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: This will probably be the only time you see updates so close together. I realize the last chapter wasn't particularly exciting, and could be considered filler (though in actuality, it is extremely important for Usagi's character), but I hope I more than made up for it here. This is the long awaited gala event that I referenced in earlier chapters. Consider this a Christmas present of sorts. And if you like the idea of Kyoya/Ami, be sure to check out my one-shot, Christmas with You. Especially if you want a happy ending because if the ending tone of the last chapter bothered you, umm… let's just say you won't get much closure at the end of this one, either. Sorry? And a quick note: "Natsumi" is not just some random alias I use for Haruhi - the twins actually use that name in Volume 6 during the festival arc when Renge sees Haruhi in a dress. They tell her Haruhi is "Natsumi", Haruhi's cousin.
This chapter is dedicated to the reviewers from Part 5 (MoonBunny777, LoverofEdwardCullen, JiaeR, Shadowchild89, Angry Girl, YukiSukinomotoChan, Cosmic Slytherin, Lilaclight, ally0212, Hoshiko Megami, Alycee Lanet, steel_149, Hyper Bunny16, Sunshine Fia, HTchime, Moumaphet) – your reviews spurred me on, guys. Thank you so much for taking the time to review – I appreciate it so much. Now, please read, review, and enjoy the story. And happy holidays!
Part 6: Want
"Kaoru, stop fidgeting." A beautiful woman with short-cropped hair scolded him as she adjusted his outfit.
"Mother, I'm perfectly capable of dressing myself," Kaoru replied, rolling his eyes as he pulled at his diamond cuff links.
Hitachiin Yuzuha roved a critical eye over her son's ensemble. She looked every inch the president of a famous designer brand with her elegant formal gown, colored deep crimson. Her back was bared and the neckline plunged dangerously, drawing attention to the long string of pearls she wore around her neck. Her right hand held a clutch purse that matched the color of her dress and high heels.
Kaoru, meanwhile, was dressed as one would expect a designer's son to dress. His black tuxedo flattered his figure, cut to accentuate his lean shoulders. Underneath his black jacket he wore a vest of burnt orange with a thin vertical pattern and five matching orange buttons. Completing his ensemble was a silk orange and black striped necktie and a folded dark orange pocket square inserted into the left pocket of his jacket.
Hikaru matched his style perfectly, except midnight blue replaced the burnt orange. Hikaru adjusted his tie in the full length mirror of their shared room, only half listening as their mother fussed over Kaoru.
"I know you are, sweetheart," Yuzuha placated her younger son absentmindedly, patting his cheek as her other hand brushed imaginary lint off his shoulders. "I only want to make sure my darling son is as handsome as can be tonight."
"There's nothing to worry about, Mom," Hikaru said, coming up to stand next to them. Yuzuha's attention just switched to him and she fixed the tie he had already adjusted. He rolled his eyes but didn't complain. "You taught us well."
Yuzuha smoothed down his cheek. "I did, didn't I?" She placed a hand on either of their shoulders and pushed them together so they stood side by side. She stepped back to give her sons a once over. "You two are so handsome." She smiled as her twins grinned at her. "I love the hairstyle you chose." She inspected their combed hair appraisingly, liking how their bangs fell just right. "No bangs part, though?"
"No, no bangs part," Hikaru replied with a sly grin. "Kaoru and I think it will make the party –"
"– a bit more interesting," Kaoru finished, putting on his best innocent face.
Yuzuha knew better, quickly recognizing the mischievous gleams in her sons' eyes. "'Interesting', you say?" She raised a delicately plucked eyebrow. "Why do I hear all sorts of implications in that one little word?"
"Because you know us so well," Kaoru said, already knowing that wasn't quite true. Still, both twins loved their mother very much, and while she couldn't tell them apart visually, they knew she knew their separate personalities and hobbies.
Hikaru slung an arm around his brother's shoulder. "Our brand of interesting is so much more fun, anyway," he commented.
"Just try not to break anything, dears," Yuzuha replied after a moment, shaking her head with a fond smile. Her twins were often impish, but they could charm their way out of any situation. She supposed they got that from her.
"Of course, mother," they replied. Their devilish smirks had her rolling her eyes, but she just shook head with a laugh.
"Now…" She walked over to their dresser, put down her clutch, and opened two of the three boxes she had placed there earlier. "… for the final touch."
"Final touch?" they echoed.
Yuzuha turned back towards them, revealing the two velvet masks she held in either hand. The one in her right was black with a burnt orange design of swirls and curves plus glitter sprinkled in strategic areas. The few mini stones of amber dotting the mask would serve to draw attention to the eyes. Strips of dark orange ribbon were placed on either end of the mask so that the wearer could tie it at the back of his head.
In her left hand, Yuzuha held a midnight blue mask with a silver design flowing around the edges and across the bridge of the nose. What looked like sparks of glitter decorated the ends. Diamonds and sapphires were arranged beneath each eye hole so as to look like shining tears. The ribbons on this mask were colored a deep blue. Once worn, both masks would cover the upper half of the face – the nose and up.
Kaoru admired them appreciatively, reaching out to take the black and orange one. "These are gorgeous," he breathed out, tracing the design delicately.
"Mom, what are these for?" Hikaru asked, taking the blue and silver mask in his hands.
"Didn't you know?" Yuzuha opened and reached into the last box on the twins' dresser.
Hikaru examined the fine craftsmanship of the blue velvet mask curiously, while Kaoru did the same to his own. "Know what?" they asked.
Yuzuha lifted her own ruby and gold inlaid mask to her face with a playful smile, and her expression left no doubt as to where the twins got their mischievous nature. "It's a masquerade ball."
–
"You look beautiful, Haruhi."
"Hmm?" Haruhi looked up at Kaoru's compliment. "Oh, thanks, I guess." She tugged at the sides of her dress uncomfortably. "You don't think someone will recognize me?"
Kaoru admired the simple formal gown that fell right at Haruhi's ankles, so one could see the matching high heels with straps. There was a delicate swirling stitching along the hem. The dress was mostly lavender but the nearer to the bottom, the lighter the color got. Her arms and neck were bare of any jewelry, but she did have two diamond studs in her ears. The crowning piece of her outfit was the brown wig that fell into soft curls past her shoulders. Her bangs swept across her forehead, giving it a feathery look.
Hikaru eyed her appreciatively. "Trust us, no one is going to recognize you."
Kaoru thought of the blonde who had managed to sneak into his thoughts all throughout winter break. "Well, maybe Usagi," he said quietly.
"That's true, but… does it really matter?" Haruhi asked, shrugging. "Usagi can keep a secret."
"Well, maybe she won't have to. You'll also be wearing this after all," Hikaru added, opening the box he held in his lap. He took out a lavender mask and held it out to her. "You better tie it before we arrive at the Ginzuishou estate."
Haruhi gently took it in her hands, looking at the fine lines of glitter decorating the surface. Small stones of amethyst added the fairy-like touch. "Beautiful," she whispered. She put it on and tied the purple ribbons at the back of her head. However, as they weren't at the party yet, she moved it just above her forehead, mirroring what the twins had done with their own masks.
"Your mother thought of everything, didn't she?" Haruhi commented, touching her mask and then her dress.
"She's not a Hitachiin for nothing," Hikaru replied, grinning.
Haruhi returned his grin with a small one of her own. "Why did she take a separate car with your father?" she asked.
Kaoru shrugged, looking out the window. "Our parents have their schedules, we have ours," he replied. With his eyes still on the scenery, he noticed right away when the Ginzuishou estate came into view as their car crawled up the hill.
"It's nothing, I know. Don't worry about it."
His right hand curled into a fist as he recalled his most recent visit to the estate. Her cheery smile flashed in his head, but there was a hollowness to it. He remembered how she couldn't quite look at him.
"It's fine. We're friends, right? I'm glad."
The memory of the look on her face reminded him of how horrible he felt afterward. He knew she wanted something from him. Defining that 'something', however, was not easily done. Did she want him for him? Or was she seeking some kind of high school fling? Usagi was a romantic, after all. She could be the answer to his prayers or just one more item on a long list of disappointments. She was the enigma of his life.
"We're here," Hikaru announced. He reached over Haruhi to pinch Kaoru in the shoulder. "Hey, are you with us?"
Kaoru shot him an annoyed look, rubbing the spot Hikaru pinched. "Yeah, I'm here."
"Come on, you guys." Haruhi sighed, pulling her mask down over her eyes. "Let's go."
Kaoru just then noticed their driver had opened the door on his side. "Right. Sorry," he said. He pulled his black and orange mask down as he got out of the car. He held out his hand for Haruhi to take, and he guided her out as well.
Hikaru followed soon after. He pulled down his own blue and silver mask as he took in the sight of the massive mansion. The entire building was decorated with lights and garlands of silver and gold. The pathway leading up to the large cherry wood front door was lined with lanterns hung on poles planted in the ground.
"The place looks all decked out," he commented as their driver pulled away.
Kaoru and Hikaru each took one of Haruhi's arms as they joined the procession leading into the mansion. Masks of varying shapes and colors could be seen among the men and women in their elegant formal wear. As they climbed the steps and made their way into the giant entry hall, Kaoru found his eyes wandering.
"Looking for Usagi?"
Kaoru jerked, looking down at Haruhi's knowing face. "Wha-? No!" he scoffed.
Hikaru looked disinterested even as he commented, "I don't know how you'd find her anyway with everyone wearing masks."
"I think her long flowing blonde hair would be a dead give-away," Kaoru replied, snorting.
"Flowing?" Haruhi repeated with a smile.
"Flowing?" Hikaru parroted, nose scrunching up. He stared at his brother in disbelief.
Kaoru hid his wince. "What?" he asked, acting clueless. "It does, y'know… flow." He made a swift motion over and past his head, suggesting long locks of hair.
Haruhi laughed while Hikaru grumbled under his breath.
"Isn't that Usagi over there?" Haruhi pointed to a girl who had her back to them. Her long blonde hair reached her waist. There were dozens of gold ribbons entwined in her locks. She was talking to another girl with cropped hair that shone blue under the light of the chandeliers.
The trio walked over to her. "Usagi-chan?" Haruhi said, tapping the girl on the shoulder. The girl turned around and Haruhi immediately bowed in apology. "Oh, I'm sorry, Aino-san! We thought you were Usagi-chan."
The pretty actress tilted her head, confused. "I don't think we've been acquainted. I'm sorry," she replied.
Haruhi backpedaled, remembering her outfit and wig. "Oh! I'm –"
"This is Natsumi," Hikaru interrupted, coming up to stand next to her.
"Haruhi's cousin," Kaoru explained, standing on her other side.
"Yes, I'm Natsumi," Haruhi repeated, smiling a bit awkwardly. "My cousin has told me so much about you and the other clients at the host club. He speaks very fondly of you all."
"Oh, isn't that sweet?" The blonde smiled and shook Haruhi's hand. "It's very nice to meet you." She then looked at the twins. "Hikaru-san? Kaoru-san? Is that you?" she asked.
They touched their masks and looked at each other. "Yes, good evening, umm –"
Haruhi nudged them with her elbows. "Minako," she murmured.
"Minako-san!" they finished together.
She beamed at them beneath her mask of gold and white hearts. She gestured to the girl next to her. "This is my good friend, Mizuno Ami."
The blue haired girl curtsied shyly. Though her mask of blue and green covered only the top part of her face, Kaoru could tell her blush covered not just her cheeks. There was a pattern of waves and sea foam on her mask. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she stated softly.
"Ami-chan, this is Hitachiin Hikaru and Kaoru, and… umm, Fujioka…?" Minako looked to Haruhi for confirmation, and when she nodded, the blonde smiled. "Fujioka Natsumi."
Kaoru noticed that Minako had only gestured vaguely in his and Hikaru's direction, never pointing them out specifically. The rational side of his mind said she only knew them by acquaintance, so she couldn't possibly tell them apart. The irrational side couldn't help but feel resentful. He and Hikaru were two separate individuals with different personalities. Why couldn't anyone see that?
Still, he pasted on his host smile, knowing his brother was doing the same. As one, they bowed, taking Ami's right hand in their own. "The pleasure is ours, Mizuno-san," they said as one.
Ami placed her other hand over her heart. "Oh my."
Minako looked from Ami to the twins. "You may want to let go of her before she faints," she warned.
"Of course," they replied. They released her hand, but their touches lingered a tiny fraction longer than necessary, and what part they could see of Ami's skin turned even redder.
Minako hid a giggle behind her pure white fan and patted her friend's shoulder. "Don't worry, Ami-chan. They have that effect on everyone," she pretended to whisper conspiratorially.
"We do try –" Hikaru began, a smirk forming on his lips.
"– our best," Kaoru finished, his wicked expression mirroring his brother's perfectly.
Minako put a hand to her forehead, mimicking a swoon. The boys pretended to pout as Ami and Haruhi laughed. Minako grinned as she turned to Haruhi. "So, Natsumi, you guys were looking for Usagi-chan?"
Haruhi nodded. "We were hoping to catch up with her some time tonight."
"Well, I don't know…" Minako looked around at the crowds of people milling in the hallways and heading towards the ballroom. "That'll be hard, considering she's hobnobbing with the best and brightest of us right now. I can guarantee she's somewhere in there –" She nodded towards the grand ballroom. "– having a horrible time."
Hikaru's eyebrows knit together. "A 'horrible' time?" he asked. "I thought gala events like these were supposed to be the complete opposite."
"If it were just a regular party, sure," Minako replied, shrugging. "But if there's one thing to know about Usagi-chan…"
"She doesn't feel like she belongs here." Ami picked up where Minako left off. "Sometimes she gets terribly stressed."
Kaoru listened attentively to everything they said. "She feels too much pressure," he stated quietly.
"She's doing the standard meet-and-greet," Hikaru said, still slightly puzzled. "Mom makes us do it all the time whenever she throws a function at our place."
"Yes, but we grew up with it," Kaoru retorted, shaking his head. "Usagi's had to learn the responsibilities of a heiress in a little over a year. We've had most of our lives." Kaoru didn't like the feeling of dread creeping up on him the more he learned about Usagi.
"It doesn't help that this is her essential debut into upper class society," Minako added with a sigh.
Hikaru whistled, seeming to finally realize the potential distress Usagi was under. "And so, quadruple the pressure," he replied.
"… Or she could be perfectly fine," Haruhi pitched in, breaking the gloomy thoughts circling over their little group.
"And there's that option," Hikaru said, slinging an arm around Kaoru. "We won't know anything for sure until we find her."
"We'll see her eventually," Kaoru stated, eyes already scanning the crowd for the back of a familiar blonde head.
Ami tightened the ribbon holding her mask together. "Why don't we move on to the ballroom?" she suggested. "She's probably on the dance floor."
"Oh yeah! She's probably putting all her dancing lessons to good use right now. That was one of the big things she was stressed about," Minako revealed, shaking her head. "She's always afraid of tripping or some such nonsense." The group joined the flow of people heading towards the open ceiling-high doors that led to the ballroom as Minako continued to talk. "That's a bunch of baloney because once you see her dance, she's very graceful."
The group moved with the crowd as the grand ballroom was revealed to them. Grand wasn't a big enough word to describe the sheer size of the room. They stood at the top of a balcony that had two curving marble staircases on either side, which winded down to the dance floor level. There was an orchestra playing at the back as couples danced in the middle. Tables for sitting and eating were lined up against the right near the tall picture windows that had a view of the courtyards. The left side of the room had the bar, buffet spread, and a few more tables with a view of the garden. The moon was already out so the outside was lit with strategically placed candles to give a soft romantic atmosphere.
Haruhi's eyes widened behind her mask, still not quite used to the wealth of her friends. "What do we do now?"
Kaoru looped her right arm through his left, while Hikaru looped her left arm through his right. They began to lead her down the staircase to their right, nodding to random people who looked their way. "We mingle," they said.
"Hikaru! Kaoru!" a cheery voice called.
The group looked up to see a familiar blonde Host Club King descending upon them when they reached the base of the stairs. Though he wore a gold mask with white trimmings, his dramatic gestures with his hands were unmistakable for anyone else.
Hikaru started, "Milord! How did you know –"
"– it was us?" Kaoru finished, tilting his head to the side.
"I'd recognize you devilish twins a mile away," Tamaki proclaimed with a triumphant smile. He turned his gaze to Haruhi who stood in the middle. "And who is this lovely princess?"
Haruhi sighed. "It's me, Tamaki-senpai."
Tamaki's mouth dropped open and his eyes grew wide. "Ha –"
Kaoru reached forward and slapped a hand over Tamaki's mouth. "Ha, ha! You're right, it is Natsumi-chan!" He slipped his arm from Haruhi's so he could stand next to Tamaki and nudge him in the side. He kept the confused looking Minako and Ami in the corner of his sight. "Haruhi's cousin, remember?"
Tamaki's expression went from shocked to puzzled. "Wha-?" he asked behind Kaoru's hand.
"Our poor lord," Hikaru said with a sigh. He too let go of Haruhi to slip an arm around Tamaki's shoulders instead. "He's so forgetful sometimes."
Tamaki made more muffled sounds, this time sounding more annoyed.
"Why don't you take a turn around the dance floor with Minako-san?" Hikaru suggested, pushing the Host Club King towards the blushing blonde.
Tamaki stumbled forward, but straightened with the grace of someone befitting his station. Not wanting to offend, he readily offered his hand and bowed. "If the lady wishes," he said pleasantly.
Minako couldn't take her eyes off him. "Yes, please," she whispered, placing her hand in his slowly.
Seeming to sense her nervousness, Tamaki gently gripped her hand and smiled at her. He drew her next to him and led her to the dance floor. While Tamaki whispered to her, Kaoru noticed that he looked over his shoulder at Haruhi. Haruhi was oblivious as she talked to Hikaru. Kaoru saw something flash through Tamaki's eyes. Then Tamaki lowered his head and turned back towards the center of the room.
Kaoru watched Tamaki and Minako walk away. Then his eyes inevitably went farther and roamed over the dancing couples he could see from his vantage point by the stairs. No one stood out and he squashed the feeling of disappointment that settled in his stomach.
There's nothing to be disappointed about, he thought to himself.
His attention turned back to the group when Hikaru asked, "What do you say, Haruhi? Want to take a spin with me?"
Kaoru witnessed Hikaru holding his hand out to Haruhi. He watched in resignation as Haruhi joined hands with him.
"I don't have much of a choice, do I? You'll just drag me anyway," Haruhi replied, shrugging.
Hikaru grinned. "You know me oh so well." He raised her hand and twirled her into his arms, leading her to the dance floor with a laugh. When she responded with a smile, a smug expression crossed Hikaru's face.
Kaoru nodded when Hikaru looked back and winked. He hoped his grin didn't seem too fake or it would be another thing for Hikaru to confront him about later. He sighed and turned back to ask Ami to dance when he saw her shyly following Kyoya – where did he come from? – to the dance floor. Suddenly, he was very much alone.
Great, he thought, closing his eyes. Just great.
As socialites mingled around him, Kaoru's only urge was to get something to drink. He crossed over to the base of the other stairs before he continued on to the bar. He signaled the bartender. "Shirley Temple," he said. Kaoru's eyes trailed the ballroom, this time from the other side of the room, while he waited for his drink.
"Kao-chan!"
He turned around to find the short third year beaming up at him from behind a cheerful bunny mask. Kaoru chuckled and said, "Hunny-senpai, when they say masquerade ball, I don't think that's the kind of mask they have in mind."
"I know that!" Hunny replied. "Takashi has my other mask. But I'm using this one for fun." He giggled, tapping the plastic rosy cheeks. "I saw you come over here and I wanted to show it to you!"
"Well." Kaoru leaned down and smiled. "It's very, very cute."
Hunny bounced. "Thank you!"
"One Shirley Temple."
Kaoru turned to get his drink from the bartender, but Hunny latched onto his arm and began pulling him in the other direction. "Hunny-senpai, what are you –" He yelped as he was tugged between two waiters and barely missed knocking them over.
As Kaoru was dragged through the crowd, he couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversation as people began looking towards the right curving staircase of the ballroom.
"Oh! That must be her, Ginzuishou-san's granddaughter!"
"She's supposed to inherit, right?"
"Wow, she's gorgeous!"
"She looks just like Serenity…"
Curious, he tried to pinpoint Usagi through the crowd, but it was impossible to see over the hundreds of heads, all while trying not to trip as he followed the shorter host club member. Finally, the third year stopped at a table close to the dance floor, where Mori was sitting.
"Hunny-senpai, why did you take me back here?" Kaoru asked, a little annoyed. He felt his heartbeat return to its normal rate as he caught his breath. "I was just getting a drink –"
Hunny brought a finger to his lips, shushing him. He pointed at a spot behind Kaoru. "Look."
Kaoru turned.
And promptly became breathless all over again.
The girl standing on the outskirts of the dance floor could be no one else but Usagi. Though her traditional hairstyle of two long pigtails was gone, he would recognize her beaming smile anywhere. Her lovely draping hair was partly pinned up in a complicated array of twists and diamond barrettes, while the rest of her long locks fell down her back past her waist. She looked nothing short of enchanting in her flowing gown of pure white. Silver glitter trailed along the hem and lower part of the skirt, sparkling just right under the light of the chandeliers. The hem touched the ground but when she moved her skirt slightly, he noticed her silver high heels. Her shoulders were bare save for the white straps of the dress that were each about an inch in width. There was also a sparse amount of glitter sprinkled on the bust. The modest crystal pendant she wore around her neck called attention to the hint of cleavage shown by her low-cut dress, but tastefully so. There were diamond studs in her ears and the silver chain around her wrist matched the chain of her pendant. A single charm of a diamond crescent moon hung upon the bracelet.
The last ornament of her ensemble was the pure white mask on her face. Kaoru noticed the matching silver swirls and curves design not unlike his own mask. Only a few diamonds dotted the surface, but they twinkled along with the glitter. The white ribbon holding the mask in place disappeared underneath her locks of hair.
Usagi was talking to a black-haired man with a ponytail. The man turned his head and Kaoru recognized him as Kou Seiya, pop star extraordinaire. She shook her head at something he said, smiling softly. One would think she wasn't nervous at all. In fact, she seemed very much in her element among upper class society. She gave her companion a small wave before she blended in amongst the crowd on the dance floor.
Forgetting everyone else around him, Kaoru moved forward as if in a trance and tried to keep her in his sight. But then she past behind one couple and disappeared. Kaoru turned his head to the right and left, but there was no sign of her. He frowned.
Realizing he was standing in the middle of the dance floor, he was about to head back when he caught a scent of vanilla. Then there was a flash of blonde out of the corner of his eye and he nearly got whiplash turning his head.
And she was there, right in front of him, as if she were waiting the whole time.
There was a secret smile on her beautiful face. "Hello, Kaoru."
Though mesmerized by the sight of her, he was still able to think of his mask and his hairstyle for the evening. "How –"
Usagi took his hand and slowly drew it to her waist. She then placed her own hand on his shoulder. "I'd know you anywhere," she said, looking into his eyes. She grabbed his other hand and then began to dance among the other couples.
Kaoru snapped out of his daze and gently took back the lead, his hold strengthening ever so slightly on her waist. He led Usagi in the waltz, noting how she handled giving him the lead gracefully. Every step she made was perfect and her smile was oddly serene.
He wondered if she was thinking about their dance by the fountain.
He was about to ask her when she mumbled something too soft for him to hear.
"I'm sorry?"
She leaned in close, the side of her head brushing against the corner of his mouth. The edge of her mask pricked his cheek. Stray locks of blonde hair tickled his lips as she whispered, "What do you want from me?"
He paused, looking down at her glittering hair. "I –" Usagi stumbled slightly in her footwork, and Kaoru easily covered for her mistake, swinging her back into the pattern with ease. He could see her blush out of the corner of his eye. "I…"
She looked to the side, watching all the other dancing couples and smiled for the crowd. "I understand if you can't answer. But I want you to know something." Kaoru didn't miss the seriousness in her tone and he tightened his hold on her waist, bracing himself.
The orchestra began to wind down as Usagi gripped his shoulder, almost as if she were trying to draw strength from him. He felt her tremble underneath his hands. "… I care about you. So much so that I– I…" The waltz stopped just as she confessed, "… I feel like I'm falling way too fast." She hesitated and then kissed his cheek. She lingered there and her mask tickled his skin. Then she stepped away from him, curtsying.
His ingrained manners made him bow in return, but inside, his heart raced. The two stood across from each other, neither one willing to break the silence that had fallen over them. Kaoru stared into her sapphire eyes, an indescribable emotion welling up inside him, and he wished he did know what he truly wanted from her.
Another song started and he lifted his hand towards her again. Someone else grabbed him before he or Usagi could react. "Let's dance!" an annoyingly familiar voice exclaimed. Kaoru tried to pull away but she was freakishly strong as she dragged him to another section of the dance floor.
"Black-senpai," he stated exasperatedly as the masked redhead turned around and began to lead. "I was in the middle of something."
"Ah-ha! I knew you would know it was me," she said with a satisfied grin. Her mask was a mass of pretentious feathers and glitter that matched her olive ball gown.
It was more your obnoxious voice than your face, he thought with a mental roll of the eyes.
"And please, I've told you to call me Emerald." The third year giggled in what he assumed was supposed to be coquettish, but only served to grate on his nerves. "Besides, you looked utterly horrified. I was only rescuing you."
Kaoru forcefully took the lead back and led her in another form of the waltz, though he put as much distance as possible between them. "I wasn't horrified. I was at a loss for words." Usagi's confession rang in his ears and he felt the same pleasurable thrill he got the first time he heard it. He wasn't quite ready to analyze what that meant though, so he took this dance with Emerald as a chance to clear his head. He tried to tune her out, but her irksome voice wasn't something easily ignored.
"How do you feel about Tsukino-san?"
Kaoru started, looking down at her. "Pardon?"
Emerald returned his stare haughtily, not the least bit uncomfortable in her nosiness. "How do you feel about Tsukino-san?"
Kaoru didn't like the thinly veiled disgust in her tone when she said Usagi's last name. His previously polite tone grew cold. "I don't think that's any of your business."
She squeezed his shoulder possessively. "Has she sunk her claws into you, too?"
Kaoru resisted the urge to dig his fingers into her waist. "Excuse me?"
Emerald babbled on, unaware of the hole she was digging for herself. "She's not truly upper class, you know. She comes from a commoner upbringing. You and your brother deserve so much more than that. You deserve a woman befitting your station, not someone out for your name and money. You should always be aware of manipulative women like her." She looked at him in concern, but he could see the deception in it. "I thought you should know."
Kaoru wanted nothing more than to fling her away from him. At the same time, he didn't want to make a scene, fully aware he was at a party being thrown by Usagi's grandfather. So he simply gritted his teeth and said nothing, allowing Emerald to prattle on. The foolish girl was oblivious to her partner's growing ire. When the song ended, Kaoru immediately took his hands off her and stepped away, bowing stiffly.
Emerald curtsied and fluttered her eyelashes. "That was delightful. I hope we can have another dance soon."
Kaoru straightened to his full height. "I'm quite sure I'll be too busy then." He gazed at her coolly, making his feelings known. "Good day, Black-san." He began to turn around, but was stopped when she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Wait, Hitachiin-san! Whatever do you mean?" Emerald seemed genuinely confused and he found some part of himself pitying her. "Didn't you enjoy dancing with me?"
The pity he felt for her was miniscule to his annoyance and anger. "I have more fun in calculus class," he replied. He nodded towards her hand. "Now, if you would please release me."
She ignored his request. Instead, her sharp eyes narrowed and her grip tightened. "It's that girl, isn't it?" she spat out.
Kaoru felt his anger heighten through the thrumming of his veins. "It's more to do with the fact that you are a spoiled little princess who thinks she can get anything she wants," he spat out. "You're selfish and rude. Plus your laugh is very irritating."
"How dare you!" she hissed. Kaoru half-expected for her hair to stand on end. "Do you know who I am?"
He wasn't the least bit intimidated. "Do you know who I am?" he replied sharply. "You think your name means something? You're not even a blip on the radar."
Emerald seemed to see she was losing his good graces, not realizing she never had it in the first place. She tried turning on the waterworks instead. "Why are you being so cruel? I just want to get to know you better," she said, sniffling. "Don't you feel our connection?"
"Connection?" He scoffed and shook his head. He narrowed his eyes at her tears. "Answer me this, then. Who am I?"
She went from pleading to confused. "Hitachiin-san."
"Nice try," he said, tone low and dangerous. "Who am I?" He pointed to himself.
Her eyes darted to his hair, and she blanched. "Why, you're- you are –" She hesitated, before plunging right in, obviously guessing. "– Hikaru-san, ne?"
He was used to the sting of disappointment. "Wrong." He watched her pale, but felt no sympathy for her. "You claim to know my brother and I so well, but you don't. I see right through you," he muttered lowly, glaring. "I hate liars. Now, let me go."
Emerald took her hand off his shoulder immediately. She looked visibly shaken. He began to walk away, but stopped and turned around once more. "Commoner upbringing or not, Tsukino Usagi is more of a lady than you could ever hope to be." He smiled pleasantly at her, though there was no sincerity behind it. "I thought you should know," he repeated the words she said earlier.
She stared at him in shock and Kaoru left her like that. He proceeded back to his table with the Host Club, disgusted with his encounter. Girls like Emerald reminded him of how shallow some of his peers could be. He saw his brother and his friends laughing heartily, but he realized that there was only one person he wanted to see at that moment. There was something he had to say.
He looked around the room, trying to spot a familiar pure white mask and blonde head of hair. He came up to the Host Club and asked, "Where's Usagi-chan?"
Hikaru looked put out, but Hunny and Mori glanced around. "I'm not sure, Kao-chan," Hunny said. "I only see Tama-chan on the dance floor."
Kyoya's glasses glinted under the chandelier light. "She's by the buffet tables, talking to Mayor Ryuuzaki. Actually, she's standing right by Haruhi." He sipped a bit of his tea.
Kaoru felt determination course through him as he finally spotted her. "I need to talk to her."
Kaoru began making his way across the ballroom, keeping Usagi in his line of sight. He watched her make polite conversation with someone he recognized as a politician his mother supported. They seemed to be making their goodbyes, and Kaoru sped up in hopes of catching her for another dance. There was a flash of red hair, and he could only watch as Emerald bumped into her and continued walking. Usagi stumbled forward and the apple cider in her hands spilled out onto the dress of the person closest to her.
Shocked, Usagi dropped her champagne flute on the ground as she stared at the stain in muted horror. The sound of breaking glass attracted the attention of the people around them, who began to whisper behind their masks and drinks. Kaoru seemed rooted to the spot as he watched Usagi. She was trembling, but she had the peace of mind to grab napkins from the buffet table. She began to wipe at the stain.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. She was too terrified to lift her head and see the victim of her clumsiness. "I'm sorry."
While Usagi couldn't look, Kaoru did. Relief flooded him when it didn't turn out to be a self-involved socialite. The person with the cider stain on her dress was Haruhi. She bent down and stilled Usagi's hands, murmuring what Kaoru assumed were reassuring words.
He finally moved forward, propelled by the whispers he could hear around him.
"Oh my, did you see what happened?"
"Isn't that Ginzuishou's granddaughter?"
"She just spilled a drink on that poor girl's dress!"
"How embarrassing!"
"Embarrassing? More like humiliating."
Kaoru's scowl deepened with each negative comment he heard. Usagi's tear-stained face made his chest ache in a strange way. However, another man intercepted him just as he was about to reach her. Before Kaoru knew what was happening, the black haired stranger gathered Usagi into his arms. Usagi didn't seem to notice. Kaoru could tell she was trying to compose herself. Haruhi's hand dropped from her shoulder and she stood awkwardly to the side, uncaring of the stain on her lavender dress.
Kaoru felt as if everything around him became muted and all he could focus on was the couple a few feet away. Something twisted inside him as the stranger tucked a lock of hair behind Usagi's ear and whispered to her. She stilled and slowly looked up. Kaoru didn't like how her eyes widened or her soft intake of breath.
And if the sharp pain digging into his heart was any indication, Kaoru certainly didn't like the sight of her reaching up to return the stranger's embrace.