So, I thought to update faster this time. :)
The winter sky was somber, and the sunlight didn't pass through the murky thickness of heavenly mantles. Yoshio Ootori's expression hardened, looking up, and he wondered if he ever was going to get used to the winter colds. There was a sort of deep-nested disdain towards cold, muted colors that shaded everything in melancholy when winter came. Since Akito started to work in the company and take care of business related matters, he could finally dedicate some time to medical practice. It has been a long while since he was involved in any research. His eldest son proved not to be very interested in business, although, he was a very keen and brilliant doctor and a dedicated researcher.
When Akito graduated from university, obtaining a business degree, Yoshio decided to get more involved with the medical issues. He was very pleased that his second son, after becoming a doctor, decided to pursue a business degree. Both of his sons were working hard, and even though, he wouldn't admit openly, he was quite pleased with both of them. The only one he was worried about was Kyoya. The boy had become so rebellious that Yoshio could hardly recognize him. Even after he talked to him yesterday firmly, it didn't make his youngest son change his mind.
He admitted that after Kyoya stopped eating, his health had improved, but that couldn't have been for long. The medication Yuuichi was working on could prove to be effective, and Kyoya's reluctance to comply made Yoshio mad. Why couldn't the boy understand that it was for his own good? There was no way to hide his condition if he ever decided to get married, be involved in family business. He knew all possible future prospects were dead for his son, and it irritated him. Not only that, but who could say that his condition wouldn't worsen in the future?
As a young child Kyoya could eat normal food, but over time his body started to change, and his digestive organs started to deteriorate and eventually became completely useless. Who could guarantee that everything wouldn't become even worse? They needed to try to control the health risks before everything became even worse. Yuuichi assured that the medication wouldn't have any side effects, there was no need to worry about that. He needed to make Kyoya agree.
Yoshio's shoulders slumped forward in frustration, as he walked into his office. He had spent plenty of sleepless nights, brooding over Kyoya's illness. Since the boy was born, Yoshio Ootori had wondered many times if he ever was going to forgive himself for having a son so frail and infirm. He had wondered what kind of life could he possibly have with his illness. The old man didn't indulge in sentimentality that everything would eventually be alright. He knew very well what it meant for the boy to be sick in that way.
He took a deep, shaking breath. His secretary was already waiting for him when he entered his office. The man had brought all the necessary paperwork to start Yuuichi's research trials. Yoshio sighed and started to go over the documents.
"Ootori-sama," the secretary spoke in his polite monotone voice, "Nakamura-sensei wants to see you about the new hospital branch issues."
Yoshio looked up and nodded. He himself wanted to talk to her, but with everything happening didn't really have the time. The secretary bowed shortly and left the room.
"Ootori-sensei," a cheerful voice grabbed Yoshio's attention, "good morning."
"Good morning, Nakamura-sensei," Yoshio replied with a polite smile.
The woman was one of the best doctors and experts that had worked in Ootori group. But Yoshio always found the woman to be a little strange. She was too cheerful and absentminded for a doctor. Her bubbly personality made the old man quirk a brow every time they met.
"I have brought the reports from the new hospital branch," she said with a light giggle. "Everything is going well. I think the new hospital branch is even better than the main one."
"Thank you, Nakamura-sensei," Yoshio said with a forced smile. "I knew you would manage everything well. Your professional contribution is very appreciated."
"Oh, sensei, you are making me blush," the woman giggled again. "I was inspired to become a doctor after I have heard your speech at the university."
Yoshio politely nodded. Nakamura-san must have been in her thirties. Quite frankly, Yoshio didn't care, and he didn't remember when he gave that speech. He was very often invited by universities, so he couldn't recall which speech she meant.
"Your son looks so much like you," the woman said, getting up. "He had grown up so much and now is a nice young man. I was really surprised to see him with his girlfriend. Such a pretty girl, she was. I have heard she is one of the best students in the entire school. No wonder, your family is very academically oriented."
Yoshio's eyebrows shot up. Who was she speaking about? Yuuichi? Did he have a girlfriend? His son never expressed any interest in anyone. Was there someone in his life that Yoshio wasn't aware of? Wait a minute, the woman said in the school. Who was she speaking about? Besides Nakamura-san knew Yuuichi quite well. She wouldn't speak of him being grown up.
"Where did you meet him?" he asked with a pleasant expression on his face, pretending to know what she was talking about.
"At Ouran high school," the woman exclaimed, causing Yoshio to roll his eyes. "She was injured, and I was called to school. She is alright though. The injury wasn't a big deal. But Kyoya-san was so upset. I assured him there would be no traces of scars. He must have been very worried, though. Young love..."
The woman sighed and shook her head, bearing a longing smile on her lips. "I need to go, Ootori-sensei," she mumbled unaware that her words made Yoshio freeze in place. "My patients are waiting."
"Of course, Nakamura-san," Yoshio Ootori breathed.
When the woman left his office, the man rubbed his temples, blinking his eyes rapidly. Kyoya had a girlfriend. That foolish boy! Didn't he know that it could get him into serious trouble if the girl ever found out about his condition? Yoshio shook his head frustrated. He wouldn't be able to control the situation if the word got spread that his son was suffering from some obscure illness. It would affect not only Kyoya, but the entire company. Mind them, nobody would believe it most likely, but even complete nonsense could have caused troubles.
Yoshio got up from his seat and exhaled sharply. He needed to find out who the girl was and what kind of relationship Kyoya had with her. How could his son be so thoughtless? Didn't he know the consequences already? Nobody would keep their mouths shut if they knew what was wrong with him. And if that girl knew he doubted he could make her silent with money. Yoshio grabbed his phone.
"Harada-san," he spoke harshly. "I have an important task for you. Please come to my office."
Goro Harada was the chief of Black Onion―the police force employed by the Ootori family. He was very loyal to the Ootori patriarch and was a very skilled security guard.
Shortly after the call, the man walked into the room and respectfully bowed, "Yoshio-sama."
"Harada, find out about the girl Kyoya possibly dates," Yoshio spoke. "I need everything. Absolutely everything about her. And..."
Yoshio crossed his arms impatiently. "Clear out for me the possible relationship. I need to know if the rumour is true. She is a student at Ouran high school."
"Yes, sir," Harada nodded.
"I need this as soon as possible," the man spoke. "Use as much resources as necessary, find out everything, make sure to stay discreet. I don't want anyone finding out about this, especially Tachiabana-san or anyone else involved with Kyoya's security."
Yoshio found it amusing that the guards he had hired to keep his son safe were more loyal to the boy than to himself. He was their employer and paid them money. It was irritating on one hand, but on the other hand, he was glad that the men were trustworthy enough to keep the boy safe, considering his condition.
"Of course, Yoshio-sama," the man replied.
Yoshio realized that he had never been so worried in his life. He cupped his face and sat down again after the security chief left the suite.
.
Kyoya didn't want to sit at the breakfast table with the rest of the family. His mother literally begged him to come down, and he couldn't make her upset anymore than she was. Besides, he was in a better mood that morning. He had a day ahead of him, and he was excited about it. Haruhi had offered to go together and try different commoner things in the Izumi Shopping Center. He found it strange at first, but to spend time with her on a weekend, made him more than eager to agree immediately.
He knew that his father was going to be home that morning. The old man had returned early the day before, but that didn't make him change his decision. After his mother left, he got dressed in neater clothing and groomed his hair. He didn't want to look like he had spent a sleepless night when he met Haruhi. Kyoya smiled amused at himself that he thought of her suggestion as a date, while she didn't even consider the idea.
He walked into the dining room and found his family already seated and waiting for the meal to be served.
"Are you trying to prove you are the most stylish in the family?" Akito chuckled, seeing him all dressed up nicely.
Kyoya didn't say anything, nor smiled back, but his lack of reaction made Akito even more amused. He grinned happily as if he had just found a new way to tease his younger brother.
"Akito," Yoshio warned him harshly.
Yuuichi glanced at Kyoya only once with disinterest after Akito's comment and diverted his concentration back to his food. Yoshio couldn't believe that he still needed reprimand his adult heirs. Akito had such an irritating habit of provoking and baiting his brothers. None of them hardly ever responded negatively or positively, but it didn't stop him from doing it again and again.
Regardless of how foolish Akito's comment was, it made Yoshio to stare at his youngest son carefully. He did look particularly dressed that morning. Was he planning some kind of meeting with that girl? Or was it all just Nakamura's imagination? He wouldn't be surprised if all of it was just the woman's overactive fantasy. Still his son had changed a lot, and he needed to consider the possibility of him being involved with some girl. On the other hand, maybe he could use this opportunity and convince the unruly boy to accept the treatment.
The side of Yoshio's lip curled upwards. Yes, he could use the girl and convince Kyoya to seek treatment. If he liked someone, it could serve a good motivation. After all, Kyoya should know well of all people that no girl would think of his illness calmly. His own mother had gone nearly mad when she learnt about his illness. How could he expect someone else to accept it ever?
No, Yoshio knew that if there was really someone in Kyoya's life, it could help him get the boy to agree to try the medication. Yoshio scanned his son's face. He looked calmer than usual and ate the food almost like a normal person. He never managed to hide the disgust on his face, but now he looked very much normal. It almost appeared, he was not affected by it. He wondered if this sudden change in his life was because of the girl.
"I need to go to the hospital," Yuuichi stood up.
He glanced at Kyoya, his lip curled disapprovingly, but he didn't say anything, apologized and retreated politely.
.
"Senpai," she waved at him as soon as she spotted him.
Her hair was gathered into a small ponytail, and he could see her slender, bony neck. She wore pale blue blouse and a dark jacket over it. He could see the silhouette of her delicate legs in her tight jeans. She always wore one of those baggy pants where her figure was completely hidden. But know he could see her gentle curves and small frame. Kyoya blinked his eyes surprised when he realized he was thinking of her petite figure.
"Tachibana-san," he turned to his bodyguard. "I will call you. You can leave for now."
The man subtly glanced at the girl, standing in the corner and waving at young Ootori-sama and nodded politely. He wondered where young master wanted to go so early in the morning just right after breakfast, and now that he had his answer, he wondered if she was the reason he looked so lively recently.
"Sir," he bowed. "I will be waiting for your call."
Kyoya nodded and walked down to Haruhi. "I hope I didn't make you wait too long," he said, catching up with her. "I didn't expect that the family breakfast would take as long as it did."
"Family breakfast?" she looked at him with a curious look.
"My family thinks even if I can't digest anything, I still have to eat with them," he chuckled, seeing her expression. "I throw up everything, but I guess they don't care about it. As long as it appears I eat like any other human, they are happy. Appearances matter more."
He swallowed. He didn't intend to say any of these. She made him feel secure and understood, and he told her what was supposed to be a family matter. He felt her hand on his shoulder. It was warm. For some reason, he could always feel her warmth. It was almost as if a different kind of temperature, something he could experience fully.
"I am sorry," she said gently.
He shook his head and laughed tenderly, making sure to keep his teeth hidden. "It's alright. Don't look at me with such a pity," he unintentionally stretched his hand forward and ruffled her hair. Her ponytail looked now messed up and she looked cute, and adorable. She stared at him with surprise.
"Well," he cleaned his throat when the silence lingered. "Where do you want to go?"
"Renge-chan is going to be so jealous if she finds out that I didn't take her with us," Haruhi joked. "Because there are so many great sales in the mall."
He found her straightforwardness so endearing. She was so simple. Nothing hidden, nothing manipulated, everything she was, he could see by looking at her. And her pretty eyes stared back at him in a way that made his icy heart melt. They blinked awkwardly when they realized they were staring at each other.
"You know you look..." he said slowly and then smiled clumsily, his sharp fangs glistered in the grim lighting of winter morning. "...So pretty..."
Her eyes widened, and she blushed furiously. The sudden burst of blood made Kyoya dizzy, and he stepped back. She was driving him mad. His senses woke up, and his body stiffened. He gulped as he realized how strongly he desired her. It was almost to the point of madness. A small blush, and he could go on his knees just to taste her sweet, enchanting essence.
"I didn't try to look pretty," she said shyly as if defending herself. "I think we should hurry, or we will miss the best of the sales."
They walked together, and Kyoya found himself so incredibly drawn to her that it felt like a crime. There were many other people in the shopping center. There were so many strange obscure things being sold that he soon found himself completely lost in the weird products of commoner world. He found particularly strange to see so many peculiar packages labeled to be melon flavored snacks. He wondered if melons tasted any good. Did Haruhi like them?
"Haruhi, is it common for snacks to be melon―" he looked around confused, "where did she go? Haruhi?"
When he couldn't spot her, he panicked. His slow heartbeat came quickly back to life, and he looked around frantically. For some reason, her absence made him feel very worried. And then her smell cherished his nostrils, and he realized that she had just stepped away to look at some friendship charms.
"Look, senpai," she said, pointing out at something. It was a feather-shaped bookmark. "I have got two."
She lifted them up to show them to Kyoya. And he nodded gently at her, afraid to smile and expose his teeth in a busy mall. He walked up to her and wrapped his hand around hers, holding tightly her bony fingers in his bigger hand.
"Let's not lose each other in this place," he asked tenderly.
"Of course," she mumbled confused.
Something had changed in him. She sensed it. Something had changed in her. He sensed it.
"I got one for me and the other for you," she said, stretching one of the bookmarks to him. "They are shaped like feathers. Just like in the Hiroki Hirayama's book 'Feather Dust'"
He looked down at her and took the bookmark from her hand. "Thank you," he said. "I will keep it in a safe place."
Haruhi smiled at him, and they continued to walk around, holding each other's hands. Kyoya realized that if somebody saw them like that, his father would eventually learn about Haruhi. He felt selfish, because he didn't care. He just wanted to feel like a real person for a moment, walking in a mall with a pretty girl and doing stupid childish things like any other person his age, like Suoh. He mentally laughed at the idea that he wanted to be like Suoh for a day.
But with her he felt like Suoh; a bit disoriented, childish, simple and suddenly too emotional. He felt like a boy. She made him feel human, and at the same time, woke inside him desires that were nothing human. She managed to woke all of his sides―the good, the bad and the terrible.
They spent the entire day together, buying the most ridiculous things. Haruhi assured him that all of those things were useful. She told him in a low, sad voice that she was an excellent cook, and she would have liked to make a very delicious soup for him, just to show him that there are many different tastes in the world. And they wandered around until the evening fell.
"I will take you home," he said when they walked back together.
"It's alright," she smiled. "I can take the bus."
"I think it would be better if I take you home," he insisted. "You said your father is working at nights. When you get home there will no one around. Isn't it safer if I accompany you?"
"I will be―" she was interrupted by someone's voice.
"Kyoya," they both turned to look at the person. He looked like Kyoya, had glasses on his eyes, but was older.
"Akito-san," Kyoya's face immediately lost all of its initial cheerfulness and became blank and cold. "What are you doing here?"
A/N- Sorry that I cut there. :) So I hope you like this chapter. As you can tell this chapter was based on Kyoya's reluctant day out canon. Of course, some things were omitted and changed, but I hope you don't mind. Tell me what you think of everything; Yoshio, Akito, the progression of Kyoya's and Haruhi's relationship. Can't wait to hear your reactions. :) Have a nice day or night!