Author's Note: This story was a collaboration type-a thing. The girl I wrote it with is on DeviantArt and you can find her under the name NeonObssessed! She's pretty great! I thank her very much for her help! I had all the odd chapters and she had the even so that's that.
Disclaimer: I don't own Ouran or any of it's characters!
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Misaki froze in the spotlight, gripping Mori's hand and shoulder tightly. He was just as frozen as she was. Everyone stood back to leave the couple some space. Unable to move, Misaki found her eyes boring helplessly into her dance partner's chest. She heard someone in the crowd clear their throat and her cheeks turned bright red.
Slowly, she felt herself begin to move, thanks to Mori. He continued their dance, and the music followed swiftly after. The room was dark, except for the white spotlight on them. After a short time, it was easy to imagine they were the only one's there. But for some reason, that made Misaki even more flustered.
After the dance, people were settling themselves to sit, chat and eat cake. Kazumi, Misaki, Kyoya, Honey and Mori all sat at a table just talking. Although a host member would sometimes have to get up and speak with their customers, or share a dance before they came back. Honey was a popular one that the girls requested to dance with. Apparently dancing with him was just an opportunity that could not be passed up.
Mori was not so much a favorite, but Misaki did not mind a bit. It was not that the girls did not want to dance with him; it was just obvious that he was busy conversing with Miss Saito and it would be rude to interrupt what might be a stimulating conversation. And a lot of his admirers were also frightened of him.
"Oh don't be ridiculous. They're not really talking!"
"Then maybe I should go over there and ask …"
"I just hate to bust in on something." The girls whispered amongst themselves, watching the happy couple from afar. "Perhaps that's why Mori never showed interest in other girls …"
"Why?"
"Well … He is completely infatuated with Miss Saito. They obviously have known each other awhile." Perhaps that was a good reason why Mori never showed emotions towards other girls; never accepted their love notes and such. "He's probably been in love with Misaki all this time."
"Don't you guys ever feel … Oh I don't know, artificial?" Kazumi asked, taking a bite of her vanilla cake.
"Artificial?" Honey asked, head tilting to the side.
"What do you mean?" Kyoya asked.
"Well I mean … These girls pay you to entertain them, tell them their pretty and make them feel special." She shrugged. "Is there something more to it other than the money?"
"Cake." Honey said with a grin and Misaki giggled, shaking her head at him.
"It depends on how you look at it I suppose. Tamaki finds a real joy in it, though I can't say I've ever really enjoyed myself completely." Kyoya said and Kazumi raised an eyebrow.
"Why? Cause you're not a crowd favorite?" she pressed and he smirked, not looking up from his barely touched cake.
"Hardly, I simply am not the type of person to entertain."
"Surely not!" Kazumi scoffed teasingly.
"I think hosting can be pretty awesome. I mean … We get girls from all over so we get to meet quite a few different people …" Hikaru said, appearing from out of nowhere, leaning on Honey's head. Kaoru was suddenly standing next to Misaki's chair, arms folded over his chest.
"Yeah, plus it's making people happy. I think that's pretty cool." He shrugged.
"I think that what you all do is wonderful-," Misaki said.
"You think everything is wonderful, Miza …" Kazumi muttered.
"That's not true …"
"Maybe not, but you certainly think Mori's wonderful."
"So what if I do?" Misaki muttered, eyes turning to her lap with flaming cheeks. "Anyway, I'm used to entertaining people with my family and all. I think hosting in the club is exactly that with a profit on the side."
"I bet you'd be a great Hostess …" Kaoru said, leaning on her chair.
"Miza-Chan would be great! So would Zumi-Chan." Honey said, looking between the girls. "Wouldn't that be cool if they worked with us?"
"Work with you?" Kazumi said in surprise, trying to hide the bitterness to her words. A Hostess? No thanks …
"It is an interesting idea. Young men would certainly come around and pay to just sit and talk to these girls. If anything, we would have more business that way." Kyoya said, glancing over at Kazumi.
"Whoa whoa whoa, you guys. Slow down, you're kind of scaring me right now." She said, waving them off.
"You mean become a Hostess and work with you?"
"Perhaps even Haruhi could show she's actually a girl and work with you too." Hikaru said, pulling Haruhi out of nowhere and holding his arm loosely around her neck.
"What?" she muttered, glancing around the table at everyone.
"What if you, Misaki and Kazumi all became Hostesses?" Kaoru looked at the short haired girl, eyebrow raised.
"Uh … Well. Whatever. Either way you guys are gonna dress me up and make me talk to people."
"True …" Hikaru said with a smirk.
"What do you think, Misaki?" Kaoru turned to her, of course wanting her opinion.
"Well … I think it sounds like fun. Kazumi and I wouldn't have to pay to see you all."
"Very true," Kyoya stated.
"Do you think guys would even come around?" Kazumi asked, raising an eyebrow. "I mean … Do you think they would care?"
"I think they would. It's even harder to get a girl's attention over a guy's, so why would guys not come to spend time with a girl that is prepared to spend time with him." Hikaru shrugged.
"You might get some real nutters that way, though." Kaoru added, running a hand through his hair.
"Yeah, I don't think I'm prepared to deal with that …" Kazumi trailed off and Misaki rolled her eyes.
"I still think it would be fun."
"Well … Tomorrow I suggest we all meet in the Host Club room and discuss it further, especially with having everyone …" Kyoya suggested.
"The only one not here is the boss …" Hikaru said and Kyoya looked up at him.
"Precisely; seeing as he is the boss, he needs to be the one to make the decision." He said, and after another moment of discussion, the group agreed that this was the best idea. Everyone sat around a while longer and after all the girls had gone they continued to do so, just talking and enjoying themselves.
"It's getting late …" Misaki yawned, covering her mouth as a young lady ought to. Kazumi was about to agree, when she saw Mori stand.
"May I walk you back to your room?" he asked, and Misaki smiled before agreeing. Kazumi smirked a little, deciding to let them go ahead. She would walk back on her own; which she actually wouldn't mind. After coming to this school, Kazumi rarely had time to herself. Mori offered his hand, and Misaki took it, allowing him to help her stand. They both said goodnight before they walked to the door; Mori let it fall closed behind them.
Kazumi sighed heavily as she watched them, "Those two …" she trailed off, unsure what to really say.
"It's obvious they like each other. But neither of them will say it." Hikaru said.
"That's not like Misaki, she won't do it."
"Neither will Taka-Chan …" Honey spoke, looking at the door where his friends had disappeared.
Misaki and Mori walked silently down the hall. Ever since their hands came together, they did not come apart. She was way too flustered to speak up, and it was just in Mori's nature to be silent. The halls were quiet, as it was a late hour, even though it was the weekend. Ouran students were not really party animals.
When they were nearing Misaki's room, they began to walk slower. Just being together was pleasant. Ever so slowly, Misaki's eyes turned upwards to take a peek at him. Mori was looking head of them. She was pleased to see a light tint in his cheeks. It made her feel good to know she affected him as much as he affected her.
"What do you think, Takashi?" she asked, and he looked down at her. "About Kazumi and I becoming Hostesses?" at first he was silent, but Misaki knew he was just thinking.
"I don't mind." He said simply.
"You don't mind? So you're okay with it then?" he nodded. "I'm not completely sure what to think. I want to do it though, that's for sure. Do you think that we'd actually have customers?" Mori sucked in a breath, but he nodded. "Are you sure you don't mind?"
"Why would I mind?" Mori asked quietly.
"I don't know" Misaki stopped them at her door, her eyes turning up at him. It was silent for a few minutes before she finally pulled out her room key. "Well … I'll see you tomorrow." She felt his grip tighten on her hand before they both let go. "Goodnight, Takashi."
"Goodnight, Misaki." She turned and unlocked her door, glancing over her shoulder at him before she walked inside. Mori stood there another moment before he turned and walked on down the hall.
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Misaki sat next to Kazumi at lunch, a book under the table. She read it vigorously, ignoring everyone around her. Kazumi sat across from Hikaru, discussing the new idea of the girls becoming Hostesses. Hikaru was mostly trying to convince Kazumi it was a great idea. She was starting to become a little more open to the idea. Kaoru sat beside his brother, listening idly to the two's conversation and often steeling glances at Misaki. Finally he spoke up, "Misaki, what are you doing?" her eyes shot up to his and the sound a book closing followed the movement of her arms.
"What?" she asked.
"What are you doing?"
"Nothing at all, is there something wrong?" she asked, head tilted to the side.
"No, it's just Hikaru and I came up to the school to see you guys today for lunch. We don't have to be here till evening because it's Sunday, but you don't seem super pleased we're here." He said and his eyebrows rose.
"Oh no! I am! I'm sorry; I've just gotten a little distracted …"
"Reading a book under the table?" he asked and she frowned.
"What makes you say that?"
"Misaki, I know what a book sounds like when you close it." He chuckled, placing his elbow on the table and resting his chin in his hand. "What are you reading?" she fingered her book, shrugging her shoulders.
"Just a novel …" Misaki slowly set the book on the table beside her plate.
"Kind of weird, how you were hiding it like you were."
"I … I know, I just feel uncomfortable with people knowing that I'm reading. Especially with how much I read." Kaoru's head tilted to the side, not really understanding. "It's nothing, really Kaoru. I guess I can just be a little odd sometimes." He chuckled at this and Misaki blushed.
"Sorry, I know it's not funny." He said dismissively. "Anyway. I think it's about time we go to the club."
"Will anybody be there?" Kazumi asked and Hikaru nodded.
"Honey's probably having his nap, so we'll have to be super quiet. But everyone will probably already be there."
"Well then I suggest we go." Misaki said before standing up. The rest of the group did the same and they left the Café, starting for Music room number three.
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The doors opened and four heads popped inside. All was quiet in the Host Club room, and the lights were dimmed. In one corner, Kyoya sat at his little table, laptop open and his notebook set off to the side. Tamaki sat next to him, looking rather bored as he absently twiddled his thumbs. In the very back of the room there was a long canopy, attached to the ceiling and moved to drape over a very lovely and comfortable looking couch. There was a little lump on the couch, covered in thick, warm blankets. It moved, and turned over. Honey's sweet, sleeping face was now visible. His little arms clutched Usa-Chan to his chest.
Kazumi made a soft cooing noise, finding this very adorable. Hikaru and Kaoru's hands immediately went over her mouth. "Shhh!" they demanded, giving her a death glare.
"If you wake him up, we're all done for!" Hikaru whispered.
"Why? He's like two and a half feet tall …" she muttered back.
"Do you not know anything about Honey-Senpai?" Kaoru hissed, looking over at the couch. His eyes almost popped out of his head when he saw Misaki standing there now. He shook his head quickly, trying to get her attention and get her away from him. Misaki glanced over her shoulder at him, raising an eyebrow. Everyone stared at her as she sat down on the edge and gently brushed her fingers through his soft, blonde hair. Her head leaned down and they could see her lips moving, the corners curling into a smile.
Those big eyes slowly opened, half lidded as he tried to wake up. Everyone on the other side of the room held their breath, seeing a slightly disgruntled look on his face before he looked up at Misaki. Then a smile replaced it and he reached up, his arms coming around her neck. Misaki sat up, pulling him into her lap. Every Host member's mouth dropped open in surprise; except Kyoya's, of course.
"Honey-Chan, why is everyone so afraid to wake you up?" Misaki asked, holding him on her lap. He blushed, but an evil smile spread over his face. "Mitsukuni!" she said with a grin. "What are you doing to your friends?"
"Nothing …" he shrugged, "Now! I think it's about time for some cake." He nodded and Misaki laughed, standing up and holding him like a toddler.
"I believe it is." She said, walking him over to his table. "Where is Takashi?"
"I think he went for a walk. He does when I nap sometimes." Honey rested his chin on her shoulder, glancing back at everyone with a bit of a smirk.
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"Do you ever wonder if Honey-Senpai is not really as innocent as he seems?" Hikaru whispered to Kaoru, a slight frown on his face. The twin said nothing, just stared after them. Kazumi ran a hand through her hair.
"So, we having this conversation or what?"
"About the Hostess thing?" Hikaru asked and she nodded.
"Hostess?" Tamaki asked in surprise. He had been the only one not present when they first talked about it at the party. Kyoya adjusted his glasses and nodded his head.
"Exactly, I think it would raise our profits significantly; although it might be more difficult to handle young men over young women." He thought about this a moment before giving a shrug. "I suppose we'll deal with such a thing when it comes."
"When it comes?" Kazumi sounded a little disgusted. "Don't make it sound like it's going to happen."
"My apologies." Kyoya chuckled, turning back to his computer. "Anyway, we can set it up so that you're still connected to our Host Club and you will do the same cosplay as us."
"Whoa whoa whoa! Cosplay? Are you kidding me?" his glasses flashed as he heard this, a smirk twitching at the corner of his lips.
"Don't worry, nothing too immodest." He promised audaciously. Kazumi gawked at him and Tamaki stepped in front of Kazumi before their conversation went awry.
"Our cosplaying is nothing too eccentric, just something to catch the customer's attention so do not worry too much about it." He assured her. It took a second or two, but Kazumi eventually nodded and thanked him for the affirmation.
"So Haruhi, if Kazumi and Misaki are doing it … Aren't you?" Hikaru asked, leaning on her shoulder. Haruhi let out a huff of breath before shrugging.
"I don't really care. I told you guys before I don't care if people find out I'm a girl. It doesn't really matter anyway."
"Wait! My Haruhi will dress like a girl again?" Tamaki asked almost hopefully.
"Yeah, she'll definitely attract some attention from the guys." Hikaru said with a smirk in Tamaki's direction. This shattered Tamaki's aspiration and he immediately took on a look of horror.
"Boys? What boys? No way will I let any boy come near my sweet little girl!" he exclaimed, pulling Haruhi to his chest. She grumbled crossly, standing straight as a board in his grasp.
"I'm not your little girl, Senpai."
"Yeah boss, stop hogging Haruhi all to yourself. It isn't fair to her." Kaoru said, causing the blonde to sulk.
"I'm not hogging her! I'm just protecting her from all perverted boys!"
"You happen to be a boy, boss. So I guess you're just as perverted as them." Tamaki looked shocked at first, then his cheeks turned bright red and he released Haruhi. Gladly, she stepped away from him, moving to stand next to Kazumi. His shock turned into anger.
"How dare you! I would never be perverted towards my little girl!"
"What about other girls?" Kaoru pressed with a grin like the Cheshire cat.
"I would never be perverted to anyone!" Tamaki yelled, fists clenched at his side. Haruhi groaned, taking Kazumi's wrist and pulling her away from the mess and to Kyoya at his table.
"So, Kyoya-Senpai. How is this going to work?" she asked, pulling out a chair and sitting down. Kazumi did the same and leaned back in her seat, glancing over at Misaki and Honey as he served them both a slice of cake.
"Well, you girls would have your own portion of the room where you could meet with the young men. It will be easy for you, Haruhi. You've been doing this for a while now. It might even be easier, you see pretty easy going with Kasanoda." She shrugged, running a hand through her short hair.
"How do you not get annoyed doing this?" Kazumi asked them with a frown. The idea was absolutely appalling. Why on Earth would she entertain random guys that came in and paid Kyoya?
"At first I was not so sure I liked it, but once you get used to it, there's really nothing to it. Just gotta keep people happy." Haruhi explained, making it sound a little easier than it seemed. Kazumi was still unsure about this whole thing though. Maybe once she experienced it, things would get better.
"Mm," Kyoya agreed with a simple nod, his eyes turning down at his computer. "We should run a test to see how well you girls do before we try you out with customers. I would hate to disappoint them." Kazumi scowled,
"What are you saying, Kyoya?" she inquired testily. He simpered handsomely, running a hand through his dark hair.
"You aren't really the type to entertain. Not like Miss Saito. You appear to have a short temper, you speak your mind and you become awkward quickly. In order to do this job correctly, you will have to patient, sweet and careful."
"Oh look, you just used my least favorite words in one sentence, impressive." Kyoya chuckled softly, shaking his head at her antics.
"And your sarcasm is endless. Guys that come in here are not paying to get made fun of." He dismissed this with a movement of his hand. "Anyway, we'll have to have you two fitted as well. I already have Haruhi's measurements. I'll have the twins-,"
"NO! No way. They are not touching me." Kazumi said, crossing her arms over her chest in defiance. Kyoya's face held no amusement. He sucked in a deep breath before continued.
"I'll have the twins call in their maids and take care of that as soon as we have all of this settled." Kazumi's cheeks flushed a little with embarrassment but she let it pass.
"So uh … This cosplay stuff …" she started nervously. Haruhi shook her head.
"Really it's nothing to worry about. It actually does draw more attention and the guys would never make you wear something that made you feel uncomfortable." Haruhi patted Kazumi's shoulder. "Kyoya just likes to frighten people is all. You'll get used to it eventually."
The Host club doors opened and Mori walked in, his hands sliding into his pockets. "Takashi!" Honey called from across the room, waving eagerly at his cousin. Mori started over, his eyes turning down to Misaki as she looked over her shoulder and smiled. A light flush came to his cheeks but he turned his eyes back to Honey, stopping when he was a few feet from the table. "Want some cake?" Mori slowly shook his head, pulling out a chair and taking a seat. "Did you enjoy your walk?" he gave a quiet grunt and a jerk of his head as a quick nod.
Kazumi looked over at them, watching the three of them with curiosity. Misaki never had told her anything about Honey or Mori, and it was obvious they were close. Misaki and Honey had gotten very good at communicating with Mori. She silently wondered if he talked around them, like, did he actually form full sentences? She would ask Misaki later.
"So, what else do we need to work on?" Kazumi asked, turning back to Kyoya.
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"Test run?" Misaki asked as the twins' maids measured her waist.
"Yeah, one of the guys is going to be the customer and we have to entertain them." Kazumi huffed, feeling the other maid button the last button on her light green, sleeveless dress. A dark green, thin belt was then tied just below her bust and she was asked to step into some silver slippers. "This isn't cosplay …" she said slowly, letting the maid sit her down and start brushing her hair.
"No, Miss Ayaka. The Masters just want you to look nice." The maids were twins like Hikaru and Kaoru, so it was almost impossible to tell them apart. They had black hair to their shoulders, modest maid outfits and a white, frilly head band in their hair. Their expressions remained the same throughout the whole makeover-ing process; completely serious.
When Kazumi looked over at Misaki, she saw she was wearing a red dress that had straps tied behind her neck. The dress fit her torso and flared out at her hips, the length hitting her knees. She had slipped on a pair of black flats. She looked a little uncomfortable. "C-can I have a sweater or something?" she asked, rubbing her arm awkwardly. Her back was exposed and words could not describe her discomfort. The maids looked at each other, both eliciting a sigh of irritation before one left and returned with a light, white sweater. Misaki thanked her quietly and slipped it on. The maids then opened the door that led out into the Host Club and the girls stepped out, seeing the guys gathered around the couches. Kyoya glanced over them approvingly before he gestured towards the two separate couches.
The girls glanced between each other before walking to different couches. Tamaki was on one and Kyoya on the other. Misaki would be practicing with Tamaki and Kazumi with Kyoya. It was just best since they were the ones in charge.
"So uh … How do I …?" Kazumi started, glancing over her shoulder to see Misaki already sweetly greeting Tamaki. Kyoya's eyebrow rose, waiting for her to begin. "H-hi …" she shrugged awkwardly and her customer chuckled, shaking his head slightly.
"I'm sure you can do much better than that." Kyoya reasoned and Kazumi huffed a sigh, glaring down at her lap.
"Well that makes one of us."
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Tamaki was enjoying his simple conversation with the trained young lady. "You certainly know what you're doing, Misaki." He said and Misaki crossed her ankles.
"I've been doing it for years Suoh-San." She replied. "Anyway, would you like some tea?"
"That would be lovely."
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In the end, Tamaki gave Misaki the grade of an A plus. Kazumi ended up with a low D. "You stumbled all over yourself and you definitely did not know what you're doing. Perhaps you should have a talk with Misaki …"
"I'm just not all lady-like and stuff, alright!" Kazumi growled, folding her arms over her chest. "I really am not cut out for this sort of thing. Maybe you should just drop me and stick with Haruhi and Misaki." Kyoya rolled his eyes.
"Certainly not. We will just keep trying until you get it right. Perhaps you should try it with one of the twins, or Honey. We'll try that out tomorrow." Kazumi would love nothing more than everyone forget about this, but that was certainly not going to happen. Misaki would hate to do this without her, and would continue to pursue the idea and whatnot. Well, seeing there was nothing she could do about it, she would just have to wait and see what tomorrow brought. Who knows, maybe she could learn to like this Hosting thing?