Music Piece 29: The Dinner Invitation

Her friends had not deserted her after all. They were all there for her when she was in danger. They protected her from harm. She was safe with them. There was something that she could do. Turning to Kaoru, she put her arms round his neck and hugged him.

" Thank you so much Kaoru… "

At first, he was surprised but later he smiled and put his own arms around her, hugging her back.

" You're welcome, Takara. I'm glad you're safe… "

Takara smiled and closed her eyes as she took in that warm, happy, safe memory. Soon, the tears of gratitude flowed.

The rest of the Host Club members shared a knowing look between them.

(All except Tamaki.)

" Hey, but I saved you too, Takara! Don't I deserve a hug as well?! " Tamaki protested, waving his arms about.

Takara laughed weakly and then hugged him as well.

" Thank you, Tamaki-senpai. "

" Yeah, well it's alright, " the Head honcho replied, haughtily.

Hikaru sidled up to him.

" Oh really? I thought you were so desperate to hug her. "

Tamaki grew flustered and he went crying to Kyuoya.

" Mummy! Hikaru's bullying me! "

" Yeah, yeah. That's it, always come crying to me in the end, " Kyuoya sighed.

" Mummy! You too?!? " Tamaki yelled indignantly.

" There, there. " Kyouya replied as he tried to comfort him.

Takara giggled at Tamaki's nonsensical behavior. She had gotten quite used to his antics.

But, at least, they accepted who I am…

" Y'know, Takara, you shouldn't have lied to your mother like that, " Tamaki began, staring out the limousine's window.

Takara turned to him but he did not look at her. She bit her lip.

" Enn, I know, " she answered finally. " But it wasn't like I had a choice. "

Now, Tamaki turned to face her.

" What choice? "

Takara looked away and did not answer.

" Takara? " he urged.

At last, she met his eyes.

" I needed to get a part-time job so I can help pay for my mother's therapy, " the girl spoke up. " My mother has terminal lung cancer and she can't walk because her spinal cord was damaged during that plane crash, two months ago. The doctor told me that she has only five months left to live but counting that two months, she has only…three months left before she's gone. "

She began to cry. It was so painful for her to bear. It hurts so much. Tamaki pulled her close to him and hugged her protectively. Takara buried her face in his chest and clutched the lapels of his coat for support.

" It wasn't supposed to happen. I-I don't want to see her die, a slow and painful death. It just isn't fair! "

Tamaki stroked her hair gently. To him, it felt so familiar. He felt like he had done this before but he could not remember.

" I understand how you feel but the Lord is watching, Takara. You are his favorite and most special child. That's why he wants you to learn about life and its challenges. Don't give up… "

She sniffed and quieted down although she continued to bury her face in his chest.

" It's just that this wasn't supposed to happen. Why shouldn't I have at least someone to take care of me? Am I a child of misfortune? "

Tamaki lifted her chin and stared deep into her blue eyes.

" No, you're not. Not at all, okay? Everyone in the Host Club is your friend. We care about you. That's what friends are for, " Tamaki told her softly.

She nodded. Takara had never seen this side of Tamaki before. His serious and sensitive side of him.

" Oh yeah, I nearly forgot to tell you this. My father, Chairman Suou, wants you to join us for dinner next week. I apologise for not giving you a formal dinner invitation but this is like a last minute sort of thing. You can also bring your mother along as well. We'll be glad to meet her! "

Takara looked at him and then she smiled.

" Okay, I will! I'll be there on Saturday with mummy, if that's all right with you. "

Tamaki grinned boyishly.

" I'll be waiting! "

(Oh yeah, if you readers didn't realize, Tamaki volunteered to send her home in his limousine.)