Wow,,, it's uh been a while, hey!
Okay so, i think we can all agree last year was a doozy huh (pained laughter) so i'll try not to expound on that aside to say, the start of my year hasn't been all that smooth either;; but to shorten it,,i have once again started up classes, there was a minor family emergency/concern (fortunately not covid related) and just ya know everything else
so safe to say, updates are definitely gonna be a lot more sporadic;; I had really wanted to update this fic and a few others before end of year, but i was just not up for it;;
But enough about me,, I hope all you guys are continuing to stay safe and well during these difficult times, and that many good things find you in the coming months, hopefully this chapter was worth the wait,,,and well, enjoy!
*Before you go, fun little factoid,, i learned while googling to make sure i was using "stadium" correctly as an apt descriptor - did you know that there's a Soccer-specific stadium mostly used in the u.s. and canada? Another tidbit of useless knowledge for all you fans dfgvnjfdlnfdlk
"I hear you're going to Higurashi-san's game tomorrow..."
Well,...it seems like he was just going to jump straight to it...
A sigh worked up her throat but instead, she forced the words, "Yes, I was planning on it..."
"I won't allow it!"
Unsurprised she swung her gaze to Tamaki... and withheld a long drawn-out sigh but couldn't help from frowning.
Tamaki had stood up with the statement as if declaring his strong sentiment with his entire mind and body.
While the twins weren't jumping up like the so-called king, they certainly didn't hide how eagerly they nodded their heads in agreement...
Haruhi liked her customers, she did. They were nice girls, if even a bit spoiled and sometimes shallow, they were good people. And she would absolutely not curse them for casually mentioning the topic of the sports game in the club leaving her to deal with the aftermath...no siree...
"...And, Sempai,..."
She started, calm and even temperament.
"Why do you believe that...?"
Not, why do you think so, but what makes you think that I care what you will and won't allow?
She didn't bother trying to keep the frown from her face. As much as she hated to be in this awkward position, internally she psyched herself up, it was about time to rip the band-aid off of the poorly concealed "Sota Thing"
Tamaki pouted slightly at her vague but firm rebuff, but he wouldn't be deterred, in his mind of fantasy, he was protecting his "little girl"...
"That Higurashi lad is too comfortable as it is with your company! What to do if you were to actually follow through and cheer for him! He'll get a big head, that's what! And get even chummier! Who knows what thoughts are running through his head?!"
"The only one with an inflated ego with a need to be wary of a big head is you Sempai..."
Like a deflated balloon, Tamaki was struck by the quick cold rebuttal.
Under her breath she questioned, "What kind of thoughts are you thinking he's thinking about anyway...?"
The Twins frowned further.
Honey who was still cleaning off the remainder of his cake decided to pipe up, Haruhi having almost forgotten that the seniors still sat to the side watching the debacle.
"I think Higurashi-kun is nice! His family sent both the soccer and kendo team sweets! They were different from the brands I usually acquire, but they were delicious nonetheless!"
Haruhi blinked at him...wondering,...'But why...- how did you get any when you're not a part of the same club...?'. Forgetting for a moment he likely got them from his cousin who sat idly by, beside him...
Shaking her head to dispel such thoughts and taking a look back at Tamaki who had curled himself up on the chaise lounge chair...she sighed..
"At any case ...he's my friend Sempai... I don't get the big deal..and another thing.."
Squaring her shoulders, she swung her gaze to the twins this time.
"What is your deal with him anyway?"
Both Hikaru and Kaoru look a little taken aback now that it was their turn under the quick attack of Haruhi's sharp barbed words.
"I don't know if you guys didn't think I wouldn't notice all the little sly comments you make about him. But I do. The ones about his commoner background especially, don't just affect him you know. Or did you forget so easily I'm a commoner too?" ending sarcastically.
Throwing her hands in quotations, she reiterated some of the things she heard them say in passing, " 'Boys like him should remember their place. He smiles like a fool..is this really a scholarship student..?' ... Need I go on..?" She was now moving from annoyed at their reactions to legitimately angry on his behalf.
For their part they actually seemed to be a bit shamefaced, Tamaki uncurling from his position in a bit of shock. While he had been opposed to the younger boy "canoodling with his dear Haruhi" he didn't think his friends would stoop as to bad mouth him.
To her surprise, Kyoya who was the catalyst to the whole shebang, who sat back and watched as the scene unfolded, snapped his notebook closed, which garnered the attention of the rest of the host.
While Haruhi's gaze had been intense as she remarked on their actions, Kyoya's was like a splash of water, cold and dark.
Lightly, his words not matching the look on his face he said, "It should be noted...that while indeed he is a mere commoner on the scholarship like Haruhi...he is being backed by someone of importance..."
Haruhi frowned further, crossing her arms, while it was certainty news to her she didn't see the big deal, however, it seemed to make some bit of difference to the other hosts in waves that she didn't pick up on...
When it didn't seem like he was in a rush to continue, Haruhi interceded, "It doesn't matter his background. You guys have been real crummy to him. And Sota-kun may smile and ignore your words, but that doesn't mean he can't be hurt by them!" She finished, blowing all propriety out, not even realizing she had addressed him by his first name in front of the hosts.
Tamaki seemed to be taking things in..and a thoughtful look that seemed oddly placed on his face, as he tentatively began, "Maybe we've been on the wrong foot with him..."
Haruhi snorted, but Tamaki wasn't deterred, "Yes, if we were to think of it, it's quite the feat for him to challenge the throws of Ouran by his lonesome, bullied, no friend's left to see, but the kind selflessness of our dear Haruhi, oh-"
After the third word out of his mouth, he had completely lost Haruhi as she disassociated away from the scene.
'We jumped from one end of the spectrum to the other...'
She wasn't alone, in this, Kyoya looked simply resigned and Hikaru looked skeptical and unnoticed, Kaoru looked thoughtful, playing the conversation prior over in his mind...
When it looked like the prince of the club were to keep going, Kyoya interjected, "Yes, yes, be that as it may. The club, aside from Haruhi is very likely being seen in a negative light by Higurashi... we should seek to rectify that.."
Unexpectedly Mori ever the reliable quiet host interjected. "He's not the type to hold a grudge. He's a hard worker ...sportsmanship and the environment have probably weighed in a lot on his views..."
Everyone sans Honey stared, it was the most he had said in any given circumstance, and mighty praise.
Honey nodded, clapping his hands, "Yup yup, then it's decided! We all should go to celebrate the match together!"
Very much thrown off by the almost complete 180 switch up by the hosts, Haruhi was lost and couldn't help but yell out as the rest of the club nodded their assent, "HUH?!"
As if the matter was settled, Tamaki hopped up, running off with plans of making signs and so on, while Mori and Honey calmly made plans for their afternoon, Hikaru and Kaoru slipping away unnoticed by the commotion the king made, Haruhi merely stood there a moment more, slumping in defeat at the turn the conversation made from serious back to delusional in minutes...she really couldn't keep up with these damn rich kids...
However, as she set to leave herself, Kyoya stopped her.
His usual smile, prim, and proper countenance back on his face, "Haruhi.., not to worry. I'll have a chat with Tamaki-kun as not to blow the whole thing out of proportion..."
She nodded unimpressed, but repressed a shiver when his expression seemed to darken, smile still in place, "Of course, it seems like the entirety of the club could use a conversation on manners and image..."
She nodded again, this time a little wary, "I'm not the one who's owed an apology Sempai..."
And like that, the energy that seemed to darken his presence was gone like it was never there, pushing up his glasses, he simply said, "Indeed" patting her on the shoulder before taking his leave as well.
Alone, at last, she didn't know what to make of the situation...
Making it halfway down the hallway she was stopped by Kaoru alone, it felt odd seeing him as such, the twins were usually joined by the hip, sly grins gracing their faces. But this time, he was frowning, a furrow in his brow, and that's what really made her stop.
Haruhi gave him a minute to gather what he wanted to say,
"...You were right in that...we may have run away from ourselves with the comments. We hadn't-, I", he stopped, sighing, rubbing his neck, a under the breath comment "This is rough" escaped him but she didn't comment, letting him come to the destination he needed to on his own.
"Look, my brother and I...aren't quite use to considering the feelings of others outside our circle...we hadn't considered how that may affect you as well.."
Only then did she frown, because again it was close to her point but not quite there. Kaoru seemed to pick up on her dissatisfaction, raising his hand in placating manner, "Listen,...I know what you want from us but...to us, he is a stranger. His feelings don't matter...or at least didn't matter to us.. give us a bit of time to come around."
Although he continued using plural, Haruhi caught his meaning between words.
And in hindsight, to be fair to them, their callous temperament wasn't saved for Sota alone, they just seemed to get especially prickly about the boy...
She was nodding her head before she even fully settled on the weight of everything, understanding filling her.
The relief on Kaoru was palpable, "Cool, cool...we still ...good?"
She gave him a look, "You still owe him an apology."
He grimaced but nodded in acquiesce and she softened. "...But of course we're still friends though...rough edges and all." she teased good-naturedly.
Kaoru lit up and she knew she said the right thing when he then squeezed her in a quick hug. She gave a soft, huff of a laugh, and he let go, hands on her shoulders, his voice was softer, words quick, "Give Hikaru a chance to come around, okay? And I'll talk to him.."
And then he was gone, moving around the corner, likely to catch up with said brother.
Haruhi felt lighter after the conversation, a weight she hadn't known was weighing her down lifted, she hoped that whatever came, went well...
~/~
"As fun as the antics of the host club are... Just make sure to remember; keep your eyes on me..."
...
The sound of the stadium was overwhelming. Honestly, everything, where the stadium seats encompassed a large patch of the area; to the specific corner where she sat with the club, the lights, and of course the sheer size of the field was a lot to take in.
The host club had gotten quite several looks, but most seemed to gaze away once the teams made their way onto the grass, screams filling the air as the club was able to blend into their little corner quietly.
Club hours had been a little awkward initially at the start of the day when she had gone for usual meeting times, Tamaki a lot more subdued, giving a heartfelt apology, and plans to apologize to Sota as well, he seemed a little confused, but he had the right idea...
She had originally planned to join in the regular arena seats but hadn't considered the fact like everything else about Ouran, the sports field and events were large, grand, and hard to find by oneself. Honey seemed the most excited out of all of them, Hikaru surprisingly the coolest in regards to the game, but once the whistle blew, all other thoughts of her club members flew out her head as she became absorbed.
All the books and old games she played on her phone couldn't match the energy happening on the field in front of her.
It was mildly exhilarating, and in the moment she didn't even wonder or consider why, but if later questioned, she might allude that maybe it was the connection of familiarity with the team she now had and had lacked before pertaining to her interest in sports.
She could tell, even as raptured as she was, the other club members had slowly taken an interest as well.
Was this what every game was like? Is this why sports fans were so enthusiastic?
She didn't think further, Sota, she was realizing told a lot about himself without telling anything at all. He hadn't even given her a jersey number, but she was supposed to keep her eyes on him?... Or did he know,..did he know that as far away as she was, she was able to pick him out amongst his teammates...
The cameras picking upon his face now and again as they panned around the pitch, and without knowing...a small part of her heart picked up rhythm every time...she was barely able to keep up with the scoring, eyes seeing the numbers, but mostly taking in how he seemed to fly across the field.
...Did he know..that without even having to tell her,...she wouldn't be able to take her eyes off him anyway...?
~/~
Later that night, her normal winding down habits passed in a blur, and she definitely got more than one concerned glance from her father, but she couldn't elaborate, or even begin to expound upon whatever the fuck kind of emotional rollercoaster of a ride she went on while watching the game...
And it didn't hit her until much later, that she had agreed to visit his house for celebration until a text from Kagome reminded her of such...
'Ha ha...ha'
Well! She'd just push any untouchable not quite sure where to place particular feelings about him in that regard and shove them under the floorboards and closets of her heart and just, not touch them with a six-foot pole.
It'd be fine, it's fine, she's fine, it'll go great!
~/~
Standing at the foot of the stairs of the shrine Kagome had given her directions to, her eyebrow tried not to twitch as she saw the rest of the club standing staring right back at her.
Sidestepping Tamaki as he ran to give her a hug and directly asking Kyoya what they were doing here, not to mention how the hell did they find this place.
Kyoya was all polite smiles, but he felt like the devil incarnate as he simply reminded her the club was here to congratulate and apologizing for any wrong stepping...It still didn't address how or why he knew the location and that she'd be here too...but despite learning long ago to stop questioning how or why the club did anything, she finds herself screaming to the universe in her head yet again cursing the gods...which ironic,...given that she was at the foot of a shrine.
She sighed accepting that this was now her fate, as Honey complimented her outfit, it was a very cute sleeveless tank with some capris to match. The looks of the host club fortunately where all rather casual as well, though Haruhi didn't even have to imagine, she knew the price alone of a single article of their clothing would cost more than her entire fortunate alone...
A comfortable silence mostly ensued as they made their way up the long almost never-ending staircase. The weather was nice and light, and aside from the oldest of the group, everyone was focusing on, how many more stairs were there?
But they made it up, everyone taking a moment to breathe and enjoy the fresh air and cool breeze, the shrine itself was prominent standing tall and elegant. Haruhi recalled the directions Kagome had given to get to their house behind it, Haruhi hadn't been to many shrines over her lifetime, but the grounds were larger than she expected, and by the exclamations, the host club made, it exceed their expectations as well...she tried valiantly not to think about the fact she swore she saw Kyoya taking notes...
As they got closer, the path became clearer, until they finally came upon the two-story abode as she once again used all her strength to ignore the "quaint" comment muttered from behind her.
Ringing the bell, it dawned on Haruhi that maybe she should have sent a text as they were coming up...her hand had been preoccupied, holding the handle to a bag of small foods she had prepared herself a few days before and was too busy focusing on not collapsing on the staircase to retain much more thought than that.
As Kagome opened the door, a smile upon her face, a few things happened at once.
For one, the host club, sans the oldest two and vice president, was very quickly reminded of and presented with the fact that Higurashi had a sister, despite briefly seeing her once before.
And, second, Kagome quickly realized she had more guests than she was expecting, smile not quite freezing, but quickly looking to Haruhi who grimaced, giving an apologetic smile, and switching to polite speech without thought; as if apologizing even further. "I'm so sorry about this Higurashi-san"
At the same time, Kyoya said, "Pleasure to make your acquaintance" as the gobsmacked look slowly fell off the other three's faces, the twins sharing a conspiring look, and sparkles dancing from Tamaki's eyes as he made a grand hand wave, bowing his head in greetings.
Kagome merely inhaled, a smile still in place as she raised her eyebrows glancing at the little crowd nonplussed by the theatrical gesture made by Tamaki.
"...Right..."
Blinking, a cute furrow to her brows formed then left just like that, she smiled again, opening the door further, "Well, come on in, I'm not sure we've prepared enough dishes for everyone, but pleased to meet you.
As she stepped back to let the others in, the smell of something delicious slowly wafted in their direction, as apparent as the statement could be, their house gave a homely vibe to it, well lived in, photos lining the wall of the entrance.
The house was a mix of old and new with wood flooring and tatami placing, Kagome lead them to their living room, "Sorry, I don't think we have enough cushions, we haven't had this many people over in a long time..." The hosts made pleasant its fines as they took everything in.
Haruhi herself being struck by a photo on shelving by the tv that showed a young Sota with a soccer ball in hand, grinning into the camera without a tooth...it was..cute...
She shook herself of the thought and took in the host's expressions, they were at least more courteous than when they had made their unannounced visit to her own abode, but she could vaguely tell what they were thinking. She was also mildly surprised by the fact, the hosts seemed to be taken in by Kagome...
Looking at her, herself, she couldn't necessarily blame them...
Kagome wore her hair up in a high ponytail, dressed in a cute casual dress with flowers decorating it in a pattern; if Haruhi were being honest, it looked quite comfortable.
"Would anyone like tea or something else to drink?"
Honey ever undeterred, "Cake please!"
Kagome smiled even as she gave a sweatdrop, "...I don't think we have any.."
Even as he pouted, Haruhi found it was her turn to interject lest she let the host shove their way into things further. "Higurashi-san don't worry about them... Really. Also, I brought a few side dishes, since I wasn't sure what else to bring.."
Kagome seemed amused at least, waving her hand, "Please, as I said, call me Kagome!", then gasping she bowed to the other hosts, "Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. Kagome Higurashi, pleased to meet you all!"
Haruhi glanced at the others as they once again made their greetings, Kyoya taking the lead to introduce them each name by name...and was that...were...some of them blushing...? ...No...
Kagome tried her best to remember as she was given the names, matching their faces to the secondhand tales she's heard from both her brother and Haruhi.
Once introductions were out of the way, she offered to take the bag Haruhi still carried absentmindedly, "Well, if you all don't mind the wait, lunch will be done soon. And apologies for my brother; he slept in, and he's taking a shower now but should be out in a minute."
Haruhi nodded, but now with hands empty, she asked, "You sure I can't help with anything?"
Kagome shook her head, smile dimpling just a touch, "No, but you can come with me to tell me what's what if that's okay?" Then glancing at the boys who had joined, "And if that's okay with you all?"
A series of yes, yes of course, and so on followed and the two girls left them be, a contented sigh seeming to leave them as the girls left hearing range...
The kitchen was right near the staircase, and Haruhi could hear the water from above cut off, as Kagome hummed and muttered, "About time.."
She set about pulling each container out and setting them on the counter, as Haruhi stood in the kitchen a bit awkwardly for a second as Kagome began to multitask, setting the oven on as she set the eyes of the stove off. A bit absentmindedly, she said, "He shouldn't be too long now, do you want to call him down and tell him that his guest are here?"
She gave Haruhi a playful smile which she replied to with a laugh, finally relaxing a bit, nervous energy she hadn't noticed making her tense up.
A sudden voice behind her startling her, as the man of the hour spoke,
"No need for all that, I'm here."
Haruhi turned with a sarcastic comment on her lips but froze like a deer in headlights, there Sota was, shirtless. It looked like he just came down the stairs, hair still damp and slightly falling over his forehead as he causally dried it off, totally unconcerned with his lack of attire...
Her eyes widened like saucers and she was very proud of herself for not letting out an embarrassing squeak that was begging to come out as he smiled that lazy smile at her, even as her cheeks heated.
Saved by the grace of Kagome, who threw a rolled-up kitchen towel at him, landing squarely at his chest, she fussed at him, "Hurry up and get dressed!"
He laughed, sticking his tongue out at her, and she grabbed another towel, making a thwack sound as she approached him, moving faster than Haruhi would expect, as he went laughing taking the threat and heading back up the stairs without another comment; hopefully to get dressed appropriately...
"That boy, I swear" Kagome muttered, but even as the words were audible, they weren't heard by Haruhi's ears. Only when the sound of a door closing, and fainter steps following, did her heart which had picked up in speed before freezing up, slowly worked itself back down again. She could barely glance at Kagome, but if she had the heat would only flare back up again as Kagome graced her with a knowing look.
Taking pity on the younger girl, she made quick work of setting a few teacups on a tray and offering it for her to take back to her friends which she eagerly took as a means to escape from the kitchen.
Even as the hosts eyed her, Hikaru, in particular, noting her still ruby cheeks, she waved her hands saying it was nothing.
Really...it was nothing...
endnote: so! yeah, what do you think?
I feel like the way I've written the host may be a little polarizing to you readers, and personally feels like I went a wee bit in all directions, making honey a little too eloquent, maybe making the twins a little too petty,, who knows. In my defense, I write them in line with how I headcannon/take in their characters so,,,a little change may be noticeable here and there haha;; (ironically while writing this chapter, i once again checked the ouran wiki,,haha, so i feel like im not terribly off but always nice to get a refresher!)
and! i finally got to the shrine scene i've been planning for ages, the original scene was very different from the final version you have now read (to a certain degree at least lol), but I think i'm satisfied with it? as satisfied as I can be that is until I finally post the thing and then suddenly all my errors blast out to me like a blinking light...ahaha...(´_ゝ`),,,but i can't leave y'all be without leaving on cliffhanger of sorts,,, :3c,, gotta keep y'all coming back somehow right? lmao. :'3c
also worth noting, as of this chapter, I'm going to start cross posting to ao3, and probably finally will clean up the chapters a bit more since i'll be forced to reformat it;; (i'll be honest the move is clearly for me to use emojis in my a/n that ffn simply won't allow me...)
again, apologizes for delays, it's been a difficult few months for me, I appreciate all the reviews, follows, favs and so on and I hope you have an amazing day and take care during these difficult times! and may you forgive any errors i might've missed!
until next time!
