"Wow," Haruhi whistled, stepping inside carefully behind Merry. "You really like music."
Tamaki quickly disappeared into the room, flitting from one thing to another with no discernible pattern.
Polished wooden floorboards reflected the numerous guitars, violas, violins and cellos hanging on display with care on the walls. In the corner, a large silver harp was covered in a delicate white cloth next to a brand new koto.
A familiar ratty travel case sat next to an ancient record player on a large table off to the side, unlocked but closed over as she'd been using its contents earlier that morning.
"You really need a new case for that," one of the twin's said, pointing at the stickered hard-case.
"It does the job just fine," Merry replied.
"That violin is precious to you, right? Why do you keep it here in a room with such large windows if you're scared someone is gonna take it?" Haruhi asked.
"The windows are shutter-alarmed and made of two inch thick bullet-proof glass. I'm the only one capable of accessing this room and the security cameras are on a closed-circuit feed directly linked to Watanabe private security."
Kaoru whistled, impressed though a little confused why instruments of all things were being guarded. "Can someone say 'overkill'?"
"My belongings are priceless," Merry said calmly, though her eyes flashed in warning. She turned to Haruhi. "Would you like to see my violin? Tamaki-san, don't touch that."
The blonde snatched his hand back from the koto, pouting slightly at being caught.
Haruhi nodded, slightly unsure. "U-um, okay."
Merry lead the way to the table, lifting the case lid to reveal a warm-hued wooden violin. She picked it up with an air of familiarity and handed it to Haruhi, helping the Host place it correctly.
Kyoya appeared beside them, adjusting his glasses. "No wonder it is such a priceless belonging. I'm impressed, Merry-san. Not many people own such an exquisite Stradivarius."
"Stradi-whatta?" Haruhi asked, wiggling the tailpiece into a comfortable position against her collarbone.
"Stradivarius. Built mostly between the 17th and 18th centuries. Incredibly rare and expensive. In fact, one sold at auction back in 2010 for three point six million. A world record at the time, I believe, though their value has increased exponentially in the last few years."
Haruhi jerked, looking at Merry in alarm. "Three point six million yen?!" Quality instruments weren't cheap, but that amount seemed a little excessive.
"Ah," Kyoya hummed. "No. Three point six million, American. That is roughly over three hundred and eighty-five million yen in today's market."
The eavesdropping twins blanched, suddenly very glad they hadn't done any extensive damage.
Haruhi looked ready to faint. "Take it back! Take it back! I'm afraid that if I move, I'll break it and I've already paid off an eight million yen debt! I don't want another one that I'll be working off until I'm dead!"
Merry calmly took her violin back with a small smile. "It has lasted almost three hundred years, Haruhi-san. I'm sure it had received rougher treatment."
"I don't care! I'm not touching that thing again!" the Host instantly denied, arms crossed in front of himself like a ward against evil.
Merry shrugged casually before placing the violin back in its case and locking it. "I wouldn't have let you near it if I didn't trust you, Haruhi-san."
Kyoya's brows raised slightly at that remark. He didn't quite believe Merry's statement, but the way she smiled softly at his fellow Club member had him second guessing, something he didn't make a habit of doing often.
Merry tugged at the long sleeve of her over shirt, noting the time. "It's almost lunchtime. Shall we go and eat or would you like to see more of the house? There's not much else to see, though. Mostly guest rooms and the gardens."
Haruhi shrugged blithely with a contented smile, not caring either way. "Whatever's good for you, I guess."
Tamaki, having remained oddly quiet, rushed at Haruhi. "My daughter is so cute!" he squealed.
"Get off, sempai!"
"Waah! Mommy! Tell Haru-chan to stop being rebellious!" Tamaki rounded on the snickering twins. "And you two! Stop being such a bad influence on your sister! Devil doubles!"
"My apologies, but did Tamaki-san just called Haruhi-san 'daughter'?" Everyone froze, woodenly turning towards Merry who had a finger to her chin in thought. "I suppose that makes sense. I simply assumed Haruhi-san was merely an effeminate boy. Are you a lesbian, Haruhi-san?"
"Haruhi isn't a lesbian! O-or a girl!" one twin spluttered.
"He's the manliest guy I know!" the other shouted in Merry's face.
"Did I say daughter? I meant son! I have no daughters! Just sons! Lots of sons! Yup! Haruhi is my favourite son!"
"Cut it out, guys," Haruhi huffed. "She knows now because you weren't thinking, as usual, Tamaki-sempai." Tamaki looked like he'd been struck by lightning, his condition only worsening when the twins began to bombard him with insults. "And no, I'm not a lesbian. I mean, would it even matter? Labels don't really bother me since a person should be judged on who they are, not their gender."
"A very open-minded view, Haruhi-san," Merry smiled. "I commend and agree with you."
"It seems we have a problem," Kyoya said, adjusting his glasses as he made quick mental notes of the passing conversation. "As usual, King's big mouth has slipped up. What must be done to ensure that Merry-san does not reveal Haruhi's true gender to the Host Club's clientele?"
"Are you afraid, Kyoya-san?" Merry smirked.
He smiled back. "Whatever for?"
"It seems as though I have a bit on leverage at this point in time," she mused. "I know something you all wish to remain hidden because the reputation of your Club depends on it. I'd assume your clients wouldn't appreciate being lied to, nor find out that the object of their affections had no intention of returning their feelings. No offense meant to Haruhi-san. Your numbers would surely drop and leave you floundering to bring in funds for a while though, I'm sure. What to do, what to do?"
The twins tuned in, expressions quickly turning thunderous. "If you say anything, we'll make your life a living hell."
"Do you always threaten someone in their own home? How disgraceful."
"It would be in your best interest to keep quiet on this matter," Kyoya warned, voice frigid. "If need be, I will call in my family's personal Task Force to handle this matter."
"Is this the same task force that has been discreetly trying to find out more about my family history through… questionable means?" Merry casually asked. "Intimidation tactics could be considered assault or harassment if pressed too far. The Spanish government would not take too kindly to its citizens being harassed by foreign authorities for such an insignificant matter."
Kyoya momentarily froze, eyes narrowed. "What are you implying?"
"No, no, not implying. Threatening, Kyoya-san," Merry said, voice hard. "Mutual benefits seem to pop up between us a lot, don't you think? I keep your Club's secret, you stop trying to involve innocent people. I have eyes and ears elsewhere, too. Don't forget that and don't do it again."
Everything was silent for long moments. Even Tamaki was quiet, staring at his best friend with an uncomfortable amount of seriousness. Haruhi was too busy looking uneasily between the two manipulators to care about the blonde still clinging to her like a leech.
"Fine," Kyoya finally nodded, albeit stiffly.
Merry beamed. "Wonderful! I'm sure lunch is ready for us." She gestured to the door. "Shall we?"
Tamaki tugged Kyoya into an alcove as the others walked ahead out of hearing range. "What were you thinking?"
"I think a lot of things, Tamaki. Please be more specific."
"Did you really order your family's squad to investigate Merry-chan?"
"…"
"Kami, Kyoya! Do you realise what could have happened? And what's this about people being harassed? Is that true?"
"One of the men got a little carried away. He has been punished accordingly."
"That's not the point! I don't know why you're so obsessed with knowing everything about Merry-chan, but I thought you were smarter than this!"
"I know what I'm doing," Kyoya finally snapped, losing his patience.
Tamaki sighed. He knew that when his friend got like this there was no reasoning with him. "Fine. I won't stop you. But please be careful. Merry-chan is smart, and well informed, too. I don't know what's going on between you two, but sooner or later you're going to have to work through your issues with each other."
"There are no issues between Merry-san and I. She challenged me and I am merely retaliating."
Tamaki's brow furrowed. "What challenge are you talking about?"
Kyoya pushed up his glasses instead of rubbing his temples. His best friend was smart, but he was also an idiot. He made sure to speak slowly so his friend could keep up. "The day she came back to the Host Club…"
"Yes?"
"I served her tea…"
"Ahuh."
"… and she revealed that she had overheard me telling you all her position as the Watanabe heiress."
"Go on."
"In no uncertain terms she challenged me to try and figure out as much about her as possible. I intend to win, by any means necessary."
Tamaki was quiet for a long time, violet gaze searching and probing until his lips quirked upwards a little. He clapped his friend on the shoulder. "You know, if you like her that much why not put away your pride and just ask her out on a date? It is, after all, the gentlemanly thing to do."
Kyoya's face soured. "Did you not listen to anything I just said?"
The King laughed and pushed himself out of the alcove, wandering down the hall to go back to the kitchen. "I heard you, Kyoya! I was probably listening a lot more closely than you were!"
The Ootori heir fumed silently, stalking after his friend.
Review if you wanna! No pressure :P