JackaGod: Second chapter please enjoy.

Chapter 2 – A High School Hosts Work

"They'll give me a lot of grief if I'm late," mused Haruhi as he ran through the school halls heading for the Host Club. He arrived at the third music room and opened the door, immediately encountering what looked like a tropical island. "Where am I?"

"Welcome," greeted the Host Club dressed as islanders.

"What it's just Haruhi," said the twins. "You're late."

"According to the calendar it should be early April right now," noted Haruhi dully.

"Fearing the chill and curling up under a kotatsu is nonsense," said Tamaki. "What do you think we have this flawless Air Conditioning for?"

"Is there something of the clubs policies you wish to criticise?" asked Kyoya. "O' Haruhi-kun, who owes us an eight million yen debt?"

"A good man should not bundle himself up," announced Tamaki. "Even if it's early spring when the world is freezing. At this club we want to receive those freezing kittens with a tropical paradise aura. Yes, today this place is the ultimate paradise! A hot, hot island of ever lasting summer."

"Actually I feel cold in various ways," deadpanned Haruhi.

Soon enough the Host Club was open for the day and each member was busy entertaining the customers.

"This is such cruelty," said Tamaki. "This skin as sleek as ivory. This ceremonial dress akin to the King of Bali's. But before my goddess I can only succumb," he said softly cupping the face of one of the girls. "And I am nothing but a loyal servant."

"Tamaki-kun," swooned the girl.

"Ah, yes, next week when our Ouran Host Club's dance party takes place."

"Dance party?" asked Haruhi to himself, as he served tea.

"What kinds of things do you do at a dance party?" asked one of the girls to the twins at their table.

"We book the entire central hall of the central building," explained Hikaru.

"And it'll be just the most fantastic thing ever," added Kaoru.

"But I really wanted to spend it alone with you, Kaoru" said Hikaru taking Kaoru's face in his hands.

"Don't say that Hikaru," said Kaoru embarrassed. "Honestly, I too."

"That's so beautiful!" squealed the girls at their table. "Brotherly love with a tropical paradise flavour."

"It seems like out customers are more highly strung than usual," noted Haruhi.

"Exposing a certain amount of skin is well received," replied Kyoya writing away in his note book.

"You planned this tropical paradise, Kyoya-senpai?" asked Haruhi.

"I do not have power to make such decisions," said Kyoya lightly. "The operations of this club are decided on entirely by King Tamaki. But, I guess it paid off to nonchalantly leave a photo collection of Bali on his desk."

"This guy is the Shadow King," deadpanned Haruhi.

"Ta-da!" cried Huni suddenly showing of the flowers around his neck.

"Huni-kun you're so cute," cried the girls around him.

"These are flowers from Bali," informed Huni happily. "We got them delivered by air. Ah Takashi," He grabbed another ring and climbed up Mori's body to put it around the taller boys neck. "See, we make a set!"

"I still find those two incomprehensible," said Haruhi as he watched the girls nearby swoon.

"Haruhi-kun," called one of his own customers making his turn back to them. "You're not going to wear tropical clothing?"

"I want to see," pouted another girl

"No, it's just I feel it more natural to wear early spring clothes in early spring," he said his mind flicking back to the extravagant dress that Tamaki had provided for him, saying his girly looks would make him perfect to play the Queen of Bali.

"Haruhi-kun wants to treasure the sense of the seasons huh?" summed the girl.

"Then it would be wonderful to see blooming cherry blossoms at the dance party."

"A couple dancing among the cherry blossoms," said a third. "How dreamy."

"Is that so?" asked Haruhi. "It's cute of you all to have dreams."

"Pardon me?" came a voice making Haruhi turn. "I believe it's almost time for the next shift now."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," said Haruhi getting out his list of customers. "You're my next customer?"

"Kasugano Kanako from Class 2-B." said the girl taking Haruhi's face in her hand. "You're much cuter than the rumours give credit. I have decided that you will be my next favourite."

Later in the day after the club activities were through Tamaki could be found sitting in the corner looking depressed and eating ramen.

"I cannot accept it," he complained.

"My Lord," whined Hikaru. "Stop eating commoner noodles and help out planning for the dance party.

"Is he so displeased with the fact that Princess Kasugano prefers Haruhi now?" asked Kaoru.

"Her illness isn't something new," noted Kyoya tapping away at his pineapple laptop.

"Illness?" asked Haruhi confused.

"The "host-wandering" illness," informed Hikaru

"In other words the "switch-guys-every-now-and-then" illness," added Kaoru.

"Usually a customers decides on a host and designates them forever," explained Kyoya. "But she has a habit of periodically changing her favourite."

"Just before this her favourite was Tama-chan right?" piped up Huni.

"Ah, so it's just because he got his customer snatched away?" summed Haruhi understanding.

"You should be grateful I'm letting you be a host!" snapped Tamaki from his corner.

"You're just mad because I'm turning out to be a better host than you," snigged Haruhi though he really didn't mean it.

"By the way," began Hikaru as if it had just occurred to him. "Do you have any ballroom dancing experience? That's a must for the party."

"Eh, but the party has nothing to do with my assignment right?" asked Haruhi hopefully. "I'm not interested in events and, actually I'd like to be absent."

"No, ballroom dancing is common for a gentleman," said Tamaki walking over a smug look on his face. "If you want to take the path of a host that much show me exactly how serious you are Haruhi-kun. If you cannot master the waltz in one week and show it off at the party, then I'm demoting you back to trivial chores!"

The next day Haruhi set about leaning the waltz.

"Quick, quick, slow," resited Kanako as she allowed herself to be clumsily lead around the room by Haruhi "Very nice Haruhi-kun," she praised as Huni and Mori spun danced behind them. "Put your feet together at slow. The gentleman must lead. Look carefully at your female partner."

"Yes…" replied Haruhi nervously before tripping over his own feet and crashing to the round right on top of Kanako. "I'm so sorry, Kasugasaki-san!" he exclaimed. Kanako merely wrapped her arms around Haruhi's neck bringing him closer.

"It's okay Haruhi-kun," she said calmly.

"Our Lord looks gloomy," noted the twins looking over to the corner where, Tamaki sat surrounded by an aura of woe.

"I heard he wanted to be his practice partner," said Hikaru with a grin.

"It's impossible for him to be Haruhi's female partner because of his height," added Kaoru.

"Would you like to take a tea break?" offered Kyoya suddenly getting an enthusiastic nod from Haruhi.

"If you don't mind," said Kanako as Haruhi helped her up and over to a table that had been set up for tea.

"I'm sorry Kasugasaki-san," said Haruhi as he poured the tea. "To ask you to be my practice partner."

"Oh, I do not mind," assured Kanako. "I heard you would not be able to receive guest because of your practice. I am rather happy that I will be able to monopolize your time now."

"Ahh," said Haruhi not quite sure of what to say to something like that.

"Oh my, are these new cups?" exclaimed Kanako suddenly noticing. "These are Ginori, right?"

"Ginori?" asked Haruhi not understanding.

"You have the eyes of an expert," complemented Kyoya ignoring Haruhi. "This set came in just yesterday. Our club is putting effort into upgrading it's tea set collection."

"I see," said Kanako in understanding. "It has a gorgeous colour. It's so beautiful."

"You like tableware eh?" asked Haruhi.

"N-n-n-n-no, I don't really like them," stammered Kanako with a nervous laugh, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "W-what are you saying?"

"She does like them," thought Haruhi. "But…why would she hide it?" Kanako's odd laughter died away as she lost herself into staring into her tea.

"Good day," came a voice as the door opened. "I brought the tea cups you ordered." At the sound of the voice Kanako jumped slightly.

"Ah, thankyou," said Kyoya moving to great the person who's entered. "The wares you have chosen for us have all been very well received by the ladies. You are very good."

"I'm glad to here that," he said with a small smile.

"Is that someone from the company?" asked Haruhi moving forward to take the box of cups.

"I'm just a student," said the boy. "I'm wearing the school uniform aren't I?" At her table Kanako giggled turning around to face them.

"You are such a funny person Haruhi-kun," she said. "But that is understandable. He doesn't look like the heir to a first-class company."

"Heir?" asked Haruhi as the boy stared at Kanako as if only just realising she was there.

"His family, the Suzushima Trading Company," explained Kyoya. "Mainly deals with the import and export of tableware, and right now, their share of the market is number one in the country. So I asked him to bring us some, whenever a shipment came in. I really trust your eyes Suzushima-kun."

"Oh, my eyes aren't that good yet," said Suzushima hesitantly pulling his attention away from Kanako.

"I heard your study abroad in England starts next month," noted Kyoya conversationally, as Kanako looked depressed.

"Yes," said Suzushima turning to go. "Well then, I'll be going."

"Enjoying your time at the Host Club?" asked Tamaki who'd been watching the entire exchange.

"Are you close to that person just now?" asked Haruhi walking over still carrying the box.

"W-w-w-w-we're not close or anything!" exclaimed Kanako freaking out again. "W-what are you talking about, Haruhi-kun?" Kanako got up and edged past Haruhi her face again flushed. "I-I shall excuse myself for today. Take care" Haruhi watched her leave a little confused.

"Ha-ru-chan!" exclaimed Huni lunging from nowhere to latch onto Haruhi's back. "Did you know? Suzushima-kun is Kasuga-chan's fiancé."

"Eh?" asked Haruhi a little surprised.

"Kyoya?" asked Tamaki his thinking face on. "Since when did you know?"

"About the fiancé business?" asked Kyoya flipping open his folder. "Of course, I have researched our customers. Thos two are childhood friends, and the engagement was decided by their parents. This information does not pose any use to me, so disregarded it."

"You," said Tamaki weakly.

"Suzushima Tohru," continued Kyoya. "Grades are impressive, family prestige is so-so, looks are average, his strong point is his seriously personality. If you had to pick a bad aspect,"

"He doesn't leave a strong impression," jumped in Hikaru."

"He's weak," added Kaoru.

"In other words, he's boring. End of report," finished Kyoya snapping his folder closed.

"He has no mercy on guys," noted Haruhi.

"Tohru-kun is a nice person," noted Huni from his new position on Mori's shoulders. "Right?"

"Yeah," agreed Mori.

"Well then," said Tamaki an air of authority around him. "Let's write out a plan."

"For what!?" asked everyone.

"Our Host Club exists to bring fortune to young ladies," announced Tamaki sparkles appearing around his head in his determination.

One week later the Host Club held their party.

"To all you little lambs who have gathered here tonight," announced Tamaki to the group of girls who'd come. "At our Ouran Host Club Dance Party, Welcome!" he finished bowing the other Hosts following his lead.

"We wish you to enjoy this dance with all of our host club members," said Kyoya. "Also, to the lady to displays the best dance, to the guest who is chosen as the Queen tonight, you shall receive a warm kiss from our King on your cheek."

"Do you best, baby," grinned Tamaki as roses sparkled behind him. The girls screamed in joy while several fainted.

"Haruhi," complained the twins. "You don't look to enthusiastic."

"I'm not used to these events," admitted Haruhi. "As far as dance parties are concerned I've only ever been to the bon-odori in the neighbourhood."

"I probably wouldn't call that a dance party," noted Kyoya. "Well, at least have a taste of the food here. It'll be a treat."

"Treat?" asked Haruhi. "Like ootoro?" Kyoya snapped his pen in shock while the others froze.

"Ootoro!" exclaimed Tamaki and the twins. The twins immediately wrapped their arms around Haruhi cooing 'Poor child' while Tamaki yelled at Kyoya to quickly order some Ootoro for the party.

"Add some premium sushi's platters to that," ordered Kyoya into his cell phone.

"Damn you rich bastards," cursed Haruhi his face red from embarrassment.

"As awful as Haruhi's commoner life is we have guests to entertain," pointed out Tamaki after a while, making the twins let go much to Haruhi's relief. They quickly dispersed throughout the crowd to dance with the guests. Haruhi stood leaning against a collum watching everyone else, as several girls hovered around to the side nervously contemplating whether or not to ask him to dance.

"Haruhi-kun?" came a more confident voice as Kanako walked over. "I've been looking for you. You would dance with me right?" she asked.

"Yes of course," replied Haruhi holding out his hand with Kanako took.

"Kasuga-chan's here," informed Huni as he danced his girl past Tamaki.

"Well then," replied Tamaki confidently. "begin our mission."

"Roger!" said the twins snatching Haruhi and carrying him from the room before he could even lead Kanako to the middle of the dance floor.

"What was that?" asked Kanako bewildered as her dance partner suddenly vanished. "A kidnapping?"

The twins quickly carried Haruhi into an adjacent room where Huni, Mori and Kyoya were waiting.

"You did have to be that forceful," complained Haruhi as a bag was shoved into his arms and he was pushed behind a curtain to change.

"Who cares just change into these already," instructed Kaoru. "You look so much like a girl, with a wig and some makeup you'll fool anyone in a dark room."

"An accident at the end will heat things up," said Kyoya cryptically. "Listen Haruhi. Your time limit is twenty minutes before the climax of the party. We've already called out Suzushima-san to the designated room."

"Be sure to get his true feelings out, eh?" said Huni as Haruhi emerged and sat down so the twins could apply makeup.

"Well we're still feeling insecure because this is our Lord's strategy plan," admitted the twins.

"Hey!" called Tamaki bursting into the room. "How can you all stay back here? Who'll take care of our guests…" he trailed off as Haruhi stood up revealing a dress he was wearing.

"What do you think my Lord?" asked the twins at Tamaki who was still frozen with shock.

"Haru-chan you're so cute," commented Huni as Haruhi walked awkwardly across the room.

"My face feels heavy," complained Haruhi. "I can't walk well in these shoes."

"Give it your best shot," rooted the twins with a grin.

"He's so cute," swooned Tamaki. "He's just like a girl."

On the other side of the school Suzushima waited in an empty classroom. He turned as Haruhi entered, being sure to keep the lights off so Suzushima wouldn't notice he was a guy.

"You are the one that wrote this letter?" asked Suzushima holding a a piece of paper. "You're very different from what I imagined."

"Letter?" asked Haruhi making his voice higher. He took the letter and opened it.

'Love Love!

Ever since I first saw you, my heart has been going super Love Love! Tee-Hee!

As if there were eternal cyclones and never changing typhoons,

My heart is swirling with wings of LOVE!

I want to meet up with your in Noahs ark! ~noda! ~Noda! ~Noda!'

"Who wrote this?" thought Haruhi horrified.

"Hmm, where have I seen you before," asked Suzushima suddenly making Haruhi jump.

"No!" exclaimed Haruhi hoping his cover wasn't blown. "This is the first time I've talked to you."

"I'm sorry," said Suzushima. "Even though you sent me this letter, I won't be able to answer your feelings. There's already a girl whom I cherish."

"That girl is your…" Haruhi trailed off hopefully.

"Unfortunately she's not my girlfriend," admitted Suzushima. "Actually she must be tired of me. I think a brighter more confident person would suit her better."

Out in the hallway Kanoka allowed herself to be lead along by Tamaki.

"Where exactly are you taking me?" she asked as he stopped by a window.

"I do not think your are suited to employing schemes," said Tamaki.

"What do you mean?" asked Kanoka confused.

"No matter how much you try to get his attention, by wandering around various hosts, you look far happier when you look at teacups. Kanako sighed remembering back to when she and Suzushima were young and he would show her his family's cup collection.

"Look at them, Kanako," he had said.

"Wow," she'd replied.

"This one's a Wedgewood," he said pointing. "A Foley, a Worcester. Over here is a Ginori, a Meisen. You're my bride, so I'll teach you everything. Okay?"

"Okay!" she'd replied eagerly.

"Stop it," said Kanoka coming out of her memory. "No matter what I do, he just doesn't care at all. Even this study abroad thing. He made the decision before I knew of it."

Back in the classroom Suzushima was explaining to Haruhi.

"So, I want to change to," he said staring out the window. "I want to see the world, become a better man. I know this sounds selfish, but I wish she could wait for me."

"That really is selfish," commented Haruhi. "Asking her to understand without even telling her is totally unreasonable. If you have string feelings for her, why is it necessary to delay it? From the moment you wanted to change, you will be able to change in my opinion."

Suddenly the door opened, making the pair turn. Standing in the door way was Kanoka who stood their looking between them.

"Kanako," said Suzushima.

"Oh my," said Kanako tears gathering in her eyes. "I'm sorry. It seems as though I have interrupted something." With that she rushed off tears streaming down her face.

"Kanako!" called Suzushima running out of the room and after her. Haruhi rushed out of the room to, to where Tamaki was waiting.

"Aren't we just making things worse?" he asked as he watched them go.

"He went out a chased her," said Tamaki calmly. Haruhi smiled at this in understanding.

"Our Host club exists to bring fortune to calls, eh?" thought Haruhi still smiling.

"Out in the yard Suzushima finally caught up with Kanako grabbing her hand. Suddenly they were bathed in a spotlight, as the Hosts and other guests exited the building into the courtyard where the Sakura petals were falling.

"Well the ladies and gentlemen," announced Tamaki. "Our lovely night together has finally come down to the last song. The last waltz from our Host Club has been dedicated to this couple," he gestured to Suzushima and Kanoka. Suzushima released Kanoka's wrists and bowed to her, holding out his hand.

"Princess Kasuga," he said working up his courage. "Would you be willing to dance with me."

"Yes," replied Kanoka taking Suzushima's hand. The Hosts and guests watched on as they danced. Haruhi smiled happy for them, now out of that dress and back into his suit from before. The twins stood munching on banana's from the food table completely non-plussed.

"I like you," confessed Suzushima. "I always have. Let me propose to you again."

"Tonight," thought Kanoka. "The host-wandering girl is no more."

"Let us bless this clumsy couple," said Tamaki throwing out his hands making Haruhi duck so as not to get hit.

"Tonight's dance queen is," began Hikaru still holding his banana skin.

"Princess Kasugasaki Kanoka," finished Kaoru also holding his banana skin. At this all the guests broke into applause.

"Well then the blessing kiss from the King," announced the twins together throwing up their now suspiciously empty hands.

"My time has come, eh?" said Tamaki.

"Has now been changed to being from Fujioka Haruhi," added the twins making Tamaki freeze in shock.

"Hey!" exclaimed Tamaki.

"Because Kyoya-senpai said, 'An accident at the end will heat things up'" admitted the twins with a shrug.

"It's just the cheek right?" asked Suzushima placing a gentle hand on Kanako's shoulder. "Go get your kiss, as your graduation present from host wandering."

"This is going too far," complained Haruhi.

"I'll cut your debt by a third," said Kyoya.

"Oh, well it's just the cheek," sighed Haruhi as he descended the stairs.

"Hey, hey," said Huni something suddenly occurring to him. "Could it be that this is Haruhi's first kiss?"

"What!" exclaimed Tamaki. "Well this'll be an experience for him."

At the bottom of the stairs Haruhi reached out to give Kanako a quick kiss but slipped on one of the twins banana peels. Seeing Haruhi fall Kanako stepped forward to catch him, only to find her self, suddenly lips-to-lips with the boy. With an exclamation they both jumped back. At this all the guests burst into applause.

"Even though I lost my first kiss through a weird series of events," thought Haruhi. "The night had a goof feel to it. So everything's fine I guess."

JackalGod: And that's the end of that chapter. Sorry it took so long. It's a hassle going through the episode and copying down each line.