I know i said I'm following the episodes and I am, but I also feel like ripping the exact script is a little overdone so I'm kind of changing a lot. I mean you all already know what they said, and there's so much more that I'm putting in between it all so I'm really bastardizing it. Let me know if I'm taking away too much or if you like what I'm doing to it so far Or let me know about anything, I'm truly desperate for reviews -

TW: self harm and suicide mention

Kyoya tapped his pen impatiently while the teacher droned on. The events from the day before still replayed in his mind. Perhaps he should have intervened at some point before Ayanokouji had taken it too far. He already knew (because of course he knew) of her predisposition towards jealousy. And Alex was a whole other can of worms. He had known of her history before she even landed in Japan, that she was the daughter of famed composer Jonathan Sterling, a world class piano player made infamous after a sever manic episode and rather public breakdown before virtually disappearing completely. Many people assumed him dead. Kyoya even had access not just to Alex's family history but medical as well, including the reasoning behind her frequent psychiatric facility stays.

Kyoya told himself he was checking in on his investment when he texted the twins.

Is Alex in class today?

Devil 1: No we haven't seen her all day

Devil 2: We asked Haruhi but she didn't come to the door when Haruhi went to walk her to school.

Well shit. Kyoya didn't feel right exposing Alex's history with mental illness to everyone so easily but he was at a loss. He was the only one who knew, but she barely knew him. She probably wouldn't take kind to him showing up alone just to make sure she hadn't killed herself.

Later that day at club, Kyoya watched in wait for the 1-A group to enter the club in hopes Alex might have just been late, to no such luck. Kyoya managed to corner Haruhi while everyone was getting ready. "Haruhi, I know you and Alex are close, have you heard from her since yesterday?"

"Since yesterday?" Haruhi paused to think back. "No. When we were walking home she was a lot more quiet than usual. I offered to make her dinner at my house but she said no and went home. I was wondering if there was any way I could leave a little early today to go and check on her, if that's alright?"

"Of course," Kyoya's shoulders relaxed just a centimeter. "I was just going to ask you to. I wondered if you would mind terribly if I joined you? There are some things we must discuss."

"Kyoya-senpai, I don't think bringing up blackmail and debt to her is the best thing right now."

"No, you have the wrong idea. I'm just a concerned party."

Kyoya watched her with pleading eyes, though the average person wouldn't be able to tell. Kyoya was for once glad his miniscule expression of emotion could be noticed by as perceptive of a person as Haruhi. He would rather have not shown any weakness at all to Haruhi, but decided that this occasion was worth the humiliation. He waited a few moments as Haruhi considered the offer, ultimately nodding her head in defeat.

"Fine, Kyoya-senpai. You can take me there," Haruhi crossed her arms in defense. She decided that should she need any help, someone as smart as Kyoya could be a good thing. "-but you can't come in unless I say it's okay."

Alex had no idea what time it was. Her digital alarm clock sat upside down and on the floor with a broken face. She'd been in a daze since the incident yesterday. Her most recent lucid moment was gasping for air after her head slipped underwater in the bath a few minutes ago. She examined her body through the now cold water in the tub. Her bandages sat floating on the surface of the water, revealing bruised knuckles and abrasions over her elbows and forearms. Knuckle-shaped bruises dotted her arms, legs and hip bones. And her knuckles were black and blue and swollen. She didn't remember Ayanokouji punching hard enough to bruise Alex; the princess' scratches and hair pulling were the most painful things she had done. Alex also reasoned that if she seriously injured Ayanokouji as suggested by the bruises on her knuckles, Alex would be in custody at the moment. Alex flipped over her arms, and sure enough, fresh cuts lined her left arm. They were sloppy and shallow, but large in number. This was not something she could blame on the fight.

Alex was far too familiar with waking up in such a way as this. If she were being honest, she didn't mind not remembering what terrible things she had done, but she worried about the aftermath regardless; and this was one of those times.

Alex tried to stand and get herself out of the top but her joints screamed in resistance. She guessed she had been sitting in the tub for at least a few hours. She was shivering and her stomach roared in complaint of its emptiness. Her uniform sat in a wet, tea-stained heap on the floor of the bathroom. She wasn't looking forward to the price of laundering it. Suddenly snapshots of the previous night flooded her head. The breaking of glass, screaming, drops of blood streaking down her arm to pool down into her palm. Alex gnashed her teeth together to hold in a sob and curled into a ball. She could feel hot tears pooling in her eyes and her nails dug into her skin where she held herself.

Gentle knocks on the door sounded and Alex turned in alarm. "Alex! Alex it's Haruhi! I missed you in class I wanted to see how you were doing!"

Alex was touched, her jaw releasing and her face molding into a frown in embarrassment. She opened her mouth to speak but the hoarse words came out barely more than a whisper. Her throat was sore and dry. She closed her eyes in defeat and lowered her head. She really didn't want Haruhi to see her like this. She struggled out of the tub and managed to wrap a towel around herself before making her way to the door. She tried to clear her throat before opening the door but the door knob turned to open by itself. In her stupor she must have forgotten to lock it.

"Alex!" Haruhi dove at her and sealed her in a hug. Alex's arms were pinned to her chest, keeping tight hold of the towel around her shivering body. "I'm so glad you're okay! What happened?"

"I-," Alex finally managed to clear her throat. "I wasn't feeling up to school today. I'm sorry for worrying you."

"You're sorry?" Haruhi's eyebrows furrowed in anger. "Why didn't you answer me?" She blurted out. Alex flinched, she'd never heard Haruhi raise her voice before. Haruhi noticed and sighed in disappointment at herself. "I was worried about you, Alex."

"I'm sorry, Haruhi," Alex's lips trembled. "I wasn't ready to face everyone after yesterday."

"But you don't have to face everyone alone," Haruhi squeezed Alex's arms comfortingly. "It's just you and me, remember? We got each other's backs."

Alex leaned into Haruhi's embrace, but her eyes flashed to the open door when she spotted a flash of light glinting off of something shiny.

"Who's there?"

"Ah, sorry 'bout that Alex," Haruhi turned back to the door. "Kyoya-senpai asked if he could come with, is it alright if he comes in?"

"Yeah... sure."

Kyoya stepped inside and made eye contact with Alex, still wrapped in only a towel. Alex started backing away. "I'll be right back I just need to... put on some clothes." Kyoya and Alex both looked away as their cheeks turned a shade of pink at her state of dress.

Kyoya and Haruhi sat silently in the main room of the apartment while Alex changed.

"Kyoya, I appreciate you coming over but I get the feeling you have an agenda. What's up?" Alex shouted from her bedroom.

"I just wanted to check in with Haruhi that you were alright. It would be a shame to lose you so early, I doubt the school would be very content with you if you were to miss too many classes-" Alex stepped back out in a plain, long sleeved t-shirt and and shorts. She tussled her hair with the towel in an attempt to dry it faster. Kyoya's breath caught at the site of her shirt clinging to her still-wet body. "I... came to offer my support."

"Thanks Kyoya. That's sweet of you." Alex sat down next to them to chat but her face sunk when her stomach grumbled loud enough for all of them to hear. "Sorry" she mumbled sheepishly.

"Actually would you two allow me to take you out to eat? There's an upcoming event I'd like to discuss with you two."

The three were driven to a simply decorated café, a much different scene to the decadently decorated building the students from Ouran surround themselves with. Alex and Haruhi were looking forward to being able to afford something on the menu, neither being comfortable with Kyoya paying for their dinner. Once the trio sat down to wonder through the menu however, Haruhi and Alex sheepishly decided on having water for dinner.

"Is there something wrong? If you'd like I can make a special request to the chef, they know me. Excuse me-" Alex caught Kyoya's arm before he was able to summon a waiter.

"No the food's fine! What did you need to talk to us about?"

"Just updating you two for missing club today. Tomorrow we have an island-themed hosting experience, Tamaki ordered these both for you-" Kyoya pulled two packages out of his book bag.

"Wait, why am I dressing up? I'm not a host,"

"We're taking advantage of the décor tomorrow to have a photoshoot," Kyoya looked Alex in the eyes. "I know it's poor timing for such a thing, but we can have certain... blemishes erased post-shoot. There's no need to worry."

"Is that all, Kyoya-senpai?"

"We're also going to hold a cherry-blossom viewing party in a few days, and I need both of your help. We can't afford either of you missing any more club meetings,"

"What for? Are we decorating the party ourselves?" Haruhi crossed her arms.

"I didn't know you were that cheap, Kyoya," Alex huffed.

"I just need you both to know that attending is a requirement. And Alex, if you're up for it I believe it would be the perfect time for your idol debut at Ouran Academy." Kyoya paused thoughtfully.

Haruhi and Kyoya watched Alex, neither of them had any idea of what she would say. Of course she was recovering, but maybe a performance would cheer her up. Haruhi had finally found videos of Alex's performances online, she knew how genuine the smiles Alex had on stage were, and of Alex's excitement when the crowd had the chance to interact. This could be just what she needed.

"I'll… think about it."

"Wonderful," Kyoya nodded in approval before the waiter set food in front of them, and took a single bite before finally considering that though the place seemed low-brow to himself, he was still blissfully unaware at how expensive it was to Haruhi and Alex. He felt too embarrassed to bring it up now and pushed his plate toward their side of the table. "I uh, find myself too full from lunch. You two have it." Alex decided to dig in happily, and Kyoya flashed a tight-lipped smile. Haruhi's eyes flickered from watching Kyoya to following his gaze at Alex.

"Thanks, Kyoya-senpai." Haruhi wasn't hungry either. She and Kyoya both knew they were just there to make sure Alex was taking care of herself.

"Of course, Haruhi."

Haruhi's stomach suddenly gurgled and she held her stomach. "I knew that sale tuna was too cheap." She ran to the bathroom, leaving Kyoya and Alex alone at the table.

Alex kept her eyes on the table, not daring to look up at Kyoya.

"Alex."

His softened voice called her attention in a tone she'd never heard from him before. She met his eyes.

"While these events are important to attend, if you really need time off for your mental health, you're more than welcome to do so. It's far too important not to take care of. You know, my family owns numerous medical facilities, and if you need, I would be more than happy to provide a stay at psychiatric facility should you need it."

"Psychiatric facility?"

The conversation was interrupted once Haruhi sat back down at the table, Alex looking back down and Kyoya returning to sip his tea.

Haruhi watched Alex struggle with the chopsticks for the plate Kyoya ordered.

Haruhi giggled and scooted closer. "Alex, do you need help with that?"

"No," Alex lifted a piece of meat shakily into the air, holding her head above the broth-filled bowl. It slipped from the chopsticks and splashed back on her face. "-yes."

Haruhi leaned on her arm, with her face just inches from Alex's, and wiped Alex's cheek gently with a cloth napkin. "... Haruhi? What are you doing?" Alex questioned through her red cheeks.

"Practicing,"

"Practicing for what?"

"You made me miss club today, I'm making up for my hosting practice." Haruhi chuckled. "And judging by your flushed face, I'm doing a good job."

Alex giggled while she managed to shove a chunk of noodles into her mouth. Her eyes lit up. "We fud do dis fo Amaki!"

"What?"

Alex gulped down her food. "We should do this for Tamaki! You've seen him, anytime you so much as look up at him through your pretty, dark eyelashes his face turns red," She paused to grab hold of Haruhi's cheek and shake it. "'cos you're so damn cute!" It was Haruhi's turn to blush. Kyoya's face hid a flicker of a smile. It was sweet to see the two of them enjoying each other's company so much. Their relationship had developed quickly and Kyoya felt hopeful that Alex might confide about her past with Haruhi soon. Regardless, Kyoya began to feel like a third wheel and waited for them to finish their food before dropping the two off at Alex's apartment.

Alex approached her door but felt glued to where she stood. "Haruhi?"

"Yeah, Alex?"

"Would you mind if I spent the night?"

Haruhi was only happy to oblige, especially since her father was working all night. Haruhi let Alex borrow some pajamas to wear for the night, and set out futons for the two to sleep on. Haruhi fell asleep in seconds, Alex stayed awake with her own thoughts almost the whole night.

The next day in class Alex found herself being tackled by a flash of orange and blue.

"Alex! We missed you!" The twins both pleaded. They rubbed their faces against either side of Alex's face while keeping her enveloped between them.

"Never leave us alone again!"

"Class is so dull without you!"

"Haruhi won't talk to us if you aren't around!"

They spoke in turn. Alex sighed in contentment and ruffled both Twin's hair. "I missed you guys too, thanks for waiting up. What did I miss?"

Hikaru tilted his head in consideration, "Well, today in club we're cosplaying, it's the first one of the year and Boss is going all out."

"And we designed your outfit ourselves!" Kaoru smiled giddily until he noticed Alex was pale. "But we did talk to Kyoya about making… considerations."

Hikaru sighed grumpily. "No nudity,"

Kaoru shrugged. "We tried our best!" Alex slapped his arm before they got into their seats for class.

The club room was sweltering compared to the chilly early spring air outside and decked out with tropical trees, animals, and cabana style dining set ups. Alex almost got lost in the fake rainforest, needing Haruhi to drag her into the prep area in the back. Alex was scared, to say the least, of what the twins hoped to dress her in, considering how small the package was. Once opened though, she was pleasantly surprised. There was a long wrap-around skirt for her to wear, a square piece of tropical patterned fabric to wrap around her chest, and a slightly see through shawl and bikini set to protect her modesty. She got the pieces on but something looked off. A knock sounded from outside her changing room.

"Alex? It's Kaoru,"

"Where's Hikaru?"

Kaoru's sigh could be heard past the curtain. "With Boss trying to convince Haruhi to put on her cosplay. I think it's a lost cause."

Alex called back through a laugh. "You'd be right! Though I would also love to see Haruhi wearing it." She looked back to the mirror, fidgeting with the pieces. "Hey uh, I don't think I put this on right, can you help me?"

Kaoru's eyebrows raised in surprise and he looked around for anyone else in the prep room; it was empty. "You modest?"

"I'm good, I'm good. Just don't try anything," Alex brushed back the curtain, meeting Kaoru face to face. "Come in,"

Kaoru was glad Alex quickly turned away to check out the mirror again because his face was bright pink, he'd never seen Alex with so much exposed skin. Kaoru crouched down to examine Alex's skirt. It had an intentionally wide slit where the fabric didn't meet, meant to be off to the side to show off her thigh, but Alex had arranged in the center. Kaoru kept his face down as he gently twisted the skirt in the right orientation. He stood back up to admire his handiwork.

The costume, meant to entice her fans with excitement and just a smidge of temptation, while still leaving things to the imagination, had done all it was meant to do. The opening in the skirt playfully showed off her pale, supple thighs. The square shaped fabric piece, folded in half into a triangle and tied around her back hid most of her midsection while still drawing attention to her chest and exaggerating the small of her waist with its pointed shape. And the slightly see through shawl maintained a sense of innocence while still caressing gentle slopes in her shoulders. Kaoru had to look away to wipe a small nosebleed, he and his brothers work may have been too effective.

Kaoru and Alex left to join the rest of the already-ready hosts and Alex's breath caught at the sight of them. It had been hard enough for Alex to stay composed when Kaoru's fingers grazed her bare skin as he was crouched below her. The angle of it showed off a wonderful view of his broad shoulders and shoulder blades, a favorite body part of her on any gender. Now watching all of the hosts from behind, in balmy shirtless glory, posing in wait for the guests, Alex had to fan herself.

Alex as usual waited for Kyoya to disperse guests for the first session, and took advantage of the time to cool herself down. She kept guzzling down cold water and trying to avoid the sight of the hosts, but her eyes kept wandering. Suddenly Kyoya was standing in front of her, camera in hand. A wry smile crossed his lips. "Are you alright, Alex? Dehydrated?"

"Yeah... What's it so warm in here for?" She muttered, blushing at how close Kyoya's bare chest was once she stood up. "Isn't this all a little… excessive?"

Kyoya chuckled in amusement. "Oh you have no idea. This was only a spur of the moment decision, you should see it when it's been properly planned out.

"Of all things though," Alex gulped, catching sight of a bead of sweat crawling down crevices in his lightly sculped torso. "What made you decide on this?"

Luckily Kyoya was distracted by his own black notebook, or so he wanted Alex to think. He was also trying to avoid watching her hips swivel as she walked, exaggerated by the thick low waist of her skirt. "Well, showing skin does prove popular with.. well everyone. But it was actually Tamaki who chose to do this. I'm only the vice president after all, I have no decision-making power...though I will admit to placing a Bali photobook on his desk." He looked up at Alex for just a second to press a finger to his lips in a silencing motion and quickly went back to his notebook. He couldn't yet hide his face with a camera so he set to keeping his eyes on the paper.

"Alright, shadow-king. Can we get the photoshoot over with or what?"

"Oh! Yes of course. My apologies," Kyoya flustered about grabbing the camera, having forgotten after being distracted by Alex and trying to keep himself acting the cool type. "Here, past the host area."

Kyoya lead her through the brush, faltering for just a second when Alex grabbed hold of his wrist. He looked back to see her blushing and looking away from him. "Sorry, I get lost easy."

They made it to a small clearing with lights angled at a section of tropical flowering trees and bushes. Kyoya kneeled before her and angled. "Do what you'd like, make it casual"

Alex clumsily feigned 'natural' poses among the trees and flowers, hoping the red on her cheeks could be disguised as sun burn or from the heat. Alex still wasn't used to being examined so much. She tried to take her mind off of it. "So are you actually into photography or just too cheap to hire a real one?"

"Well," Kyoya snapped a photo. "I haven't the time for such frivolous hobbies so the latter, I suppose. It's not as if the people who'll be buying these photos will be so concerned with photo composition, anyways."

Alex let out a laugh and Kyoya quickly snapped a shot of it. "That was a good one," Kyoya paused to look at the photo on the screen. "So, have you given any thought as to whether you'd like to perform?"

Alex silently approached Kyoya as he held out the camera for her to see the picture. She kept her eyes on it, not willing to make eye contact. "Kyoya?"

"Yes, Alex?"

"You said you keep detailed profiles of all of us, right?"

Kyoya spoke in as soft as voice as she had ever heard from him. "I do,"

"What all do you know about me?" She finally looked up at him. His voice caught in his throat as he thought about what to say. She grew impatient and repeated more sternly, "What do you know?"

"I know who your father is, the composer Jonathan Sterling. I know about his history with mental illness and substance abuse. I know the rest of your family as well, and that your mother died two years ago," He paused, hoping it was enough but Alex's expression clearly said it wasn't. "I know that you have your own... similar history. And that you have been hospitalized with increasing frequency in the years since your mother died."

The silence was heavier than Kyoya could bear. He stepped closer to Alex, close enough to hold her. He wanted to comfort her in some way, but doubted he actually could.

Her voice came out small. "Have you told anyone yet? Did you tell Haruhi?"

"No, it isn't my history to tell."

"Oh but you think you know me well enough to recommend a psychiatric hold though, don't you?" Her tone turned aggressive. "You think you can diagnose me just cos your family owns hospitals?"

"That's not what I meant to insinuate at all-"

"I don't care what you meant to insinuate! That's an absolutely insane invasion of privacy! I met you days ago and you think you deserve to know how many times I tried to kill myself-"

Kyoya shouted. "I've tried too!"

Alex was stopped in her tracks and the anger in her face disappeared. "What?"

"I've been in psychiatric hold before. I hardly get to see my family, and my father isn't the most encouraging person to be around, either, alright? My parents never found out because they were in Europe and they designated other people to handle those kinds of things already, anyways."

Alex frowned. "Why are you telling me this?"

Kyoya closed his eyes and sighed, slowly shaking his head. "We're even now, I suppose." Kyoya opened her eyes to check for Alex's reaction. Her face was still as a statue. "I can't unlearn any of this stuff, but if there's anything you want to know, I'll tell you."

"Well, I'd rather not know but..." She nodded and pressed her lips into a line to hide her frown. "Thank you for that at least. I don't know if I want anyone to know about me, but at least you're discreet."

The two stood next to each other with eyes locked and in silence for a few seconds, until two glaring red eyes glowed from within the forest and suddenly Alex was lifted into a hug from behind by the king himself.

"Alex, my darling daughter!" Alex was dumbfounded with her arms pinned to her sides from the hug. Daughter? She could feel the heat emanating from his bare skin against hers, and a shameful little part of her wished he would never let go. "You look absolutely stunning! So innocent yet so lovely!"

Alex blushed and covered herself with her arms when Tamaki released her. "Thanks, Tamaki-senpai. What's up? Shouldn't you be with guests?"

"What's up was my hopes for charming one of my guests before Haruhi smashed them into pieces! My princess Kasuga! Leaving me for a girl!"

"Aw," Alex patted his cheek with a sarcastic comfort. "I bet I could make a lot of guests leave you for a girl."

Kyoya shrugged, an amused smile on his face. "Are you really that surprised Tamaki? She's had the illness for a while-"

"What illness?" Haruhi brushed away a leaf to make her way into their clearing. "Should I be nervous?"

"You guys talking about Kasuga?" In poked the twins after Haruhi. Hikaru waited for Haruhi's confirmation before continuing. "She's got Host-Hopping disease."

"A.K.A-"

Alex interrupted Kaoru by playfully elbowing his ribs. "It's pretty self explanatory."

"Whatever! Haruhi you cannot keep stealing my ladies when you yourself are a lady! I've forbidden it! Daddy wants you to go back to the way you were!" Tamaki fished out an enlarged picture from Haruhi's middle school.

While Haruhi began to yell at Tamaki for invading privacy, Alex snatched the photo for herself and studied it. "Say, Haruhi why did you decide to cut your hair so short? Not that you weren't adorable before and not that I don't find you stunning now but what was it?"

"Oh I-" Haruhi blushed and ran her fingers down through her hair before clearing her throat. "Well a boy in my neighborhood got some gum in my hair, and it was too tough to get out so I chopped it off. I didn't care if I looked like a dude-"

"Mama! Haruhi's using dirty boy words again!"

"Mama?" Alex bumped her hips against Kyoya's side, looking even more amused.

"I assume he means me," He said, only to her. Alex glanced between Kyoya and Tamaki expectantly. Like Do something. Kyoya sighed and obliged. "Now, Tamaki. Haruhi needs to be a host if she's ever going to pay back her debt. However," Kyoya turned to Haruhi. "You will need to start playing along with us. I'll give you a pass for today since the outfit was in bad taste, but starting at the party you will need to do as much as the rest of us."

Hikaru tapped Haruhi's shoulder. "Do you have formal dancing experience?"

"No, but are you really expecting me to dance with the girls? Can't I just serve food or talk to them?"

"No no no, Haruhi!" Tamaki bounced back feeling victorious. "If you really want to be a refined gentleman you must master the waltz before the party!"

The next day club was halted in order to plan for the party, and for Haruhi to practice dancing. Kyoya sat tapping on his laptop, Honey and Mori shared snacks, and the twins watched Haruhi stumble over Kasugazaki every few steps. Alex made her way over to Tamaki sulking in the corner.

"You know Tamaki-senpai, I don't know how to do the waltz either." She nudged his shoulder. "Could you teach me?"

He remained in his oblivious ignorance. "You're not the girl so adamant on cross dressing!" He whisper-yelled. Alex sighed and resigned herself to sit in depression next to him. She had to admit she was jealous of both Haruhi and Kasugazaki. She'd have liked to dance with Haruhi and Tamaki. Within listening distance, Kyoya glanced over at the two sitting and darkening a corner of the room. He stood from his seat in a huff and walked over to extend a hand to Alex.

"I'm afraid that won't do, Alex. Come now, I'll teach you," Kyoya led her to the center of the room, near Haruhi and Kasugazaki. Haruhi stumbled even more with this new distraction. Kyoya gently held her waist and gestured the motions. "Have you given any more thought to performing?"

"Yeah," Alex beamed. "I think I will. I know just the songs to play, too. It'll be good I promise."

"Wonderful," Kyoya paused and pressed his lips into a straight line. "As for this... I have no doubt male students will attend the party and ask to dance with you, and while we will by no means require you to dance, it helps to know. Right?"

"Right, but uh..." Alex cringed in pain. Kyoya looked down to see he had stepped on Alex's feet. "How are you supposed to help me master the dance?"

"Please, I'm perfect at everything." Kyoya took an amusing affliction.

"And I'm a world-class soccer player!" Alex gave him a doubtful look and tried not to smile. "Please, I saw the photographs you took. And what happened to no time for frivolous hobbies?"

"I would hardly call formal dancing frivolous or a hobby of mine. You'll find that it is as necessary as breathing when dealing with the upper echelon of society."

"I would not like to find that, actually. It seems boring,"

"My apologies for boring you, princess."

"Ha ha hey-" Alex blushed and looked away from Kyoya, eyes landing on Tamaki who had finally looked away from Haruhi and back toward Alex. He pouted with jealousy and tucked his body into a tighter ball than before. "Now Tamaki wants to dance with me."

"Oh? Would you like me to stop?" Alex looked back up at Kyoya in a flash when he stopped them both.

Her grip on his shoulder and hand tightened and she smiled and shook her head no. "Wouldn't dream of it." They kept their eyes locked together for another few silent seconds again before Alex broke it. "You need the practice too!"

In the next few days at club, in between being swept off her feet by both twins, Honey and Mori as well as helping Kyoya with club management, Alex discovered her performance had an ulterior motive. Tamaki believed there was a supposed cure to Kasugazaki's Host Hopping Affliction, a boy she was engaged to named Suzushima who also happened to supply the host club with it's tea sets. Alex suspected that's why she hadn't heard Kyoya resist Tamaki's plan.

"So let me get this straight, I distract the guests while you all fool those two into confessing to each other?" Alex winced as Hikaru brushed her scalp with hair curler. "Watch it with that thing!"

"Hold still, Alex!" Hikaru roughly angled her jaw at the proper angle again. "I need to make your curls big if anyone's gonna see them on stage!"

"Please, they're not there for my curls!"

Kaoru snapped next. "Stop talking!" He cleaned the line of her lipstick. "You're on soon! And you still need to change!" He and Kaoru pulled away to admire their handiwork. Hikaru handed her a puffy yellow idol-style dress and kissed her forehead before leaving, and Kaoru handed her another small package before doing the same. Alex still found herself getting used to how easygoing the twins were with physical affection. She smiled back on it and slid on the dress, intrigued by the low cut of the dress. She worried that the cuts on her arms might still stand out on stage, until she opened the package to find long fingerless gloves that went high enough to cover the highest bruise on her arm. She felt grateful that Kaoru had done this for her, but dreaded seeing him later after realizing he knew about her habit regardless.

Alex took a deep breath before stepping onstage. "Hello Ouran Academy! Thanks for coming out!"

Fifteen minutes later Haruhi rushed out of the changing room, back in her host suit and catching the tail end of Alex's performance. She could see the beads of Alex's sweat from off stage. I missed it! Dammit! She thought before grabbing a drink for Alex who lit up once she saw Haruhi.

"Haruhi!" She panted in between words and wiped sweat from her face with her forearm. "How did the plan go? Did it work?"

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Tamaki's voice rang through loudspeakers. "It is now time for us to begin the final dance of tonight's festivities. The last Waltz of the night has been chosen by the host club for this couple!"

"Aw, is it really the last dance?" Alex pouted before grabbing onto Haruhi's hand. "I wanted to have a chance to dance with you."

Haruhi could only stare back at Alex with red cheeks until the twins beckoned her over to watch the dance. Tamaki nearly knocked over Alex, holding onto both of her arms and shaking her. "Alex, what are you wearing? No classy lady would wear something so low cut!"

"I didn't pick it out! If you wanna blame someone, blame the twins! And I was only performing so your plan could go unnoticed by the guests!"

Tamaki sighed in displeasure before removing his suit jacket and placing it over Alex's shoulders. "Here. Just don't catch a cold," He huffed before turning back around to watch the last waltz. Finally, it was time for the queen of the evening to be chosen: Princess Kasugazaki. Alex met her at the bottom of the set of stairs to walk her up to Tamaki until the twins announced that Haruhi would be giving out kisses. Hoots and hollers sounded as Haruhi slowly descended the stairs, and even from far away Alex could hear the twin's jeering and see the bright red on Haruhi's face. Alex wondered if it was Haruhi's first kiss.

Apparently so did Tamaki, who began to chase Haruhi down the steps, only to slip on a banana and shove Haruhi down the steps. On impulse, she tried to shove the princess out of the way and found herself knocked down and pinned to the floor by Haruhi's kiss. Alex giggled as Haruhi sat up and tried to cover her face, now an even darker shade of red than before. "Alex I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry! It was all Tamaki's fault I-"

"Hey Haruhi, calm down. You say all that like this was a bad thing. Don't worry about it," Alex's kind smile and words calmed the blush and worry from Haruhi's face. "Now help me up!"

Haruhi nodded and took Alex by the hands to help her up. Once she was up, Haruhi forgot to let go, eyes glued to Alex. I didn't think my first kiss would be with another girl, but for some reason. I'm really glad it was Alex. I don't think this night could have gone better.

Thank u for reading,

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