Title: Snapshots
Summary: Selflessness has always been one of Tamaki's traits, and it shows itself more prominently than ever when he gives up Haruhi to Kyouya after realising his best friend's feelings for her. How will Kyouya show his appreciation for such a precious gift, and more importantly, win over Haruhi's feelings? KyouxHaru. A few short (or long) glimpses into the life they could build together. Written when I was a teenager...I never did get around to fleshing out this story anymore, but wanted to share what I did get done!
Disclaimer: Ouran High School Host Club in all its refined glory belongs solely to the great Hatori Bisuko. I don't own anything more than the plotline of this fic :)
Special notes: This fic is slightly AU, so for those of you who are up-to-date with the manga…please ignore any developments and changes in the relationships of the characters in the recent chapters; they obviously won't work in conjunction with this fic :) Also, it's my first fic so please be lenient on me, and feel free to give me suggestions as to how to write it better.
Other notes: Thoughts are written in italics, as are flashbacks and the timestamps. For dialogue involving the twins, Hikaru usually speaks first, followed by Kaoru, and then a bolded comment which they say simultaneously; or, Hikaru will start a sentence, and Kaoru will complete it. If you can't figure out who's talking, let me know, but it should be quite obvious :P
Please do enjoy!
Prologue
Second term of Tamaki and Kyouya's last year at Ouran High School. On this day, Haruhi has gone to the Third Music Room early to get some peace from the twins in her spare period.
This is the day Tamaki makes the biggest discovery of his life.
Kyouya has feelings for Haruhi.
Beyond a senpai-kouhai relationship, beyond club members, beyond friendship.
Kyouya, of all people. Kyouya, the very first friend he made in Japan and his best friend in the entire world. Kyouya, the Shadow King of the Host Club. Kyouya, the infamously devious, intelligent and ambitious third son of the Ootori family.
Kyouya, Haruhi's mother-!
This is unacceptable! Preposterous! Absolutely intolerable behaviour!
But as Tamaki watches from a crack in the door of the Third Music Room at Ouran High School, he knows in his heart that those feelings are genuine.
Tamaki knows his best friend well.
Kyouya would not be one to allow Haruhi to sleep on the couch when she should be helping to set up. Kyouya would not be one content to sit at his laptop and watch her with that soft, tender expression in his eyes. Kyouya would not be one to pass up such a lucrative photo-taking (read: money-making) opportunity if he did not have a fear of waking her up. Kyouya would not be one to stop what he was doing to carry a blanket from the storage room and spread it gently over her.
Kyouya would not be one to show such human affectivity, if he was incapable of feeling true love for another human.
Tamaki knows that Kyouya genuinely cares for Haruhi. In that way.
That would explain every single out-of-the-ordinary event that had happened since Haruhi unwittingly found herself in the Host Club - her never-shrinking debt, Kyouya's sudden appearance and explanations whenever Haruhi has a question, his position near Haruhi during club hours, the never-running-out supply of ootoro in the storage room, the unlimited budget for instant coffee, the numerous visits to her house, the numerous club excursions to places she enjoys. (Truth be told, many of these were actually Tamaki's doing, but he is oblivious to his own actions, preferring to write them off in his mind as an indication of Kyouya's supposed undying love for Haruhi).
Tamaki wonders how long Kyouya has kept this secret. Hell, he wonders why it took so long for him to notice Kyouya's feelings. Is he such a failure of a friend?
But then he realises there is something more pressing to deal with - that constricting, almost painful feeling in his heart. What could it possibly mean? Should he not be happy for his best friend, and for Haruhi?
Why does he suddenly feel so shocked, sad, annoyed and almost angry?
Let's see... he thinks to himself. Kyouya is my best friend. Haruhi is my...daughter? Kyouya clearly likes Haruhi. Instead of feeling happy for them, I don't want anything to happen. I want to keep Haruhi all to myself.
Tamaki may not be a genius, but it does not take a genius to put two and two together.
I'm...jealous?!
Before he even has time to gather his thoughts, a thundering sound can be heard somewhere down the corridor, and in the next second he is bowled over and practically thrown into the room. He continues to observe from this new vantage point - the floor.
Kyouya looks up from his laptop. Haruhi continues sleeping. The twins are about to pounce on her, but stop when they realise her state of consciousness - or lack thereof.
"Eh? Haruhi's asleep?"
"What's this? Haruhi's slacking off?"
"And why has Tono been lurking around suspiciously outside the door this whole time staring at her like a pervert?"
Kyouya shrugs. "She was already asleep when I came in." Tamaki's been outside this whole time? The widening of his eyes in shock is hidden by the glare of his glasses.
Tamaki leaps to his feet. "What?! Who's been lurking around suspiciously?! You unscrupulous twins with all your lies, I'll have you know I was inspecting the doors and contemplating on whether to get them replaced with French doors!" he exclaims, having finally decided it is time to speak up. It is the best (and probably the lamest) excuse he can come up with at that moment, but within an instant he is lost in that train of thought. "Ah, France, my beloved homeland, where romance and elegance abound, and the furniture and architecture are so refined and stylish!"
The twins pointedly ignore him, and proceed to blow in the female host's ear. "Haruhi~~! Wakey wakey!"
Unbeknownst to the rest of the Third Music Room's occupants, more than one racing heart is quickly calmed down after the sudden interruption.
Tamaki and Kyouya's Graduation Day
After the morning graduation ceremony, the Host Club is gathered in the Third Music Room, entertaining guests for a special reunion of the entire original Ouran High School Host Club.
It is just like it has always been. As if Hani and Mori have never left, as if Tamaki and Kyouya aren't about to leave.
As if nothing has changed and nothing ever will.
The hosts (with the exception of Haruhi) in all their refined and obnoxious glory are basking in the attention of the rich ladies who have so much time on their hands.
Haruhi, on the other hand, is entertaining in the same simple way she always has; instant coffee, biscuits and pleasant conversation.
The two hours pass in a blur.
Finally, the last of the ladies bid a tearful goodbye to the infamous Host Club, leaving their favourite hosts alone to have some time together as a group.
Hani and Mori are seated at a table, a plate of cake lying half-eaten in front of the blond and a napkin in the hand of the tall man.
The twins are sprawled on the couch ungraciously, silent for once and holding each other's hands tightly.
Haruhi is clearing away the dishes and returning equipment to the storeroom (as per usual).
Kyouya is typing away on his ever-present laptop, occasionally pausing to adjust his glasses and survey the room and its occupants, surreptitiously following the movements of one particular female host.
And the Host Club King?
Tamaki is sitting in front of the window, staring out at the grounds. There is a far-away expression in his eyes, his posture is slightly slouched, and his hands are clasped gracefully in front of him. Everyone has seen the moistness in his eyes, but they have all chosen to give him some space for once, understanding that he has a lot on his mind. Even the twins have refrained from teasing him too much today (although they have not entirely stopped; it is tradition, after all, and possibly their favourite pastime of all time - aside from dressing Haruhi up like a rag doll).
As Haruhi returns from her last trip to the storeroom, Tamaki stands and faces everyone.
"Everyone…" he begins. "I have an announcement to make."
When he sees he has everyone's attention, he opens his mouth to talk…
…only to find that his throat has sealed shut and he cannot for the life of him say what he wishes to tell them. He stands slouched, his eyes downcast and fingers twiddling, and there is none of the usual excessive grandeur or kingliness about him. He simply looks sad and heavy-hearted.
After a long pause, Kyouya speaks up.
"Tamaki, what is it?"
He opens his mouth again, but the words are still stuck.
"Tamaki-senpai, please, just say whatever you need to say. We're listening," Haruhi says patiently (while in her mind she is thinking of the one-day sale running at the fish market today).
Those last two words are enough to bring his confidence (and exuberance) back full blast.
"Haruhi… Everyone, actually…I'm so glad I've known you all and been in this wonderful club with you! We've had so much fun together these two years! Especially after my lovely daughter joined us! We've been just like a real family! So...-"
Here his tone changes and the lightness is gone, to be replaced with a sad sort of seriousness and poignancy that they rarely see.
"…I will be sad to leave you all."
There is a shocked silence.
He turns to each of them in turn, earnestly holding their eyes with his own violet orbs.
"Hani-senpai and Mori-senpai…even though you've graduated and have so many other things to do, you always manage to find time to come back to see us and host with us. Hani-senpai, you've always found a way to cheer everyone up and make everyone smile with just your own smile. So for that, thank you. Mori-senpai, although you're always in the background, you've always looked after all of us and helped us out whenever we needed. Thank you.
"Hikaru and Kaoru, you two little devils -" That earns him two identical looks of mock horror. "- are constantly making trouble and corrupting my darling daughter...! Hikaru...we all know that you're a very hot-headed person, because that often translates to your fiery temper. But we also understand that this just shows that you are very passionate and protective of those that you care about. For that, thank you. And Kaoru...you aren't Hikaru's shadow no matter how alike you two may look, so don't ever forget that. You always offer wise words and advice to others, and it is obvious that you care about all of us as well. Thank you for that.
"Haruhi…" The tears in his eyes are becoming more pronounced as he turns to the club's sole female member. He takes her hand, and for once she allows him to, blinking up at him with round chocolate eyes, the fish market sale forgotten. "Haruhi…words cannot possibly express the pain I feel at leaving you behind, alone with those two doppelgangers and without Daddy to care for you!"
She rolls her eyes and is about to pull her hand back when he continues, this time in a much more serious tone.
"Haruhi…you have no idea how happy I feel to have known you. These last two years have been a wonderful experience for me, and I know that I am not the only one in the club who has learned from your commoner ways. You have taught us all so much, Haruhi, so I thank you with all my heart. And just know that all I want is for you to be happy and live with a smile on your face."
A lone tear slides down his cheek, a gentle smile adorning his face, and Haruhi stares at him, speechless, some moisture evident in her own eyes. Slowly, gently, reluctantly, he lets go of her hand. And of her...
He turns to the last member of the club, eyes still shining.
"Kyouya…Mon ami! You were my first friend in Japan, and you've been my best friend ever since! You even let me use your kotatsu so many times!
"Kyouya...I know you work very hard to keep the club running and to make sure we're all satisfied. I also know that I can be an idiot and very hard to handle occasionally -" There is a loud cough somewhere at his use of the word 'occasionally'. "- but you always put up with me anyway. Thank you, Kyouya, for everything you have ever done for the Host Club, and for me. Please always remember that you are Kyouya before you are an Ootori, and inside of you is beating a strong, warm, loving heart."
Everyone has been shocked into silence by this stage at the strange behaviour that has taken over their King. Kyouya decides to voice the question that is no doubt lingering in everyone's minds.
"Tamaki, why are you saying all of this? It may be our graduation, but is it really necessary for - "
"Kyouya." He takes a deep breath. It is now or never as he proceeds to drop the bombshell that will change their lives forever.
"Everyone. I really wanted to thank you, all of you, for all the memories we have created over the last two years, the memories which I know will stay with us forever, and comfort us in times of despondency.
"And the reason…the reason I am telling you all this…is because…"
Just say it, Suoh Tamaki...!
"…I am leaving for France tomorrow."
And this time he does not hold back and lets the tears flow freely down his face.
But his lips are curved upwards in a gentle smile.
"Everyone! Adopt your space-saving PE sitting positions!"
"Tono, are you still going on about that?"
"Yeah, haven't we been over enough times to learn that we all fit -"
"Without sitting in that ridiculous position?"
"But Haruhi's apartment always looks so small -"
"Tamaki-senpai, please refrain from insulting my home."
A dark cloud descends and the blond attempts to slink into the storage room -
"And do not grow anymore mushrooms here, either, it was troublesome enough getting rid of the smell last time. Sit down at the table and don't move an inch."
It is just like old times. The entire Host Club is over at Haruhi's house, waiting for dinner. Hani and Mori have volunteered to head to the supermarket to get some extra ingredients, the twins are doing their best to torment Tamaki, and Kyouya has come into the kitchen to escape the ruckus, keeping Haruhi company while she cooks (under the pretext of investigating how the average commoner kitchen is kept).
Everyone is trying their hardest to put on a cheerful, unaffected mask while inside their minds they try to sort out their conflicting feelings.
They all wish him to be happy…but no one is quite ready to let him go.
Just yet.
Five servings of nabe and a tub of ice cream later, the entire Host Club is seen sprawled around Haruhi's living room, indulging in the 'commoner' activity of watching rented DVD's from the nearest video store.
"Haruhi~! Daddy is so ashamed of you! What sort of commoner are you?!"
Haruhi comes out of the kitchen after washing up. Unfortunately for her, the twins have decided to 'help out' for once - their understanding of 'help' being blowing soap bubbles, juggling dishes, and generally making a mess of her kitchen. A job that normally takes her ten minutes has somehow quadrupled in length.
She tries not to roll her eyes. "Tamaki-senpai, what is it?"
"You have no Blurays or even DVDs lying around in your house! This is unbelievable! Unacceptable! Sitting around together watching cheesy movies on a microscopic television screen; isn't that a commoner family activity?"
"...You were looking through my things?"
"Ah, Tono, how rude of you -"
"- Haruhi must be ashamed of her meagre belongings -
"It's so tragic that she's never had any movies to watch! Poor Haruhi!"
"Haru-chan! Do you want Usa-chan to comfort you?"
The twins and Hani latch onto her immediately. Haruhi pointedly ignores them.
"Putting aside the fact that it was incredibly rude of you to go through my belongings, you should all know that we don't have all that much time to watch movies. My father works full-time and when I am home I either study or do housework."
Under her breath she adds, "...unlike you rich bastards."
Tamaki immediately straightens.
"Alright! Everyone! To the video store!"
"Yeaa! Commoner movies! Commoner movies!"
"Usa-chan wants to see something with bunnies and cakes in it!"
"Uhn."
"Well, I suppose this could be a good experience."
"...looks like we're all going," Haruhi sighs defeatedly.
Eventually, they fall asleep one by one, the ending theme song to Disney's Alice In Wonderland playing softly in the background.
Sometime later in the night, Haruhi wakes to find that her father has come home and turned off the TV. As he showers in the bathroom, she grabs a pile of blankets from the linen closet, and spreads one over each of her friends. When she reaches Kyouya, she pauses to remove his glasses and place them on the table, then gently tucks him in under a thick, woollen blanket. Before she straightens, she brushes away some loose strands of hair from his eyes.
Tamaki watches it all under hooded eyes, and tells himself that yes, he is doing the right thing. A single tear makes its way down his cheek, but deep inside he feels warm, content, and his heart is filled with love.
Haruhi reaches him last. After placing the blanket over him, she stands and observes him for a moment as he pretends to sleep. She reaches over and brushes away the tear with her thumb, then tucks him in properly. As she is about to turn away, his violet eyes open and he whispers, "Thank you, Haruhi."
She smiles gently. "It's alright, senpai."
"Haruhi...can you promise me something?" There is the slightest tremor in his voice.
She waits patiently.
"Look after Kyouya, please. He needs -" you, he is about to say, but stops. "...someone to take care of him."
She smiles again. "I will."
He smiles back. "Thank you, Haruhi."
She regards him seriously for a moment, then grins in amusement. "Idiot. You don't need to thank me for that."
He grins back at her sheepishly, now unsure of how to respond.
She looks at him for a few more seconds, then says softly, "Get some rest, senpai. Goodnight."
As she turns away, he replies, "You should get some sleep too. Goodnight, Haruhi." Goodnight, and goodbye...Take care of yourself, Haruhi. I'm trusting you to look after Kyouya as well. He needs you, more than I do...