Chapter 7: Lead the Way

Tamaki seemed to have a habit of getting the host club into trouble. This time he kicked a ball so hard while playing a game that it broke a window and injured the newspaper club's president. As repayment the host club was going to allow these student reporters to write an article about them. Everyone but Tamaki and Samantha were opposed to the idea. The pair, however, stood their ground and managed to convince their friends that this would be a good idea. Reluctantly the others agreed under some conditions. Kyoya would be the one to handle that with the other club.

So here they were, outside in the courtyard, playing some elementary school games. Surprisingly Sam found herself having a lot of fun with the others. It's been a long time since she's felt like a kid again. Everything seemed perfect until the president of the newspaper club approached her alone while she was taking a short break for the games.

"Jaxon-Senpai, wasn't it," he asked as he approached her with a pen and paper in hand.

His fellow club members were behind him holding a camera and a reflector. They were ready to catch anything juicy. Sadly for the Samantha was as boring as a brick wall.

"May I have a brief word with you," he asked the American.
"Okay," Sam replied, hesitantly.

"Why did you join this club," the reported asked, slyly.

"Oh, well, I didn't have any friends here besides Haruhi. I saw it as a good way to get acclimated to this new place," she answered with a smile.

"You're the only girl in this club. Don't you find that strange," he pressed.

Sam chuckled awkwardly, "I mean, I guess. I don't mind it too much. I've recently became more comfortable with my bisexuality. This is a really good opportunity to show the LGBTQ+ students here that they are welcome. I feel truly honored to be that remodel for them."

"How wonderful for you," he responded with a tight smile. "And you're an exchange student from the United States here on a scholarship, correct?"

"Uh... yeah," Sam wasn't sure where he was going with this.

"So, in other words, you and your host brother are token members of this club, here in order for the Suoh family to flaunt their power," he spoke smugly as he jotted notes down.

"Excuse me," she venomously replied.

"Could I ask you to tell me about his darker side," the boy continued. "Perhaps I will be able to help you out of here as well."

"I don't know who you think you are, but let's get a few things straight. One, Haruhi got here by getting good grades with no one's help. And two, I don't even know where you got this from but Tamaki's family didn't help me out. The school board here, did," Sam growled.

The reporter just stared at her blankly, "Tamaki's father owns Ouran Academy. If the school board helped you out, then it was Tamaki's family who gave you the money."

Sam just stared at him in shock. How could she not have known that? Tamaki's family helped her get here? Why hasn't he mentioned anything about it!? She has written the school board humorous thank you cards because she truly felt honored to get this opportunity.

"Well then there you go," Sam shouted. "He clearly doesn't have a dark side then! If you're just trying to write this article to slander him then you have another thing coming."

With that, Sam strutted away from the amateur reporters. She should probably tell Tamaki what they were up to. Maybe this article isn't such a good idea after all. Especially if they are only trying to hurt Tamaki. Samantha would never let that happen nor would the other hosts. They were all one big dysfunctional family and looked out for each other. Sam was about to go find him when someone grabbed her hand. It was Tamaki.

"Sam, this way! Run!" He said as he began to drag her through the rose garden maze.

It looks like they must have moved onto playing hide and seek. Sam gazed at his face as they ran. He had on the most beautiful grin as he ran in excitement. He looked like he was truly enjoying himself. How could someone ever think this amazing man had a dark side to him?

The pair finally slowed down and Sam let Tamaki wander off ahead of her. He was looking down every pathway unsure of himself. A smirk found its way to Samantha's face.

"Are we lost," she asked, amused. Tamaki just let out a frustrated cry as he disappeared behind a corner. "We are lost, aren't we," Sam laughed.

"Hey, Sam, there's a great hiding place over here!" The blonde shouted in excitement from around corner.

"Yup, we're lost," Sam chuckled to herself as she turned the corner.

Tamaki's hiding place was a beautiful rose covered canopy sitting area. The lighting was dim, so it did make for a decent hiding place.

"In a sense, we're stranded, aren't we," Sam asked as she sat down next to Tamaki.

"It's a good thing I made Kyoya 'it' then," Tamaki laughed his beautiful laugh as he ran a hand through his hair.

Sam turned her body so that she was closer and facing Tamaki. She smiled.

"You know, I didn't think I would be playing these games in high school," Sam said.

"This isn't fun," Tamaki asked.

"Well, I did play it with my brother and his friends when we were in elementary school. I didn't have any friends besides them to play with," Sam informed him.

"Uh-huh, you don't say," Tamaki started as he looked off ahead of him. "I never really had too many friends either. Who were the same age as me, that is. My mom got easily sick, you see. I was so worried about her, I didn't go outside much as a child. And, to cheer my mom up, I'd always sit and play piano beside her. That's why it's fun for me the play with everyone like this," Tamaki finally looked back over at Sam with a light blush on his face. Her heart stopped when he shot her a smile. "It's really fun!"

"I didn't know you play the piano," Sam said as she rested her head comfortingly against Tamaki's shoulder.

It sounds like Tamaki had a really lonely childhood. Samantha could somewhat relate. She just couldn't believe Tamaki opened up to her like this. He never really talks about his family. She didn't even know his dad ran the school! He must really trust her to spill this secret. Sam wanted him to tell her more. She wanted to know everything about him.

"I started to learn when I was three," Tamaki started as he casually draped his arm around Sam's shoulders. She didn't mind at all. "By 8 years old I was able to perfect even Chopin's hardest songs."

"That's amazing, T! You should play for me sometime. I'd love to hear it," Sam said with a smile as she leaned back to get a good look at Tamaki's face.

He was staring at her with his beautiful purple eyes. A smile also grew on his face. He tucked a stray hair behind her ear. That hand slowly slid down to the back of her neck.

"Only if you'll sing while I play," he requested softly.

Sam suddenly realized he was slowly leaning in. Her heart picked up its pace. He was for sure going to kiss her and Sam wanted him to do nothing else in the world! Soon she could feel his warm breath on her mouth. Their lips just inches from one another.

"There is nothing I'd want more," Sam whispered to him as she closed the distance.

Tamaki's like were as soft and smooth as she had imagined. Her body heat began to rise when she fully realized that they were kissing. It was sweet, slow, and loving. Their lips moved together like they've been dancing forever.

"Ahem," a voice cleared their throat.

This caused the pair to jump apart and look at the intruder. Or rather, intruders. The entire host club stood before them with smirks, and knowing looks.

"It appears you two found a way to entertain yourselves while we looked for you," Kyoya stated, smugly.

Samantha's face became bright red and embarrassed from being caught. She wanted the subject changed.

"Where's the newspaper club," she asked as she quickly got up and joined the others. Tamaki did the same.

"Something urgent came up, so they've stopped covering us," Kyoya informed.

"Good," Sam quietly said under her breath.

"They said they'd be writing respectable articles from now on," Hikaru chimed in.

"Maybe they'll get by without having their club shut down," Karou added.

"Really? That's great then," Tamaki said, still blushing from his previous encounter.

"Let's hurry back to the club room and eat some cake," Hani-Senapi suggested.

Everyone agreed. As Sam went to continue walking with the other's Tamaki stopped her.

"Sam, can I ask you something," Tamaki quietly asked.

"Anything," Sam replied, while searching his face for any signs of regret.

"Do you like me," he asked bashful.

"Of course, Tamaki," Sam replied almost appalled. "I like you more than anything in this world."

"Really," he grinned. "That's great! Then would you please do me the honor of being my girlfriend?"

Sam let out a gleeful laugh, "Of course!"

Tamaki also let out a happy laugh as he wrapped his arms around her waist and spun her around in a hug.

"C'mon you two love birds," Haruhi called. "You better hurry up or we'll leave you behind."

Tamaki sent a grin towards his new girlfriend.

"Race you back to the club room," he asked.

"Prepare to eat my dust, Suoh," Sam cried as she raced her boyfriend towards the school.