So some of you (either through reviews or private PMs) have offered to take this story up, something that I will keep in mind in the future. But for now, I have no plans to abandon this. I'm so beyond flattered that you do love the story that much!


CHAPTER TEN: NATURAL


Moriko's Point of View

I'm trying my best to move forward with the club and put our past behind us. It's been an emotional rollercoaster these past few weeks, it seems like everything keeps happening at once and we can't get a single break without someone having some sort of emotional breakdown - or a temper fueled rage, in Kato's case. Though I never pegged Reve to be the cause of some of our little incidents - it's not like her to be so… emotionally charged.

Maybe it's best if I don't put too much thought into it. I shake my head and keep my hands steady as I pour another fresh cup of tea for my guests, doing my best to make sure that the kimino that Tamaki demanded we all wear doesn't fall forward too much. The last thing I need is more reason for men to look at my breasts. Honestly, as if that's all to a woman. What about her brain? Her doe-eyed cuteness? My eyes flicker to Haruhi, a light flush dusting my cheeks.

I have got to stop doing that, there's no use in trying to get my hopes up. Haruhi meets my eyes and gives me an easy smile and Kami she makes it so hard. I have to remind myself to get a grip, especially when Reve looks at me as if she knows exactly what I'm thinking. Because of course, she does.

Stay out of my head, Reve, I mildly scold but she merely sips her tea.

Not my fault that you project your thoughts over our mental link.

I hear a scuffing noise that sounds more like a cat chuffing, unusual, but familiar. I don't even have to look to see that it's Kato laughing - though I hope it's not at me.

You and Reve both, sister, Kato's voice chimes with amusement, but I rather like hearing your thoughts. It's pretty funny.

Funny, my brows furrow.

I've heard about people going through phases in their youth, but honestly, having an attraction toward a human is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

Just when I thought she was making progress about her racism (speciesism?). I try my best to keep my hurt to myself, I don't want either of them to know the way that Kato's comment cuts through me like a knife. I understand that she'll never understand, but the fact that she thinks this is just a phase is what hurts the most. She should know me by now - phases aren't exactly something I'm known for. I can count the amount of people I've ever been attracted to, physically or mentally, in my life on one hand. I don't exactly have crushes all willy-nilly. Human or not, it doesn't make a difference to me.

I can still hear her chuffing and I swallow down my emotions about the subject for now. I can feel the way the plants wilt toward me, knowing my pain and I'm not sure if they're trying to comfort me or if they're wailing because my pain is causing them their own pain. I hope it's the former.

"Is that her laughing," Hikaru - I think it's Hikaru - raises an eyebrow as he jabs a thumb over toward Kato, "She sounds like a dying cat."

They're not wrong. Chuffing doesn't exactly sound too good unless you know what it means, and that goes for any cat really. Kato included.

"Still better sounding than you," Kato chimes, barely even looking over her shoulder toward the twin.

Now I know it's definitely Hikaru. Kaoru doesn't get so easily affected by people, but HIkaru's face turns red as he tenses. He takes a step forward and I wonder what exactly it is that he thinks he's going to do to. And how Kato is going to react.

"At least we know how to act normal, you've been at this club for a while now and you still act like a freak."

Kaoru nudges his twin sharply for the comment, but Hikaru is focused primarily on Kato, who stands and glares threateningly. I can practically see her hackles rise as her two feet are firmly planted on the ground. She's a spring, tensed and wound up, just ready to pounce. There's a fire in her eyes and a smirk on her lips and I wonder how long she's been waiting for another fight to break out.

Takashi places a hand on her shoulder and it genuinely surprises me that she doesn't just take that chance to throw him over her shoulder. He looks at her, as if to say, to stand down. My lips thin as Kato actually listens. She huffs and sits back down at the couch, arms crossed tightly against her chest as she grumbles under breath in her native tongue.

"That's not very nice, Hikaru-kun," Hunny states simply, holding Usa-chan close to him, "Kato-chan may be different, but she's not a freak."

Kato watches over her shoulder with a brow raised, interest shining in her eyes. I watch the exchange between her and the other two hosts with just as much interest. There's something about it that just sits differently with me. Kato doesn't really listen to anyone, for one. She barely even listens to me and I'm her sister. But without a word, she sat down when Takashi 'asked', and she seems almost glad that they're standing up her.

Good. She deserves someone to stand up for her that's not family for once. I hope she actually realizes just how much of a good thing this is though.

"Hunny-senpai is right," Haruhi piques up with a frown, "Kato is weird, but that's not right to just call her a freak. Besides, I think everyone here is weird anyway."

She's not entirely wrong either, I glance toward Tamaki who is cuddled behind Kyoya, chewing on his nails, just waiting for Kato to blow up again. Kyoya doesn't even acknowledge him, but he glances toward Reve with a small smirk.

"Haruhi is right, everyone here is weird just as everyone here has secrets."

I wonder why he's looking at Reve that way when he says that, but Reve doesn't seem overly concerned by it. What is that about, Reve?

Nothing, don't worry about it. Just a human who thinks he's smarter than me, nothing new.

I don't think she's lying, but I can tell that she's not telling me the whole truth either. I'm here when you're ready to talk about it.

I pretend that I don't see the corners of her lips twitch slightly, as if she's trying not to smile.

Hikaru is still having a hissy fit, however, and Kato just sticks her tongue at him while Takashi and Hunny stand protectively in front her. It's nice to see that they're getting along that well and I hope that Kato will realize that it's not a bad thing to have friends - even human ones. Who knows, maybe if they can change her mind about humans being such awful creatures then she'll actually accept me and Haruhi?

I snort. As if there's anything to accept. I'm getting too worried about this, I want Kato to be nicer to people, but why am I so concerned about her liking Haruhi specifically? I mean, we're friends, but it's not as if we're ever going to be more than that.

Kato quirks an eyebrow as she looks over in my direction, what was that, sister?

Nothing.


By the time the club's ending is here, Reve stands solemnly and simply states that she has somewhere else she needs to be. It doesn't go unnoticed, at least by me and Haruhi, that Kyoya seems to leave pretty close after her.

Uh, Reve? If you had something to do with Kyoya, you could have just told us.

There's a loud screeching in response that makes me tense. Kato hears it too, but the way that she dives underneath the blankets to try to cover her ears is, remarkably, somewhat normal for her.

REVE?

Sorry, Reve's voice finally rings through, a slight echo and far away quality to it. I don't have to do anything with that stupid human -

Ha, humans are stupid -

Reve continues as if she doesn't hear Kato's comment, Not really anyway. We're working on a business deal and I do not want the club to intervene.

Something twists in my gut and deciding that when the time is right that she'll tell us the truth, I let it go. But this is the second lie, or at least half-truth, that she's told me today alone. Something is going on - likely something with Kyoya too. But what it is, is anyone's guess.

It takes me a good moment to realize that Haruhi is trying to talk to me. It's not until she actually nudges me lightly do I jump and flush, sheepish that I wasn't paying attention.

"Sorry, were you trying to say something?"

Haruhi's lips twitch in amusement, "I noticed you're really good with plants and was wondering if you could help me with my garden at home. Money's been a bit tight lately, so I thought I could help my dad out by having our own garden, but I'm not an expert in plants so I don't know where to start."

It takes a moment for the request to process and my lips move with my thoughts before only one question comes out, "Are you asking me to visit your house?"

They shrug, "More of an apartment than a house and it's only if you're comfortable with it. Honestly though, I'd rather have you over than any of these other idiots. No offense to your sisters."

I shake my head, waving it off. I can't really take offense, it's not as if she knows that we're not human and most of this, well to Kato mostly, is a lot of culture shock to take in. I glance toward my sister to see her going after the twins again. I sigh, knowing that there's only so much any of us can do to keep her at bay. Especially with the twins that didn't get the message to back off when they had the chance.

Though it is funny to see both Takashi and Hunny struggle to keep up with her as she chases the twins around the room. Her hair and eyes are wild, but still tamed compared to what it could be. Her claws aren't even all the way out. She must be holding back, otherwise she would have easily caught them by now.

Heh, maybe she is warming up more than she wants to believe. I shake my head and turn my attention back to Haruhi, who is still waiting patiently for an answer. They don't even seem to notice the chaos around the room, or maybe they do and they're just used to it by now. At least I don't have to think over my answer.

"I would love to help," I grin, "Plants require a delicate touch, you know."


Haruhi's plan is simple - we go home after school so we can both freshen up before I head to her place. A plan I appreciate due to the butterflies fluttering in my stomach and the nerves that shake my hands as I finish getting ready.

My sisters aren't as keen about me going to Haruhi's apartment, Kato specifically spends a good half hour before I leave yowling about me leaving her. She doesn't even bother to try to remain human, wandering about, hunched over in her large form like a caged animal.

"Stop the dramatics, I'm just going to a friend's house."

Kato's voice yowls over the mental link, a human's house, sister, and without us. You're coercing with the enemy.

"It's Haruhi," I roll my eyes, "And you know you don't really mean that. You know that Haruhi isn't our enemy -"

Maybe not her specifically, but humans are.

"And you honestly still believe that? You seemed to be pretty friendly with Takashi and Hunny today."

Kato doesn't give a verbal answer to that so much as she just growls and rumbles softly as she settles down on the living room floor. I snort, of course she doesn't have a good answer to that. She's just proving my point.

"Reve, you have anything to say on this," I turn to my other sister, who calmly sips at her tea. For a moment, I'm glad that at least she's back to normal, but I see her hands shake the cup. So much for that.

She turns to me and her eyes seem a bit more… lackluster.

"I think it's a horrible idea, Kato is right, humans bring nothing but trouble… But if you want to go, I won't stop you."

What did Kyoya do to you, sister? She doesn't answer and I don't expect her to, but with Kato yowling about how Reve taking her side which means that, and I, quote, 'am out voted,' I walk out the door and ignore the wailing that follows.


I flush the moment that the door to Haruhi's apartment opens. I didn't expect them to get dressed up for just me and it's the first time I've seen them in such casual, nice clothes. That and they're smile? They're...cute.

They grins at me and motions for me to come in, "My dad is at work, but he'll be home soon. He'll probably invite you to diner."

"Just him," I raise an eyebrow and for a moment, I can see the faint traces of a blush on their cheeks as they wave my comment off.

"Don't do that, I get enough of it from the twins and Tamaki."

Yeah but I don't ever see you blush from them. The butterflies start to feel more like a tornado, rustling deep in my gut. I take a deep breath, "So where do you have your windows? I didn't see any patio you could do it on, but the best place for a garden would be the spot that gets the most sun. Especially if you're planning on doing herbs or fruit."

"The kitchen has a nice spot and I think I have everything we need to get started too."

"And here I didn't think you knew anything," I nudge them lightly, but they wave me off with a scoff.

"I'm not stupid, Moriko-chan. I know the basics as to what plants need and how to take care of them, but I don't know the specifics that are needed to make sure that the garden doesn't die immediately. I don't know what plants are good to plant together or what plants need to be completely separate."

Moriko-chan. I grin and follow them as they lead me into their kitchen. Just as Haruhi said, they seem to have a lot of the basics ready - pots, packets of seeds, a few small already starting plants in little pots that will need to be moved into a bigger space, a bag of mulch and soil, gloves, the cutest little shovel, and a watering can. We won't really need the small hand shovel, though it is cute - we can just use our hands unless we're planting something particularly grown.

I run my fingers over the small leaves of the plants in the tiny pots. Babies. It tickles my fingertips, feeling electric with new, happy energy as they call out to me. I always loved playing with babies - or rather, taking care of them. Call it the mother in me.

Basil. Lavender. Lemon balm. Oregano. Parsley. Peppermint. Eucalyptus. Chamomile. Ginger. Haruhi seems to know what they're doing, as far as getting the basics. They're already putting on their gloves and working on opening the bags of soil and mulch.

"I thought it would be good to get some that have multiple uses, especially for tea," Haruhi notes.

"And I thought you said you didn't know what you were doing," I comment as I take a spot beside them.

I don't bother with the gloves, despite the raised brow Haruhi gives me for doing so. I love the way the soil feels, its energy runs through my veins. If I am the mother, then the soil is my womb, waiting for its children. I run my hands through the soil, spreading it out evenly as Haruhi pours it from the bag with a surprising ease.

I do my best to cover the small sprouts that pop up here and there within the soil, born from my skin, eager to grow their roots in the earth, and toss a few out when Haruhi isn't looking so they won't cause any disruption to their garden.

"You seemed pretty stressed out lately," Haruhi doesn't glance toward me as they speak, "I thought this would be a good chance for you to have fun since you seem to enjoy plants so much."

"And frankly," Haruhi gives a small grin as they set down the bag of mulch, "I thought it would good for us to spend some time together without Tamaki-senpai and the others."

"Including my sisters," I add dryly, causing Haruhi to shrug in agreement.

I have to admit, the fact that they obviously know what they're doing, but invited me to help because they wanted to some time together? Because they really do think of me as a friend? Because they wanted me to relax and have some time without everyone else?

I spend the entire time with Haruhi in mostly peaceful silence with my chest flushed with warmth, trying not to linger everytime my hands brushed against theirs.


OMAKE


It's late when Moriko finally leaves, and Haruhi watches her leave with a strange feeling in their gut, but they wonder how you can miss someone when you can still see them walking off in the distance.

When they close the door, they let out a long breath. The evening had been, admitly, fun. A lot more fun than they were expecting. While most of their gardening was done in silence, it was peaceful. Natural. Simply because they enjoyed each other's presence. Haruhi admits that it was strange, to stand there, and see that look on Moriko's face, as if she were a new mother with her children, her eyes lit up with excitement and love. But it was strange in a good way. Not the tiring, hard strange way that the club is. Not the type of strange that leaves them exhausted and overworked. Not the strange that needs a couple of Aleve to take care of. No, it's a more welcomed strange, it's refreshing. Homey.

"I have to admit -"

Haruhi jumps at the sound of their father's voice. Ranka stands there in the doorway of the kitchen with a thoughtful expression on his face - the type of thoughtful that Haruhi doesn't see quite often on him. As if he knows something that Haruhi doesn't. His eyes are lit up mischievously and they wonder just what it is that he's thinking.

"- I rather like that Moriko. She's polite, kind, and rather cute, don't you think?"

Haruhi flushes and like that, it's as if their father got all the answer he needed as he grins and walks off, waving a goodnight to her as he retreats to his room.

Haruhi takes a deep breath and heads toward the kitchen with plans of seeing the final product of their day's work at least one more time before bed. They still can't believe they got it done so easily. They suppose Moriko really does have a green thumb - a gift with nature. It suits her, Haruhi muses, Moriko's bright, almost unnaturally green, eyes flashing in their mind.

Moonlight shines through the window and Haruhi welcomes it. It highlights their potted plants rather beautifully. Following the gaze of the moon, Haruhi's eyes fall to something green on the floor. They wince and hope that the garden hasn't lost a plant already. The list of already grown plants that they had bought go through their mind as they observe the plant, trying to pin just where it should go, figuring the best place for it would be the pot it came from.

They hold the green stem gently in their palm and hold it up to the light to look at it more closely and furrow their brows at the way its stem just stops before the roots, but it's not broken or cut. As if the plant grew top first and hadn't had time to get to its roots. The closer she looks, the more the plant just doesn't seem right to them - the colors a bit too bright, too healthy, as if it's perfect.

...And just what type of plant is this?