Hello my dearies!
I just want to thnk you so much for the reviews, favorites. And follows! It makes me so grateful to hear from those who like my story, even those who criticize, thank you all so so much! Well here it is! my next chapter installment! I really need to stop staying up late to finish these...Oh but I do it for my lovely readers so I don't mind! I burned my brain with this chapter... So I hope you all like it! well I'e nothing more to say so please enjoy!
WARNING: NO KIDDIES ALLOWED! Sorry my little dears but this is rated M for a reason! Read at your own peril!
Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High School Host club characters or any of works done by Bisco Hatori! If I did we all know I would have made it much more of a love fest...maybe
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Chapter 6: Escape Into The Garden
The stage was set, and now the performance would begin. Lit by thousands of candles and filled with hundreds of observers who were drawn to the spectacular dream before their eyes. Tonight was turning out to be such an extravagant displace of wealth, much to Haruhi's annoyance.
As she observed the guests who were rapidly filling the grand chamber, she could hear the giggles and excited squeals coming from the ladies who crowded near the front of the room where soon Tamaki would make his entrance.
This was by far the most lavished, if not most costly, party the hosts had ever arranged.
The ladies were a in some of the most beautiful ball gowns she had ever seen, the colors were so vibrant, even their perfectly matched their masks were covered with jewels, feathers, and delicate designs.
She was surprised that there were men in attendance as well, many were being dragged along by the women but there were many that had willingly come to take part in the celebration, why were they so colorful as well? That was weird.
Every host except for Tamaki was spread throughout the room and could easily be recognized by their regular customers, yet she hadn't seen any of them since she arrived.
The doors were closed behind the last of the lingering crowds while the chattering of the audience began to die down as Tamaki made his grand entrance. There he stood at the front of the room in a white suit; his signature color he usually wore to such grand events, while combined with a gold mask. Even in hushed tones she could mildly still hear some of the squealing girls.
"Madame's and Masseurs, we welcome you tonight to the opening celebration we have prepared for your delectation and delight. We the host club have brought to life one of the many dreams we envision when we think of your breath taking smiles and innocent hearts! Though the night may come to an end, the hosts will always open their arms to all who seek us out. Your dreams will come true this night, whether it be in our arms or one of the many gentlemen here tonight. Laissez la mascarade commence!"
The audience cheered for him, with the screaming girls drowning out any other sounds that were attempting to be heard. Before the girls could rush to him he held up his hands as if to ask those who were waiting to dance with him, to give him a moment then hustled over towards her.
"Haruhi! Did you like my speech? They loved it" he grinned joyfully.
"It was nice; I'll miss my hearing though."
"It's good that they are enthusiastic, it means we are still able to keep their smiles bright and hearts filled with passion." Turning to wave at the girls behind him who were slowly creeping up on them, hoping he would return to them soon.
"You're a good man Tamaki sempai" she beamed up at him, lately he had become more serious, but still remained as noble as the first day they met.
"Oh Haruhi you are too good to daddy! You look so great even in men's clothing, you are positively radiant!"
There he was back to normal again sure she looked nice and felt comfortable in those clothes now, but later she would feel completely awkward 'swishing' around in a dress.
"For now I guess, I don't get why you guys are making me dress like a girl" she sighed
Meeting her gaze with a puzzled look "You look like a boy Haruhi; no one will know you're a girl."
"Stop joking around sempai, I mean the dress."
"Dress? What are you talking about Haruhi"? His brow furrowed even more. Yet in the midst of his confusion, it seemed the girls would not wait any long suddenly appeared to surround him on all sides, separate them a good distance. That was to be expected sooner or later, it was good to know she wouldn't be swarmed like that, she would end up being trampled.
She was thankful she remembered the Lessons Kanako had given her all those years ago, it wasn't too hard but thanks to the help of her dad, who had no objections acting as the women, she was able to touch up on what little skills she had.
Time had flown by and she had danced with some of her regulars that had carried over with her to the university, they were all such sweet girls and she couldn't deny them one dance.
Even some of the female University students who she didn't recognize asked to dance with her, for her lack of dancing skills she was doing a pretty good job. Just when she had a moment to herself she was pulled aside and pushed through a door by one of the stewardesses.
"Forgive my abruptness Miss but you've been requested to change clothes now" bowing in apologies, she pulled Haruhi along, giving no thought to her consent. Trying to tear her wrists from the stewardesses grasp she eventually was released to just have the woman go behind her and start pushing her, bidding her to walk faster.
"I can walk on my own ya'know" Haruhi tried reassuringly to get her to stop the manhandling.
No reply came, just continuous thrusting hands on her back. Not much later she was tossed inside a bright lit room with the door slamming behind her.
"Please strip Ma'am and I will assist you in your preparations." The tiny lady hustled about the room, taking the dress out from behind a closed door and laid it out on a chair for her.
Hoping she wouldn't be dragged around like a doll, she quickly undressed and proceeded to put on the gown. After adjusting it properly on her shoulders she felt hands hurriedly do up the buttons in the back.
"No time for dawdling ma'am."
After her dress was adjusted she was forced in to the chair sitting in front of a vanity that was covered with makeup, accessories and very long hair extensions. The chair was spun around to face the hasty women who began by applying makeup to her.
Her face weighed a ton; she probably would end up looking like a clown. Though it seemed endless; after much pulling of her hair, crap applied to her face, and what felt like a chain around her neck, she was finished. Sensing the spinning of the chair she was halted.
"Look for yourself Ma'am"
Opening her eyes to reveal the damage, she was speechless.
There sat the beautiful women from last night only this time she was more decorated then she had previously been.
Her eyes were shadowed by white and shades of blue fading into each other with a hint of gold. Her complexing was so fair and looked so fragile. Around her neck was a single row choker of crystals with one blue tear drop crystal dangling, completed with matching earrings. With her now long hair done up in curls, she looked like a porcelain doll that if touched the illusion would shatter. Who was this women? Because it was not her, this was not who she was.
"And for the finishing touch" reaching around her the women picked up a mask that had been lying on the vanity and gently placed it on her face. A light blue and gold Venetian mask, accented with even more beaded crystals.
"I've done all I can do, now Cinderella can't be late for the ball now can she?" she smiled at Haruhi taking her hand and guiding her out of the room and back to what she thought would be the doors she had be yanked out of originally, but instead was lead up a staircase to a new set of doors.
"Good luck!" she told her with a complete attitude change then how she had been acting earlier.
"Uh, thank you …?"
"Call me fairy godmother" she giggled as she ran back down the stairs disappearing around a corner.
"Right…" inhaling a deep breath she braced herself as she opened both doors expecting to open them to be on the second floor overlooking the entire ball room and dancing couple below.
She was denied such an opening. Walking through the doors all the pairs dancing had stopped, all the masked faces turned in her direction, even the couples overlooking the scene from the balconies noticed her. She was atop the grand staircase, and now the center of everyone's attention.
'What am I supposed to do!?' she panicked, run. She needed to run, no wait that would make more of a speckle… who gave a damn it was better than standing there frozen!
Hearing the whispers made her even more edgy. Just as she was about to take a step back and bolt, a figure below came forward. He obviously stood out from the crowd, while they all wore bright, vibrant colors he simply black.
Fashioning an unbuttoned black, floor length, trench overcoat with the hood over his head. He matched in all black except for crimson red vest that had an intricate design on it, which he wore underneath.
Approaching the stairway she looked at him and then their eyes met. His grey eyes bore into her widened brown ones. The gazes of the ongoing watchers were split between the two of them.
As he approached the bottom of the stairs he stopped and held his hand out to her, waiting for her to accept it. For a moment they just stared, focused only on each other. Instead of taking a step back like she originally planned she stepped forward and began descending the stairs to him, reaching the bottom step she slowly took his hand.
"Princess" he whispered as he tenderly kissed her hand.
Neither showing any emotion, he turned and led her towards the middle of the floor where all the previous dancing couples had cleared away. Spinning her around to face him, he took her free hand and laid it on his shoulder then held her by the waist with his free hand. Her cheeks turned red at their close proximity.
"Just look at me" he assured her noticing her nervousness.
As the music began to fill the room once more with a slow waltz, hoping she wouldn't make a complete fool of herself. Staring into his eyes that closely began to make her feel more nervous so she chose to study his black and crimson mask.
"Are you frightened of me princess? Or the dance?" he questioned her.
Hesitantly she replied "Both I guess… but more so dancing, I'm not very good but everyone's staring at us so it doesn't help."
"No, they are looking at you."
"Says the mysterious man, the only one dressed in all black" she quipped. That earned a laughed from him as he continued to spin her around the room.
She began to slowly relax in his arms. It was actually quite comfortable, and she hadn't even stepped on his feet yet. As others couples began to join in the dance, soon they were no longer the center of everyone's gazes, but still they held quite a few.
"So I didn't catch your name" attempting to keep the conversation alive, not wanting to just stare awkwardly into his gaze the whole time.
"No, you didn't."
"Will you tell me?" she tried to ask.
"The point of a masquerade is to hide your identity."
"So no then?"
"I thought I gave you ample hints" he flashed her a sly smirk.
It had been awhile, how many songs have they danced to now? Neither of their attentions ever left the other, they remained solely focused on each other.
Haruhi had never felt this at ease, especially with a stranger; maybe her extensions were squeezing her head too much. His eyes had her captured completely, they're bodies had grown closer as the songs progressed.
Even moments when they were silent it had become less uncomfortable then originally. Occasionally he would pay her a compliment that would cause her to blush and look away, but each time she did that he would gently turn her head back so that their gazes stayed connected. As the current song came to an end, he brought them to a standstill.
"We've been dancing for quite a while, would you like to some fresh air?"
Looping her arm through his, he guided her outside to the gardens.
There was hardly anyone out there which relieved her; now that they were not dancing she was back to being self-conscious and more aware of her surroundings. They walked quite a distance before stopping near a bench where she sat down. Now that she was more aware of herself, her feet began to ache terrible.
"Thanks for this, I was beginning to not be aware of my own endurance" she smiled heartily as he continued to stand beside her.
"It was becoming suffocating in there, I thought this would do us both some good."
The garden was for the most part deserted except for a few straggling couple spread out. That's when she realized, they were all alone. The thought made her blush uncontrollably, since when had she become so aware of herself?
"You dance elegantly; you must be the heiress to some well-endowed family I imagine?"
There it was, the deal breaker. Attending this school it was no wonder, everyone here came from families with money, power, and connections.
Everyone except for her, she was not ashamed though! She was very proud of her accomplishments and felt no remorse or guilt about who she was. It just really sucked that he might be one of the few shallow minded assholes who just so happened to be someone she danced.
"I'm anything but that, I'm just a poor little nobody that somehow by accident ended up with some of the most rich and popular students as friends, if it weren't for that accident I doubt we would ever have acknowledged each other." She admitted with a serious face, he would have to suck it up or walk away because she wasn't going to lie about her situation.
He studied her for a minute it was quite dark even with the garden lit by candles, the lighting was still dim enough to where she could barely make out whatever expression he chose to display.
"That last part may be true, but you will never know now. Though I ask that you do not lie to me, it is impossible for you to be a nobody."
"What do you mean? I really am poor you know…"
He chuckled softly "A nobody could not have captured the attention of the aristocracy as you did when you entered that room, a nobody could not have demanded the floor as you did. Poor or not, you managed to bewitch them all" obviously sounding amused.
"Again it was all by accident, or just really bad timing. Besides that was both you."
"I only entertained their minds as I held my hand out for you, and they left the floor only to make way for you, I had nothing to do with that."
Did he not care that she was literally the poorest student in the entire university? He had yet to sneer at her. Proving to have been very amiable and an invaluable figure of support for her tonight. It was really surprising to find that none of the hosts had come out yet, trying to sweep her away back on the dancefloor with her aching feet.
"Why do I have the feeling I can't win on this subject?"
"Because you won't."
"You're so sure of yourself, you remind me of one of my friends here, always so sure of himself…" she whispered more to herself then to him, thinking back on Kyoya.
The way he had been acting the past couple of days was definitely different, she had yet to see him tonight, he was probably off dancing with one of the many beautiful girls that fawned over him.
Suddenly the memories of the bath and dress incidents came rushing back into her mind. She blushed furiously, she shouldn't be thinking of such inappropriate times!
It was Kyoya, her friend and just so happened boss, she didn't have any feelings for him, she didn't...wouldn't…couldn't! He felt nothing to her so why was she even entertaining the thought!?
They were friends, and that was it. She needed to stop and calm down; he didn't have feelings for her. They were just accidents and she was completely over reacting over, it was her first time seeing him so off guard that's all.
"He must be very dear to you to draw your thoughts away from me"
Her thoughts shattered at hearing his voice, she hadn't realized she was pondering so long.
"Ah no, I'm sorry I was just thinking about how this dress is a little too tight so it's a bit stifling" reassuring him with a smile as she ventured lying. While she tried to wipe away any trace of her indiscretion, including her burning cheeks and tense posture.
"Your skills of deceit need some work, princess" he murmured while taking one of her hands in his.
"Would you care for another dance?"
"I would, but my feet are already extremely sore from these heels" she strained. Her feet might as well have been rocks boulders, because there was no way she could move them now.
Without another word she felt herself lifted from the bench seat and into the arms of her mystery companion as he started in the direction one of the grandiose fountains that was nearest to them.
"W-what are you doing?!" growing unnerved at being held so tightly against his chest.
Standing next to the side of fountain he set her down on the side carefully, lifting the hem of her dress only a little, noting at how she held on top the skirt bit with a firm grip at the knees. Taking both of her high heels off slowly as to cause her as little pain as possible.
He still hadn't spoken a word and it was wracking up her nerves, she would kick him in the face if he tried anything suspicious.
"Have a little faith in me, I am nothing if not a gentleman" attempting to console her as he tried to help. Nodding wearily at his actions he gradually lifted her legs over the edge of the fountain and set her feet down in the water.
"Oh my god what a relief!" she blurted out without taking in consideration of her company. The water was so coolly serene it felt amazing against her sore heels, causing her to ascend into a state of pure bliss.
"Uh- thank you for this, sorry I'm not very ladylike to begin with…" she admitted to her stranger who sat down beside her, still not caring if she looked or sounded unrefined.
With her eyes closed, a smile on her face, and swishing her feet about in the water. She could be in a gorilla suit right now and not care if anyone saw her.
Hearing him laugh heartily next to her, she cracked one eye open to peek over at him. "It's alright, I have to admit it's refreshing" he spoke cordially.
They sat there in silence for what seemed like hours, after a while her feet seemed to completely heal. Haruhi began to wonder just who was this man that sat next to her?
Maybe he was a foreigner that came to study at the University? If he was this polite with her she no doubt would have heard about him through all gossiping girls back in high school. Plus Tamaki would have gone through any means necessary to have him join the host club… maybe he was ugly or something?
With the night growing longer her eyelids grew heavier. All the dance practicing, studying, and paperwork had kept her up through all hours of the night; she had yet to have a decent night's sleep.
Holding back a yawn, really not wanting to seem more uncouth then she already had been, she was ready to leave. If the others didn't get a chance to dance with her that was just too bad, they had more than enough time to make their way to her and she was already pass her limit.
Pulling her feet out of the water, she carried them over the side making sure not to get her dress wet. Not even going to bother putting the torture devices back on her feet she picked them up by the straps in one hand.
Just as she was about to stand a hand was once again held out to her. Her unknown companion had gotten up and was now helping her to stand up, which was probably a good thing considered her legs still felt like jelly.
"It's getting late" she started "I think I'll go home, the festivities have really taken a toll on me."
Keeping hold of her one hands he wrapped the other around her waist "Then I shall escort you through the gardens to one of the main hall ways. I'm sure you can find your way through there and if you happen to fall a steward will be nearby" he said half-jokingly.
Too weary to argue she nodded as he led her through the maze of short hedges. If it were any other time she would probably just over the bushes and walk on the grass, but she still had no idea where he was taking her. Anywhere but the ballroom where she was sure that if he left her for an instant the twins or Tamaki would come bounding up to her, asking for dances and dragging her around. But she was still awake enough be aware of her surroundings.
Walking around the corner of the building he brought them to a small door that blended in with the wall.
"Through this door there will be another door that will open to the main hallway, you are capable of getting yourself home from there I hope" he grinned.
"I'm a big girl, I could have made it home without your help you know" she defended herself. Sure he helped her out that night…a lot, but she could have eventually gotten herself home!
"I'm sure you could."
"Well…goodnight then, and thank you for, well, everything" stepping out of his touch she bowed, extremely grateful for what he had done for her.
"I'd say see you again but you won't tell me your name so I guess we'll never meet again" she humored.
"We may, you never know what could happen."
Taking that as her sign to exit she turned towards the door and headed started inside when suddenly she was pulled back her arm and was swung around bringing her face to face with her stranger.
Before she knew what was happening he had brought his lips down upon hers, sealing them with a kiss.
She tried to worm her way out of his grip but found he was too strong, when that didn't work she placed her hands on his chest and tried to push him away but he only pulled her closer. He broke the kiss long enough to gaze into her eyes.
"Princess" he whispered.
'The way he says that…so familiar'
Feeling her body beginning to relax, he encircled his arm around her tiny waist and let his other hand slide up nestling in her hair. He claimed her lips once again. His lips were warm and demanding against hers.
Why did this feel so natural, she didn't know him, but it wasn't as awful as she tried to imagine. Forcing their bodies together she could feel his body heat radiating off him causing her to feel as though her body was melting.
Her eye lids slowing began to close… Why… why was she allowing this to happen!? She mustered all her strength into one final attempt to push him away. Able to tear herself away, she stumbled backwards catching her balance before she fell backwards.
"Why did you do that!?" she stared at him in disbelief, her cheeks flushed, lips trembling, and her legs seemed to be transforming back to jelly.
"Something to remember me by" a smirk splayed across his features with his grey eye piercing right through her, those eyes that made her feel so exposed.
Sensing her cheeks burning up even more, she ran through the door slamming it as she passed through, what was she supposed to do? There was no way she was tired anymore.
She needed to move! Now was not the time to turn to a pile of goo over a stupid kiss! Not wanting to give her legs the chance to fail her now, she ran as fast as she could back to the changing room.
Walking back inside the ballroom, he ran his fingers through his hair as he removed his hood. Grateful that the night air had been somewhat cool his attire was well chose.
Hearing loud footsteps approaching him fast he turned to see who was coming at him.
"Kyoya there you are! Where have you been I was worried you ran out on us, many of your regulars were disappointed that you were gone for so long" Tamaki smiled. It was amazing he didn't have girls swarming around him for a minute.
""No worries Tamaki I shall see to them now, I was just showing one of our ladies out that's all" he wouldn't elaborate much.
"Have you seen Haruhi? I've been so caught up with these lovely ladies I was trying to at least spend some time with her."
"She left a while ago; she wasn't feeling well enough to stay."
"I see… I'll just have to catch her next time I suppose." The disappointment obvious in his voice, even his smile faltered a little bit.
"Hey! Who was that femme enchanteur with whom you danced? I never even got a chance to talk to her" he pouted.
"Just one of the students, she would have ran for it had I not intercepted"
"Whoever she was, she must have been from one of the higher classes, such grace, and regal bearing, you'd think she was a princess" Tamaki chimed as he started back towards a group of ladies that were obviously waiting for him to return.
Putting his fingers to his lips, he reminisced the sweet memories of their heated kiss and their bodies pressing almost intimately against each other he inwardly grinned. She had actually hesitated and allowed her guard to be let down for a short time, and with a complete stranger to the best of her knowledge.
"Indeed. But you are still my slave little princess, just remember who you belong to."
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Welllllll? what did yo think?
DO NOT FREAK OUT! You will find out what the cause of Kyoya's attitude change is, will he change back to who he was or is there a new devilishly possessive side to him? WELL YOU DON'T KNOW YET DO YOU! HAHAHAHA! Now my dearies please leave some of your ideas, criticism, who would you like to see more of yadayadayada. thank you for reading my dearies!
Tatty bye now dearies!