My face was still burning from embarrassment as i darted through the trees towards the echoing laughter. Bursting into a clearing, my eyes swept over it finding the twins, Tamaki, and Haruhi.
"I'msorryaboutlastnightpleaseforgivemeforgettingmad!" Haruhi blinked.
"Uh. What?" The twins chorused at my rushed words.
"I said, 'I'm sorry about last night please forgive me for getting mad." There was a small pause before i shyly glanced down and began scuffing the toes of my shoes in the dirt. "I've reconsidered, i'll join the host club…" The twins let out whoops, Haruhi smiled at me happily, and Tamaki began cheering about his 'other daughter' joining. I sweatdropped. "You and i still have to have words Suoh so don't think you're getting off that easy." He began freaking out about how scary my face looked and hid behind Haruhi while the twins laughed and she deadpanned.
"Are you really gonna join Nal-chan?" Screaming, i leapt ten feet off the ground at Honey's voice suddenly being behind me.
"Ah! Nal-chan get out of the tree before you fall!" I clung to the branch of said tree that i'd leapt up into in fright.
"Gosh darn it Honey don't sneak up on me like that!" He looked crestfallen. "No no no don't cry Honey! I was just saying that, i'm not mad!" His joyful look returned and i relaxed for a moment. That moment of relaxation was my downfall and just as Honey predicted, my hands slipped and with a gasp I fell. Before i could hit the ground though, strong arms caught me, and looking up i found myself, yet again, in Kyoya's arms. I went beet red and began struggling for him to let go.
"Twice in one day Miss Fuyumi? Don't tell me this is going to become a habit." Glaring at him, i finally found my voice as i leapt out of his arms.
"Well if i didn't get startled so much i wouldn't be falling and you'd have no reason to be putting your grubby hands all over me." Kaoru let out a wolf whistle at that and Hikaru snickered while the rest looked on in shock. Kyoya merely adjusted his glasses making them flash. Seriously? That is so an intimidation technique….
"Only sometimes Miss-" My glare stopped him right there.
"We've been over this before Ootori. It's Nala!" Before he could respond with his stereotypical snarky reply, a bunch of giggling girls appeared out of no where.
"Found you Honey-kun and Mori-senpai!" The hosts they called to turned to face them, and within moments were surrounded by adoring fangirls. It was like the appearance of those girls was the calm before the storm, out of no where, dozens of girls were suddenly streaming through the garden to their hosts. My jaw dropped at the blatant adoration coming from them all, and sidling up to Kyoya, who at the moment was female fangirl free, i whispered.
"Yo Ootori...uhh what exactly am i gonna do for the host club? You can't expect me to do this!" He gave me an impassive look before pulling out his ever present little black book to write in. Without looking at me he murmured,
"I have some ideas, i have to talk to Tamaki and the rest though first." I nodded, but the ringing of my cell phone kept me from replying, and stepping away i glanced around to make sure no one was looking, before sliding it out of my bra.
"Hello?"
"Hi Nala It's Maria!" A grin split my face at the sound of her cheerful voice. "So i got a call a minute ago and i thought you'd like to know," She paused a moment before continuing. "You're father is out of the blood loss induced coma and is asking for you at the hospital." I froze. How dare he. He has no right to be requesting for me to come like i'm still under his command.
"Nala? Nala hun you still there?"
"Yeah sorry," I rubbed my temples tiredly, "I got a little caught up in my thoughts there sorry 'bout that." After glancing back at the now busy hosts to make sure they weren't paying attention, i hurried towards the school. "Do you think i should go Maria?" Her heavy sigh told me what i didn't want to hear.
"I think you should, Tell him he's going to jail and you're going into the system. It's the best way to get the revenge you want without anyone getting hurt." Maria hadn't been surprised when, a few days after the incident in the police station, I'd called her and told her i needed vengeance to at least some degree for what he'd done. While she hadn't condined it, she had understood it and had been willing to help me find a good way to go about it. In time since that day, Maria and i had grown close. She was now more of an older sister to me than a case worker, and i valued her greatly for her help and the affection she showed me. "Tell you what," Her voice snapped me out of my reverie. "I'm gonna pick you up from school, i'm in the neighborhood anyway. We'll go to the hospital, chat with your dad, and i'll take you out to eat afterwards." A small smile slid over my face, softening the former harsh look that had been covering it.
"I'd love that Maria. Thank you." I could almost picture her giant smile as she responded.
"It's not a problem silly! We're practically family by now so of course i'm gonna treat you out." I laughed.
"You've barely known me for over a week! How can you say we're already family?" She snorted at me, but answered seriously.
"Time doesn't measure love and affection between people Nala. It's a measure of the heart not how long it takes your heart to get there."
"I guess you're right," I tipped my head back to look at the sky as i walked, you better hurry getting here it looks like it might rain Maria." Upon finding out she was only minutes away i squeaked and hurried into the building just as the first rain drop fell from the sky.
"Whoa girlie you're soaked!" I scowled at Maria as i slid in to the passenger seat next to her.
"No duh. That's what happens when you make a mad dash across a giant courtyard in the pouring rain!" She burst out laughing at me, and reaching into the backseat she snagged something and threw it at my face. The towel wrapped around my head and i jerked it off.
"Oy what was that for!" She smirked at me.
"See some of us read the weather report for the day and come prepared kiddo," She raised an eyebrow at me, "Unlike some people." I shook my head hard sending water droplets spraying from my hair all over the car, and Maria. She stuck her tongue out at me and grabbed the towel to wipe her face off, taking her glasses off to clean them as she did so. "Alright," she threw the towel in the back seat and turned back to face me. "Think you can do this?" All playfulness disappeared from her voice. Sighing i turned to stare out at the rain pouring down outside the car, and students rushing to their cars.
"I...I honestly don't know Maria." My frank answer was met with a sharp nod and a look of understanding as Maria started the car, and pulled out of the courtyard. We drove in silence for a moment before a sudden buzzing filled the air. Snagging my phone i answered.
"Hello?"
"Nala are you ok? Where did you go?" I winced.
"Oh..Hey Haruhi!"
"Don't 'hey' me! You up and disappeared on us without warning and after last night...well you know." I nodded before realizing she couldn't see the movement over the phone and mumbled a 'yes' to her. "So you're good? You don't need a ride home or anything?"
"Nah i'm all set. My, uh, dad woke up from the coma and is asking for me…." I trailed off slowly.
"Nala i'll be at the hospital in a few minutes, i'll have Tamaki drop me off." An unintentional smile slid over my face and echoed in my whispered response.
"I'd like that Haru. Thank you." We said our goodbyes and a moment later hung up."Haruhi is gonna meet us at the hospital." Maria nodded and grinned. In the last week she hadn't taken a liking to just me, she'd gotten close to Haruhi to and the three of us now had our own special group.
"Awesome! I know you can use support from someone other than me." Nodding, i went back to looking out the window at store lights as they flashed by in the dark, rainy afternoon. I can't do this...no...I don't want to do this….he hurt me and i'm just waltzing back to him at his beck and call….. "We're here. It looks like Haruhi isn't though yet." Still mute, i nodded. "Nala." Maria's voice made me pause as i got ready to open the door. "If you can't do this you tell me ok? No holding it in this time. I'm here for you and i'm going to help keep you safe." I got out of the car without saying a word, and ran into the building through the rain. A moment later Maria joined me scolding, "Hey you didn't answer my question! Also," she steered me into the lobby area, "Let's wait for Haruhi here." For the first time since we'd started driving i spoke. My eyes were downcast and it was more of a mumble than speaking.
"I'll answer your question if you answer mine."
"Huh?" Eyes flashing my head snapped up and my eyes met hers, burning into them with the passion that swept through me.
"I'll answer your question if you answer mine later when we go out."
"Al...right?" Her answer was hesitant and questioning but it was what i wanted, and shoulders slumping, passion disappearing as fast as it had risen i plopped into a chair and whispered,
"I'm scared out of my mind Maria-chan. Scared and confused. And mad. Why is he doing this to me? I don't understand it." She sighed heavily and tipped her head back to stare at the ceiling, her blond curls hanging limp down her back and over her shoulders from the rain, Her hair is like my attitude right now gee whiz.
"It's ok to be scared. You know i was at this point once in my life. Everything was terrifying and confusing. That's why you have friends though, we're here to keep you sane when you're about to go over the brink to insanity. We're your lifeline. Think you can hang onto me Nala?" I met her frank blue eyes as she tipped her head down to face me.
"Yeah Maria. Yeah i think i can." She smiled and ruffled my hair playfully.
"Nala! Maria!" Haruhi's voice echoed through the lobby and i winced, Tamaki's rubbing off on her.
"You ready Haru-" I broke off at the sight behind her and my jaw dropped. "YOU BROUGHT THE ENTIRE HOST CLUB!?" My horrified yelling had everyone else in the lobby watching us like we were the next reality TV show. Grabbing Haruhi's arm i dragged her to the far corner of the lobby and hissed while covertly watching the host club surround Maria and strike up a conversation, "Why are they here dude?!" She gave me a blank stare.
"As soon as i asked Tamaki to bring me, he turned it into operation 'Protect Nala-chan'. They're here because you're one of the group now, hell they would've come even if you'd said no because they consider you a friend." I sweatdropped.
"Alright guys," I stomped back over to them frowning, "Here are the rules. One. No one comes into that room with me except Haruhi and Detective Maria. Two. You don't interfere no matter what you hear. Three. For the love of monkey's try to not stand out so much i don't need fangirling nurses blocking my escape route."
"Aye aye captain!" The twins, Tamaki and Honey saluted me. With the ghost of a smile covering my face i shook my head and headed for the elevator.
"C'mon! you guys are so slow!" This set the twins off and they caught up to me slinging their arms over my shoulders as we walked.
"Wanna bet?" I raised an eyebrow. "My last bet didn't go so well you two, look where it ended up?" Kaoru flapped his free hand in the air.
"It would've happened anyway Nala-chan."
"So just accept it." Hikaru finished. Narrowing my eyes, i murmured,
"Alright what's the bet?" They grinned wickedly.
"You'll run up that flight of stairs," they pointed, "And we'll run up that flight and whoever gets to your father's door first gets to pick whatever they want from the other." I grinned wickedly. They have no idea what they're in for if i win. I'm a former track star i can do this and kick their asses hah!
"Deal! Go!" I shouted and took off sprinting leaving the twins standing there slack faced and confused before they took off to. The rest of the group watched and Maria and Haruhi sweatdropped.
"No matter where she goes, or what situation it is..."
"She can't turn down a bet." They murmured and shook their heads at the fleeing girl.
"Think she'll win Kyo-chan?" Honey asked from atop Mori's shoulders.
"Doubtful, the twins are in...excellent physical condition." Honey pouted at that while Tamaki seemed to get struck by lightening and took off after the twins yelling for all he was worth.
"YOU STAY AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER YOU SHADY TWINS! NO BETS DADDY FORBIDS IT NALA!"
"No way! How the hell did you guys beat me!?" I stared at the smirking twins in horror. I'd just gotten to my father's room only to find the two leaning casually against the door as if they had all the time in the world. Ignoring my question they pushed off the door and started circling me like sharks.
"Nevermind that Nala. But we wwwooonn! Now you have to give us something we want."
Hikaru leaned closer and whispered in my ear making me shiver. "Anything we want Nala-chan." I shoved him back playfully.
"Only within reason you two." I forced myself to face the closed door across from me and murmured. "Let Haruhi and Maria know i'm already talking to him please." They looked like they were about to protest. "Don't even try you guys. Rule number one remember?" They glared at the door but stepped aside so i could enter the room. Sliding inside, i closed the door behind me and faced the man on the bed. Glancing up, piercing, icy, cold blue eyes met swirling, green emeralds flashing with anger.
"Hello daughter." My temper flared.
"Don't fucking call me that you monster. You're not my father. You haven't been for years. You barely have the right to say my name you bastard." He smiled coldly at me.
"You're just like your mom, you're a fighter. You don't give up." I bristled, he ignored it. "I thought i'd let you know now rather than later, but you'll probably want to consider getting out of Japan."
"Why?" He looked out the window avoiding my sharp gaze.
"I...made a mistake. I was drunk, a man approached me and we started talking." I cut him off.
"What does that have to do with anything Mr Fuyumi?" His eyes snapped back to mine in fury and he roared,
"I SOLD YOU NALA! I. SOLD. YOU." I froze, everything wavered for a moment so badly that i found myself sinking to the floor. He..he can't do that...I'm...i was his daughter. Why? Why!? The hospital room door flew open and the host club rushed in with Maria and Haruhi. Except the host club didn't seem...right. Mori and Honey's auras were so deadly they burned with black fire, the usually boisterous Tamaki was deadly silent and his jaw was clenched tightly shut, the twins golden eyes glowed with utter hatred, and Kyoya? Well Kyoya looked like he always did except very very very on edge. His fists were clenched, his jaw locked tight, and his body rigid as he watched the man on the bed.
"You what?!" Maria's voice was sharper than a knife. My father met her eyes and snarled.
"I was drunk. I didn't know what i was doing then. It was the man i brought home with me that morning. He was gonna take her with him." I was shaking like a leaf, panic setting into me making my breath catch in my throat, and my heart pound faster.
"Nala breath." My vision was wavering.
"Nala!" A light smack on my face had me staring into Kyoya and Haruhi's worried and angry faces.
"Are you ok Nala?" Kyoya's voice was soft, nothing like how he looked at the moment with his dark eyes burning with rage. Nodding i clutched Haruhi's hand in mine and used her as leverage to pull myself to my feet. I shoved the panic so deep down inside of myself i felt numb, i faced the man on the bed and spoke in a monotone voice.
"I hate you. You can rot in hell for all i care." Turning to leave, i paused before spinning around and going back to the bed. I stepped to the side where the IV was and asked over my shoulder, "Ootori which one is the pain meds?"
"Nala?!" Startled voices behind me were what i'd been expecting, what i hadn't expected though was for Kyoya to come up next to me and pull the needle out of the bag himself. Smiling down at my father bitterly i murmured, "You know you're right. I am like my mother. I won't give up. If these people want to collect, they can collect you. I won't be going anywhere." and left the room. '"Ready to go to dinner Maria?" Her good cop side was obviously warring with what i'd just done, but she turned and followed me out a moment later along with the host club.
***Authors Note***
Alright i'm begging for you all to stay with me on this, i know its a little craazy as of right now but it's gonna be tied together soon and making sense! Thanks again so much for reading and please review! Also i'm sorry i'm posting so late and taken so long….life has been...hectic to say the least.