"Hope has a cost, keeping all fingers crossed and held tight
But I look idiotic with my limbs all knotted, it don't feel right
Truly you've shaken me, and I think you like how I plead
But I have a hunch that that's all you wanted from me."- If I'm being honest? By Dodie Clark
Chapter 4: Don't you do anything beside read?
If anyone told you meeting fictional characters that now stood before you with actual flesh and blood was easy, almost like meeting someone so familiar they're like family; I'll tell you that is improbable and not at all likely. In my own timely experience its awkward, strange and a little breath taking. Seeing Kyoya in person was almost nothing like I had read or watch, details I would never been able to see in the hand drawn characters in the past never shown the level of detail the real person could.
Besides the obvious features, when I had earlier handed him my timetable I noticed the many paper cuts layering on his fingers, small and almost unnoticeable but they were there nonetheless. Another little detail I notice, under his eyes hidden from most untrained eyes was what appear to be sleep lines cover up by well applied makeup. Being someone who never had relay on the expansive hobby of make-up made it easier to see difference of style of skin, I always found makeup to never be flat or smooth no matter what the quality, it always left some bumps and rumbles on the skin if one knew to look for it.
It did make me feel self-consciousness about my own face a little, knowing I never truly could get rid of my panda like eyes. Sleep was something that some nights were impossible to get or I get lost in my own studies, I had made bad habits in my routine of this life. Luckily or maybe unlucky, with my years of straining my eyes and probable genes, fat bronze frame circular glasses sat upon my nose seem to hide some it.
"Honyaku, may I ask something?" Kyouya soothing voice pulls me away from my lingering thoughts. His eyes drift over my figure that for a moment I thought I already been caught. Then again I remember, the Honyaku's haven't made a big fuss about my adoption nor announce myself to the whole high class families to give indication of an heir. They have been very quiet and gentle of introducing me to the families about me.
"Of course you may." I answer him, does not mean I have to answer it. We continue to walk the hallway; he had already shown me all of my classrooms and the last stops were the junior libraries locations.
"I'm curious to know why the Honyaku family adopted you." He starts to explain, handing back my timetable which I fold into my pocket. "There isn't much known about you beside your continuous high grades in education. The Honyaku's don't adopt for things such as high grades or looks, they are very peculiar in their selections when adopting. I wonder if you can shed light to this subject."
I hum and shrug at Kyouya. "To be honest, I doubt I will ever know either." I white lie, I knew part of it was due to my abilities to speak another language and my interests in languages alone had caught their eyes. I know there are many different reasons, alongside myself being used for their little plot of revenge.
He quirks his eyebrows as if in disbelief of my claim however he left it be and continue with the tour. Though I knew this will not be the last time of him trying to dig for information; though I don't know why that peculiar question held importance to the Ootori family. I don't understand how it'll benefit him? Something I will have to bring up to Grandpa. If I remember to ask him.
Once I knew where everything is and the first few lessons missed due to the tour, I eventually got to my classes. Nothing much to say, it is like any school. You sit, take notes and listen to your teacher drone for an hour or two. The only big differences are that like me, some of us were also doing paperwork from home while in class, seems like the rich can never catch a break.
I kept to myself throughout the day; I wasn't one to get close to those of my own age and preferring digging deep into the books before me. Mainly those were habits from the orphanage years that I just can't seem to undo, I was use to other kids being outside of my bubble and I made it that way. Everyone was here for their own personal gains towards their families business and other benefits; I didn't need those sorts of people in my life. Especially the hungry gazes of the ladies made me huddle further under my books.
I found in this life, I didn't swing that way. It was a surprise when I first came to notice this new detail of myself, thinking that all my past traits and likings had transfer in some way in this life and I was still in a partial denial over it. So far that hasn't been so, where I before could fall and like all genders and forms of people, I had been pansexual. This body and mind however was of a different making, I like the opposite gender only though I couldn't understand what made them beautiful or sexy where before I could, I think I might be asexual but I was still young so rediscovering myself was strange. It took time to adjust to this strange development of this body of mine. I was Tyler, not who I was before.
That wasn't even the only different, things that I loved to eat before were either disgusting or okay upon this tongue. Things like sweets I once would gulp down, now as Tyler taste off and too sickly for my stomach to eat. A bite of chocolate got me puking in the sink; I learnt that much too late in this life because of terrible curiosity and denial. I found I had a bad case of lactose intolerance once in the care of Honyaku after being taking a bite of a sandwich with butter. The staffs at the orphanage kept to using other ingredients as a good amount of child could have it; which explains why I never notice before.
Bell ringing brought me out of my thoughts as the last class of the day was finished. I pack away my books, papers and supplies. I left quickly, seeing a handful of skirts aiming my way sped up that need to leave. I don't need friends; all I need is my books. I thought as I found Hikori waiting for me with his arm cross and the slight scent of cigarette fumes mingling around him.
"You might want to avoid Grandpa when we get home." I comment, as I nod my head in greeting as I walk towards my side of the bright red car.
He huff with a smirk, "And why that be?"
"Because you smell of smoke," I pointed out. "You know how he gets about that." I slide into my seat, close the door, seatbelt and all.
Hikori does the same, clicking the key in place. "I didn't think it was that obvious. Damn."
I chuckle, this real side of Hikori I always prefer then his workaholic persona he puts on for Grandpa. "That's why I'm telling you now; I'm saving your ass." I state.
He groans in reply, as he drives us back to estate.
"I know you're thanking me." I sarcastically reply. He didn't say anything back beside the wave of his hand, I smile at that.
We didn't speak much else on the drive home.
Once back, I gave in the paperwork Grandpa ask me to do into his office. He was out with a dinner meeting with some old colleagues. Then I went to library, pick a handful of books for that evening as I didn't get given any homework for the day. Once back in my own room, I huddle under the bed where all the pillows and blankets sat in some sort of nest and turn on the little lights as I hid from the world and buried myself into the many pages that sat before me.
Dinner came and went a simple meal of banger and mash or otherwise known as sausages and mash potatoes. Soon after, a boiling hot shower that steams the room up in fog and left the skin bright red, it warm my cool skin then bed.
The rest of the week follows this routine of my new life that is school, besides doing the occasional homework in the evening. It wasn't long until Sunday came rolling around the corner, sitting in my Grandpa office with tea and sandwiches. We spoke of many things, such of the business and the staff to the books we recently have read. I had thoroughly rejoice in his company especially after a Saturday full of vocal lessons and gym sessions, having a slow Sunday was a treat.
The months follow in a similar manner, in me avoiding Kyouya and the ladies in my class at my best abilities. I began to bury myself more into my books, paperwork and homework as the estate staff got busier alongside Grandpa closer to the summer months. I mainly only saw Hikori and Inori on most occasion being the main estate staff, Jonathan would pop in every so often to check in and mess my hair before disappearing again. It was suffocating lonely but I would never tell anyone as such.
Sleep was becoming less and less, the small social circle I had has been pull apart. This usually made the estate quieter and unbearable; it was void that was much too big for the likes of me. I almost felt like I was the only thing floating in a blank empty sky where no stars can shine, drowning in the nothingness. So when I had found myself hiding in the school library one lunch, reading upon a random text I pull out as I sat against the book filled walls. I wasn't surprise when I fell asleep among the noise as it reminds me of the years in the orphanage as kid's gossips among themselves.
Massive fingers wrap around my shoulder, shaking me from the light slumber I had obtain. I grasp their wrist but my own fingers couldn't fully grasp around it, they felt warm. I open my eyes slowly, blinking out the lights before staring at the person who woken me. A tall lanky boy with short shaggy hair leant over me, their eyes a musky gray, almost like a misty afternoon. I hum as I use my other hand to wipe my mouth, having sadly dribbled a little in my sleep. I let their wrist go and smile at them, "Is it class time already?" I ask him, softly. It felt strange to use it at anyone at school; I wonder if they thought me mute?
He only hums back, it was much deeper and in my sleep fog haze I felt like I recognise him yet he was missing something. I shook it off as I tap his hands that hadn't yet let me go. He pulls them back quickly once seeing as I am awake. I pick up the text in my hands and got myself back up, I put the book back where it was which luckily was behind me. I yawn once more, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. "Thank you," I mutter to him as I pick up my bag. "See you around."
All I get back is the warm hum as I leave, a loud higher pitch voice shout pass by me. "Mori-kun, we're going to be late." They didn't sound happy. Then the light bulb went off, I had been woken up by Mori. I quickly got out of there; I didn't want to handle a Honey trying to be a man sounding from the grouchy voice he had.
The second time I met a main character and it had to be due to me falling asleep in the library. I flusher a little, was realizing now how stupid I was for doing that. Grandpa going to kill me if word gets around!
"Did you see Honyaku-san in the library?" I heard a girl say to her friend, as I walk toward my class.
"I did, he was so adorable when sleeping!" Her friend replies back, squealing together.
I groan as I sped back, I didn't want to hear any of this at all. Ouran girls were weird, or maybe rich girls were weird. Either way, I want to keep away.
Sadly and not surprisingly it wasn't my last time I was found asleep at the library and every time Mori was the one to wake me up. It became our estrange routine, he was my Senpai and he didn't have to do this. Whatever reason he had, I knew I will never know why he went out of his way to wake me up. Over those weeks, I begun to look forward to the little touches and hums that he spoke. With no one to really talk to at home, just the small moments with someone so kind was a blessing in my life. It was small and wouldn't mean much down the line so I let it slip, I know that I will never be part of the main story. I'm that side character, nothing special just like my life before. I had my little air time and then I will be kicked out for the main characters to run the show. That wouldn't change in this life, I'm sure.
I clutch my pen tightly; I was using my launch time to get some well needed paperwork done. Grandpa has been slacking due to the special events he has to organise and left the usual papers to me. I groan, rubbing my eyes trying to rid the sleep from my eyes. My stomach growl but I ignore it for the work; I forgot to pick up cafeteria card when I left home today, luckily the libraries were noisy so no one could hear it go off.
A thump stirs me from my thoughts as I look beside me where Mori huge hunch body as he pulled out his homework next to me. His eye acknowledges me before he starts putting pen to paper. I didn't say anything beside nod at him, confused by the sudden intrusion. Looking down at his work, I can already see mistakes have been made. "um, Senpai." I spoke as I pull out my note pad and start writing notes; he stops and turns to me with a tilt of his head. "That equation is all wrong, this is-"I began as I write down the correct ways to do it, showing different ways that he could do it to get the correct answer.
He hums as he taps on one of the equations. "Can you explain this one again?" He asks me, his voice like smooth butter it made me jump a little. I hum back, cheeks red as I go over it again for him. Once he got the hang of it, I left it to him as I continue with the paperwork only interfering when I see something incorrect or small mistake are made. Maths was the easiest subject for me, mainly because most of the paperwork I had to do is finance based on the estate and its properties. I had to do double mathematical work to some of these rich kids.
My stomach rumble again as the sickly feeling start to reel its ugly head again, I've felt off all day. Missing lunch is defiantly not helping, I shook it off trying to focus back on the paperwork but the words were starting to blur. How much sleep did I get last night? It wasn't much I know that. I check my watch and notice there still a good thirty minutes till classes start again. Putting my paperwork away, I cross my arms and lay my head on the table for a power nap.
Just as soon as I felt I fell asleep, massive hands were shaking me once more. Why did sleep always feel like seconds? I groan as I let my body click back into place as I took a deep breath to wake me up. The hands left as I turn to them, his eyes look concern as he look me over before showing me his hand in a fist and I copy him with my hands splay out as if knowing what he saying. He drops in my hands an energy bar as his sat waiting as I eye the treat in my hand.
"You sure?" I question him, "like don't you need this more?" he had his club after classes, then any chores he had to do at home. Mainly putting up with a sulky Honey, I wonder if that why he sometimes comes here to study away from Honey. Honey was at the club pretty much every lunch time, most the time Mori was with him beside his occasional study sessions here.
His eyes burnt into me as my stomach rumble again, his eyes seem to be saying. Your stomach is too noisy.
"Thank you Senpai," I began as I start to get up but he sits me back down. I gulp, "You want me to eat it right now?"
He nods. I rip the packaging and chew on the nutty bar, a little annoy by the forcefulness, it was nice and I was about to take another bite until my stomach reels in pain. The taste of chocolate enters my mouth; I look at the bar and notice it had a bottom thin layer of chocolate. I groan, before going back to chewing on the top of the bar. I was so happy I took my tablets today or otherwise I be puking everywhere.
"Mori-kun! Class going to start-"grouchy Honey said as he came stomping in, sadly didn't make him look manly just awfully more adorable. He stops when he notice the two of us, "Honyaku-san, you're eating it all wrong." He says noticing how I was leaving the chocolate parts he was deeply eying. I was more amaze he knew my name.
Even Mori eyebrows quirk in question, it was very slight and was more of a twitch but it was there. "I'm lactose intolerant, sadly chocolate or any dairy makes me ill." I answer them; I had finished what I could have of the bar. "Haninozuka-senpai, would you like the chocolate part? I don't like waste and if my stomach wasn't the way it was, I would eat chocolate everyday if I could." I offer to him, not liking the way he kept gazing at it.
Honey let out a smile, it was small but it looks like it would burst at the seams. We were the only ones in here, no one but just the three of us. "Are you sure Honyaku-san?"
"Any growing man needs some sugar." I answer as I passed it to him; he took it easily and gulps it down in a singular bite. "And you both can call me Tyler; I'm not use to my last name."
I pick up my bag and stood up ready to go, but Honey hugs me around the waist. "Okay but you have to call us Mori and Huni!" he exclaims, god made him adorable.
I pat his head. "Of course Huni-senpai." I answer him, "We sadly all need to get to class, let talk another time." He let go of me and agrees. We both said our goodbyes and I felt care for, truly for the first time in years. It put a smile to my face.
"Tyler! Tyler, focus." Grandpa voice call, our usual Sunday now was another day to do paperwork. There wasn't much left, a good amount I had kept on top of which he had been happy about. He seems calmer now that the main book events have ended as well. All that organising was a success.
I yawn behind my hand, "Sorry Grandpa." I answer him as I got back to filling in the paperwork. I swallow back down on a cough, as my body shook. I didn't like being sick, I prefer just getting on with what needed to be done. I was stubborn like that, I couldn't stand staying in bed and being waited on.
We didn't speak much today, which I was happy with as it makes it easier to conceal my coughs to a minimum. With the last sheets done, we both sat back and sigh heavily that made us crack a smile at each other. "You're free to go kid." Grandpa told me as he waves his hand from his seat.
I jump up happily, "See you at dinner Grandpa." I told him as I leave his office. I go to the kitchen and grab a glass of juice to ease my throat a little and took some medicine.
The door creak open behind me, "There you are Tyler."Jonathans voice echo as his shoes clack across the floor. "You've got another vocal session and I notice you have exam soon, best to get to studying with Inori after dinner." He lists; it felt nice to hear his voice after the months of avoidance. Not intentional, just he was mainly my Grandpa Caretaker these days.
I smile up at him, "Okay, sounds good."
His eyebrows quirk as he looks me over, "What wrong kid?"
I choke on spit as I pull at my hair nervously. "I, I um..." I've missed you.
He chuckles as he ruffles my hair and I couldn't help laugh with him. This is home when I was with Jonathan, when Grandpa had time to spare his presences. This is home.
The school week began once more and I felt comfortable where I was now, I had a routine in place and that made life easier. So when Kyoya sat across me in class, noticing as all the other people pairing up with the others. I eye him up and down in confusion; he's never gone out of his way before to do a work project together before.
What did I have that could benefit him?
Then it made sense, it was a language class. I always ace this class, maths and languages was always my 100% on the scoreboard consistently. Kyouya was always stubborn for being best all-rounder, I remember a lot his scores in this class was almost consistent. Almost being key, it wobble up and down slightly if one look closes enough.
"What brings you to work with me, Ootori-san?" I ask him in English, as I continue to fill in paperwork. This class was too easy for me and good time to catch up on other work.
"Well, Honyaku-san you are well known for your language skills." He answers simply; I stop for a second as I listen to him. He spoke well, very similar to Sousuke slight slurry tongue.
I hum, as I shrug and finish the ends of the paper. The way Kyouya always glare at me at the corner of his eyes always reminded why I usually kept away from him personally. If he dislikes me so much, why didn't he keep away himself? I put the papers away, open my notebook. "What's the plan Ootori-san?" I had begun.
The project was for us to discuss a business proposal towards the school, for example a fundraising event or social networking event of some sort. All spoken in English, it was small project before the exams and we had to present next week. It didn't take us long to know what we wanted to do, all written down in clear notes and I photocopy them for Kyoya. All of it was written in English as well, we most likely get bonus points for that.
"We should practice this Honyaku-san." Kyouya spoke as he went over the notes. Yet the bell rang, informing us that it was launch time that interrupt us.
"How about after school sometime this week, you're welcome to mine?" I ask him, it wasn't the first time I had a classmate over for projects.
He smirks, "Yes that be great, and will tomorrow be fine?"
I nod, why did he smirk like that? Was this whole thing for a way to meet my family? Well jokes on you Kyouya, No one is home tomorrow.
Hello everyone, sorry for the very late update! This took sometime due to personal life things such as Hand in! Which was more important, but good news, I am back to writing again! Freedom baby!
All your reviews, favs and follows kept me going in the last months, making me think new ideas and scenarios for Tyler to happen to her. Plus we are still in that first year for Tyler before Tamaki comes in, small things are changing by her presence already and we still got months left; are there any seasonal events you look forward too? Other characters appearances? We'll see soon enough.
Thank you so much for waiting patiently!
p.s. Still looking for a beta that is happy to check over my chapters! Means you get to see chapters earlier than others!
Chapter 3 reviews replies:
Animie02fruit: Thank you, sadly not. I want to work with the 'before' Tamaki arc a bit more, but he'll be bouncing around the corner before you know it!
Dango Dango Daikazoku: Love the name Dango! Thank you! Yes, I can't wait once all the cast is together, but gotta let those pieces fall into place first. This sadly isn't a self-insert; Tyler is heavily inspired by pieces of my friends in my life, mass into one taking their good and bad into what made Tyler.
Plus my main plan, is once I have finish this story is to go back and fully tweak and fix the chapters. Like you've said, my writing is growing with the chapters and I'll like to go back once I'm at a much better standard, you know?
TargetFailed: Looks like your Target this time, didn't fail heh? I know right and thank you so much!
Pupstarstar: It's mainly going to be a reverse harem to begin with, but I'll keep your vote in mind. Tyler is a little too focused on books then romance at these early stages, still a kid at heart. Thank you!
James Oliver Wood: Thank you for reviewing! Grandpa is very secretive in his motives on who and Tyler isn't a big "why, who, what?" person, so these things will take time to be revealed.
Cute-but-psycho824 : Thank you again! I love hearing from you again so much! Yes, Grandpa is moving forward and Jonathan is a sweetie. It still the first year and a year is a long time, in a real world there is always a before Tamaki. Plus, I didn't want to go on about Tyler obsession in reading for two years that be boring you know? Oh and ripples are being made. :D Thank you!
I really need to find a beta lul
Elisablackcat: Thank you, I try and research, look up anything to make this story feel like the world of Ouran! Grandpa isn't perfect but he's growing, plus we all have spiteful sides. J
bored411: Omg, I was surprise by your review on this story! Thank you so much, the 2 chapter for DW is still in the works, struggling with it but I'll get there! :D thank you for supporting both stories! Means a lot.
Update: 30/05/2020: From the review of the wonderful Mr. Meowington I fix one of the paragraphs. Thank you for pointing that out! means a lot.