Bewitched
Author: Krys Yuy
Summary: AU. Due to a chance encounter, Usagi is drawn to the mystery surrounding the anti-social twins at her new school. But the strength of her attachment is the last thing anyone expects.
Pairing/Characters: Usagi/? Hitachiin (Ouran Koukou Host Club)
Warning: Spoilers for Ouran if you haven't seen/read it, especially with the twins.
Rating: PG/K+
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters used. This fic is purely for entertainment purposes only.
Author's Notes: Seriously guys, this thing is growing. I don't even know why, but I don't want to question a good thing. Lol. The story jumps are a bit in the style of Part 1, as in, it probably feels disjointed again. I need to work on my transitions, I know. Anyways, three Sailor Moon characters are introduced – the first two are still undisclosed by chapter's end, but the third one is revealed. I'm sure you'll all be surprised as to who it is. As for the first two, I'd love to hear your guesses. The first may not be who you think, and the second – well, I'll see what you have to say. Also, these three are not cameos. They will return in some capacity in further chapters, and more Sailor Moon characters will make appearances. Please look forward to it. And thanks to the reviewers from Part 2 (Hoshiko Megami, Patricia16, Moumaphet, Serenity Komoshiro, Hyper Bunny16, HTchime, ally0212, Queen Momoko, Green.on.Black) – it's because of you that I got this out sooner rather than later. Now, please read, review, and enjoy the story.
Part 3: Volatile
"Tsukino-san, welcome back."
Usagi blushed and ducked her head as Kyoya approached her when she walked into the familiar surroundings of Music Room 3. "Good afternoon, Kyoya-senpai." She smiled nervously. "It's been awhile, hasn't it?"
"A little less than three months." He took out his notebook and readied his pen. "Can I safely assume you'd like an appointment with the Hitachiin twins?"
Her cheeks burned brighter. "I'm not exactly sure…" More like not exactly ready. She sighed inwardly.
"Understood." He nodded, and began to scribble something. "Haruhi it is, then."
He really did know everything. "Thank you. When is his next available time?" she asked politely.
"Actually, he's available right now." Kyoya snapped his notebook closed and gave her a charming smile. "Shall I escort you to his table?"
His expression was pleasant enough, but she couldn't help but wonder how a real, genuine smile would transform his face. But she didn't dare voice her opinion. Instead, she simply replied, "Yes, please."
He bowed and held out his arm in Haruhi's general direction, a gesture for her to go ahead of him. She could see her friend pouring himself a new cup of tea. Usagi started to head towards him, and watched out of the corner of her eye as Kyoya fell in step with her. "How have you been, senpai?" she asked, honestly curious.
"Quite well, thank you," he replied smoothly. She was sure the rich tone to his voice could persuade any girl to do as he asked. "Just busy handling Tamaki, as is the norm."
She laughed. "At least it's never boring, right?"
The hint of a real smile on his lips surprised her. Yes, she thought, if that's any indication, a full-blown smile would definitely give his fans something to squeal about.
"That's true," Kyoya agreed. They came to a stop at Haruhi's table. Before her friend could utter a greeting, Kyoya pulled out an empty chair for her to sit in. Once she did, he adjusted it for her and said, "I hope you make another appointment before you leave, Tsukino-san. Your presence has been sorely missed." He smiled again, with just a hint of something more, before he left to go take care of his own clients.
"That's strange," Haruhi mused, pouring another cup of tea, which he then offered to her. "I've never heard him say that before."
"He's just being nice," Usagi replied dismissively, taking the delicate teacup in her hands. She was all too aware of the Shadow King's reputation. Having been hosted by him for over a week also gave her some insight into his character. "Anything to keep the girls coming back for more."
"I suppose…" Haruhi shook his head, apparently dropping the subject, and turned to Usagi with a grin. "So, are you done with that art project you were telling me about at lunch yesterday?"
She scrunched up her nose. "Not even close."
"Isn't it due before winter break?" Haruhi asked. He set aside some chocolates on one of the club's delicate china plates before handing it over to her. "That only gives you around two weeks."
"Don't remind me – I still don't know what my piece is going to be!" She started fiddling with her right pigtail in thought. But then she froze as an arm came to wrap around her from either side and she felt as well as heard the two breathy whispers in her ear.
"Why don't you draw us?"
She bravely held in her scream and settled for turning an interesting shade of red.
"Aww, how cute. She's blushing, Kaoru," said the voice to her right. A hand brushed lightly against her cheek.
"Well, as we know, it's every girl's fantasy, Hikaru," replied the voice to her left. Another hand tickled the hairs at the back of her neck.
Usagi could have sworn she heard Haruhi snort behind his teacup, but she was too busy trying not to melt to be sure. Now she understood why the twins were insanely popular among the female populace at Ouran. While she had watched them act during her brief visits to the club at the beginning of the semester, she had never truly comprehended the appeal. Even when she had an up-close performance yesterday at lunch, all she could do was laugh. She still wasn't sure what made their brotherly love act so great, but if the girls were imagining being in the middle of them?
I think I might faint. She gulped, blinking rapidly. They acted nothing like they had in junior high. They were never this touchy-feely! She just knew they were smirking, even if she couldn't see it. While she was glad to know they were having fun, wasn't this going a bit too far…?
"Ease up before you give her a heart attack." Haruhi's voice cut through the fog in her brain, and she was never more grateful to have her friend present. "And don't be so rude. We were talking, y'know."
"You're no fun," Hikaru said in a petulant tone, but Usagi felt more than heard it as he pulled away from her right cheek.
"Besides –" Kaoru's breath smelled like mint. "We were joining in on the conversation, not interrupting it." He, too, was easing away, giving her breathing room.
"We were helping," Hikaru pointed out. "Drawing us will totally give her a guaranteed A."
Usagi was very aware that while they had moved away somewhat, their arms were still wrapped around her shoulders. For brothers who used to stay in their own world, they sure like to touch other people a lot. Hikaru's comment made her want to roll her eyes – she shared a wryly-amused glance with Haruhi. Still, what they suggested did perk up her creative side.
"Would you really let me draw you?" she asked, glancing side to side so she could see both twins. She wanted to be sure this wasn't one of their infamous pranks.
Hikaru made an airy gesture, obviously consenting. Kaoru mirrored him perfectly. "We offered, didn't we?" they said in unison. "Just don't mess up."
She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "I'll try not to."
"Do you need us to pose?" Kaoru asked, coming around the table to wrap his arms around Hikaru's neck from behind.
Hikaru placed his hands over his brother's. "'Cause we'll be more than happy to," he added, his tone more than suggestive.
Their smoldering looks went completely over her head – she was just glad they had given her space. "No, actually. I'll bring my sketchbook next time, and just draw some samples while you host," she said, musing over what medium would be best. Pencil? Ink? "Is that okay?" Her eyes darted to Kyoya.
Haruhi gave her a reassuring smile. "That shouldn't be a problem at all."
The composition was already forming in her head. "This just might work," she said, pleased.
Then she blinked, realizing two pairs of cat-like eyes were staring at her from below. The twins had moved from their spot to her right to kneel on either side of her feet. They each took hold of one hand and squeezed lightly. "We're glad to be of service," they said in unison. Their position seemed submissive, but the pure mischief in their expressions said the opposite.
Usagi hung her head with a sigh. This isn't going to be very simple, is it?
–
"Kou-san called me today."
Usagi winced, pausing mid-way up the staircase, her plan to sneak into her room foiled. She turned slowly and looked down at the serious figure standing at the base of the stairs. "Hello, Grandfather."
He was a tall man at six feet with broad shoulders. His grey hair, glimpses of white peeking out here and there, was combed back perfectly, adding to the already polished image of him in a pinstriped Armani suit. Aging had left him with more than a few wrinkles, but even at a mere glance, one could not disagree that he was once a handsome youth. There was also no question as to where Usagi had inherited her blue eyes. But where hers would often sparkle with laughter, his were used to settling in a stern countenance. Both hands rested atop the twisted silver knob of a black cane, completing his imposing look.
Usagi didn't dare say anything else. His lips were pursed in such a way that she knew he was displeased. "She told me you didn't attend your lessons today." Even the distance between them did nothing to lessen the intensity of his gaze. "Care to explain why?"
"I'm sorry. I got caught up in other things." It was true. So distracted was she by the Host Club, and later talking to Haruhi, that she had forgotten about her after-school sessions. "Besides, Grandfather, you know that I'm hopeless at dancing. It's like I have two left feet." She frowned, looking down at her shoes.
"That is what practice is for." He began walking up the stairs and laid a hand on her shoulder, causing her to look up at him. "If you don't want to embarrass yourself at the gala event in a month, you have to continue your lessons with Kou-san. I assure you, there will be ballroom dancing among other things."
"No one will ask me to dance," Usagi replied, already dreading the party her grandfather was to host.
"Don't be so naïve, child," he said, his voice quiet yet reprimanding all the same. "This isn't just a New Year's party I'm holding for members of my country club. It's one of the annual balls that the elite attend to mingle and network." His gaze turned into an unreadable stare and Usagi felt as if the weight of the world was being passed on to her. "This is your unofficial debut into upper class society. Every lesson you've attended, every sacrifice you've made, has been for this. To show the world who you are, and that the Silver Millennium will be left in capable hands, even after an old fool like me is gone."
"Grandfather…" Usagi wanted to scream. She never asked for this! She never asked for the responsibility of carrying on a legacy that she hadn't known she had until a year ago. "I –"
"Usagi." This time his tone was softer as if he understood her internal dilemma. "Life never asks of us what it thinks you can't handle."
She bowed her head, biting back a sigh. She steadied herself before she replied, "Well, life obviously isn't aware of what a natural klutz I am." His hand on her shoulder reminded her of where she was now, as opposed to the girl whose biggest problem used to be having enough money for the Crown Arcade. It seemed like a lifetime ago. "But I will do my best to make you proud."
She touched his hand gently and it fell away as she turned and continued back up the stairs. She could feel her grandfather staring at her back, and she wished they could have met under better circumstances. She wished he would tell her about her birth mother. She wished he would give her more time.
She wished for a lot of things.
"There won't be a young man that night who won't want to dance with the most beautiful girl in the room."
Usagi stopped short on the second floor landing. Did he–? She turned around, but her grandfather was already walking back down the stairs. A smile slowly spread across her face.
–
"Usagi, I feel like I haven't seen you all week except for class. Where have you been?" Minako demanded, grabbing her friend's arm before she could escape out the door.
The sixth period bell had rung, signaling the end of classes for the day. The teacher and their other classmates were already filing out past them. "After-school lessons," she replied with a sigh.
"I was going to give you a chance to confess, but it looks like I'll have to drag it out of you." Minako's eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms. "You've been going to the Host Club without me!"
Usagi knew her face gave her away. She didn't even say anything before Minako closed in on her.
"Why didn't you tell me? Traitor!" Minako huffed and began putting her homework away in her book bag.
"Minako-chan, you know it's not like that." She gestured helplessly. "Besides, I promised Haruhi-kun I would visit him at least once."
Minako's eyes widened and her mouth formed a small 'o'. "You like Haruhi-kun?" she exclaimed.
Usagi slapped her own forehead, groaning. "Gah, stop jumping to conclusions!"
"What else am I supposed to think?" her blonde friend replied with a shrug.
"He's a friend!" she protested. "Besides…" Usagi thought of impish smiles and amber gazes.
A certain gleam entered her best friend's eye as she leaned in close, hands on either side of her desk. "Besides?" Minako repeated in an eager voice.
Usagi cleared her throat. "It's nothing." She really was horrible at lying if the disbelief on Minako's face said anything. "I really have to get going…"
Minako ran and blocked the exit to the classroom. Everyone else had left except her, Usagi, and Ami. "You're not getting away that easily." She held out her arms and glared. "You are giving me all the juicy details, lady."
Usagi sighed. "I really can't be late. Grandfather will definitely give me yet another lecture if he finds out – " Especially after I accidentally forgot to go on Tuesday. "– and he keeps pretty close tabs on everything."
Minako gave her a skeptical look and Usagi persisted. "I really do have lessons today. Next time I go to the host club, we'll go together, okay?" She tugged the red bow in her friend's hair playfully. "Minako-chan…"
Her friend gave a loud, exaggerated sigh. "Oh, all right. But don't think I won't figure it out." She shook her finger in her face.
"Okay, okay." Usagi let out a small giggle, shaking her head. "I'll see you later." She started out the door once Minako moved, and waved to her other friend as she left. "You, too, Ami-chan!"
Ami, who had silently packed away her things as her boisterous friends chattered, turned to Minako with an admonishing look. "You really shouldn't pester her like that."
"If I didn't, then we wouldn't have figured out she has a crush on someone!" Minako pumped her fist in the air. "We just need to find out who it is, and then fan the flames of love!"
–
Usagi was happy. The past couple of weeks had gone by in a blur. Every other day, when she didn't have lessons after school, her afternoons were filled with tea and conversation and seven gorgeous guys, all of whom she had come to like immensely.
While she tried to rotate between all of them, the twins often captured her for themselves, displaying their skills. She wasn't completely oblivious to what they were trying to do. They wanted to see how far they could go with her. But other than pulling the occasional prank – did they really have to secretly tell the staff to give her extra-deluxe spicy curry? – and breaking the boundaries of personal space – sometimes she was sure her face would become permanently red – there wasn't anything that would prompt her to give in.
But that was the other problem. She wasn't really sure what they expected her to give in to. Whatever the twins had planned for her must not have come to fruition, as their attentions, when not on Haruhi, were focused on her. They knew she wasn't immune to them double-teaming her, but they also knew she had nothing but amusement for their brotherly love act. It was like they were testing her. She had the uncomfortable suspicion that she was their new toy.
She was waiting for the other shoe to drop, but at the same time, she took everything they did in stride. But what made her feel guilty was the fact that she was enjoying their attention. No matter how calculated each move they made was. It seemed selfish, and she remembered the days when all she would do is watch them from afar. But then she had her wake-up call in the host club of all places.
Usagi didn't know whether to be thankful or upset that the twins didn't remember the incident.
It was embarrassing to recall how much her first months at Ouran had revolved around them without their knowledge. They didn't know it was all those hours of observation and study that had granted her the ability to tell them apart, unlike Haruhi. Her friend had apparently been able to distinguish them from the beginning.
Kaoru had asked her how she knew who he was. She had told him she just knew, but it wasn't that simple. It was in the way he moved, the way he spoke… the way his eyes had revealed everything before closing off completely.
And she had been reminded again of why she pursued the twins in the first place. There was something drawing her to them – an urge to help, to heal. Though she still didn't quite know how to act around them. When she was comfortable enough, she could laugh and joke and more often than not, just be herself. But when she was them, it was also like she was more sensitively aware of her surroundings. It was something almost easily ignored if she put her mind to it. Because she was usually sketching them for her art project, she had an easy distraction and excuse to help her.
However, aside from her conflicted feelings over the twins, the current change in her social situation was welcome. She had fallen into a routine that made her constricting life more worthwhile. She wasn't suffocating anymore – she could breathe and smile and laugh without forcing herself.
She wondered how long it would last.
–
"This is a beautiful piece of work, Tsukino-san."
Usagi shyly ducked her head. "Thank you, sensei."
Her art teacher was a young man in his late twenties, cropped blonde hair and blue eyes that made his female students – and a few select male ones – swoon. Had she never had the fateful encounter her first day at Ouran, the probability of her crushing on him was high. Not only was he gorgeous, but there was also a chivalrous aura about him. He was able to critique without her wanting to cringe in anticipation. She valued his opinion, so when he told her what to work on, she took his advice seriously. Art was one of the few subjects she exceeded at naturally, and so, she paid careful attention. His praise, however, was rarely given unless the student truly deserved it.
And so, Usagi was trying her best to contain both her glee and embarrassment.
"How did you come up with this composition?" He leaned in towards the easel to get a better look at the detail in her work. "It's very simple in design, but the colors… it lends itself to the somewhat haunting feel." For a moment, he looked as if he would touch the surface but pulled back, remembering himself.
"I had a hard time deciding what to do," she confessed. "Because you said we had the freedom to do whatever we chose, I had even more trouble with so many options available to me." Her eyes trailed over the inky black of the canvas and up into the section that steadily turned into a midnight blue. "Then someone gave me an idea. Looking back, I wonder why I hadn't thought of it before."
"It's obviously something you care about deeply."
Her gaze snapped to her teacher, but he was still studying her work with an appreciative eye. "Why do you say that?"
"The detail…" His fingertips followed the path of the twinkling stars hovering in the night sky. "… in the background… One can see how much care you put into making each star glitter. And the sky isn't just black. There are shades of blues and purples towards the top, very subtle. Even on your cliff here…" The path of his fingers jumped and moved downwards, across the stretch of land that was almost barely visible in the right corner. "… you paid a lot of attention to making the flowers just… right."
He turned to her with a grin. "But do night-blooming cereus actually grow on cliffs?" He pointed at the large flower with white petals, a stark contrast to the black background.
"Ah, umm, no, I don't think so," she replied sheepishly. "I just wanted to draw flowers, or in this case, technically cacti, that bloomed at night."
"I'm happy to see you flowing with your creativity," he commented, turning back to her piece. "Art isn't meant to be logical. It's meant to evoke emotion…" He made a tapping motion over the area where her subjects were positioned on the cliff. "Your decision to give your subjects less detail serves well as a contrast. Even with their hair covering their eyes, their body language betrays them as does the shape of their mouths." He eyed the two figures with hair of dark ash and reddish brown. "Did you have models?"
"Yes," she answered quietly. "But they didn't pose for me. I sketched them while they were talking." She recalled her afternoons at the host club, taking in the conversations around her, giving her opinion now and then, but ultimately focusing on the two light-haired brunettes with penchants for trouble. "And when I finally sat down to draw a preliminary sketch, I found myself drawing them like this."
"Symbolic of how you see them?" It was asked gently, as if he didn't want to tread on fragile ground.
"I… suppose," she answered hesitantly.
"This figure here." He pointed to the form, obviously a woman, painted slightly off-center to the upper-left corner. "The way he reaches towards her, while his twin doesn't… there's a hesitation in his actions."
Usagi wanted to stop him there, tell him what her intent had truly been, but her teacher shocked her with his next words.
He nodded. "I'd like to enter your painting into the spring art gallery this coming semester."
"Are you serious?" she asked, the first words that popped into her mouth.
"Yes," he replied with a chuckle. He absent-mindedly fingered the signature stone he wore around his neck, which was placed on a delicate silver chain. "I'm confident it'll be quite a hit."
"If you… if you think I really deserve it," she said, turning from him to her painting. It might have revealed more than she would have liked about herself, but her teacher didn't seem to notice. The true message of the piece lay in the figure floating in the sky.
I wonder… will they catch her? Or let her fall?
–
"Stay away from them."
Usagi paused just before the exit of the garden maze. "Pardon?" She turned and was faced with three third-year girls she recognized from Class B. "Can I help you, Senpai?"
"Stay away from the Hitachiin brothers," said the girl with long wavy hair. She was obviously the leader of the group – she held herself with the confidence and poise of someone used to getting what she wanted. And, with those cold eyes, Usagi figured few dared to cross her.
She really hated bullies. "We're friends," she stated simply. "Not that it's any of your business." She turned to walk away, but found her way blocked by the two lackeys and rolled her eyes. "This is ridiculous."
The elder student started to talk as if Usagi hadn't said a word. "You see, as president of their fan club, I make them my business. And you?" She sniffed disdainfully. "Are nothing but trouble. We know you're trying to steal them away."
"They're my friends," Usagi repeated with a frown, hating how the redhead was staring down at her.
"You think just because they're gracing you with their attention that now you're friends?" She laughed, a shrill, high-pitched sound that made everyone but her wince. "Oh, you poor little thing." Usagi stood very still as the older girl came close to inspect a few locks of her blonde hair. "They'll tire of you soon enough."
"Then why go to all the trouble of threatening me?" she snapped, smacking the girl's hand away.
The redhead wiped the hand Usagi slapped with a handkerchief one of her peons held out automatically. "You look like the type that won't listen to reason. We thought a more direct approach would work," she replied airily. "And here we are, with you refusing to do what's best for everyone."
Usagi was getting tired of the nonsense she was spouting off. "Break is almost over, senpai. I have to get back to class."
The redhead looked nowhere near done, but a voice cut through their argument.
"Usagi-chan! Sorry I couldn't meet you at the gazebo today," Minako said in a rush, coming to a stop beside her friend. She glanced at the older student curiously. "Emerald-senpai? What are you doing?"
Emerald, president of the Hitachiin Fan Club and secretary of the Drama Club, gave a low giggle, unlike her splitting laugh minutes before. "I just ran into your friend here, and decided to say hi. After all, you talk about her and your other friend so much at practice that it felt rude not to." She flipped her hair over her shoulder and snapped her fingers. "Come on, girls. We have other places to be." She threw one last haughty expression Usagi's way before strutting off, her followers trailing behind.
"Wow. What did you do to make her so angry?" Minako asked, curious eyes following the redhead's retreat.
Usagi's frown deepened as she starting walking in the other direction, Minako in step next to her. "Absolutely nothing." She stared straight ahead, unable to forget Emerald's words. "Sometimes I really hate Ouran."
"Ignore her. She's not exactly known for her charming attitude at the club." Minako patted her friend's shoulder before looping her arms through hers. "There's going to be people like that wherever you go. Trust me. I'm in the entertainment business. I know these things."
"Yeah, I guess." Usagi squeezed the blonde close and attempted a smile. "It's just hard sometimes, y'know?"
"Trying to fit in with stuck-up socialites can lead to more than a few white hairs." Minako shuddered, patting her golden locks protectively. "That's why I choose not to care what people think of me."
She sighed. "I miss Juuban." And Naru-chan. And Motoki-kun. Maybe even Umi- okay, maybe not Umino so much. One side of her mouth quirked up. Then there's– Usagi blinked as Minako knocked on the side of her head.
"Hello?" her friend called out. "Is anyone in there?"
"Hmm?" Usagi entered the school building with Minako, thoughts of blue eyes and black hair fading away to a secret corner in her head.
"Come on, you should be more excited!" Minako poked her friend's shoulder several times before Usagi batted her fingers away with an exasperated laugh. "It's the last day of school! Winter break starts the end of today!"
"I promise I'll be more excited when the math final is over." She grinned when Minako stuck out her tongue.
"Don't remind me!"
"Hey, are you coming to my grandfather's New Year's Party?" Usagi asked as they approached their classroom.
"Oh yeah, my mom told me it was being held at your place this year." Minako flashed her a victory sign. "I'm definitely going – all the hot young studs will be there. Probably even Tamaki-senpai!"
Usagi suddenly felt a little faint, having not considered the possibility that the host club could be attending. "That's… great," she said. It wasn't that she wouldn't be happy to see them. It was more the fact they would be witness to her falling flat on her face.
Minako let go of her arm and bounced into the classroom. "Winter break, here we come!"
Usagi followed, cheering weakly. "Whoo-hoo."
–
As the waltz music drifted in her ears, her head tapping to the beat, Usagi imagined herself stepping on her partner's toes. She sighed, hanging her head and poking at her unfinished bento.
There's no way I can go to the club today. I have to practice.
Usagi nearly shrieked in surprise when someone touched the back of her neck, sliding his fingers across her shoulder and down her right arm before taking a seat across from her in the rose-covered gazebo. Kaoru's face was contorted in a wince as he rubbed his ears.
"Wow, you have quite a set of lungs."
Usagi flushed a bright red when she realized who it was. "Kaoru-san, what are you doing here?"
"Apparently, going deaf." Her cheeks grew even warmer and he grinned. "I saw you walk into the garden and thought this would be the perfect chance to get to know you better outside the club. You're never around at lunch anymore, not since a few weeks ago."
"I've been practicing," she replied simply, taking the headphones out of her ears and stopping her iPod.
"For what?" Kaoru tried to take a peek at what she had been listening to, but she quickly turned it off and he pouted.
"It's nothing important." She was unwilling to divulge the secret of her clumsy rhythm and helplessness at formal dancing. Listening to the waltz music she had borrowed from her teacher was helping, but listening and trying to get her feet to work at the same time was a whole different story. "Besides…"
"Oh, you poor little thing."
It was her turn to gaze at him. "What are you really here for?"
She saw his lips twitch before they settled in a mock-frown. "You don't believe me, Usagi-chan?" It was the first time he added the intimate suffix to her first name, and she tried her best to ignore the little thrill it sent down her spine. "I do want to get to know you." She could almost believe him, but experience taught her to tread lightly. "After all, a friend of Haruhi's should be a friend of ours, right?"
Usagi eyed him warily, and looked around when she saw he was truly by himself. "And where is Hikaru-san…?"
Kaoru's eyes flashed briefly before he adopted a bored expression. She frowned. "Where else?" he replied. "Attending to our cute little Haruhi."
Was he jealous? Usagi entertained the idea for a moment before discarding it. It wasn't something as simple as jealousy. "I take it they're good friends then," she commented.
"Yes, we all are." Kaoru seemed to be in another world entirely, so she was surprised when he asked, "What do you think about him?"
"Haruhi-kun?" At Kaoru's nod, Usagi took a moment's pause before she answered, "He's sweet. And kind. I value his advice, but some of what he says…" She shook her head. "Well, he can be a little blunt." Kaoru coughed, and Usagi returned the small grin he gave her in agreement. "He's a very precious friend, though."
"Do you like him?"
Why do people keep assuming that? Usagi's peaceful smile dropped as she blushed. "No," she said, flustered. "Haruhi-kun is – like I said, he's my friend."
Kaoru looked to be eyeing her with a purpose – she could practically see the gears turning in his head. "So, what is your type then, Miss Tsukino?" he asked, and she could hear the teasing in his voice.
"So it's Miss Tsukino now, is it?" She laughed lightly at the playful smirk he sent her way, all the while ignoring the butterflies in her stomach. How on earth was she supposed to answer his question? And while it would normally be considered presumptuous, Usagi found she didn't mind it so much coming from him, though she was still understandably embarrassed. "I don't really have a type."
Kaoru was silent, watching her for a few moments, before he sing-songed, "You're lying." It was such a contrast to the way he had said it to her in the cafeteria just a few weeks ago – has it only been that long? She vaguely wondered how they had gotten to this point in time. How fate suddenly had her sitting across from the boy she had been unable to stop thinking about since her first day at Ouran.
"Maybe I am," she replied finally, hoping she could successfully dodge his question. "But how do you know?"
For a second, she thought he was going to use the same words she had used to answer him before.
"I just… knew."
But, with an indescribable expression, he answered, "Your eyes."
Her hands automatically went up to touch her face. "My… eyes?" she repeated, puzzled.
"The eyes are the windows to the soul," he said quietly. There was a silky sort of feel to his voice then, and she shivered. "Or so they say." He reached towards her and Usagi could only watch in a sort of muted fascination as he took the hand she held up to her face, slowly bringing it down to the stone table. It was trapped between his two hands as he began to stroke her knuckles. "I have never met someone who embodied that saying more perfectly than you."
A slow, lazy smirk graced his handsome features, and Usagi's breath caught in her throat. "Miss Tsukino."
She was caught in his carefully woven spell, only peripherally aware that he was tugging her hand to get her to lean across the table. He met her halfway. Not a word was spoken, as if that would ruin the moment, but when he tilted her chin and pulled her impossibly closer, a mere breath away, she whispered, "What are you doing?"
His eyes were half-lidded and his voice husky, and Usagi knew something wasn't quite right when he answered, "Seeing what you think of me."
But she still drowned anyway when he pulled her in for a bruising kiss.