A/N: I am terribly sorry for not updating recently. I haven't been getting very many ideas for any of my stories lately. As I mentioned previously, I only really know how I want each story to start and end, but not exactly what is in between. But, I hope that you all enjoy this chapter. The next one will contain what needs to be said.
Chapter 4
Haruhi's POV
"Hurry up, Haruhi! We need to get there soon! Studying can always wait!" I heard Aphrodite exclaim from the bathroom. Yes, I had been studying to get ahead in all my courses again. It was a habit and routine that I had got into. However, Aphrodite was actually right. I shouldn't be studying on the night where we get to meet all of the parents. I should be excited, really, to see my father again. But, part of me was worried about how he would actually be dressing.
"Aphrodite?" I called out after I put my textbooks aside on the end table by the bed. I headed towards my closet in search of a nice outfit to wear. Too bad everything had our ensignia on it.
"What is it, Haruhi?" Came the response.
"Do people know that we are vampyres here?" I asked nervously.
"They do, unfortunately. They don't like it. Some have hatred towards us. Why?"
"I was just wondering if we would have to cover up our tattoos for this event? I mean, this is going to be the first time in a month that I have seen my father too. And, I sort of left Japan without saying a true goodbye to him." I said as I gave up on figuring out what I wanted to wear. Instead, I would just wear what I had on.
"We are not going outside of the school walls for this event, so you really do not have to cover it up, if that is what you are referencing to. So, really, you have nothing to worry about. Zoey had it a bit worse last year. Her parents hated her enough for what she had become to not come, except for once. Only Grandma Redbird comes." Aphrodite patted me on the back.
"Grandma Redbird? My lord! I haven't seen that sweet woman in ages! I will have to talk to her tonight!" I exclaimed.
"Now, we really need to get going! The thing starts in half an hour!" Aphrodite urges me on.
"Right! I'm done anyways. Decided not to change after all. But, I am disappointed that they had to cancel classes today for this." I stated as we left the room to head down to the gates.
"Only you would grumble about that. Personally, I enjoy these odd days off. I get to be a bit freer that way. Now, we should get to jogging so that we really are not late. I know for a fact that my parents are always on time. Now, GO!" Aphrodite stated as she started to jog.
I tried my best to keep up. But, no matter how much I tried to get into shape these past couple of weeks, I was still no where near as athletic as most people should be.
I finally made it to the main grounds with five minutes to spare, though I managed to crash into someone and nearly fell onto my butt, had the person not caught me. It looked to be one of those Sons of Erebus. "Are you alright, young priestess?" He asked.
"Yes, I am fine. Thank you for catching me." I stated.
"It is my duty to protect you, miss. Name's Darius." He allowed me to stabilize myself first.
"Haruhi Fujioka. And, as much as I appreciate this Darius, I need to get up closer there. Blessed be!" I quickly rattled off before I managed to worm my way up to the student line. Though, I did hear a slightly murmured blessed be back.
"Students, may I have your attention please! As you all are aware, tonight we are having our monthly parental gathering They are set to arrive any moment now! As always, please be advised that you should show them the respect they deserve so that they do not think lightly of the Tulsa House of Night! You are now dismissed to mingle!" Zoey said before the gates were opened. I tensed up a bit.
The parents came flooding in. I saw many of the parents and students hook up, but my dad still had not arrived. Then again, Zoey's grandma Redbird had not yet shown up either. I casually walked up to Zoey. "You know, I haven't seen your grandmother in so many years. Is she still coming tonight?" I asked.
"Ah, yeah, she will definitely be here. I asked her to do me a favor tonight is all, but she should be here soon." Zoey was grinning, which probably meant that she had something up her sleeve. I sighed silently as I reigned myself to the brief wait. And, brief it was. Less than five minutes later, I noticed a yellow Bug coming up the path. I knew at once that it was Zoey's vehicle, based on the photos she had often sent me.
"HARUHII! Daddy has missed you!" I heard my father exclaim the moment he darted out of the car. Not to mention that the Bug was still rolling. So, it took less than an instant for him to reach me and to envelop me in one of his bone crushing hugs. Oh, and as I had anticipated, he had decided that he would be dressed in his feminine wear.
"Dad! Can't breath!" I managed to get out.
"Oh! Sorry dear! I missed you at home for this past month. However, we really need to talk about this, but we have to wait for the other idiots to arrive first. I promised them that I would tell all of you some important news." My father stated seriously.
"The idiots?" I asked, confused. I heard Zoey laugh beside me.
"Hey there Papa Ranka! It's good to see that you are still doing well." Zoey said from beside me.
"Zoey! This vampyre thing has been treating you well, it looks like." Ranka said. After that comment, he looked behind him to note the limo coming up the way now. He grinned. I had followed his gaze and then proceeded to groan.
"Why did you have to invite the entire Host Club Dad?" I asked.
"Well, I offered them a deal type thing. Besides, how else could I cause some chaos in my daughter's life when she isn't at home anymore?" He was being vague. But, none the less, I guess I could see them while they were here. Even if I knew that I would probably be seeing them again this year.
I was still keeping tabs on the limo. The Host Club seemed to be waiting for the most opportune time to jump out. Or else they were just trying to keep Tamaki at bay for a few minutes with a lecture.
It seemed to be the latter part, as once everyone was finally out of the limo, no one that would usually take the time to dash to me or to try and manhandle me. I guess I had missed that.
"Are you sure that one is Haruhi, boss? She looks a bit different than when we saw her a month ago?" Hikaru asked Tamaki. I managed to hear it though due to my newly enhanced hearing.
"Will you six quit dawdling or repressing your normal antics?" I sighed.
"Their normal antics?" Zoey asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Tamaki-senpai usually acts like my father. Glomps and the name included. Father of the Host Club. Kyoya-senpai will add to my debt since I was forced to come here and not pay off my debt. The Mother of the Host Club. Hitachiin Twins will try to pry me apart from Tamaki-senpai. Hikaru will be on my right, Kaoru on my left. Or else they will bug Tamaki-senpai and send him into a corner of woe. They are my brothers in the club. But, if it is the former, Mori-senpai, who is considered one of the neighbors, will have to rescue me. Honey-senpai, who is the other neighbor, will offer his strawberry shortcake. That I will accept as soon as we can find somewhere to sit." I stated. While I had been talking, I had heard that Honey-senpai was going to offer the cake, which is why I put my response in right away. I actually had said everything loudly so that they knew they weren't being invisible.
"Wow. You really do know them to that far of an extent." Zoey said, after a moment's time.
"Of course. In some ways, I love being in Tulsa since I have the time to study now without being picked up to go somewhere at a second's notice. Though, it is that exact reason too that I miss my friends in Japan. Hence why I have to thank you for not telling me earlier that they were coming. I really would not have left my room at all then." I stated.
"Haruhi! Our toy! We missed you as well!" The twins had finally quit dawdling and repressing their antics.
"I wonder what Daddy will do if the brothers have finally attacked?" I smirked.
"You devils! You shouldn't be manhandling your sister like that!" Tamaki stated as he joined in. "Mommy! You should help me get daughter away from the twins!"
"Hm. I would rather not. I want to see how this plays out." Kyoya returned the smirk I had given. Well, that was not going to be fun at all. I was hoping he would come in this time, but it would seem as if I would have to get out myself. I centered a quick breath, then I acted as if I had a foil in each of my hands. I had actually been practicing with two foils lately too.
A quick poke to the ribs on each of the three was all I needed to sidestep the trio. "Haruhi! That was splendid! I knew your training has paid off!" I heard a voice say from behind us. I turned around to see who had spoken. The twins took that time to drape themselves over me like good old times.
"Haruhi, who-" Hikaru started.
"-is that?" Kaoru asked.
"Good evening, Professor! Blessed be! And, thank you. Though, I still need to work on stamina and strength." I said, shaking my head.
"You are doing great for the beginning time of a fourth former year though. And, I see you have additional company. I am the fencing instructor here at the House of Night, Dragon Lankford. Pleased to meet you all." My fencing instructor bowed in respect.
"You've been taking fourth former year fencing already?" Zoey asked me in surprise.
"I forgot to tell you that, didn't I? I have been doing three times the amount of exercise with Professor Lankford so that I can be in better shape. The newest bit clarified three weeks ago, just after I told you while it was blurred. Seems as if Kendo is on the list to do when I return. Which means that I have a lot more training to go before I can head over." I replied.
"You are returning, Haruhi?" I heard Kyoya-senpai ask.
"Hello there Kyoya-senpai. Yes, I will be returning to Ouran Academy. When, I am not sure. Could be next week, next month, or even within additional months past then. I will tell you more, but first, we should go find someplace to talk. Zoe, how crowded does the dining hall get, and is there food available?" I asked, knowing that was the only place big enough for my group.
"Yes and yes."
"Perfect! If you all want to follow me, we are going to the dining room. Knowing most of you haven't ate yet and neither have I, we're going to the dining hall here." I said.
"I will have to meet you there. I want to spend a couple of moments with my grandmother before we join you. I have a feeling we need her input as well." Zoey said.
"Very well, High Priestess! Blessed be until we see each other again in a few short minutes!" I exclaimed and bowed to her before we took off.
"That is the most weird thing for a greeting." Hikaru mumbled.
"I thought so too, but I have accustomed to it." I shrugged.
"Ne, Haru-chan, can we see your room after this?" Honey-senpai asked.
"As much as I want to say yes, I also have to say no. It is actually against the rules for males to be up in the female dormitories. Sorry." I replied.
"We really need to update your wardrobe though, Haruhi! I mean, look at you. You are dressed in black!" Kaoru whined.
"No can do, Kaoru. And, this is actually our uniform." I rejected again. But, by this time, we had finally reached the Great Hall. And, as expected, it was empty while the food was still out.
"First, we are getting food. Second, we are going to listen to what my real father has to say. Then, you can ask me questions. Deal?" I stated.
Everyone murmured that they were in agreement.
