a thin loose white dress and a thin white chiffon shirt.
She didn't even notice Haruki walk out into the main changing area which meant she didn't have enough time to cover her stomach.
"Claudia," Haruhi called softly and Claudia looked up with wide eyes, "I didn't know you had a tattoo."
"Oh..." Claudia looked down to her ribs, "I got it last year a few month before I came to Japan..." She explained.
"It's beautiful," Haruhi commented with a smile as she slipped in a t-shirt, "did it hurt?"
"Thank you," Claudia smiled and her cheeks flushed slightly, "it hurt like a bitch but I think it was worth it."
At this moment Stephanie walked out clad in her bikini. Haruhi and Claudia both turned to her and Haruhi's eyes widened as they landed on her thigh.
"Oh wow, that's so beautiful Stephanie." Haruhi said promptly.
Stephanie grinned appreciatively and slipped on her shorts. On her thigh was a beautiful, rather large dream catcher with shades of light purple and pink.
"Thanks Haruhi," Stephanie replied as she packed her bag, "just wondering, why are you wearing a shirt? Don't you have a bikini or swimsuit?"
Haruhi shrugged. "I do have one but Tamaki sempai would probably just make me wear a shirt over it."
Stephanie shook her head and walked over to the small girl, circling around her before stopping in front of her with her hand on her chin. Claudia chuckled at Haruhi's confused expression.
"That will not do!" Stephanie suddenly exclaimed, "I suggest a makeover!"
"Makeover?" Haruhi echoed.
"You can borrow one of these," Claudia added, lifting up her two items with a smile, "plus, you can dress girly today, all the boys pretty much know that you're a girl unless you're hiding something from us."
Haruhi looked between the two friends and sighed defeated. Plus, the dress looked really cute as well.
"I'll take the dress." Haruhi replied.
Claudia grinned and handed it over to her before slipping on the other garment. "It might be too big for you but we'll make it work."
Haruhi only nodded as she was dragged over to the mirror, yet a small smile remained on her face.
"What is taking the girls so long?" The twins whined, already changed as waiting under the giant umbrella, "we want to play!"
Tamaki shook his head in amusement and turned to Kyoya who was engaging in a conversation with Haruka. After the blond looked around, he spotted the Cole with Honey and Mori by the shore already collecting shells. Ruki and Ryuu joined the group waiting by the umbrella and that was when Tamaki noticed the marking on Ruki's tanned shoulder.
"Is that a tattoo?" Tamaki asked curiously.
Ruki simply smiled and nodded. He then turned slightly so Tamaki could see the raven better.
"Wow! Sempai just got cooler!" The twins exclaimed, jumping up and running to Ruki, staring in awe at the inked skin.
Ruki laughed as he was poked and prodded. "I got this...let's see...um, when did I get this?" He asked Ryuu who laughed.
"Two years ago I think." He replied.
"Everyone in my family has the same tattoo, they're just in a different places." Ruki continued.
"Everyone?" Tamaki asked.
"Yeah," Ruki nodded, "dad's one is on his chest," he pointed to his right pec, "godfather has one on his back and Claudia's one is one her rib. Mother didn't want to get one though...it's good thing she didn't."
Tamaki and the twin's eyes widened at the last pieces of information. The three turned to Ruki with open mouths for confirmation and the male simply nodded. Having heard the information, Kyoya wished he had his black book to write it down.
"Claudia had one too?" Hikaru and Kaoru asked in shock.
This time Ryuu nodded.
"You knew about it as well?!" The chorused.
"Of course I did, I was one of the first people she showed." Ryuu answered with a honest shrug.
"Do they know about it?" Hikaru asked with a small frown, pointing to Haruka then Cole.
Ruki shrugged and turned to the closest of the accused two. Everyone turned to face Haruka and the said male sheepishly scratched the back of his neck.
"Well I kinda just found out by seeing it...then Cole found out shortly after."
Hikaru scowled whereas Kaoru turned to Haruka curiously. Tamaki's eyes narrowed.
"What do mean you saw it?" The blond questioned.
"Err...well...long story?" Haruka finished with a innocent smile.
Ryuu gave Haruka a nervous smile and the shorter of the two looked away. Ruki merely stared at Haruka, eyes narrowing in thought. Ryuu bit his lip, obviously knowing the story of how Haruka found out and prayed to the higher powers Ruki didn't figure it out. Luckily for both of them, Stephanie pranced out of the changing room with a wide grin plastered on her face.
"I got a magnificent surprise for you boys!" she exclaimed as she stopped in front of them.
The boys turned to the blond with confused expressions and Haruka called Cole, Mori and Honey to join them. It was then the Host club noticed the dream catcher on her thigh and simple purple bikini top and shorts.
"What is it?" Ryuu asked.
Stephanie simply laughed and turned dramatically as best she could with her slight limp and gestured to the door. She cleared her throat and spoke in an announcer's voice.
"I present to you; our precious little cross dressing flower, Haruhi Fujioka!"
There was a moment of pause and Haruhi was pushed out the changing room doors, an embarrassed flush on her cheeks and behind her was Claudia, grinning proudly as she held Haruhi in place. Tamaki was the first to react and turned a red as a tomato.
"Oh my gosh! My daughter is so cute!" He squealed and ran forward, capturing Haruhi into a bone crushing hug and Claudia quickly moved away to avoid any possible injuries.
The twins were in awe, having never seen Haruhi as girly as she looked right now. The white sheer dress she wore was slightly too big for her as it hung off her quite loosely but it just seemed to fit her perfectly. The length reached just above her knees and her hair was pinned back slightly with two bobby pins. It was the perfect combination of tomboyish and girly.
"You look amazing!" The twins cooed.
Stephanie smiled triumphantly and high-fived Claudia. The two girls chuckled as Haruhi protested and tried to escaped the hugs she was receiving. The best friends slowly walked away, laughing as they stopped beside Ryuu. The older male smiled at the two girls and pulled Claudia into a hug.
"Ruki almost discovered how Haruka found out about your tattoo." he whispered into her ear.
Claudia blanched and turned to the male with wide eyes. "If he finds out...Haru's screwed."
Ryuu nodded and looked to the his boyfriend, only to tense ever so slightly to see him staring at Haruka with narrowed eyes and furrowed brows. The red head and Ryuu watched as suddenly Ruki's eyes widened. Both friends groaned under their breaths.
"He walked in on you changing?" Ruki asked Claudia and the red-head paled but that was all the confirmation he needed. The male turned back to Haruka, who looked at him with wide eyes.
"Haruka run!" Ryuu shouted.
"Go! Run!" Claudia motioned her hands frantically.
Haruka groaned and cried out as Ruki reached out to him, almost tackling him to the sandy sore. The younger male found tears forming in his eyes out of plain fear and ran to Cole. The moment the short male reached the taller one, he wrapped his arms around his torso and gripped tightly.
"I didn't mean it I swear!" he cried.
"Ruki!" Claudia groaned and stalked after his brother circling around Cole.
The host club turned to sound of yelling and Tamaki's eyes bulged out of their sockets. He turned panicked to the rest of the group as they watched Claudia attempting to calm down a raging Ruki. Ryuu glanced over to Stephanie who watched amused.
"It was bound to happen ya know." she said.
Ryuu's hand met his forehead and he groaned. Kyoya raised his brow amused yet questioning at the same time. Ryuu grabbed Stephanie and began walking to the small group. He looked back however after a few steps.
"Don't worry about it," he said with a uncertain smile, "We'll take care of it so carry on like normal."
"You sure?" Tamaki asked.
Ryuu nodded and waited until the host club turned around before carrying on. Tamaki sighed and glanced at his friends with a smile. "Ryuu said that they'll take care of it so let's carry on!" and with that said, Tamaki grabbed Haruhi and ran off to the shore. The twins scowled at him and ran after their King. Mori and Honey tentatively walked to the rock pools leaving Kyoya to himself. With a sigh, the glasses wearing host slowly walked to Claudia and her friends.
"Ruki! Oi! Don't you dare hit him!" he heard Claudia yell and made a mental note to never anger Ruki.
Ruki simply huffed and settled on death staring. Haruka cowering in fear, poked his head out from behind Cole and sniffed. Claudia sighed softly as Ruki stared Haruka down.
"Ruki..."
"Hai hai, I won't hurt him...or punish him," Claudia's stare hardened and Ruki rolled his eyes in annoyance, "Fine! I won't do anything! I'm sorry okay!"
Claudia grinned happily and clapped her hands. Haruka looked between the two and hesitantly stepped next to Cole however his grip on the strawberry blonde's arm stayed. Kyoya glanced around the small group amused. The raven head slipped his hands into the pockets of his swimming trunks as Ryuu quickly pulled Ruki away and Claudia walked forward to comfort Haruka.
"My poor baby, are you okay?" Claudia embraced the male into a gentle hug and Kyoya had to will himself to keep his face neutral as a spark of jealousy lit in him.
Haruka nodded and buried his face into Claudia's shoulder, the angle slightly awkward on his body due to their slight height difference but he didn't acknowledge it.
"You're brother is scary."
"I know." Claudia smiled as she rubbed his head.
"He's freaking terrifying."
"I know that as well."
Kyoya looked away slightly unable to keep his eyes narrowing ever so slightly and Cole instantly noticed this. The strawberry blond watched an array of emotions flicker in the raven head's narrowed eyes and his eyes widened ever so when he noticed a little spark of jealousy in them. Cole couldn't help but smile, catching the attention of Stephanie.
"I'll explain afterwards." he murmured to her.
In the distance, Kaoru watched the small group's interactions through the corner of his eye. He frowned when Ruki stormed off with Ryuu in tow behind him to the rocks and Claudia quickly embrace Haruka with a tender smile. His heart clenched tightly and the twin looked away.
Hikaru frowned slightly as his brother's features took on a scowl and his eyes drooped with sadness. Hikaru sighed softly and tapped Kaoru's shoulder.
"You need to let her know how you feel." He said quietly.
Kaoru shook his head and looked away from the stern gaze. The younger twin did love her but he wasn't willing to leave his brother- not yet anyway.
"I can't Hikaru." Kaoru whispered.
"Why not?"
"Because...I just can't!" Kaoru said before turning around and walking off.
Hikaru groaned and turned to look at Claudia than back to Kaoru. The twin ran his fingers though his hair before sighing and hurrying after Kaoru.
"Kaoru!"
Kaoru closed his eyes in annoyance and walked faster but to his unknown dismay, his twin followed him. The younger sighed and suddenly stopped, turning around to face Hikaru. The elder twin stopped too however carefully watched his brother's face scowl.
"Why can't you?" Hikaru asked softly.
Kaoru shook his head and looked away to the horizon. Why couldn't he tell Claudia how he felt? The twin looked from the horizon to Claudia, watching her animatedly talking with Cole. Even from the distance, he could tell she wore a huge grin. The twin sighed and watched as Cole took off to Haruka while Claudia walked to Kyoya.
"I've told you before..." Kaoru said quietly, "I don't think she returns my feelings."
"How do know that?" Hikaru asked, more curious than annoyed.
Kaoru shrugged and sighed again. Hikaru shook his head.
"There's something more than that...you're not telling me something Kaoru..."
"I'm telling the truth."
"Really?" Hikaru raised his brow, "Is that why you haven't advanced on her yet? Is that why you seemingly try to avoid her?" the elder twin raised his hands to his hips and gave Kaoru a stern glare, "There's something holding you back and I want to know what it is!"
Kaoru almost deflated and looked down, eyes drooping slightly. "I just...I don't want to anything about it, as much as I want to I just can't."
"Kaoru," the younger twin looked up as Hikaru sighed and crossed his arms, "I've never seen you so captivated with someone before..."
"I don't want to ruin any relationships by advancing on her!" Kaoru interrupted.
Hikaru flinched and stepped back. The elder twin sighed softly and ran his hand down his face. "I still think you should tell her."
Kaoru groaned and turned around to walk away. Hikaru sighed again and looked back to Claudia, seeing her happily engaging with their shadow king. The twin watched their interactions carefully, before his eyes widened slightly and he looked back to his retreating brother. Hikaru quickly jogged up to him and put his hands on his twin's shoulders.
"Hikaru what-"
"Imagine if you do." Hikaru said quickly.
"Do what?" Kaoru asked.
Hikaru turned his twin around and gestured to Claudia. "If you told her, you could see more of that!"
"Hikaru I don't care-"
"Do you want the shadow king to steal her?" Hikaru asked.
Kaoru paused and turned to look at his brother. Hikaru cocked his head knowingly and raised his brow before waving his hands in Claudia's general direction. "Look."
Kaoru did in fact look and felt his heart plummet. Without realising it, he has walked closer to the small group and could see all their faces clearly. "Hikaru..."
"Listen Kaoru," Hikaru said sternly, surprising Kaoru as he took on his older brother duties, "Don't worry about me. I know you're holding back because of me and I don't want to feel that way."
Kaoru's eyes widened and the auburn bit his lip. 'How did he find out?' Kaoru thought.
"H-how?"
Hikaru smiled before he shrugged. "To be honest, I didn't like the idea at the start but if it makes you happy, then go for it. We can't always rely on each other all the time anyway..."
"Hikaru..." Kaoru mumbled before he smiled softly, however he laughed slightly as his brother slapped his back.
Hikaru grinned and wrapped his arm around his brother. It was still true that he wasn't happy that Kaoru would be distancing himself from him but he wanted his brother happy, even if it meant making sacrifices. The elder twin looked down to Kaoru's face and noticed the small smile on his lips. Now that Hikaru had somewhat convinced Kaoru to follow his feelings, he decided he'd help him along the way.
Hitachiin style of course.
The group had been enjoying the sun and water as the day progressed. Stephanie waited patiently beside Cole, looking up at him expectantly every few minutes or so. The blonde sighed and looked around from where she sat under the giant umbrella before looking to Cole again. Even Haruka had noticed her glances and looked at her questioningly.
"Dude!" Stephanie finally exclaimed and jumped to her knees, crossing her arms in the process and causing Cole to jump slightly at the outburst.
"What is it Steph?" Cole asked with a gentle smile.
"Dude!" Stephanie slammed her hands onto his thighs however Haruka's eyes narrowed slightly at the contact, "When are you gonna tell me?!"
"Tell you...Oh! Haru come closer for a moment," Cole pulled Haruka to him and Stephanie leaned in closer to the strawberry blond. The two looked at him expectantly and Cole pointed to Claudia, "I think the some of the guys have a crush on papillion"
"You noticed too?!" Stephanie burst out.
Cole nodded and the two turned to Haruka, looking at him expectantly. The raven head sighed and shrugged. "I noticed some from Kyoya but besides him, I haven't seen anything from the others."
"You think Claudia is crushing on any of them?" Stephanie asked, glancing over to Claudia standing with Haruhi, the two girls merely talking to each other.
"What about Claudia?"
The trio turned to see Ryuu kneeling beside them, trying to listen to the conversation. Behind him sat Ruki, also looking very interested in what the trio were talking about.
"We think that some of the guys have a crush on Claudia and that she might, might like one of them too." Haruka exclaimed quickly, not wanting to stay on Ruki's bad side.
The two boys nodded slowly before Ryuu looked back to Ruki, whose face was scrunched up in thought. Cole and Stephanie moved over slightly to let the two males into their little circle. The small group then decided on a plan, talking in hushed voices so the others around wouldn't hear anything they were scheming. They were even oblivious to the curious stares from the twins and Tamaki though it was also lucky that Honey had pulled Haruhi far away along with Claudia.
"You sure this is gonna work?" Ryuu asked worried.
Cole and Haruka nodded. "It has too." Cole replied.
Ruki leaned back and glanced around, mentally noting where each person currently was.
"It has to work!" Stephanie exclaimed with an annoyed frown, "How else are we gonna find out if she likes anyone?!"
A/N: Poor little Cherry, I wonder what will happen? Hehehe... *evil plotting begins*
It's only been 2 and 1/2 weeks of school and already it's hectic! To top it off, I'm stuck with a subject I hate :( Thanks for all the support you've given me on this! I hate not having time to write and update but ugh...I hate school. But anywho, how have you all been?
Yes I keep changing the cover for this fic but I don't know which one I want to stay! I'm so indecisive it's frustrating... so let me know which one you liked and I'll change it to the one that receives the most votes or something.
I totally love it when you guys review so if you have the time, please do so! I appreciate them so much! As usual, constructive criticism is very welcome and if there are any typos please let me know. Thanks for the faves and follows too!
You guys are amazing!
So I decided to treat you guys in the next chapter! ;)
Until then, farewell my precious sweet pies and enjoy the rest of your day/night/afternoon/morning!