Yeah, it's the third chapter! Woo hoo! It gets a bit melodramatic near the end; you guys have been warned!
Ouran Private Academy
by samisweet
Chapter Three
Usagi plopped down sets and sets of stairs on her daily hike from her apartment. She, coincidentally, lived on the very top floor. She had found out earlier that Haruhi lived in the same complex, only four floors down. Undoubtedly, because she was late, Haruhi would probably be at school. Opening the gates to the apartment complex, Usagi stepped out into the sunny morning, a ready smile replacing her thoughtful look. There wasn't a single cloud in sight and birds chirped happily. She greeted the various people in the neighborhood with a cheery grin, beginning the fifteen minute trek to Ouran Private Academy.
"Usagi-chan!" Rei drove up in her fire-red Porsche, the top down and dressed in beach-wear, complete with a pair of expensive sunglasses. Ami was ashen in the seat beside her, also dressed in swimwear. "The Host Club is hosting a beach party! No one's at school today. Even Ami's coming! Care to join us?"
"Sure!" Usagi grinned. "Let me go get my swimsuit and towel and stuff!"
"Make sure it's a bikini!" Rei called out after a disappearing Usagi. Ami clenched the arms of her seat. Rei laughed loudly. "Come on Ami, it's not so bad. You're with us, aren't you?"
"B-But my school record!" Ami whimpered.
"Ami-chan, the school won't care, you're rich!" Rei giggled. "It's how I got by skipping school when the entire Galaxia affair was going on. And besides, Usagi-chan needs a break from everything that's gone on for the past few months. She really does."
"Only for Usagi's sake," Ami declared firmly. Rei nodded before smiling broadly. Usagi was flouncing down the stairs dressed in a one piece bathing suit with a pair of loose-fitting khaki capris and flip-flops. She lugged a huge tote bag filled with sunscreen, a blanket, and other various items.
"Usagi-chan, where's your cute polka-dot bikini?" Rei demanded.
"I don't feel comfortable wearing a bikini in front of those perverted Host Club members," Usagi replied, blushing. Rei giggled before motioning towards the back.
"It's a three hour drive, Usagi-chan," Rei flipped on her sunglasses before tossing her hair behind her. Usagi settled into the back seat, putting on a pair of mediocre quality sunglasses that suited her perfectly.
"Okay! Let's go; this is gonna be fun!" Usagi grinned as Rei stepped on the accelerator, zooming towards the highway.
Break
The beach was simply beautiful, with white sands and clear blue waves that gently crashed onto the land. Usagi laid out her blanket and opened an umbrella, motioning Rei and Ami to have a seat with her. The skies were completely clear and the air was a little dank, but not too oppressive. Usagi stretched out luxuriously.
"It feels so nice to take a break from life," Usagi commented, watching girls in itty bitty bikinis splashing in the water. Ami had even worn a modest ice-blue tankini that complimented her dark hair and blue eyes. It was halter-topped and left mere inches of room for her skin to peek through on her abdomen. Rei, of course, had decided to wear a daring string designer bikini that left little to the imagination. The trio was tucked away in a quiet spot.
"You deserve a break, Usagi-chan," Ami said quietly. "You've been through a lot lately."
Usagi fell silent and her eyebrows creased into a frown. "But it's these things that create strength, ne Ami-chan? I'll be stronger once I get over it all."
"Usagi-chan," Rei whispered, eyes tearing up. "I know you don't like have us worry and that you hide everything inside, but we're here for you. We all love you."
"I know," Usagi smiled before standing and brushing the sand off of her skin. "I'm gonna go take a walk and buy something to eat. I feel like having cake! I'm sure they have a stall somewhere around here."
"Alright, but be careful," Ami replied. Rei stretched her body.
"Ami-chan, I need sunscreen on my back," Rei declared. Ami rolled her eyes, causing Usagi to giggle.
"You just want those Host Club members to come over," Ami declared. Usagi walked away, the sound of Rei and Ami bickering fading into the distance. Giggling girls replaced the noise of the calming ocean and Usagi sweatdropped when her stomach rumbled. She needed food. It was past lunch-time. Walking along the edge of the beach, she spotted a friend and quickly ran over, all smiles.
"Haruhi-chan!" Usagi yelled. Haruhi looked up from her spot and smiled back, waving her over to sit next to her. Usagi plopped down. "I'm so hungry! Is there a restaurant or something around here?"
"Sorry, Usagi-chan, only stuff the host club's offering," Haruhi apologized, giving a sweet smile. Usagi heard girls squealing in the background and winced.
"I'm not a member," Usagi heard her stomach growl. "But I need food! I haven't eaten anything since breakfast."
"Usagi-chan!" the one Usagi remembered as Honey bounded into her view, adorably grinning at her. Usagi replied with a smile even more adorable than his. "Oh! You're SO cute! I have cake if you want some."
"Cake? I love cake! Thank you so much Honey-chan!" Usagi squealed. Haruhi sweatdropped.
"You haven't changed a bit, Usagi-chan," Haruhi replied flatly as she watched the blonde devour four cakes in one bite. Honey seemed scarred for life. His jaw dropped and his eyes were wide with surprise.
"Of course I haven't, Haruhi-chan," Usagi gave a sincere smile. "I said I'd never change for anyone, didn't I? It's been so long, Haruhi-chan. You said that we'd be together forever. And one day, I'd come and take you away to a better place."
"Who's trying to take MY Haruhi away?" a voice boomed. Usagi squeaked when Tamaki came in-between her and Haruhi, glaring possessively. Haruhi rolled her eyes while Usagi merely giggled.
"You're so funny, Tamaki-san," Usagi replied. Tamaki blinked. Usagi pushed gently on his face and he fell over, leaving room for Usagi to talk with Haruhi. A few moments later, Usagi rose for a walk, leaving Haruhi to heatedly explain Usagi's relationship with her to Tamaki.
Break
The beach provided tranquility that Usagi needed. The constant fighting of youma wore her down, as did everything that had gone on in the past three months. First, Mamoru had broken up with her. She understood that much and couldn't hate him for doing so. He had merely fallen out of love with her. She loved him with all her heart, but her love reached the point where she knew it would be better to let him go. And then came her parents' death, along with the death of her younger brother. Orphaned and alone, she did her best to fulfill the dreams her parents had for her. Her grades had improved immensely in the span of two months. Pushing a crab with a long stick, she sighed, allowing her constantly cheerful face to fall. She looked infinitely older than she was, tired lines appearing and her eyes gaining an irrepressible sorrow. She looked broken.
Usagi looked up when screams broke out across the peaceful ocean scene. She immediately was set into action, climbing rocks as fast as she could. Pebbles crumbled under her strong grip and she rushed, pausing at the top only to find Haruhi locked in a male's grip, nearing the edge. Three other girls were being harassed by another male. Usagi pulled herself into a fighting stance.
"Let go of Haruhi-chan!" Usagi cried out. "Fight someone your own size!"
"Oh look, the pretty babe wants a piece of us," the first man laughed, devouring her hungrily with his eyes. Usagi screeched in defiance before rushing towards the male, her foot extended out. She gasped when he caught her leg and twisted it, throwing her to the floor. Usagi sprung up, throwing expert punches at the man and landing hard blows. The man could barely keep up with her. A right hook caught him by surprise and he spat out blood. "You'll pay for that, bitch!" With a swift stroke, he threw her over the edge of the rock, just as Haruhi fell into the ocean.
"Haruhi!" a male voice shouted above Usagi.
"Usagi-chan!" the shriek echoed loudly in the air as Usagi fell through the air, slowly. She wasn't a good swimmer… Usagi sent a quick prayer to Selene as she went towards the ocean.
"Haruhi-chan! Stay awake! It's your only chance!" Usagi managed to scream.
"Usagi-chan! You'll drown!" Haruhi cried out as she hit the water. Usagi hit it next, the force of her head slamming through the surface of the water causing her to immediately fall into unconsciousness. The last thing she saw was water rushing over her, covering her in blue darkness.
Break
"I think she's coming to," a voice whispered softly. Usagi groaned, her head thudding painfully. The very air around her seemed dank and she shivered from lack of warmth. The pain was astounding. It felt as if her very body was on fire. She coughed, wincing when the bright light hit her eyes. The cold was suppressing. Usagi managed to pull herself into a sitting position, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She blinked as a face came into view.
"Haruhi-chan! You're ok," Usagi smiled brightly.
"Usagi-chan, you could have died," Haruhi whispered, gratitude in her eyes. Usagi shook her head. "You shouldn't have come after me. I could have handled the men."
"I was ok. I know some self-defense. I'm sorry I couldn't save you… who did?"
"Tamaki-san."
"Thank him for me… who saved me, by the way?"
"Ami-chan did. She's an excellent swimmer."
"I know," Usagi smiled before becoming engulfed in coughs. "I'm glad you're ok. I'm sorry… I wasn't strong enough to save you…"
"Stupid! If it weren't for you, those three girls would have been raped," Haruhi helped Usagi swing her legs over the bed. "Are you hungry? I hear there's a feast for host members."
"I'm not a host."
"But you're our special guest. It's nothing special. Just come in your pajamas. Rei-chan and I changed you. Ami-chan gave you some medicine."
"Where are they?"
"They had to head back to Tokyo a.s.a.p. They said it was important business."
"Oh," Usagi shook her head, knowing it was a youma of some sort. But her senshi would be able to handle it. Haruka and Michiru were in Tokyo at the moment. Usagi gratefully grinned when Haruhi helped her stand. Her entire body felt weak and tired. Usagi shook it off, finding strength within herself to continue. They walked through dark hallways, dimly lit with scarce lighting. Haruhi opened double doors, and Usagi noticed her choice of clothing. A pink nightdress. Usagi shook her head, looking down at her own pink night-dress, a sheer soft cloth underlain with white silk with a bow tied under her chest. Thin lace straps held it up.
"I'm back!" Haruhi smiled and the entire room went silent.
"Oh, Haru-chan! You're so cute!" Honey jumped into Haruhi's arms, giving a bear hug. Usagi giggled as she saw blank looks on everyone else's faces. That turned the attention to her and the silence was deafening. Hikaru merely glared at the younger girl with a hostility that Usagi wasn't used to. Haruhi blushed lightly.
"I invited Usagi-chan to join us," she proclaimed, pushing the blonde before her. "She was the one that saved those three girls." Usagi looked at her feet, embarrassed. She wasn't close to the other Host members; only Haruhi had closeness with her. The others nodded.
"We have enough crab to go around," Kyouya declared. "Please, have a seat."
Usagi shuffled her feet uncomfortably when Hikaru's glare deepened and Kaoru joined his twin, sending a menacing look towards Usagi. "I-If I'm intruding, I understand… I can find a restaurant or something, I'm sure."
"Oh no, not at all," Kyouya gave a slight smile. "From what I understand, Rei-san and Ami-san left. We couldn't have you alone, especially after what happened today. Please, accept this dinner as a humble apology from us."
"Apology? For what? Any friend would have done what I've done for Haruhi-chan," Usagi giggled. "It was nothing at all! And besides, Haruhi would have drowned if I hadn't slowed things down so that Tamaki-san could have saved her. I think Haruhi-chan is very, very brave. Not many would have done what she'd done. And even if she isn't strong or anything, she tried. She's got a big heart!"
"Usagi-chan, what are you saying?" Haruhi blushed. "You were the one that almost drowned. Ami-chan was still looking for you while I was on the beach. We were very worried for you. If anyone, you've got the biggest heart of all."
"I'm sorry for making all of you worried," Usagi bowed her head. "I try hard to make sure that everything goes right and no one gets worried… but it always backfires. I should have called for help. I hate making people worry about me."
"It's ok, Usa-chan!" Honey quickly jumped into Usagi's arms, giving a big hug. "Let's eat!"
"Sure, Honey-chan," Usagi smiled at the quirky boy, who quickly dragged her to a seat, pulling the chair out for her. "You're such a gentleman, Honey-chan! I wish there were more people like you." Honey blushed, not quite used to comments of the like. "You're so adorable!" Usagi cooed, kissing his cheek. She giggled even harder when he turned bright red. He quickly seated himself beside her, blushing furiously. "Mori-san, Kyouya-san, Hikaru-san, Kaoru-san, please, be seated! And Haruhi-chan and Tamaki-san." They nodded and seated themselves so that Haruhi and Tamaki were the only ones across from them. The two looked at each other and looked away, an edginess growing between them. The tension could be cut with a butter knife and Usagi immediately knew that Tamaki and Haruhi must have fought. "Well, let's dig in!" Usagi squealed loudly. The others started, quickly snapping crab legs and eating the meat inside. Soon, they were all watching Haruhi and Usagi eat at breakneck speeds, a pile of shells growing around them.
"Is it safe to eat that much?" Tamaki asked meekly. Haruhi shot him a look and he immediately fell silent, obviously hurt.
"Tamaki-san," Usagi began, patting her mouth daintily with a napkin. "I know you must be angry with Haruhi for doing what she did. But you have to understand the way we think. If someone was getting hurt and in danger of losing their honor and dignity, would you leave them be? I certainly wouldn't and neither would Haruhi-chan. I know you're probably angry because she could have drowned if I had not reached her in time, but you should be happy that Haruhi-chan is so brave and courageous."
"Usagi-chan," Haruhi gently smiled. Usagi winked and flashed the V-sign, grinning goofily. Tamaki abruptly rose and left, Kyouya trailing behind. Haruhi sat there for a while before looking green. "I think I'm sick."
"Get her to a bathroom, quickly!" Usagi shouted, pushing back her chair. Chaos followed the statement, screams and crashes a result of hurrying Haruhi in a nearby bathroom. Usagi managed (once again) to get lost in the pandemonium, trailing dark hallway after dark hallway in an attempt to get back to Haruhi. "Haruhi-chan! Where are you? I'm lost! Mori-san! Honey-chan! Kyouya-san! Kaoru-san! Tamaki-san! Hikari-san! Is anyone out here?" Silence greeted her. Usagi gasped as thunder began to rumble from overhead. She was deathly afraid of thunderstorms. "Anyone?" Usagiwhimpered and shut her eyes when a particularly loud clap of thunder followed a bright flash of light. Her walk became a run as she hurried down hallways, crying out at thunder and lightening. Fear filled her heart from the very bottom of her soul. She had a feeling that the thunder would last a while.
Usagi paused at a large window, fifteen feet away from it. Suddenly, just as lightening flashed, someone's hands rested on both of her shoulders. Usagi screamed as loud as she possibly could before throwing the person over her shoulder, causing the persons to slam into the window before falling to the floor. Usagi gasped and rushed over towards a fallen Mori and Honey.
"Oh! I'm sorry! I was just so scared because of all the thunder," Usagi squealed when another thunderclap resonated through the hall. "A-and I got lost…. Please, I just want to find Haruhi! She always helps me get over my fear…"
"Oh, Usagi-chan, it's alright!" Honey hugged Usagi chan. "You're really strong! How'd you throw both me and Mori-chan over your shoulder?"
"Rei taught me," Usagi replied before screaming once more as thunder rumbled from the heavens. "I-I just want to get to Haruhi!" When lightening struck again, Usagi threw herself on Mori, burying her face into his chest. "I-I want H-Haruhi!" Usagi felt herself being picked up and blinked, finding Mori's emotionless face giving her a slight smile for once. Honey jumped onto his back, his face showing genuine concern.
"It's alright, Usagi-chan! We'll help you!" Honey grinned and Usagi already felt better. Soon, they began a walk around a corner, up a flight of stairs, and stopped in front of the door, where all the other members of the Host Club were already situated. Usagi jumped from Mori's arms, giving him a hug.
"Thank you guys so much! I was getting really scared," Usagi threw open the doors before throwing herself into her friend's arms, pushing Tamaki aside. "Haruhi-chan! The storm's back!" Usagi cried out, burying herself into Haruhi's arms. "I-I was so scared. You were too, weren't you? Hey… what are you doing blindfolded in a dark room… with Tamaki-san! I didn't interrupt anything, did I?" Haruhi quickly pulled off the blindfold, shaking her head ferociously. A clap of thunder caused both girls to squeal and grab each other. "Ah! I'm so scared, Haruhi-chan! Let's do what we always do!"
"Under the covers!" Haruhi declared, grabbing Usagi before diving under the covers of the large bed. Usagi shivered, hugging Haruhi tight.
"So cute!" Honey squealed before jumping in bed with the two freaked out girls. He screamed along with Usagi and Haruhi when thunder struck once again, scared by their antics. "Mori-chan, I'm scared!" Mori grunted before lying on the bed next to Honey. Kaoru and Hikaru looked at each other and shared an annoyed look. Usagi laughed out loud, her head popping out from under the sheets.
"You guys rock!" she said loudly. Haruhi laughed as well and pulled herself out from under the covers.
"Usagi-chan, not so scared anymore?" Haruhi asked. Thunder came loud and close and both girls screamed as loud as they could before grabbing each other and screaming again, louder.
"Honey-chan's ears hurt," Honey whimpered, eyes dazed. Thunder once again rang and Usagi and Haruhi screamed again.
"It's alright, Haruhi-chan, I'm here to protect you!" Tamaki declared before scooping Haruhi into his arms and holding her tight. Haruhi blinked, surprised, before looking back down at a whimpering Usagi, who had her eyes closed tight against flashes of lightening.
"Usagi-chan," Haruhi whispered sadly, knowing of the man that had once protected her from her fears. Mamoru had left not too long ago. "Who'll protect Usagi-chan, Tamaki-senpai?" her voice was soft and serious. "She has no one there for her at the moment. Only me. Tamaki-senpai, please, consider doing a favor for me. Comfort Usagi-chan. I'm not as frightened as her. I could never be as frightened as her."
"Ooh!" Tamaki squealed, eyes glistening with tears. "That is so beautiful! Don't worry, Tsukino-san, I'm here!" Tamaki dropped Haruhi on the bed before scooping up Usagi and hugging her close, shaking her like a madman. "Don't be scared ever again! I'm here for you! I'll protect you!"
"Stop it!" Usagi screamed. Tamaki blinked and stopped. "I think the storm's over." Sure enough, the clouds had cleared out, leaving a moonlit night behind. "Last one to the beach is a rotten egg!" Usagi grabbed Haruhi's hand before running in her 'I'm-late-for-school' mode, leaving a cloud of dust behind. The rest followed her, bursting through doors and onto a beach, where dark waves crashed on white sand, the moonlight illuminating the night.
Well, what did you guys think of it? I noticed a few gray areas, but I wanted a chapter out for you all a.s.a.p. Review replies will be a little late due to time shortages. By the way, do any of you watch Bleach? Anyone interested in me writing a crossover?
Oh yeah, and as it turns out, I fractured my foot. My brother's a complete idiot and tackled me while we were playing football. He's bigger than me at 234 pounds and 5'11". He's a left tackle for the school team. And I'm 5'7". Stupid kid. Football does wonders to your intelligence.
Concerning pairings, I'm really leaning towards a twins pairing after seeing the 16th episode. They're so awesome! But everyone else is awesome, too. Honey is so cute and Tamaki is just plain silly, which is why I love him. Kyoya is kinda creepy, but I love him all the same, and Mori reminds me of a warmer/more compassionate Heero. Maybe a multi-ending?