Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews, favs, and follows.
Disclaimer: Don't own it, never will.
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Date Posted: 4/25/2020
Trigger Warnings: Language
The Next Phase - Chapter 35: Rich Bastard Camping
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Thursday, March 31 (Continued):
Personal Gym, Morinozuka Estate:
"Your range of motion is getting much better, Haruhi-sama."
"Thank you. I'm doing my stretches and exercises every day."
"It shows."
After Haruhi was done with her therapy, we all moved to the treadmills. All except Satoshi. He'd been running for at least an hour and a half, training for the marathon.
"How was the interview, Haru-chan?"
"I think it went well," she huffed. "I answered all the questions and don't think I said anything too stupid. Kaoru was satisfied."
"When does it come out," Chika asked.
"Sunday it will be published in the biggest women's magazine in the country, but they are putting a small teaser out tomorrow night for an entertainment show."
"Haru-chan will be on TV? We'll have to record it! We can watch it while we're camping."
Despite her exercising, her face drained of all color. "That's not a good idea, Honey-senpai. We should focus on the guests. They're what's important this weekend." She'd caught her breath and pushed on, "Besides, they don't care about an interview with me. They already know my background."
I shook my head at how modest she can be. She has no idea how important she is in all our lives.
"Do I dare ask how the 100 Yen store went?"
Immediately, Satoshi groaned and started ranting. "That crazy Tamaki-senpai. He might as well have bought out the entire store, and Renge-senpai isn't any better."
The next thirty minutes kept us all entertained as we told stories of the trip and made jokes at Tamaki's and Renge's expense.
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xXx
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Friday, April 1:
Morning, Haruhi's Room, Morinozuka Estate:
This is a ridiculous idea. Camping in the clubroom where it will be nothing like actual camping. We'll sleep in regular beds and they'll call them cots. They've ordered in sleeping bags that are the finest silk and cotton. There will be a 5-star chef grilling the hot dogs, and a professional photographer there to capture the whole thing. Rich bastards. Can't they ever do something simple?
"Haruhi-sama? Is now a good time?"
I spun around when I heard Honami-san's voice. Having a personal assistant is difficult and awkward. Asking someone to do simple things for me is embarrassing. I should be able to do them myself.
"Sure. Come on in."
She's holding a notebook and ready to plan our next week.
"This next week will be busy, but I'm not sure how much you can help." I grabbed my calendar and went through the week. "Tonight and tomorrow are the host camping trip. Sunday, I have a photoshoot at the Hitachiin Studios. I'm hoping to study in between set changes."
I turned the page and sighed at my finals schedule. "Classes are full of finals. I'll probably be studying at the public library a couple nights. It's quietest there. Host club is cancelled for the week, except Wednesday, which makes Friday the only difference in my schedule."
I looked up when I realized I heard her pen scribbling furiously. "Honami-san, you don't need to write all this down."
"I prefer to know your entire schedule, Haruhi-sama. That way I can better predict what you might need help with."
I need some sort of shared calendar so she doesn't have to write all this down and then change it when I change something. It's too much to track. I'll ask Chika.
"Friday's the Host Club Spring Ball, and Saturday is graduation and Tamaki-senpai's party."
"Sounds like you need the most help staying on track and not having to think about the little things. I can make sure your school things are packed and ready, your clothes are laid out or packed if you need to take them with you to change after class. If you let me know what you'd like to get Tamaki-sama, Cho-sama, and Keiko-sama for graduation, I can shop for you."
Graduation presents? I completely forgot. This is why I do need an assistant.
"Ummm." I frantically searched my desk for the invitation to Tamaki-senpai's party. Didn't it say something…
"Here it is," I said, opening up the card. "He wants a donation to a charity and gives a list. If I give you my card, can you make the donation in his name and have them send him the acknowledgement?"
"Of course, but I already have a family card for your expenses."
"I know, but this will be coming out of my own money, not the family. I prefer it that way."
I pulled out the card and handed it over along with the invitation. "Please donate 50,000 Yen (~$500) to Second Harvest." Since I don't have any day-to-day expenses, my salaries for both Petto Chinmi and Hitachiin Fashions are just sitting there except for paying off the loan for the company. They should be doing someone some good.
"It will be done this morning."
"As for the rest of it, I have no idea what to get Cho-senpai or Keiko-senpai. I'll check with Umeko-san at breakfast."
I tossed the last few things in my bag and ran down the stairs calling, "Thank you, Honami-san!"
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xXx
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Camping, Host Club Room:
Welcome scene
"Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen to the Ouran High School Host Club End of the Year Camping Adventure!"
Tamaki-senpai threw his arms wide and the girls all oooed and ahhhed. I think my male designees just attended to see a bunch of girls at night, but whatever.
Satoshi'd outdone himself this time. The room looked amazing. Twelve huge tents were set up around the room. Three on one side, which will hold the hosts, except me, and my designees, eight on the other for the girls, and one in the middle, to the side, for the chaperones. Also, in the middle was a meadow with real grass and flowers, but the brook was faked by a fountain. The meadow was filled with garden chairs, lounges, sofas, and tables, all arranged in groups for each host. Most indoor activities would be held there.
There were stuffed animals, (deer, bunnies, birds, and others) placed strategically around the room. The ceiling had been hung with stars around a glowing moon. It really was breathtaking, but nothing like real camping.
"Satoshi," Tamaki-senpai called, "if you'll go over the itinerary, we'll let everyone choose a tent."
He walked everyone through the weekend activities, the rules, and where things were. It's not like they've never been to this room before. Due to the large number of girls and the time we'll all be here, the boys were using a restroom down the hall and the gym showers. The three restrooms and all the showers in the club room are for the girls.
"Please allow me to introduce our chaperones for the evening. Takashi's and my mother, Morinozuka Umeko."
She stepped forward, bowed and said, "Please call me Umeko. I look forward to spending this weekend with you."
"Mitsukuni's and Chika's mother, my aunt, Haninozuka Kumi."
"Please call me Kumi and enjoy yourselves."
"And the twin's mother, Hitachiin Yuzuha."
The vivacious red head walked up and smiled. "Call me Yuzuha. We're all here to make this weekend fun and safe. Let any of us know if there is a concern or question. We all want this camping adventure to be successful."
Satoshi's memo suggested jeans and t-shirts for the dress code along with a jacket or hoodie for when we go outside. I assume our chaperones dressed to match the students. Yuzuha-san wearing Hitachiin jeans and a t-shirt with their logo. The two sisters'-in-law wearing something more like yoga pants (I assume it's what they work out in) and t-shirts with their dojo logos. Seeing all these rich bastards was funny, especially since their casual clothes could have paid my old apartment's rent for a month.
"Ladies," Tamaki-senpai addressed the crowd, "these tents are for you. Rather than assign tentmates, please choose your own. Four princesses per tent." The girls took off for the tents, chattering to each other about who to bunk with.
"This isn't so bad. Look, real beds."
"I can't believe we have to share tents."
"You'd rather be in your own tent? How boring."
"Gentlemen," he addressed my five male designees, "your tent is over there. It's slightly larger and will hold all five of you."
One of them huffed and muttered something about not all of us sleeping together, but I'm sure he didn't really expect to have mixed tents.
"Tamaki-kun? Where will the hosts be sleeping?"
"Dear Princess, Mori-senpai, Honey-senpai, Satoshi, and Chika will be in that one, and the rest of us in that one." He pointed to the two tents next to the boys' tent. "Haruhi will be sleeping with the chaperones in that one," he said, pointing to the one in the middle. That's just how the numbers worked out.
Within a half an hour, we were all sitting in our regular hosting groups playing board games with our guests. The plan was to play those for a round or two and then switch to Hell, using the new cards that Satoshi had made, of course. Great advertising. He'd already promised me a deck of my favorite cosplay picture. I'm leaning towards Harry Potter.
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Buuuuuzzzzzzz
"Oh, Kasanoda, you missed the funny bone."
"I sure did. Knew there was a reason I wasn't going to become a doctor."
I chose this game because it's stupid. Really stupid. I don't have to worry about losing to a chick because I don't give a shit. It's just a really stupid game.
What blows me away is that once we decided to close, it's all I can think about. After this, only two more club activities and I'm done. I only joined because of Haruhi and stayed because of Bu, but now there's no reason to be here.
"I got it!"
I didn't stop myself before I said, "You ripped his heart out!" I'm an idiot.
Fortunately, my designees expect that type of thing from me, and they all laughed.
"That's right," she said. "Now that I know how, my boyfriend better watch out!"
Chicks are weird.
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The twins chose Chutes and Ladders for their guests. I smirked at them playing as one person, one of them rolling and the other moving their game piece. Why do the girls like that stuff?
"Chika-kun, it's your move."
"Sorry," I mumbled and picked up the die. We're playing Clue and I think I have it figured out. Doesn't matter because I know Satoshi doesn't.
"Mr. Green in the library with the rope," I accused, checking the case file hiding under the board. "I'm wrong…"
Satoshi rolled and said, "Mr. Green in the kitchen with the rope."
"How did you know?" I asked.
"I'm that good," he smirked. We all threw our cards at him.
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"Puppy!" Honey-senpai laughed as he spelled it out on the scrabble board. It's not a bad game to improve your English, but that will never happen with words like 'puppy'. "That's 14 points."
"Computer," I said, laying out the tiles. "Sixty-four points."
"Minivan. Sixty-two points."
"Where did you learn that? What's a minivan?"
"Some American TV show. It's one of those embarrassing van-like things that they drive their kids around in."
"Fine."
"Snowboard. Sixty-five points," Takashi said. "Plus, a double-word score so 130 points."
"Have you ever been snowboarding, Mori-senpai."
"No, but the twins and Kasanoda have."
"Would you want to? My family owns a ski resort that has the best half-pipe in Japan." I looked up at him and put all the hope I could in my eyes. I'm graduating next weekend and will be at Todi with him. Maybe, just maybe…
"An exciting offer, but I must decline. With my training schedule and the Olympics coming, I am not planning or committing to anything past the end of the Games."
"Oh," I mumbled. At least he's not rejecting me outright. "Then I'll ask again after you win the gold."
He gave me a slight smile, and the next girl took her turn. "Cookies," she said, "63 points." That number surprised me for such a simple word.
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We'd moved on to 'Hell' and Yuzuha-san was playing with me, my male designees, Kaoru, and about half of his.
"These decks are super cute, Kaoru. Can we get one?"
Satoshi seemed to glide out from behind the woodwork and say, "I'll be taking orders throughout the night, and they'll be ready on Wednesday," then he continued on. Just like Kyoya-senpai used to do. Like he just knew when he could make money and would appear from nowhere.
That bastard. I will not let him ruin my night.
"Ready? GO!" I shouted and tossed out an ace.
It wasn't long before my playing style was commented on.
"Haruhi, how can we play if you're laying across the cards?"
"Yeah, I missed a move."
"I'm short. Get over it," I said and made another two moves. Fortunately, it's a round table. No one's closer than anyone else.
"Oh, shit!" Yuzuha-san said. "I broke a nail."
"Mom! Language!" Kaoru gasped, teasing her. We'd put blanket immunity over everyone for their language during this game. I've still never heard anyone cuss more colorfully than a drag queen.
"Out!" Osamu-san yelled, holding up his hands.
"Great job," I said back and high-fived him.
"Shit," Kaoru mumbled. "Twelve."
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"Mother, are you sure you don't want to play?"
"I will, but I want to watch a round first."
"Alright, but remember, you can't get mad at what we say."
"What are you going to say, Satoshi?" Mother asked me, her right eyebrow arching up.
"Oh, nothing much." She'll just have to be surprised.
"GO!"
Ace. Two. Three. Ace. Five.
"SHIT!" one of the girls yelled. "I missed my six."
"And your four too. Pay attention."
"Shit."
I threw down four more cards and laughed at all the newbies. I'd gotten really good at this game.
"OUT!" I called after a couple more cards.
"Out? Already? No way."
"Way," I said, pointing at my empty pile. "You'll get better the more you play."
When the points were counted, Chika had the most, as usual. He's so quiet, it's easy to forget he's here.
"I must remember to order some of these cards. What a great idea to have Host Club pictures on them."
Mother joined us for the next round.
"GO!"
Three seconds later I heard my mother cuss for the first time ever.
"Dammit."
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Campfires:
"What's your favorite sport?" I asked. "I don't really have one. I never had time. I like to swim, but I've never done it like a sport. I'd like to learn how to play tennis."
"I can help you with that, Haruhi-chan," said one of my guests that's graduating next week. He's a decent guy, but how would I see him after he graduates.
"Thanks, but I'm so busy, I still don't have time."
Then the question went around the circle.
"Judo."
"Diving."
"Ice skating."
And so on.
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Kumi, Yuzuha, and I decided to wander around among the campfires and maybe sit down at one that sounded interesting.
Satoshi had six different firepits built for the hosting groups. I had no idea my youngest son was so involved in the logistics of the club and what that meant. He's become an expert project manager. After the Olympics are over, Akira and I will foster that by finding him a project in the family business.
"Is there anyone you'd die for?"
Now, that's an interesting question, and it's from Mitsukuni's and Takashi's group. I'll sit in on that one.
"Anyone in my family," Takashi answered. "I consider my friends as part of my family."
"I'm not sure. Does that mean pushing them away from a car or being tortured to death for them?" one of the girls asked.
"Interpret the question as you wish."
"I suppose I'd die for my family. I've never thought of it before. We have security for that."
"It's a double-edged question, Mori-senpai. If you don't at least say family, you're a psychopath. How can anyone answer truthfully?"
"That's a good point, Ci-chan. Maybe we should pick a different question."
"Alright," Takashi said and pulled another one out of a basket. "If you wrote a book, what would it be about?" He paused for a minute then answered, "The Morinozuka history."
"I think I'd write a murder mystery."
"How to survive Ouran." I assume she's graduating next week.
"An autobiography. My life is fascinating." A couple of them groaned.
"A guide to matching flowers to send a message."
"Can you give an example?" I asked. I have no idea what she's talking about, beyond the traditional groupings and those are well known.
"Sure. Heather can symbolize solitude. Hyacinth symbolizes consistency. Hydrangea symbolizes heartlessness. Put them together and you're telling someone they are heartless and will be alone for the rest of their lives."
I choked on my tea. Why would you want to tell someone that? "I see." What else am I going to say?
"How do you tell someone you never want to see them again?"
"Hmm. Black roses indicate the death of a relationship. Snapdragon symbolizes deception. Yellow carnations are for rejection and disdain. I suppose you could go back to Heather for solitude."
"Wow. I had no idea."
"Next," Takashi said, moving everyone along.
"A true love story."
"A kid's book about bunnies!" Mitsukuni laughed and held up Usa-chan. It's hard to believe he graduated last year with that attitude, but he can be serious when called for.
"I'm not sure. Perhaps something about Haruhi-senpai. She's fascinating."
Interesting choice. Fascinating is a good word for her. There are many layers and many hidden secrets there. She's only 17 but has lived through more hardships than many adults I know. Reading her life story would be quite a journey.
"What about you, Umeko-san? What would your book be about?"
When I sat down, I didn't realize I'd have to answer these. Fair's fair, I suppose. "The idea of a mystery centered in a dojo comes to mind, but I wouldn't want it to be a murder. Maybe something about long lost royalty?"
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"If you were an artist, what would be your medium?" Kaoru tossed the paper into the fire and said, "That's easy. I am an artist and my medium is fabric." He turned to the girl on his right, "Next."
"I've always wanted to throw pots, so clay."
"Charcoal."
"Paper. I'd become an origami artist."
We sat through several more answers before it came to me. "I'm learning a lot from my internship. Maybe digital? That would be fun to try."
"Good answer, Hika." Kaoru put his arm around me and squeezed. "I like it."
"Yeah, yeah. Read another question."
"What's one thing you're always losing? That's easy, my phone."
"Mine too."
The next girl smiled and picked up a cookie. "My willpower."
"My phone."
"My security detail."
"You need better guards."
"My earrings."
By the time it got back to me, I had the perfect answer. "My patience."
"No kidding," Mom said as she joined us. "If I had to answer, I would always lose you two in the house when you were little."
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Some of these questions are kinda lame. "If you had to get a tattoo, what would you get and where." We answered this one on that trip. Ootori wanted to get the yen symbol on his arm. Why the fuck did I think of that?
"What would you get, Kasanoda?"
"The obvious would be my syndicate's symbol on my back, but if I had to pick another, probably a dragon crawling up my right arm."
"Oooo. I want to see that."
"It's perfect for you."
"Would Shinobu-senpai approve?"
"Are you kidding? That crazy chick would probably get a matching one." That's an idea. We could get matching tattoos. Where?
Fuck. Gotta get my mind out of the gutter.
"I think I'd want a koi fish, but I'm not sure where. My ankle?"
"I don't want a tattoo. My parents would disown me."
"You goof. You don't have to get it. Just what would you get if you were going to."
"I have no idea."
"Then just pick something."
"My dog's pawprint? On my wrist?"
"See. That wasn't hard." She leaned back and closed her eyes, fanning her face from the heat of the fire. "Could I get a whole cherry blossom tree on my back?"
"Why on earth would you want that?"
"No idea. It's not like I'm actually going to get it."
"My sister's kanji. She was sick when she was a baby and passed away."
I watched a tear run down her face and couldn't help myself. I stood and pulled her into my arms. "That's a beautiful idea. I'm so sorry that happened."
She cried for a minute or two, pulled away, and thanked me. I bowed my head.
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"Read another question, Tamaki-senpai."
"Alright, Princess." I pulled one out of the basket. "Our next question is 'What mythical creature do you wish actually existed?" The slip of paper was set aside, and I said, "A unicorn. They're so beautiful."
"A phoenix."
"Definitely, a dragon."
At this point, we were interrupted by one of the servers. "I have the ingredients for smores, if anyone would like to try."
"I remember how to make these!" I jumped up and grabbed the tray. "You need two graham crackers, a piece of chocolate, and a marshmallow. Get the marshmallow hot in the fire, put it in the sandwich and YUM!"
I showed the princesses how to put their marshmallow on the sticks and toast it. I made the first one and presented it to the princess on my right. "Try this. It's delicious."
She took a bite, and some chocolate dripped off her chin. "It's very strange but tastes good."
"Hand me a marshmallow."
"Me too."
"I'd like one as well."
"Please."
Soon, all my princesses were toasting and making smores. What fun.
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I'm making smores for all my designees. After one of them caught their marshmallow on fire and flung it across the garden, I knew I couldn't let these rich bastards play with fire. Fortunately, we had groundskeepers on duty for that sort of thing.
I handed the freshly finished smore to the next guy and said, "Wait a second. This is for me."
They watched in horror, and I smirked, as I proceeded to burn my marshmallow to a crisp. I've always preferred them charred black. I blew it out, let it cool a second, and popped it in my mouth. "Yum."
"Haruhi! You ate that! It was on fire."
"I blew the fire out first." I rolled my eyes. "I like them this way, but I wouldn't recommend putting a burned one in a smore."
"I want to try one like that."
"Think you can do it yourself without setting Ouran on fire?"
"I'll try."
He burned it, blew it out, and went to eat it right away. "STOP!" I yelled, waiving my hands at him. "You have to let it cool first. It was just on fire."
"Oh. Right."
Idiot.
I heard laughing and looked behind me. A bunch of girls from different groups had come over to watch me make the smores. I guess the guys were making a mess of it even though I showed them how on that one trip.
"Haruhi, can you make me one?"
"Sure, but it's more fun to do it yourself. Have you watched enough to learn how?"
"Yes. I'll go try now." She took off back to the twin's fire. Maybe she can teach them.
"How about another question while I'm making you all smores?" I turned my head and said, "Osamu-san, can you read one?"
"Do you play and instrument, or which would you like to learn? The violin."
"The piano."
"The guitar. Girls love that." I'm not sure where he got that idea, but whatever.
"Drums."
"Saxophone."
I was surprised how many western instruments were listed. When it was my turn, I said, "I don't have any musical ability. Completely tone deaf. If I could learn and be good at it, I'd choose the koto."
"I can see that," Kumi-san said. She'd left Satoshi's and Chika's group to watch me make the smores.
The guy who tried the burned marshmallow was now on his third. "You're right. They're much better this way."
Of course, a couple others had to try.
"Yuck. I'm going back to the smores."
"I'll stick with eating just the chocolate."
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"Alright, ladies. One last question before we move on to our next activity," Satoshi said.
We'd all gorged ourselves on hotdogs, grilled vegetables, something weird called potato salad, and smores. I know what the next thing is, and I'm not sure everyone's stomach is up for it.
"Chika, you read it."
"Fine," I huffed and pulled a question. "What's one thing you want to do before you die?" Really? "Sailing, just me."
"Climb Mt. Fuji."
"I'd like to learn how to paint."
"So, it's like a bucket list? Hmm," she put her finger on her chin and sat there for a minute. "My parents would never allow this, but I'd like to learn to fly a plane. Just a small one."
"African safari. Hopefully, before all the elephants, rhinos, and giraffes are extinct."
"Cave diving."
"Find a charity and volunteer consistently. I would have never thought of that if the club hadn't started the Tuesday bring your lunch."
That's a good one.
"Learn Spanish."
"Hot air balloon ride, maybe in the Rocky Mountains of America."
Satoshi ended the round with, "Win gold at the Olympics."
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"Princesses, please gather around for the next activity," Tamaki-senpai called. "There are some choices. We've set up telescopes over there," he pointed to a dark corner of the grounds. Umeko-san was going to sit with them. "Or," he pulled out a bag, "you can wear glowing bracelets and necklaces and play tag."
"Glowing jewelry? What's that?"
I pulled one out of the bag. "Haruhi's going to demonstrate." I cracked it and put it over my head. "See. Aren't commoners amazing?"
Rich bastard.
How often can I continue to say that now that I'm practically one too?
"Ooo, I want to pay tag!"
"Me too."
"Another option is to play hide and seek in the maze. The lights will be on."
Everyone split into groups with Kumi-san watching the tag and Yuzuha watching the maze.
Mori-senpai and I went back to Music Room #3 to set up for when everyone came back inside.
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Music Room #3 – Ouran Campgrounds:
Kaoru and I were in charge of this next activity, as we should be. Can't believe Renge bought all that without us.
"Ladies, over on the table you'll find various pajama tops and bottoms for you to mix and match. Kaoru and I had a great time designing them, knowing you'd be wearing them tonight."
That was followed by nosebleeds, Ooo's and Ahhh's, and squeals.
"There's a mix of short and long sleeves, depending on your needs. Robes are also there if you get cold. Please change and come back to the meadow.
Kaoru turned to Haruhi's male designees and said, "We have some for you as well, if you wish, or you can wear what you brought. Once you're changed as well, join Haruhi at the meadow.
Here's where Renge wasn't thinking it through. Sure, the girls will go nuts over doing their nails and hair, especially since I'm sure none of them have ever done their own nails, but what are the guys going to do? Somehow, I don't see that big gorilla over there letting Haruhi put bunnies on his toenails.
As they joined Haruhi, I heard her telling them what's next. "Gentlemen, the ladies are going to have manicures and pedicures. If you wish to join them, please be our guest."
"Are you nuts?"
"No way."
"I thought so. Instead, you and I have a couple choices. We can watch a movie or play some more games. I'll warn you that once the girls are done, we'll be watching horror movies, so you may not want to watch one now. So," she slapped her thighs and looked around the group, "What do you want to do?"
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I can't believe those crazy twins thought I'd want my nails done. The Alien, sure, but me? Idiots. Takashi and I are joining Haruhi and her group for whatever they decide. The rest of the hosts will join the girls, and all the chaperones are helping with the nails.
Maybe Kasanoda-senpai and Satoshi will end up with stickers on their fingernails. I'll have to get pictures.
"How many movies are we going to watch with the girls?"
"One, maybe two. Depends on how long everyone stays awake."
"How about that new action movie? The girls probably aren't into that."
"What do you think, Haruhi?"
She hesitated, not wanting to show a weakness, but spoke up, "I'd rather not see something with car crashes, if that's OK."
"Oh, shit, Haruhi," one of them said, "Of course, you don't. Do you have a preference?"
"I'm not sure what we have here."
"Doesn't matter. We can stream anything," Osamu-senpai said. "What are you in the mood for."
"Something funny."
"Alright. We'll find something."
Fifteen minutes later, we're all sprawled out on pillows and blankets in front of the screen watching some comedy I've never heard of. No shootings. No car crashes. After that, I don't care.
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"These are so cute. Where did you say you got them, Tamaki-senpai?"
"The 100-yen store. It's an amazing commoner invention where everything in the store is only 100 yen."
"How interesting. I'll have to go and see for myself."
"I'm going to use red gems on top of black nail polish."
"Black?"
"Sure. Just for fun."
"Which one of you ladies wants to put bunnies on my toes," Mitsukuni asked. If I'd've realized I might get stuck with stickers on my fingernails, I would have joined Taka and Chika for a movie with the guys.
"What about you, Satoshi? What do you want?"
Shit.
I put on my best host smile and said, "Whatever you think is best, princess, but please only on my toes." I'll wear shoes until I can get it off.
I looked over my shoulder to see Kasanoda-senpai trying to shake off a girl. "Please, Kasanoda? They'll look so good on you. They're dragons."
He stared at me in full panic. I shrugged, winked, and turned back to find I was getting Hello Kitty stickers on my toes. Mother was laughing behind her hand at me.
I decided to lean back and live through it. It wasn't going to kill me.
"I can't believe I'm graduating next week."
"It's crazy, isn't it."
"Is everything ready for your wedding?"
"Finally. I'll be married in ten days and off to tour Europe for our honeymoon."
"Sounds romantic."
"I hope so. I don't know him very well."
"Arranged?"
"Yes. I met him six months ago after the contract was signed."
"I'm sure it will work out."
"What about you?"
"My parents and future in-laws want to wait until he graduates from university, which is in two years. I'll be going to Todi and majoring in world politics. His family's business is international, so it will help me support his endeavors."
Wow. They never talk about this stuff in our regular host setting. It's almost like they've forgotten we're here. Will I be getting married in two years? I'm just a kid.
I noticed Mitsukuni listening closely. With Cho-senpai graduating, it's almost past time to get serious about their marriage contract, if that's what Aunt and Uncle want.
I was shocked by the number of weddings happening in the next few weeks, but the rest of the guys weren't. Must happen every year. Crazy. A couple weeks ago, when Tamaki-senpai reminded us to not accept any wedding invitations, I thought he was kidding. He said something like the Host Club is for fantasies, and they don't belong at weddings.
.
I think Haruhi's asleep, lying there using Chika's thigh as a pillow. This comedy is made for the lowest common denominator, and it's no surprise she doesn't find it funny.
"Mori-senpai?" I turned towards the whisper. "What's Todi like? I start there in a month and wanted to find out your opinion."
I spoke with Haruhi's designee for a while, telling him about the campus, different clubs, and the classes I've had. Turns out, he'll be living in the dorms.
"I wanted to try living on my own. It sounded like fun. My parents aren't arranging a marriage, so I'm going to be dating and want the full campus experience."
"Hn."
"Hey, you'd know. Is there something going on between Haruhi and Chika?"
"Huh?" Haruhi and Chika?
"They seem close."
"They're good friends. That's all."
"If you say so."
Haruhi and Chika? Ridiculous.
.
"Exquisite, my beautiful Princess. White roses on my fingertips. Nothing could be more perfect."
At least I got dragons, but shit. If I don't get this crap off before Bu sees it, I'll be hearing about it for the rest of my fucking life.
The rest of my life. Woah… Shit's getting serious if I'm thinking like that.
"Earth to Kasanoda," I heard, seeing a hand waving in front of my face.
"Sorry. Just admiring my dragons." Fuck.
"Glad you like them. Thanks for painting my toes. I can't believe they had rainbows. They're so pretty."
Bu better never find out what I did tonight.
"Oh, Kasanoda…" Shit. Those fucking twins. Then I saw a flash.
"Got it."
"Shinobu asked us to take pictures of what you did tonight. She'll love the nail art."
I looked over at their hands and smirked, "Dragons are better than sushi or…what the hell is that Hikaru?"
"Pikachu."
"Yeah, dragons are better."
"You're just jealous."
"Sure. Whatever you need to tell yourself."
.
Going to bed:
The horror movies went as badly as I predicted. Just because I'm a commoner that posed as a boy for over a year, doesn't mean I don't know how a bunch of girls, who've never really seen slasher movies, are going to react.
There's popcorn and soda everywhere. Several of them had to take showers and change pajamas. A couple have stomach aches after eating way too much candy from the 100-yen store.
And now that everyone is in their tents, no one is sleeping. I see one tent with the light still on. Another has a flashlight pointed at the roof. Everyone is whispering. They were glad to have a stuffed animal to protect them after the movie. One glance at the guys' tents, and I can tell they're asleep. Bastards.
Well, maybe not Honey-senpai. He didn't make it through the movie and went to the soundproof room to wait it out with some of the girls and his mother.
The chaperones and I are trying to sleep, but there's too much whispering. It's after 2:00 am and I need to study tomorrow…today.
.
"Did you see Haruhi during the movie? She never flinched."
"She's probably seen dozens of them."
.
"This was so much fun. I can't wait for the ball next weekend."
"What's your dress look like?"
"Green and white. It's supposed to resemble ivy."
.
"Where are you going during the break?"
"New York. Mother wants to take me shopping for an entire new wardrobe before my third year."
"How exciting."
"Definitely. I'll bring you back something."
.
"That movie was awful. So much blood. How can anyone enjoy that?"
"The guys did."
"But they're guys."
"True."
.
I finally faded away from pure exhaustion.
.
xXx
.
Saturday, April 2:
Next Morning:
Although the chef and his assistants were making noise setting up the breakfast buffet, I'm sure it was the smell of coffee that woke most of the guests up. My fellow chaperones and I were sitting at a table drinking coffee or tea and waiting for the kids to wake up.
I smiled as I saw my younger son drag himself out of the tent and head for the door. "Good morning, Yasuchika," I said. He only grunted in response.
"Not a morning person, is he?" Yuzuha asked.
"Actually, he is, just not when he hasn't had enough sleep. He's usually already finished at the dojo by now."
"The three are serious about the Olympics."
"Definitely."
"Good for them. One must go after one's dreams." She ran her fingers through her red hair and continued, "That's how I became the head of a fashion powerhouse. Don't doubt yourself and keep going no matter what. Dreams are achievable."
"I'm sure my son and nephews will realize theirs. They've devoted much of their lives to it."
Umeko refilled her coffee mug and looked back at our tent. "I'm happy Haruhi-chan is sleeping in some. She's been so tired."
"How's she doing?" Yuzuha asked. "She was a wreck at the interview but got a hold of herself enough to give it brilliantly. I was impressed."
"She's been too busy. I arranged for a part time personal assistant to help with the little things. It will take her some time to get used to, but it will help."
"By next school year, then."
"Yes."
I took another sip of tea and saw my fingernails in my peripheral vision. One of the girls really wanted to do them, so here I am with green fingernail polish and flower stickers. I hope my maids have remover somewhere.
"Your fingers are quite stylish, Kumi-san."
"As are yours," I smirked at Umeko. She had blue polish with cat stickers.
"I'm surprised they had so much fun last night. I'm sure almost none of them have ever done their own nails."
"I know. It was cute, and some of the boys were even involved. Mitsukuni and his bunnies."
"And Kasanoda and his dragons."
"The twins were the best with sushi and anime."
.
I smiled and handed out the study supply gift boxes to my guys. "I realize they aren't your style, but perhaps your girlfriend or sister would like them."
"Thank you, Haruhi. My sister will enjoy them. She'll be a first-year soon. Perhaps she'll come to the host club with me."
"Perhaps. I hope she likes them."
Only one more week and everyone will know the club will be closed next year. They will be disappointed.
After the last guest left, and the cleaning crew started breaking down the tents, we all collapsed and sighed.
"I'm glad that's over."
"It went well."
"Yeah, except when that one chick spilled her soda on me and then her popcorn. I was covered head to toe until I got to the shower."
"I know. I got a picture for Shinobu. Classic."
"You sure had fun with that camera Hikaru. Is she paying you or something?"
"Nope. Seeing you squirm is good enough."
"Fuck."
One of the servers came up with coffee for all of us, and we gratefully accepted. He also brought a cake for Honey-senpai.
"Did you get many orders for the playing cards, Satoshi," I asked.
"Every single girl ordered the entire set."
"Which is what?"
"It includes the decks of our individual pictures and decks of each group cosplay picture. All together it's almost thirty different decks."
"What's anyone going to do with that many decks of cards?"
"Maybe they'll teach their families to play Hell."
.
xXx
.
Phone call from Kyoya to Fuyumi:
Kyoya: "I assume Yuki-chan made it there fine."
Fuyumi: "No problems. Her chauffeur dropped her off. She didn't bring very much."
Kyoya: "I told her to bring all her things." Did that asshole not let her bring everything? "Can you ask about that after she settles in?"
Fuyumi: "Sure. She's a skittish little thing."
Kyoya: "I know. I told you why. Did you find any injuries?"
Fuyumi: "No. She seems fine."
Kyoya: "Good." I'm surprised he didn't piss himself after that threat. He looked terrified. "Do you need anything else from me?"
Fuyumi: "No, not yet. The town car arrived. One of my drivers will be assigned to her. The bank account you set up for her is sufficient. It will probably last the entire year."
Kyoya: "Not if she didn't bring much with her. She'll probably need a new wardrobe for spring and summer, plus her new Ouran uniform. The credit card should arrive tomorrow. I'll messenger it over. Make sure she knows it's for whatever she needs or wants. It's part of the contract that the Ootori's will support her until the wedding, and I don't want to begrudge her anything."
Fuyumi: "Will do. I'll take her shopping and make her use it." And have fun doing it. "So, what's the plan, Kyoya. We haven't had a lot of time to talk about this."
Kyoya: "Next week is finals for Akito, Yuki, and me. After that, we'll set up a plan for Akito to get to know her and for planning the wedding if they agree to it."
Fuyumi: "Alright. Good luck on your finals."
Kyoya: "I don't need luck."
.
I hung up with Fuyumi and thought back to my conversation with Akito. We'd taken different cars to the restaurant, so he called me early Friday to discuss how it went.
.
Akito: "Did you know? Why didn't you tell me she was abused?"
Kyoya: "I didn't want you going in with any preconceived ideas."
Akito: "Well, thanks for that. Because of you, I said something really stupid while we were dancing."
Kyoya: "I'm sure it wasn't that bad." By this time, I was holding the bridge of my nose, hoping to stop a headache. "Besides all that, what did you think of her?"
Akito: "She's nice, quiet, intelligent, and scared shitless of her father."
Kyoya: "That's why she's at Fuyumi's. She's safe there and you two can figure this out without her father's pressure."
Akito: "When can I go over there and talk to her?"
Kyoya: "Wait until finals are over. We all need to be concentrating on them."
Akito: "Alright. Let me know if anything changes, or if you think she needs anything."
Kyoya: "Will do."
.
I think they'll do well together. Does he realize he's already protective of her?
.
xXx
.
Sunday, April 3:
Breakfast Tables Around Tokyo:
Hitachiin:
"Young masters, these magazines were just delivered."
"The interview," Kaoru yelled as the two of them pounced on the maid. "I saw the final draft but couldn't get an advance copy because it was rushed to press."
Hikaru smirked at Kaoru and handed me a magazine. "Here, Mom."
"Thanks."
I opened up to the interview and read some of my favorite clips out loud.
"I studied for months and attained the highest scores ever on the Ouran scholarship exam. My father was so proud. I know my mother would have been as well."
"It was awkward going to classes there. Being the only one to bring my lunch or ride public transportation rather than show up in a limo."
"This is great, Kaoru. You were right. Nothing to edit."
"Yes, she's a natural."
"Don't tell her that, Mom. Haruhi will kill me if I make her give another interview."
"I hope you didn't tell her that was the only one she'd ever have to do."
"Didn't say one way or the other. Safest that way."
Breakfast continued, and both my sons devoured the magazines and the huge fashion section of the Sunday paper.
"I knew you boys designed the costumes for the Host Club, but I had no idea how many there were and how intricate they are." I paused for a second, then admitted, "I was nosing around while you were all watching that horror movie."
"Mom!"
"Did you have a favorite?"
"There're so many, and some I have no idea what they were. The Wizard of Oz costumes were delightful, especially the flying monkey. So were the circus and Greek gods and goddesses."
"We had so much fun designing those. Too bad we're closing. Only one last cosplay and those are simple costumes."
"Can you bring them all home?"
"Don't see why not. What else are we going to do with them?"
"Yeah, never know when we could use them for something else."
Suoh:
I met Renge-chan at the door, I was so excited to see her. She comes over for breakfast as often as she can on the weekends.
"Haruhi's interview is out," she shouted, holding up two magazines and twirling around. That's quite a cute dress she has on this morning.
She took my hand and pulled me to the solarium. Pushing me down onto one of the sofas, she landed on my lap and we read the article together.
"What my father wanted most for me was to be happy. He knew that meant following my mother's path into law."
"He always told me how proud she would have been."
"My father never wanted to leave me, but he planned for the worst. When he died, I discovered he'd asked the Morinozuka's to be my guardians. They've been the rock I've needed as I'm mourning my father."
I brushed a tear off Renge-chan's cheek with my thumb and pressed my lips to hers. The fierceness of her response surprised me, and I returned it, amazed that this wonderful creature was mine. My future bride.
We jerked away from each other when we heard Shima clear her throat. "Are you ready for breakfast, Young Master Tamaki? Renge-sama?"
Both Renge-chan and I blushed cherry red, but Shima maintained composure. How does she do that?
"Yes, Shima. If we could have it in here? We'll enjoy the sunshine with our coffee."
"Of course."
When she left the room, Renge-chan asked, "Do you know if she's moving to the other mansion with you?"
"Yes, she will. She'll continue to act as our chaperone when needed until we're married."
"Good. I like her."
"Me too."
During breakfast I told her about the camping adventure, and we talked about the Host Club end of year ball.
I noticed her looking about the room in concentration. When she caught my raised eyebrow, she blushed. "Do you think this room would look better in blues?"
"I've never thought of it, but you have the entire next year to redecorate this mansion into the perfect newlywed home."
"I can't wait to share this home with you as your wife, Tamaki-kun. I love you."
"I love you too."
And we picked up where we left off.
Morinozuka:
I came down to breakfast hoping I was early, only to find all the Morinozuka's and Haninozuka's. The boys all had wet hair from the showers. They'd been working out. Satoshi's training for that marathon.
"Good morning, Haruhi. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you, Kumi-san."
The first thing I reached for was a large mug of coffee. Between camping two nights ago and staying up late last night to study, I'm dragging today. Kaoru's going to kill me. These bags under my eyes can't be good for a photo shoot.
Mori-senpai handed me a magazine. "Your interview came out today."
"Oh," I mumbled and hesitantly took it. "Was it OK?"
"Don't worry, Haruhi-chan," Umeko-san said. "I'm sure it's wonderful. We were waiting until you came down to read it."
"Well, I guess we can all read it together."
As I skimmed it, I realized it wasn't as horrible as I feared. At least everything I said makes sense.
"It's beautiful, Haru-chan."
"I don't know about beautiful, Honey-senpai, but it's all the truth."
"You did an excellent job walking the reader through the stages of your life that brought you here. This should erase all doubt of your commoner roots."
"Thank you, Akira-san. I can't ask for anything more."
"Are you five ready for your finals," Umeko-san asked.
Chika snorted, "I can't wait for them to be over. I have so much to do during the break."
"Me too," Satoshi said. "The marathon is only three weeks away."
"Haruhi, what do you have planned during the break?"
I sighed, "I think the better question is what don't I have planned during the break. I have a dog show one weekend. The national dog show is only two weeks into the new school year and there's still so much planning for that. The finance department's almost ready to file all the paperwork to take the company private. We're still tracking down small amounts of stock. Kaoru has a fashion show. I won't be modeling, but I've got to be there. I'm going to walk the 5k at the marathon."
I looked up to find them all staring at me. "What?"
"That's a lot. Are you going to have any fun?" Satoshi asked, taking a bite out of an apple.
"The dog shows are fun." I tried not to squirm in my seat, knowing that's not what he meant.
Akira-san took a deep breath and set down his chopsticks. "Haruhi-chan, it's honorable all the work you do, but please schedule some down time to rest and recuperate for the next school year." He looked around the table, "All of you should."
"I'll try, Uncle, however there is a world cup at the end of the break. I must train hard."
The conversation continued on, and I tuned it out. A few days of being lazy isn't a bad idea. Maybe at the end of the dog show? It is out of town. I could stay there for a couple days.
I'm going to take a nap until it's time to leave for the Hitachiin Studios. I hope I can shrink these bags.
Kasanoda:
It's too fucking early to be awake on a Sunday. I need coffee. I stumbled into the dining room and saw my son reading…something. "Ritsu? What the fuck are you reading?" Looks like some chick magazine.
"Some chick magazine."
"What the fuck for?" It's way too early for this shit. I don't have the brain capacity for twenty questions.
"I told you Haruhi's modeling for Kaoru, right?" I nodded. "She gave this magazine an interview. Shinobu had it delivered this morning."
"Oh. Good. That makes sense." I dug into my grilled fish and asked between bites, "What's she say?"
"The whole reason she gave this thing was she's been getting a lot of shit about her not being 'commoner' enough for his 'Every Woman' line geared towards commoners."
"What? Because she hangs out with all you rich kids and lives with the Morinozuka's?"
"Basically. People are idiots."
"I've never said they weren't."
Ritsu laughed and almost choked on his omelet. "She does a decent job of explaining her background, her scholarship to Ouran, and how she wound up at Mori-senpai's. She's definitely got more patience than I do."
"That's the understatement of the year."
"Fuck you, Pops."
"That's my boy."
Ootori:
"Ootori-sama, there's a delivery for you."
Security handed me a magazine. A woman's magazine. Then I noticed the tag line for the Hitachiin model. Haru.
"Fujioka Haruhi – truly an 'Every Woman'?"
As I read through the interview, I could picture her sitting there answering the questions. Nervous, but wanting to do her best for Kaoru. Her best for her mother and father.
I'm such a huge dick. If we had been married, I wouldn't have let her model. It's not what the wife of an Ootori does. Too common. I would have only allowed her to practice law if she worked for me.
Marrying me would have crushed her soul, and I would have been responsible for turning her into something she's not. Something that I didn't want, though I thought I did.
I'm such an idiot.
"Kyoya-sama?"
I looked up at Tachibana. "I'm an idiot."
"Haruhi-sama?" he asked, pointing to the magazine.
I nodded. "What was I thinking? I told myself I loved who she is and then did everything I could to change her."
"You're young. You only had your father as an example. You're used to getting exactly what you want."
"Thanks," I grumbled.
Then he pulled out a chair and sat at the breakfast table with me. "What the hell?"
"I'm going to give you an early graduation present, Kyoya-sama." He laced his fingers together and put his hands on the table. "Next weekend you're graduating from high school. You are the president and CEO of the Ootori Conglomeration. You'll be staring university in a month."
I broke in, "I know all that. Get to the point." Damn, I am in a shitty mood.
"You need a break. Your life will not fall apart if you spend a week on a beach, but it might if you don't. When was the last time you powered down?" He stopped me before I could even start talking. "I'll remind you. Never."
I took a sip of my coffee and put the magazine aside. "You're suggesting a vacation for graduation."
"Exactly. You thought a graduation party was worthless. Do this instead. Get on a plane and go to Hawaii. It's been years since that mansion and private beach have been used."
"I don't have time."
All he did was raise an eyebrow and tilt his head. Shit.
Haru. Yoshio. The Host Club. Ito-san and his company. University. Expanding the Ootori Conglomeration.
"You're right. If I don't take some time to think about everything I want to do and need to deal with, I'll end up fighting windmills instead of winning wars."
"Good." Tachibana stood and left the room, clearly having said what he needed to.
Hawaii. I'll leave the night of graduation. An acceptable reason to miss Tamaki's party.
Shido:
"Good morning, Yuki-chan. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I did. Thank you."
"You spent most of yesterday settling in and studying, so we really didn't have much time to talk."
It's obvious she was trying to hide, to not get in the way. I left her alone to give her a chance to recover from the shock. When she didn't say anything, I pushed on. "I want you to feel welcome in this home. It's your home too for the next year or so, depending on what you and Akito decide."
"Thank you, Shido-sama."
"None of that," I said gently. "Please call me Fuyumi, Fuyumi-san if you must. We might be sisters soon."
"Thank you, Fuyumi-san."
I smiled softly at her. I knew she'd choose the more formal version. I handed her an envelope. "Kyoya sent this over for you."
Her fingers shook slightly as she opened it carefully. What does she think's in there?
"It's your family credit card, linked to an account set up specifically for you. Kyoya and Akito don't want you to hesitate to use it. Anything you need or want."
"I must thank them when I see them again."
She's barely sipped her tea. "Yuki-chan, if the breakfast isn't to your liking, we can have anything else prepared."
"Oh," she jerked slightly and looked around the room. "This is fine. I appreciate your thoughtfulness."
This is ridiculous. Kyoya said he'd never seen the evidence of the abuse before, because he never saw her with her father. Our home is a new experience for her, and she doesn't know how to act except grateful and formal. She knows her father all but sold her to us.
I walked over and sat in the chair next to her. She flinched faintly when I put my hand over hers. "Yuki-chan, you have nothing to worry about here, especially making me angry. I can't even imagine what you could do that would make me upset. You're not planning on doing anything illegal, are you?"
She gasped, "No. Never."
"Good. Then you're fine here. We all want you to be at home here, and we'll do just about anything to see that happen. That includes cooking something else, redecorating your room, or having friends over. Alright?"
"Yes. Thank you."
I'll get her talking if it kills me, but not now. I've probably pushed it too far this morning.
"Wonderful." Perhaps being cheery will help. "I should let you know the rules of this house."
I went back to my seat, took a sip of tea, and started, "First, make yourself at home. You have the run of the house expect the master bedroom, Sota's rooms, and my husband's office. Please feel free to borrow any book in the library and walk into the kitchen for a snack or drink anytime you wish or ask the chef to make you something."
She nodded, her eyes growing wide. Wasn't she able to do this at her home?
"Second, use the card for anything you need or want. Clothes, going out to dinner, activities, anything. If you need specific toiletries or personal items, ask a maid. If we don't have the brand you want, they will go get it. Those things fall under house accounts. Please do not 'make do' with something that isn't what you want. Your accounts at Ouran have been transferred. Please continue to get your lunch from the dining hall."
She took another sip of tea, placed it carefully on the table, and asked, "Would it be possible to get a cup of coffee?"
The maid standing at the back of the room said, "Of course, Yuki-sama." She had a coffee set with cream and sugar in front of her within five minutes. My staff is amazing.
"Third, security. Kyoya's assigned a security team to you. As a potential future Ootori, he wants you protected. They'll accompany you when you leave the house, but not in it. He also sent over a town car for your use. One of my drivers will take you anywhere you need to go. Just inform a staff member and they'll take care of everything."
I'm overwhelming her. I can tell. One more and I'll wrap it up.
"Just one more, and it's about security too. Make sure someone here knows where you're going. Your security detail will know, but I'd like to as well. You don't have to ask for permission, just let us know."
Her fidgeting had slowed down, and she'd started to nibble on a piece of toast. Both positive signs.
"Any questions?"
"No. Not yet," she said and gave me a small smile.
"Alright. Please know you can come to me anytime with anything. I'm at home most of the time but do go out for business meetings. The staff will know where I am."
"Thank you, Fuyumi-san. I appreciate you welcoming me into your home. It's all happened so fast, it might take some time to adjust."
"It's no problem. For now, your primary focus should be finals. Let us know if you need anything to help with that such as supplies or snacks you like to have while studying. Akito's finals are this week too, so he won't be around until next week."
She nodded and dished up her plate. As she settles in, I hope she asks for her preferred breakfast.
.
This is insane. I'm meant to marry Kyoya-senpai, then that switched to his brother Akito-kun. And it's my choice. I choose to marry and can go to university. I don't have to get pregnant right away.
Then, I'm swept away to this place where Kyoya-senpai's sister is taking care of me. First, she tells me I can go anywhere and use anything in the house. Then, I have a credit card for anything I need or want. Father never trusted me with a card. The one he gave me had a low limit and he checked every charge. Now I have a security team too. Will they report everything I do to Fuyumi-san like they did to Father?
I don't know what to think.
.
xXx
.
Kasanoda Compound:
Bu and I are hanging out in the game room. She's killing me at basketball. I have to get better if we're getting married. I can't let her kick my ass all the time.
"Hey, Ritsu. Wake up!" and she smacked me in the chest with the ball.
"Ouch," I said, making sure the sarcasm with obvious.
"I'm done anyway. Just needed to burn off some of the stress from that meeting."
I put the ball on the rack, held out my hand to her, and said, "Let's go for a walk."
Once we were in the garden, and I could be sure we weren't being listened to, I asked what she thought of the meeting with our parents.
"So far, so good. The marriage contract is what I want, so far anyway. What about you?"
"Yeah, it looks good. They said it will be ready by early summer. Guess we'll be engaged then."
It's kinda cute how she blushed. "I don't want some fancy-ass proposal with a lot of people. That kind of thing is supposed to be private."
"You got it." Wait. I have to fucking propose? The contract doesn't take care of that? Shit.
Then she smirked and held up her phone, "Now, about these pictures from the guys. You'll have to do my toes someday, but not dragons."
"Motherfucker. I'm going to kill them."
.
xXx
.
Author's Note:
Not a ton going on, but I did write some fluff…
As for the camping…I wrote more than I intended, but I think it came out OK. Writing anything funny (except Kasanoda and Bu) is so hard. I need to practice.
I don't play Scrabble, but I looked up the point values for those words on the internet. My spelling absolutely sucks (but has been getting better the more I write). Spell checkers are an amazing invention.
I found the meanings of flowers and then tried for funny. No idea if I made it or not.
Should Kasanoda and Shinobu get matching tattoos? What and where?
I like my marshmallows burned to a crisp, so I wrote that in. I only ate the marshmallows when the family would make smores. Don't like graham crackers. Now I don't eat any of it – went vegan four years ago.
More on Yuki/Kyoya/Akito/Fuyumi. Having more fun with that group than I thought I would.
I'm getting close to the end in my writing. Looks like chapter 38 will be the last one. More details on the ending as we get closer.
.
Next Chapter:
The last cosplay. Kyoya pops back into Haruhi's life. And a huge thread is tied off.
.