Disclaimer: I don't own Ouran. If I did, I'd be a character and I'd marry Kyouya.
Chapter 16- Awkward Confrontations
A/N: He guys! **dodges chainsaw** Okay… No need to be violent. I'm so sorry for this really late update but school work got to me and then I lost my notes among my dorm stuff when I loved back home and it took weeks for me to finally find them. Then, I went on vacation to Maryland and my mom wouldn't let me take my laptop with me so I couldn't do any writing. **dodges knife** But here it is! Enjoy! **runs away**
The Host Club has once again kidnapped their two female members for a day of shopping at the commoner mall. Even though Kyouya has admitted his feelings for Yuri, our secret agent is still in denial with her own towards our Shadow King. Now competing with Kaoru for Yuri's attention, Kyouya swears not to lose to the red-haired Hitachiin. Meanwhile, Yuri and Haruhi finally look at the results of the DNA test.
8 A.M.
Saturday
Akiyama Household
At breakfast that morning, Kaori noticed that Yuri was once again picking at her food. It was just rice and miso soup but her little cousin couldn't seem to stomach anything. Yuri was like this whenever she was worried or thinking too deeply about something. So far, it had only occurred while she was stressing over her assignment or not prepared to take an exam. But as far as Kaori knew, Yuri had no test that day. And she already found Haruhi. So what was the problem?
"Yuri-chan? Are you okay?" Kaori finally asked.
The pink-streaked haired girl blinked before shaking her head. "Oh. Sorry. I was just… thinking."
"Is anything wrong?"
"Oh no!" She laughed good-naturedly. "Everything's fine. Really. Just… Well, I haven't opened the results yet. I… I think Haruhi should be the one to open it." She breathed in deeply. "I think I'll do a few somersaults outside later."
Before Kaori could answer, the sound of Fall Out Boy reached their ears. Yuri excused herself and flipped her phone open.
"Haruhi? Good morning to you as well… I'm good, you?... Really?... Sure, I'll go. And um… I have your results. Do you want to see them when we meet?... Okay, great. I'll bring them. See you later then."
She hung up and turned to Kaori. "Forget the somersaults. There's a sale at the mall today and Haruhi wants to go. Can I come along?"
"Of course," Kaori replied, thankful for the distraction. Knowing Yuri, she'd be a walking zombie all day. "I'm assuming she wants her results?"
"Yeah. So I guess I'll go get ready. I'm meeting her at her place."
The teen grabbed her glass of orange juice, downed it, and rushed upstairs.
While she cleared the table, Kaori began to think about her husband and how much she missed him. She placed a hand over her stomach and sighed.
"Come home soon, Ryou-kun," she sighed. "Yuri-chan would be leaving soon and I don't like being alone."
The ringing sound of the doorbell rang throughout the house and the stampeding footsteps of an anxious teenager running down the stairs followed. She was dressed in a simple t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers while a brown bag slung across her body.
"I'll get it!" she called to her cousin in the kitchen.
She bounded over to front door and yanked it open. On the other side, Haruhi lifted a hand in greeting.
"Haruhi? Hi." With an eyebrow raised, Yuri asked, "I thought we were meeting at your place?
"Y-Yeah, that was the plan," the brunette laughed nervously, her voice shaking. "But… Um…" Haruhi flashed her a look that screamed, "I'm sorry!"
Yuri lifted an eyebrow. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
The other girl simply sighed as her shoulder hung limply. "They caught me right before I left and I couldn't do anything. They wanted to come."
"They? What do you-?"
"My daughter! Your beloved father is here!"
Dread struck Yuri. "T-Tamaki-senpai?"
"Hey Yuri! Hope you don't mind us coming with you," chorused two voices.
Tamaki, the twins, Hunny, and Mori appeared behind Haruhi, looks of excitement on their faces. They were all dressed in casual clothing and behind them, a black limo waited. The little blonde boy bounded over to her, his ever-present bunny in his arms, and smiled cutely at them both.
"We're gonna have soooo much fun!" Hunny said to them, happily.
The two girls nervously laughed.
"Yeah," Haruhi said.
"Fun," Yuri added, trying to add a bit of hype into her voice but failing.
"Good, because we'll be spending the whole day together!" Tamaki exclaimed. Now all we have to do is-"
Just then, Kaori came over to see that Haruhi had brought company. "Oh, hello there everyone." She beamed at everyone. "I see you won't be spending your Saturday alone Yuri-chan."
Seeing the pregnant woman, Tamaki excitedly bounded past Yuri and over to her cousin, cooing at the older woman's stomach. Hunny, delightedly followed suit, Mori behind him. The twins, not wanting to be the odd ones left out, also approached Kaori, looks of fascination evident on their faces.
"Wow… Your tummy's getting bigger Kaori-nee-chan," Hunny exclaimed reaching out with a hand to touch the older woman's stomach.
"Is it a boy or a girl?" Hikaru asked.
Kaori giggled at the attention. "Oh, we don't know yet. My husband and I want it to be a surprise."
Meanwhile, Haruhi sighed deeply. "It's like they've never seen a pregnant woman before," she said, but a small smile played in her lips. "It's kinda cute seeing them like this though. Kind of like little kids."
Instead of answering, Yuri grabbed Haruhi's arm and dragged her a little further away from the crowd. When they were far enough, she looked back at them briefly. They were still engrossed with Kaori. Turning back to Haruhi, Yuri reached into her bag and took out the manila folder that held the brunette's fate.
Haruhi's eyes widened, immediately knowing what it was. "Did… Did you see?"
Yuri shook her head. "I thought it would be better if you saw it first," she replied, pressing the envelope into Haruhi's hand. "You don't have to open it now if you don't want to. You can wait until you're alone or when you're with your dad."
"I… guess…" Haruhi folded up the envelope and stuffed it into her bag. "I… I'll look at it with Dad later."
Yuri nodded in approval and quickly changed the subject. "So much for a simple weekend at the mall huh?"
With a groan, Haruhi slammed a hand to her forehead. "I shouldn't have left that flyer lying around the Music Room. Tamaki-senpai found it and now wants to spend some quality time with us along with a learning experience of the commoner practice known as sale. His words not mine."
Yuri giggled, wholeheartedly. Typical. But this was one of those days when she can happily pretend that she was just a normal teenager with no mission to fulfill. She would like to pretend that as soon as Haruhi opened that envelope, she didn't have to leave. She wanted to believe that she was truly a part of the Ouran High School Host Club.
But she knew it was only a matter of time when she had to cease pretending that she would stay with them forever. A few months ago, that would have been a relief. But now… She just felt sad.
"Why didn't you guys just pick him up before heading to Haruhi's?" Yuri asked as the luxurious black limo came to a stop in front of the Ootori Mansion. "Wouldn't that make better sense?"
"Hey, don't ask us, it was all Tono," Hikaru answered, opening the door and stepping out into the Mansion's courtyard.
"We didn't even know we were going anywhere today until he showed up at our place," Kaoru answered. He followed his brother then extended a hand for Yuri to help her out of the limo.
As soon as she the morning sunlight hit her eyes, the sixteen year old squinted before adjusting to the sudden brightness. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped at the sight of her senpai's mansion. It was much bigger than she saw through the limo's window. It wasn't as grandiose as Buckingham Palace or Ouran Academy but it was a close second. Or third. Whichever.
Beside her, Haruhi's mouth was also wide open at the sight. "I knew they were rich but…"
"Not this rich?" Yuri offered, still a little thunderstruck herself.
Haruhi could only nod. "I guess I should have expected this. They're one of the richest families in all of Japan after all."
After the two commoner girls had snapped out of their daze, the rest of the Host Club dragged them inside. They were greeted by a horde of uniformed servants who bowed and removed their shoes for them before offering morning cups of tea. Meanwhile, Tamaki was informed by a maid that Kyouya was still in bed, so he excused himself from the others and headed upstairs to wake up his best friend.
Haruhi turned her way this way and that, eyes wide at her surroundings. Yuri, who had already visited such glamorous places allowed her eyes to roam. It was quite impressive. The ceiling was large and open with but a single crystal chandelier hanging from it. The staircase was also massive; something that looked like it came out of a fairytale book. On the walls was a mixed pattern of European and Japanese paintings, both modern and classical. On top of every table, expensive crystal vases stood, filled to the brim with different kinds of flowers.
"Do you think it was a good idea for Tono to go up there alone with Kyouya-senpai?" Hikaru asked his twin. "Shouldn't someone have gone with him?"
Hearing the statement, Yuri furrowed her eyebrows. "Why wouldn't it be a good idea? He's only waking him up."
"Well, you see, Kyouya-senpai is a bit like Hunny-senpai," Kaoru answered, albeit nervously.
Raising an eyebrow, Yuri turned to look at the cute little third year. He was giggling cutely at something Haruhi said and answering her questions about the Ootori family.
"And how is that a bad thing?" she asked, hiding an amused smile. If Kyouya was like Hunny, then he'd be cute.
Not that Kyouya-senpai's not cute already, she thought before catching herself. Wait. Did I just think that? What?
"Because! He's Type AB like Hunny-senpai!" Hikaru whispered, frantically.
"Again, how is that a bad thing?"
"Hunny-senpai gets irritated when his sleep is disturbed! And so does Kyouya-senpai!" Kaoru answered, staring up the staircase nervously.
"Um… Okay… But I don't get why-."
Before she could finish, there came a familiar howl and Tamaki came running down the stairs. His eyes were wide in obvious fear and he looked like he was about to cry. Without warning, he grabbed Yuri's arm and pulled her close to him in a bear hug.
"Yuri! My daughter! You must help me!" he exclaimed.
"Help with wha-."
The sixteen year old found herself being pushed up the stairs by the persistent blonde. "Kyouya needs some help waking and I believe you are the right person for the job!"
"Tono! What do you think you're doing?" Kaoru shouted in alarm, moving forward to grab Tamaki away from Yuri. "You can't send her up there alone! She won't stand a chance against Kyouya-senpai!"
"Hush Kaoru! Yuri is exactly what Kyouya needs this morning!" Tamaki retorted, pushing Kaoru away from him. "Now go my daughter! Go wake your Mommy."
"What do you mean go wake Mommy! Didn't you just hear what I said? Yuri, you don't have to go! I'll do it!"
"No Kaoru! You can't! What if he hurts you? I won't be able to stand that my dearest brother!"
"I don't think Kyou-chan will hurt Kao-chan or Yu-chan. Will he?"
"Speak for yourself Hunny-senpai. You almost did once."
"Did not Hika-chan!"
"Did too! Tono! Let go of my brother!"
"Never!"
"You have got to be kidding me."
"Haruhi, my daughter! Help me restrain these rabid twins!"
"Uh… No, thanks. I think I'll just have more tea."
"But Haruhi…."
"Haruhi's on our side!"
"No she's not!"
"Is too!'
"Hey, where did Yu-chan go?"
Everyone stopped talking. True enough, Yuri was no longer standing on the stairs looking confused.
Meanwhile, while the Host Club was arguing with each other as to whether to let her wake Kyouya alone, Yuri had decided to do it anyway. In truth, she was curious about whether he really was irritable in the morning as they say he was. She reached the top of the stairs and mentally slapped herself. There were three corridors; one on her right, one on her left, and one in front of her. She should have asked Tamaki where Kyouya's bedroom was.
She was about to go back downstairs when a beautiful woman with long dark hair emerged from one of the bedrooms, humming under her breath. She was too nicely dressed to be a maid and too young to be the Head servant of the house.
The woman finally took notice of her and Yuri bit back a gasp. She was beautiful! And she had the same eyes as Kyouya! She smiled at Yuri and, to the young girl's surprise, skipped happily towards her.
"Hi there. You must be Yuri Inoue!" she exclaimed, taking Yuri's hand and shaking it. "It's nice to finally meet you in person! I've seen your pictures in the Host Club website and you're much prettier in person! Your apple pie was delicious by the way! Kyouya let me have a bite of it last night. And oh my!" She gently took a pink lock of Yuri's hair. "So those weren't photo-shopped. Some of your hair really is pink!"
"Um… Thank you… Um…"
The woman beamed and released the hair before taking a step back to bow. "How rude of me. I'm Fuyumi, Kyouya-kun's older sister."
"Oh!" Yuri returned the bow, a small blush staining her cheeks. "It's very nice to meet you."
"I assume you're here for Kyouya?"
"Yes, Tamaki-senpai sent me to find him and wake him up so we can all go to the mall but uh…" Yuri shrugged and gestured to the hallways.
"You don't know where his room is?"
"Yeah. It's kinda my first time here. Nice place by the way."
"Why, thank you. Kyouya's room is that way." Fuyumi pointed to the hallway on the left. "His room is the fifth door on your right. I'm sure it's open, he never locks it. He can be so silly sometimes. He prefers privacy but keep his door unlocked. Sometimes, he even leaves it open." Her smile widened. "Oh that brother of mine."
Yuri bowed in gratitude. "Thank you Fuyumi-san."
Fuyumi giggled and waved a hand. "It's no problem at all. You can call me Onee-san if you like?"
Yuri blushed. "U-Um… Okay?"
The older girl giggled again before patting Yuri on the shoulder. "I'll go say 'hi' to Tamaki-kun and the others."
She walked past Yuri and down the stairs, her humming resumed.
The young girl stared after her senpai's older sister, contemplating what just occurred. A few moments of deliberation and Yuri decided that Fuyumi was nice, if not a bit too happy. But that wasn't a horrible thing. Besides, Yuri could tell that she cared about her brother a lot; the fond smile on Fuyumi's face when she talked about him was any indication.
It didn't take Yuri long to find Kyouya's room; it was the only room that was unlocked in the whole hallway. She had knocked and called out her senpai's name, but no one answered so she decided to go in anyway. And boy, did the room stop her dead in her tracks. This was not a room! It couldn't be! It was like its own section of the mansion. It couldn't be a bedroom, if the large leather couches and glass coffee table was any indication. There was even a tall plant by the gigantic glass windows that reached the high ceiling. Next to the door was a staircase that led to a terrace-like area where Yuri guessed was Kyouya's sleeping area; she could hear light breathing and the rustle of fabric.
In a daze, the young girl entered and turned her head this way and that, wondering how rich the Ootori's really were.
Rich enough to give a freakin' gigantic room to a seventeen year old boy! she exclaimed in her head. This is as big as the common room back at Headquarters! Bigger than my room at Headquarters! And three of us share it!
Shaking her head, Yuri mounted the staircase and climbed up. Her heart was beating at a pace that she knew wasn't normal. Why was she feeling so nervous? All she had to do was wake him up, tell him of Tamaki's plans, then go back downstairs to the others. That was it. No big deal.
She finally reached the top and a faint blush made its way to her cheeks. Who ever knew that prim and pristine Kyouya Ootori slept with no shirt on? He was on his stomach, one arm resting on his pillow and the other dangling off the side of his bed. The sheets were in a crumpled disarray at his waist, revealing a pajama-clad leg and bare feet. The young girl had to admit that his tousled hair that stuck up in different directions made him look really cute. And she couldn't help but appreciate his muscular arms and back-
Yuri shook her head clear of the naughty thoughts and approached the sleeping boy.
Now how to wake him?
"Um, Kyouya-senpai?" she said.
All she got in return was a quiet groan. She poked his arm.
"Kyouya-senpai, wake up."
The dark-haired boy groaned again before flipping onto his back. Yuri's blush deepened as the move revealed Kyouya's muscular chest and well-toned stomach. The girl bit her lip, trying to ignore the sight of the barely covered boy. Instead, she shook his arm, in an attempt to wake him.
"K-Kyouya-senpai, wake up." She cursed her stuttering. "It's… It's morning. Tamaki-senpai wants to go the mall today."
Slowly but surely, Kyouya's eyes fluttered open. He blinked several times before turning his head to her, a furious frown on his face and looking ready to bite her. Seeing Yuri, his face softened but his body was still in Lala Land. So instead of getting up, he moaned tiredly and turned around so that Yuri was facing his back.
Yuri raised an eyebrow. Was he always this difficult to wake up? She reached for his shoulder and shook them again.
"Come on senpai. Get up and get dressed."
He moaned in protest and brushed her hand away.
"Gomway," he mumbled.
Frowning, Yuri forgot her embarrassment and all proper decorum. With a new determination, she climbed onto the boy's massive bed and began to shake him awake.
"Senpai…" she whined. "Get up! Tamaki-senpai sent me here to wake you up and I'm not leaving until you do."
There was a short silence before Kyouya answered in a sluggish tone, "Not getting up."
Against her better judgment, Yuri climbed over him so she could shake him awake from the other side. But as she reached out for his shoulder, she was stopped by the look on Kyouya's sleeping form. He was adorable, like a child… An innocent child who had no worries in the world. Compared to the always stressed and overworked look he always tried to hide, Yuri thought this was the most peaceful he had ever seen him.
She was brought back to the memories of the day before; him accompanying her to the grocery store and then staying for dinner. He had loved her cooking and Yuri knew that he rarely gave out praises. He actually looked like had had fun yesterday and she had to admit, she had fun with him too.
Yuri couldn't resist. Her hand reached out to brush a stray lock of black hair away from his face, fingers brushing the soft skin of his cheek. Then, his lips caught her attention and unconsciously smacked her own lips. She remembered the way they felt against hers, soft and gentle yet at the same time, fiery and passionate. She wanted to feel those lips again and perhaps…
Kyouya moaned a bit and Yuri jumped back quickly. She hadn't realized that she had been leaning closer to his face and blushed crimson. His eyes fluttered open and saw her, red-faced and nervous-looking. At first, they simply stared at each other in silence, Yuri too embarrassed to say anything and Kyouya wondering what had transpired while he was unconscious.
"Um… Tamaki-senpai wants to-"
"Go to the mall, yes, I heard," Kyouya groaned. He rose slowly and cracked his back. His eyes closed in satisfaction and he leaned against the headboard.
Wow… He sure looks different without his glasses, Yuri thought.
"I should have expected this when I saw him with that flyer Haruhi left lying around," he said, breaking into her thoughts. He turned his head to look at her and flashed a smile. "Tell Tamaki I'll be down in fifteen minutes."
"R-Right," she stuttered before scrambling off of the bed.
Before Kyouya could say another word, she was down the stairs and out the door.
For several moments, Kyouya remained on his bed, contemplating at how adorable Yuri looked when she was embarrassed. That thought alone made him remember the conclusion he had arrived to the night before.
I love her, he thought as he got ready to shower. I should forget these feelings. I have no use for thems. They don't benefit me.
As he waited for the water to warm up, he leaned against the bathroom door and the picture of Yuri's smiling face entered his thoughts. But… I don't want to forget.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Kaoru asked for the fifth time.
Yuri rolled her eyes. "Kaoru, for the last time, I'm fine. Kyouya-senpai wasn't even that scary. He was just irritating 'cause he wouldn't get up."
"Hmm… That's really strange," Hikaru said, finger under his chin in contemplation. "He's always in a bad mood when awakened."
"So I've heard," Yuri muttered. "But he wasn't at all. I don't know why you guys are so worked up over it."
But when Kaoru flashed her another worried look, Yuri sighed and took his clenched fist and loosened them. "Will you relax?"
"Right, right. Sorry." Kaoru smiled, mischievously before taking her hand in his. "I'm just glad you're okay."
"Um… Thanks? I'm glad I'm okay too."
He chuckled and she smiled, glad that he wasn't as serious about her well-being before.
They were overreacting as always. Sure, Kyouya-senpai didn't look happy to be woken up but it wasn't like he threw a fit about it. But to the others, waking wake up their "Low Blood Pressure Lord" was like pronouncing your own death sentence. Well, at least she wasn't at the receiving end of this so-called early morning outburst caused by their Vice President's low blood pressure. It wasn't like she would allow him to anyway. Besides, it's been a while since she and Kyouya had argued about anything in particu"And he is here!" Tamaki's voice announced. "Good morning, Mommy dearest!"
"Don't tempt me to murder you, dear," Kyouya retorted in a calm voice as he descended the stairs lazily.
Tamaki flinched for a second before grabbing his best friend by the shoulders when Kyouya reached the bottom stair. "Now, the Host Club is complete!"
Kyouya rolled his eyes before he scanned those who were around. It looked like everybody had woken up early on a Saturday morning to cater to Tamaki's overwhelming desire to explore the commoner world. Kyouya normally didn't mind but the least his idiotic best friend could have done was give him a heads up. And he had the gall to send Yuri up to wake him! He knew he could be… difficult in the early morning and he hoped that he didn't do anything to alarm Yuri that morning. He didn't want to scare her away before he even had the chance to woo her.
Woo her? he thought to himself. Aren't I being a bit promiscuous in this decision? I've only just realized I loved her. Isn't it too soon?
If you don't woo her soon, someone else might capture her heart and there goes your chance to a relationship with someone who doesn't swoon every time you talk.
Ridiculous! I'm sure I would be able to woo her anytime I want.
Oh really? Have your forgotten about Kaoru?
At the thought, Kyouya's eyes flashed to the red-head who was standing next to Yuri. Their hands were slightly brushing each other, Kaoru doing so on purpose. Kyouya watched as the red-head turned to Yuri and grinned before whispering something in to her. She giggled, lightly behind her hand.
Tough competition you have there, Kyouya.
Shut up!
Before Kyouya could do or say anything else, Tamaki was ushering everyone out the door.
"Can't believe I missed an extra hour of sleep for this," Kyouya muttered under his breath.
Yuri looked him over and couldn't help but giggle. Unlike the excited faces of the rest of the Host Club, Kyouya didn't look to eager to spend the day at a crowded mall. He looked sulky, as if the unexpected day out ruined his plans for the day, which was probably the case. But it was exactly that sulky look that allowed the heat to rush to Yuri's cheek. It was so different from the usual indifferent, casual, bored and occasionally smug look he often wore when the Host King spirits them away to a new commoner excursion, as Tamaki often referred to them.
They were at the mall, specifically at a Department Store where the Host Prince was trying to convince Haruhi to try on a few outfits. But the brunette was refusing, mostly because Tamaki kept choosing flowery and childish patterns that Haruhi abhorred. Plus, the twins weren't helping when they chose strapless tops and too-short skirts for Haruhi to try on. Meanwhile, Hunny and Mori were standing by, offering opinions. Basically, Hunny called all of the outfits cute and thought Haruhi should try them all on so he could take pictures with his brand new camera, complete with bunny stickers on the side.
"I'd like to see you wear one of those," Kyouya stated.
"Hell no, I am not wearing that," Yuri replied, staring in disdain at the rack of short strapless dress with a shocking cheetah and leopard prints that Hikaru was examining.
Kyouya laughed. "Not those. The one next to them."
The dresses he pointed out were simple sundresses. They were cute but not to Yuri's taste. But the twins heard Kyouya's statement and paid attention to the articles of clothing. Yuri swallowed, not liking the evil looks the two red-heads were sporting.
Hikaru pulled out a light, sleeveless pink dress with red roses patterned on the skirt hem.
"This would look cute on you, Haruhi," he said.
"And this would look cute on Yuri," Kaoru said, showing them a yellow dress with small white lilies.
"You both should try them on," they chorused, grinning.
"No way," Haruhi retorted, stubbornly.
"Actually, I think I want to try that on," Yuri said.
The twin's jaws dropped open. Yuri, like Haruhi, always put up struggle whenever they wanted her to try something on. But here she was agreeing! Who was this person?
To everyone's surprise, the raven-haired girl came forward and took the dress that Kaoru held. She turned to Haruhi with a smile.
"Come on Haruhi, try it on. Where's the harm?" she said, smiling hopefully.
"I really don't-."
"Please?" Yuri flashed her a pleading look.
"Yes, Haruhi. Please?" the twins and Tamaki added, taking their place on either side of Yuri with puppy dog eyes.
Kyouya looked on the scene, amused at the fact that for the first time, Yuri was joining in the twins' antics against Haruhi. Speaking of the scholarship girl, she looked utterly confused and horrified that her one and only ally was taking the side of the enemy. It didn't help that Hunny had joined in, flashing her a really cute pleading look.
"But… I… Fine! Give me that dress!" Haruhi grabbed the dress from Kaoru and stalked towards the Fitting Rooms.
Smiling widely, Yuri bounded after her.
"I can't believe you talked me into doing this," Haruhi grumbled.
Yuri giggled. "It really is a cute dress. I just want to see what you'd look like."
She exited the stall, wearing the yellow sundress. She had to admit; it looked and felt okay. She wouldn't mind wearing this every now and then. Now, if only Haruhi would…
The door to Haruhi's stall opened and out she came. The pink dress looked amazing on Haruhi! It was sweet and simple, just like the brunette and it really brought out her inner girliness.
"Wow," Yuri simply said. "You look… gorgeous."
"You think so?" Haruhi looked doubtfully at herself. "I guess."
"And what do you think?" Yuri asked her, gesturing to her yellow dress.
Haruhi smiled. "Cute."
"My daughters! Please show Daddy how you look!"
"Yeah! We wanna see!"
"I want to take pictures of Haru-chan and Yu-chan!"
The two girls sighed.
"What's the big deal? They're just dresses," Haruhi said, leading the way out of the Fitting Rooms.
Yuri followed closely behind but stopped by the door, not entirely sure she wanted the Host Club to see her dressed this way, especially Kyouya. What if contrary to what Haruhi had said, she actually looked ridiculous?
"Well? How bad is it?"
"Not bad at all Haru-chan! You look cute!" Hunny lifted his camera and took a picture. "Isn't she cute Takashi?"
"Yes," the taller boy agreed with a tilt of his head.
"Mou! Haruhi is so cute!" the twins cooed.
"H-Haruhi… Y-You look…"
"Yu-chan! Come on out!"
Yuri bit her lip before stepping out next to Haruhi. Hunny immediately started taking pictures in delight, exclaiming how adorable they both looked and occasionally asking his cousin whether he thought so too. Hikaru and Kaoru made the two girls twirl around so they could see how the dress looked from different angles and Haruhi and Yuri obliged, though a little bit reluctant to do so.
Tamaki's face was tomato-red as he stared at his two "daughters" in their cute dresses. Meanwhile, Kyouya had turned his face away to avoid questions about his equally red cheeks.
She… She looks so… Cute, he thought.
He turned his head slightly and watched as Yuri broke into a small smile and struck a cute pose for Hunny's camera. Kyouya's blush deepened and he cursed himself. He was usually more composed than this. The things Yuri did to him!
Damn it. I have to get a hold of myself.
Speaking of Yuri, she had looked up from Hunny's picture-taking to see Kyouya gazing at everything else except them. She felt her heart drop.
He… He doesn't like it? I knew it! I must look ridiculous if he can't even look at me!
Seeing Yuri's smile disappear, Kaoru looked over to where she was looking. His heart broke as he saw the disappointed and longing look on Yuri's face. He may be able to make her laugh and got to hold her hand more frequently, he knew that he could never be the one that Yuri longed for. She may deny it many times, and she had, he knew who she needed the most.
"Hey! Kyouya-senpai!" he called, smirking mischievously. "Why are you looking over there? Yuri and Haruhi are over here!"
"Yeah, Kyou-chan!" Hunny agreed, suddenly noticing the younger boy. "Don't Haru-chan and Yu-chan look adorable?"
Slowly and a bit reluctantly, Kyouya turned around to face them. He had managed to calm down and the redness of his cheeks had dissipated to pink tints.
"They… They look great." He cleared his throat and his eyes met Yuri's. "You're beautiful… Both of you look beautiful," he quickly corrected.
Both girls blushed and Yuri's smile returned.
He said I looked… I mean, we looked beautiful, she thought, her heart beating a million beats per minute. She mentally slapped herself for the thoughts. I'm sure he's only saying that. B-but it's not like I care what he thinks.
Or at least, that was what she tried to convince herself. Why was she suddenly acting like impressing Kyouya was so important?
"Look everyone! A karaoke machine!" Tamaki exclaimed, jumping up and down before grabbing Haruhi's arm and dragging heard towards the machine. "I propose that we all sing a song!"
Haruhi looked at him in horror. "What? You know I can't sing!"
"But Haruhiiiii!"
"No, senpai! I'm not singing!"
"Perhaps you should go first, Tamaki," Kyouya intercepted.
"An excellent idea Okaa-san!" The blonde grabbed the mic and hurriedly went through the selection.
Yuri giggled as Haruhi breathed in relief.
"Nice save, senpai," she whispered to Kyouya.
He simply winked at her, making her blush in the process.
"Everyone! Sit and listen to your prince's melodic voice!" Tamaki commanded, striking a pose with the microphone.
Everyone rolled their eyes but nevertheless took a seat on benches in front of the Karaoke Machine. Yuri sat in front with Haruhi and Kyouya while the twins, Hunny, and Mori settled themselves behind them. Hunny had taken out his camera and set it to video, ready to tape the whole thing.
Tamaki pressed the button and the first few bars of the song blasted out from the speakers. Tamaki bobbed his head to the music and began to sing…
What a crime, such a beautiful crime
That God would make a star as bright as I
And I know it's a disgrace to admire this perfect face
Reflected in your eyes
So it's right, that I suffer tonight
All the pain of all the passion inside
What my heart cannot deny what I'm feeling inside
That makes me long for you
Guilty, Beauty, Love
Their leader's voice was strong, loud, and clear. And the song he chose…
"Wow, that song is so fitting," Haruhi whispered, her eyes not leaving the blonde who was constantly looking at her. A faint blush stained her cheeks.
Yuri stole a glance at her and smiled widely. No matter how much Haruhi denied it, the secret agent knew that she was smitten by the Host King. Not in the way Tamaki's fangirls were but in the way that she doesn't make a huge fuss about how awesome the blonde was. No matter how stupid and unnecessary his antics were, she still does them because she knew it made him happy. They were so different and Yuri guesses that that was what made them so perfect for each other.
Speaking of being perfect for each other… Yuri caught Kyouya's eyes and he smiled at her. She felt the blush come back as she returned the smile. She shouldn't be feeling this way. It wasn't right. They would both get hurt. In just a matter of weeks, she would leave Japan and probably never see him again. It was better that she didn't have these deep feelings for him.
In her thoughts, she didn't notice that Tamaki had finished singing and had settled next to Haruhi, excitedly asking her how he did. The extra person on the bench forced Yuri to scoot over until her she was shoulder-to-shoulder with Kyouya.
"Our turn!" the twins called out, jumping from their seats and grabbing two mics.
"We shall be singing…" Hikaru began.
"… a duet," Kaoru finished.
They posed with their mics as the song began.
Chatting with some girl as you're watching
Oh no no no
I'm showing off to make you jealous
Oh yes yes yes
My darling please, love is more exciting,
My darling please, if there are some obstacles in its way
That's our love style, our way of loving.
I need you, I want you forever.
This is our love style, thoroughly our love style.
You are mine, I'm yours forever only you, love you.
Kaoru winked at Yuri who raised an eyebrow and let out a soft giggle in amusement. Meanwhile, Kyouya frowned at this display and had to clench fists to control the urge to hit something. But as soon as Yuri turned to him with a cute smile, he felt his anger melt.
"I didn't know they could sing," she commented.
"Neither did I," he replied, his eyes softening.
"They're really good." She turned to him and, tilting her head to the side cutely, asked, "Do you sing, senpai?"
Damn it! All I can think about is how cute she is! Kyouya thought. But she really is cute, especially when she smiles like that. She should smile like that a lot more; I like it.
"Kyouya-senpai? Hello?" Yuri waved a hand over his face and he blinked, his thoughts interrupted.
Realizing that Yuri had asked him a question, he asked her to repeat it, feeling a rare flush of embarrassment.
"I asked if you could sing," she replied, lifting an eyebrow at his lack of focus. "I'm assuming it's a 'no' then?"
He shook his head. "I don't sing much," he confessed. "Music has never been my strong point."
"Oh. Okay. Just asking." She turned back to watch the twins and Kyouya followed suit, wondering if he had somehow turned her off at his confession. He knew Yuri loved music. What if she preferred a guy who shared that passion? That wasn't him! He was a man of business and intellect, not art!
Before he knew it, the twins were finished singing and the next person to take the mic was…
"Yu-chan! You next!" Hunny exclaimed.
"Um… Sure." Yuri stood up and took the microphone that Hikaru handed her. She then stared at the karaoke machine, wondering if she actually knew any of the songs on that list.
"Do you need assistance in picking a song, my daughter?" Tamaki asked.
"Er…"
"Allow me!"
Before she knew it, Tamaki was going over the songs for her and found "the perfect song" and played it. The first bars came up and Yuri breathed in relief. She recognized the song. It was one of the very few Japanese songs that she actually knew.
"Wait. Isn't this song a duet?" she realized.
"Oops," Tamaki declared, looking sheepish.
Yuri sighed. "It's fine. I can sing the guy's part."
She took a breath and sung the first lines. "Far in the light, I can see it… In every scene of the night… A tiny feather of love… I-."
Yuri almost fell over when the next lines were sung by a male voice.
"I gotta go… Destiny never finds the way for me, my love."
K-Kyouya-senpai, she thought, seeing him stand next to her, mic in hand. He winked at her.
"Even in the night I see your face, in the dark," he sung to her.
"So I never lose my way to you," she sung back, blushing lightly
"I never close my heart… The light is always there," they chorused, both smiling now. "Time goes by, we can never stay the same… Now we're come so far from love memory."
"Though your smile is gone, we will never be apart," he sung, locking eyes with her.
"In our hearts we are one, for love melody," she sung back.
"The future arrives… With your love," he finished before grinning a Cheshire-cat grin.
Their voices had blended into a beautiful harmony that surprised Yuri. She sometimes sung with Jake and their voices harmonized well but with Kyouya, it was like the perfect sound. They sounded like one. But before she could contemplate this more, his next lines came up.
"Willing to go to a place… Where you never need to cry." He brushed her hand lightly with his.
"I'll take you there," they chorused.
"Willing to find an answer… In all the winding road we have to come through." She resisted the urge to giggle. "In the heat of the summer, cold of winter, I'm here."
"So you never lose your way to me," he sung.
"Never close your heart… Your light is always here," they chorused. To her surprise, he took her hand and entwined it with his. "Time goes by… We can never stay the same… In the shades of hope, in love memory."
"Though your smile is gone, we will never be apart." She grinned at him.
"In our hearts we can hear the love melody." He grinned back.
"The future still shines, close to you." She held the note that brought pleasant chills throughout Kyouya's body as well as everybody who heard her.
She really is amazing, he thought as he watched her finally let out the giggle that she'd been holding. Her expression was a mixture of surprise, teasing, and glee.
They finished the rest of the song. The whole time, they were staring at no one else but each other. It was like it was just the two of them, standing there, singing to each other, feeling each other's words wrap around them like a cocoon. They were being brought together by the song. Closer then they had ever been. And when the last note of their blended harmony rang out, they were met with an applause that brought them out of their stupor.
"Wonderful! That was wonderful!" Tamaki practically shrieked. "Haruhi! Weren't they just fantastic?"
"Yeah, you guys did great," the brunette complimented.
"So awesome! I got it all in my camera!" Hunny piped.
Mori nodded. "Yes, it was beautiful."
"That was surprisingly pretty good," the twins said. "We didn't know you could sing senpai."
"You said you didn't sing," Yuri said to Kyouya.
The raven-head fixed his glasses. "I knew the song. It's one of Fuyumi's favorites. Besides, I like to make exceptions once in a while. You're one of the lucky few." He laughed as she flushed a scarlet-red. "Well, that was fun, I gotta admit. Who's next?"
Hunny raised his hand, jumping up and down. "Me! Me! Me!" He bounded forward and took the mic from Kyouya.
OURAN OURAN OURAN
It was almost dusk when the sleep black limousine stopped in front of the Akiyama Household after dropping off Haruhi at her apartment. Yuri unbuckled her seatbelt before grabbing her shopping bags. After much prodding from Kaoru, Yuri had ended up returning to the Department Store and buying the yellow dress. After all, it had been fifty percent off. Who wouldn't say "yes" to that? There had also been a sale on kimono sets so Yuri had decided to purchase a set for each of her team members as well as Commander Johnson and V.C. Martins. They would make great souvenirs.
"Today was fun," Yuri told everyone. "I had fun, really."
It was true. She did have a great time with the Host Club and she realized that these were one of things she would miss when she went back to America. The surprise kidnapping and dragging to random places. Though annoying at first, she really did come to enjoy them.
"So, I'll see you guys on Monday," she said, getting out of the limo.
"Good-bye my daughter."
"See ya Yuri."
"Bye Yu-chan!"
Mori nodded, flashing her a smile.
To her surprise, Kyouya followed her out. "Can I… I mean… May I walk you to the door?"
A few months ago, Yuri would have told him it wasn't necessary. But at this moment, she found herself smiling and nodding.
"Sure."
Together, they walked down the stone path and onto the front porch where Yuri fumbled in her bag for her keys. Kyouya took her shopping bags to make it easier for her and she gave him a grateful look.
"Ah, there we go!" She opened the door before turning to Kyouya, her hands held out for her bags.
"Today was fun," she repeated to him. "And… You're a great singer."
At Kyouya's blush, Yuri giggled. It was rare to see him so embarrassed. But he just looked so adorable!
"Well… I'll see you on Monday," she said, moving to enter the house.
"Uh, Yuri?"
She turned back to him. "Yes?"
He simply looked at her before bowing. "Good night."
She smiled. "Good night, senpai."
He turned around and walked away. Yuri watched as he turned to wave at her one last time before entering the limousine and it drove away. The young girl started at it until it disappeared around the corner.
Sighing loudly for a reason yet unknown to her, Yuri entered the house and shut the door.
To Be Continued…
A/N: Songs used are "Guilty Beauty Love," Tamaki's character theme (I used the English lyrics made my Vic Mignogna), "Bokura no Love Style," the twins' character song (I used the direct translation), and "Yume no Tsubasa" from Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles (I used the lyrics to the English version because the direct translation didn't make sense while I was writing who was singing which line and I wanted it to flow just like the song).
A/N: Hope you all enjoyed that! Next chapter might take some time, mostly because it has a lot of action going on, but I'm not gonna say what. Let's just say this fic is taking a turn. But it will still be a while until the end so hang on!
And I just want to say a huge thank you to all of you for your patience and loyalty to this fic, despite my procrastination and lack of update. I couldn't have done all this without you! Aishiteru!