School went by quickly the next day and before they knew it, they were at the Hitachiin mansion. The dress Haruhi tried on was stunning. It was as if it was made for her. It was strapless, form-fitting and the slit on the side went up past her knee. The color was red, perfect for the occasion and the wig looked perfect on her. Jewelry was also provided.
Tamaki stared at her. Never had he ever seen anyone look so beautiful. As he watched her slip into the matching heels, he came to realize the truth of Kyoya's words.
Yes you are! You're in love with Haruhi!
The words struck him as if he'd been slapped. He was in love with Haruhi. Why didn't he see this before? Haruhi's voice snapped him out of his reverie.
"Senpai? What do you think?"
Tamaki once again stared at her. She had the whole outfit on. The dress, the wig, the shoes and the jewelry.
"She's…She's…so pretty! So cute!" thought Tamaki, reddening slightly.
"You look amazing," he finally managed to answer.
It was Haruhi's turn to redden.
"Thanks," she mumbled.
They remained in silence for a few minutes.
"Milord! We need your help back here!" exclaimed Kaoru.
"Yeah, you'll be useful for once!" exclaimed Hikaru.
Tamaki groaned and joined the twins. Haruhi looked at herself in the mirror. She had to admit, she really liked the dress. She thought that she looked stunning in this thing. She felt flustered when Tamaki complemented her. Nothing new. Okay, maybe a little bit new to her. But she did enjoy it.
Mrs. Hitachiin came in.
"It's perfect! A perfect fit! Come by tomorrow at least two hours before the party so that we could also do your makeup!" she exclaimed.
Haruhi repressed a shiver at the thought of makeup.
"Okay," said Haruhi dully.
"Great! See you then!" exclaimed Mrs. Hitachiin, winking.
She rushed out of the room and Haruhi changed clothes. She found her way to the main entrance and found Tamaki leaning against the doorway, waiting for her.
"Senpai?" asked Haruhi as she approached him.
Tamaki shushed her and quickly escorted her out the door.
"Senpai!" repeated Haruhi as they entered the limo.
"Drive," ordered Tamaki, shutting the door.
The driver nodded and drove.
"Once again, Senpai!" exclaimed Haruhi as they sped down the streets.
"Sorry Haruhi. It's just that Hikaru and Kaoru are hunting me down," answered Tamaki.
"Hunting?" repeated Haruhi.
"Yeah. They said something about me being too close to you and they started to chase me. Took a while for me to shake them off," replied Tamaki.
"Oh," said Haruhi.
She rolled her eyes. Those two…
***
They arrived in front of the Suoh mansion number two. Haruhi's mouth dropped open. It was huge! If this was the second mansion, she could only imagine the main one! Her thoughts took a different course. Why were they here?
The limo pulled over in front of the stairs leading to the door. The driver stepped out and opened the door. Tamaki got out and offered his hand to Haruhi. She took it and he helped her out. They climbed up the stairs and Tamaki held open the door. Haruhi stepped in and was immediately greeted by maids and servants.
"Hello, Master Tamaki! Good day, Miss Fujioka!" they greeted together.
"They know my name?" thought Haruhi, perplexed.
"Hello, everyone! Don't mind us; we'll just be upstairs in my room. We'll call you if we need you. In the meantime, why don't you all take a break until you're needed?" said Tamaki, leading Haruhi upstairs.
"Thank you, Master!" they exclaimed cheerfully.
Tamaki waved at them and led Haruhi to his bedroom. They entered the room and Haruhi stared in awe. The room was bigger than her own house! Tamaki sat on his bed and motioned Haruhi to sit next to him. She did.
"Why did you bring me to your house, Tamaki?" asked Haruhi.
"Because I figured that the twins would look for us (or you) at your house first," answered Tamaki reasonably.
"Makes sense…" said Haruhi.
They sat in silence for a bit.
"Nice room by the way," said Haruhi awkwardly.
"Uh, thanks," replied Tamaki.
Another second of silence passed by.
"Haruhi, I…" started Tamaki.
A knock on the door made them jump.
"Come in," said Tamaki.
One of the maids came in.
"Master, could you please come and get Antoinette? We're having a bit of trouble with her," she said.
"Fine," answered Tamaki grudgingly. "I'll be back, Haruhi."
"Okay," replied Haruhi as he left with the maid.
As soon she was alone, Haruhi laid down on the bed. It was very comfortable. The fact that Tamaki slept in it made it even more comfortable.
The door opened and Haruhi sat up. An older woman came in and she looked at Haruhi.
"Miss Fujioka, I presume?" she asked politely.
"Y-Yes. And I'm sorry, but I don't know who you are," answered Haruhi as politely as she could.
"Where are my manners? My name is Shima Maezono, head housekeeper of Suoh mansion number two and Master Tamaki's educator," replied Shima formally.
"Nice to meet you," said Haruhi.
The woman was kind but she kept a serious face.
"Master Tamaki speaks highly of you. He seems to be quite fond of you," said Shima.
Haruhi couldn't help but smile. Good to know that Tamaki gave his servants and educator a good impression of her.
"And you seem to be quite fond of him, even if you try not to show it too much," stated Shima.
Right on the dot. Haruhi stared at her.
"Maezono-san, how…?" started Haruhi.
"I have my ways," answered Shima quietly.
Tamaki barged in.
"And he doesn't," said Shima, sighing.
Haruhi giggled, knowing exactly what she meant. Tamaki's denseness.
"Shima! Why did you release Antoinette?" asked Tamaki angrily.
"You must learn to raise your dog better. Plus, I wanted to meet Miss Fujioka and I knew that I wouldn't have been able to with you around," answered Shima.
Haruhi continued to giggle.
"What kind of excuse was that?" demanded Tamaki.
"A smart one. Not to mention truthful. I must go now. It was nice to finally meet you Miss Fujioka," said Shima, bowing in Haruhi's direction.
"Likewise," giggled Haruhi, bowing in Shima's direction.
Tamaki watched his educator leave the room. He turned around to find Haruhi currently experiencing a fit of the giggles.
"Haruhi?" asked Tamaki, uncertain.
"You can be so silly sometimes, Senpai!" giggled Haruhi, collapsing on the bed.
Tamaki laughed along side her.
"I think it's time to get you home. We don't want to make Ranka worry," said Tamaki.
Haruhi stood up. Her father will worry. Tamaki escorted her to the limo.
"Thanks for bringing me over. You have a very nice house," said Haruhi as Tamaki opened the car door for her.
"Thanks. And I'm glad that you enjoyed your stay. You should come over again sometime," replied Tamaki, smiling.
"You know what? I think I will!" exclaimed Haruhi cheerfully.
Suddenly, without thinking, Tamaki leaned in and kissed the top of her head. Haruhi touched where he kissed her and blushed.
"I'll look forward to it. Have a safe trip home," said Tamaki.
He turned around and returned toward the mansion. Haruhi watched him before she climbed into the limo and was driven away.
Author's note: The party's the next chapter.
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