Aaaand We're Back! Truly there is no excuse as to why it took me so long to update. Yes my birthday, family matters and the start of school certainly play a role in my lack of updating, but the simple truth is, I've been very preoccupied with life, but there should have been nothing that kept me away this long. Still, EPIC FAIL on my part as far as updating goes, but my uncles been in the hospital for a while now and he's kinda starting to develop dementia from all of his surgeries (diabetes complications, amputations it's all and ugly mess really) and it's really starting to get bad, so don't expect any set-in-stone updates (but i've already started working on the ext chapter, so expect it to at least come out quicker than this one did).
Well I ceartinly tried to make their date seem appealing ( Though since I'm neither high-class nor, a vamp I'm sure I failed as usual)
Just a little note, this story was originally supposed to be 20-25 chapters at most, but I realize that as I develop the various plots more and continue to plan the rest of my story, its become quite clear to me that it'll be 30, at the least.
birningice- Aww thanks!! Honestly, their flirting is one of the hardest things to write, since it's hard to come up with so many smart ass comments without letting them get too ooc.
kimikoxkyoya1- I know, I hate cliff hangers with a vengeance, but it just seemed like a really good place to end it!
Maniakku Otaku Saku- God I'm such an idiot! *looks back at chapters* Really I thought all the editing I did was saved! Sorry:(( When I began to write this story, I had everything planned out to go a certain way, but the more I began to write the more I realized that certain things would begin to conflict each other, so I scrapped all my old notes and turned everything completely around. What you saw from chapter 4 is a remnant of the old plot that I thought i had edited out. My apologies.
- Hmmm......the votes keep getting more and more interesting...
Starlight- Oh trust me..there's always a twist hehehehe..
xXEnergizerBunnyXx-IMPORTANT: EVERYONE SHOULD READ( even if I'm not addressing you personally) Ahh finally someone who's looking underneath the underneath. The purpose of the poll (and yes, I realize that all of the choices are horribly cliched and rather dull when it all comes down to it) is to give me a little insight on where the readers want the story to go, not necessarily vital to the progression of the story, but a handy thing indeed. Even though I really do care about what my readers think, the fact is, that it doesn't matter what the readers choose, because in the end, I'm still the person writing this story and I know that whatever choice they make, it will still be twisted beyond belief to suit the direction I'm taking this story in. Soooo many things have yet to come into play, and I wish I could tell you what was going to happen, but, alas, that would ruin the surprises (Though I must congratulate you for suggesting something that I already put into play before I ever got a chance to read your review! Kudos to you ^o^)
Voting is closed for the Renge poll, so if you didn't get a chance to give your input, but this story needs to get rolling!!
Well I'm almost outta stuff to say, so without further ado, the next chapter!
Soundtrack for this chapter~Starting towards the middle, continuing onto the end Let the Flames Begin- Paramore
"Talking"
'Flashback/Vision'
'Thinking/Mind link'
Haruhi gasped as she stared at the scene before her in awe, her favorite clearing that had previously been destroyed with her fight with Renge, changed. The very landscape had undergone a dramatic transformation; the numerous broken trees and deep craters that pockmarked the ground, gone. In its place, new foliage took over, honeysuckle, pretty flowers and ivy weaving themselves throughout the low lying bushes, while a bed of soft springy grass carpeted the ground, the entire scene the quintessence of a fairytale setting. Spread out under a drooping willow tree near the edge of the lake was a large blanket, the woven wicker basket that rested atop clueing her in on his plans for dinner.
"Oh Kyoya this is wonderful!" she stated happily as she knelt down and began to sort through the roomy basket, sorting through the meal options while he arranged the plates and cutlery, " Though...I am curious how you managed to set all of this up with all of the things that have been going on lately.."
He noted her raised eyebrow as his eyes twinkled with unabashed amusement, storing the sight of her skeptical face away for later analysis. "Just a loyal friend of mine.(1)" He answered with ease as she nodded in acceptance " Hopefully someone you'll meet in the near future if everything goes according to plan."
She paused in her unpacking of dinner and turned to stare at the devious face of her boyfriend, raising her eyebrow in very similar fashion to the darkhaired man before her. "And what exactly do you mean by that, Sir?"
He paused for a moment, as if he was contemplating the best way to deliver his next statement, taking note of of her wary glance at the darkening sky before he continued to speak, "Let's just say that now that you know of our long standing engagement, it seems that my father finally wishes for you to be introduced to the family. Originally, I had planned on giving you more of a heads up before telling you, but it seems that my father wants to make everything official as soon as possible, no matter what the consequences."
He watched as she paled while still keeping her composure, setting down the container of strawberries while continuing to unpack their meal slowly. "Let me get this straight. He wants to meet with me-"
He nodded.
"To introduce me to the family-"
He nodded once more.
"And seriously expect me to behave like a high-bred bastard without embarrassing myself?"
He nodded again.
Her shoulders drooped resignedly "I'm completely and totally screwed."
"It's not going to be nearly as bad as you make it out to be," He grinned bemusedly as he watched her fret needlessly " It's mostly just a formality so we can discuss the bonding issue and sort out all the technical business like dates for dress rehearsals and such."
"Bonding issues...?" she racked her memory for some recollection of what he was talking about, briefly recalling discussing it during her etiquette lesson with the club.
"You know, engament sealing. The whole "and with these vows we will forever be bound together as one". That sort of pointless drudgery." He explained easily as he inspected a bottle of vintage 17th century B- (2) closely.
"Oh. Well....I guess it could have been worse" She relaxed slightly as she lifted the boxes of packed sushi carefully from the depths of the basket, the satisfaction she felt at the sight of the expensive food unable to be kept completely from her face as she grinned deviously "Just be glad that you have Ootoro"
He chuckled at her reply before he gave his own, making sure to keep the relief from his voice as he began to take part in the eating of their meal, "I hoped you'd enjoy it. I wasn't sure how you felt about eating outside, but considering all of the chaos that's been going on lately I figured a change of pace would be nice."
"Oh no, this is perfect." she replied with a genuine smile, the faint moonlight that shone through the foliage giving her pale eyes an unearthly glow " I can't remember the last time I had a chance to relax and enjoy myself, the fact that I get to do it while spending time with you just makes things all the better.''
Taking a long drought from his drink to hide the the faint blush that tinted his cheeks from her honest words, he missed the slight grimace that flashed across her face as a distant rumbled sounded in the distance a twinge of pain nipping in the back of her mind as she turned their conversation back to future plans and family histories.
The meal that Kyoya had packed was finished in a timely manner, and the dark-haired couple were content to rest by the edge of the lake peacefully, discussing the upcoming dinner under the dark sky.
"I wonder how everyone will take it when they find out we're together" Haruhi wondered candidly, warily eyeing the low drifting clouds as she leaned against Kyoya" The twins have seemed to become quite...touchy lately, and I seriously doubt that Tamaki will accept the idea of my feelings belonging to someone other than him....''
Kyoya nodded in agreement, pleased that her acute perception allowed her to assess the whole situation without any misgivings "Yes...Though Hunny and Mori are the proverbial much wild cards, I have a feeling that while Tamaki has no problem admitting his feelings for you on a routine basis, I'm not sure that he knows how deep they actually run..Hikaru on the other hand has yet to differentiate his feelings of possessions from actuall affection, but I'm sure their reactions will be less than joyus when they realize are relationship is less than platonic."
Haruhi sighed as she felt her spirit damper slightly at the truth of Kyoya's statement, turning her face to the sky as it rumbled again. Though she had expected conflict to arise whenever the general populous discovered that she and Kyoya were an 'item', she was surprised at how anxious she was about telling the rest of the Host Club. They were her best friends for God's sake! They were always there for her when she needed them (wanted or not) and she knew that push come to shove, she was there for them, simple as that.
So why was she so worried?
'Damned rain making me worry for nothing,' she thought with a scowl as she felt Kyoya look at her questioningly, the familiar twinge growing into an all out ache 'Don't even know why I'm being so paranoid..Kyoya and I are both perfectly capable of handling ourselves if anything goes awry and I know I'll feel better once everything's out in the open.'.
"Haruhi....is there something bothering you?" Kyoya questioned as he watched her scowl disappear quickly at the sound of his voice, curious at her sudden dip in emotion, but still unwilling to probe her mind for the answer ' It's probably best that i let her tell me herself. It is her mind after all'
"Why would you ask that? Everything's perfectly fine."Haruhi squirmed as she attempted to meet the knowing gaze of her boyfriend convincingly, resolve faltering as her pain flared "Well mostly everything....but it's nothing that you should be worried about." she added hastily as his cobalt gaze bore into her.
"Nothing that I should be worried about? Au contrare dear Haru, this seems like something I should be worried about." He said as he leaned closer to her with a slight smirk "Besides, what kind of significant other would I be if I didn't protect you?"
Haruhi felt herself blush and smile in spite of herself at his calm statement, knowing that no matter how easily he spoke of the way he felt about her that he meant everything he said " Trust me Kyoya, I know a million other things that you could do in the time you would waste watching me, so don't worry about it. Besides, it's nothing that I haven't been able to handle befo-"
Haruhi froze in her half-hearted denial as a streak of lighting flashed through the sky, the booming thunder that crashed afterwards causing her to yelp , pain in her head exploding as she began to shake.
"Haruhi?" Kyoya turned to the girl question as she began to tremble slightly, the fear that she had been holding back during the duration of their date flooding though the link they shared, realization dawning as it hit him in a giant wave. All the comments and off handed glances suddenly coming together in startling clarity 'I knew that she used to have a severe fear of thunder when she was younger but according to her records she hasn't had a problem with it in years..'
Haruhi inwardly cursed as she squeezed her eyes shut and turned away from Kyoya quickly, desperately curling into herself as her familiar childhood fear of thunder returned with a vengeance . ' Something isn't right..'
Kyoya moved to catch the girl as she fell to her knees, a jolt of fear shooting through him as the pain she had been holding back flooded into his mind.
'Why!?..... Why is this happening?....' Haruhi whimpered as an influx of memories rushed into the sanctuary of her mind ,the rain falling harder , every pulse of thunder and strike of lighting stirring something in the deep recesses of her mind ' I've never particularly liked rain but this....this is different..'
Haruhi shuddered helplessly and continued to move sluggishly through the cold muddy streets, the rain that seemed to fall down relentlessly from the heavens hindering her already fatigued movement as she desperately tried to find refuge. It had been a hard three days for the five year old girl who had no recollection of her memory prior to a few days earlier when she awoke to find herself lying in the middle of a large clearing, the recurring image of a kind old lady spurring her to seek out the the person behind the face.
She stumbled as she came to a forked path in the road, the hum of distant activity and faint lights drawing her to the left as a shadow flitted unnoticed across the right path. Exashation leading her younger self as she moved down the path to the left, never noticing the dark figure that stalked her for miles, waiting in the shadows to capture the innocent being before she could ever hope to reach her destination.
'It's like watching a dream'Haruhi thought as she watched her five year old self drag through the city streets, the narrow pathways still crowded with nobles who decided to venture out into town despite the shower that poured from above. 'A horrible vision of something that's almost too real too be true..'
Her small legs struggled as she pushed herself to move farther through the busy streets, refusing to let the disgusted looks she received from her dirtied and torn appearance to deter her from making it to the building at the end of the street that pulled her so strongly. She managed to get halfway up the walkway that led to the orphanage; grasping hope within her tiny hands before the figure that hunted her throughout her long journey decided to take her, snatching the flimsy hold she had on her survival and destroying it along with any chance of discovering her past memories.
The blow he delt was not a physical one , but rather one of mental kind , the hand that he used to pull her backwards and away from her refuge, draining the very life from her young body while her whole soul drowned in the depths of his strangely colored eyes.
Haruhi gasped breathlessly as the pain began recede, the image of her younger self slumped unconsciously on the doorstep of the orphanage and other early memories flashing brokenly in her mind.
"You have a little time....but rest assured little girl I will come for you, and your soul will be mine....after all....your the only one who can draw everything full circle."
Haruhi inhaled sharply and opened her eyes, her silver orbs stark white as she let out a bloodcurdling scream.
It has begun.....
Master Study Of An Unamed Manor, 3:00 A.M.
Long tapered fingers swirled the contents of a crystalline glass with detached interest, the ruddy liquid spinning hypnotically as the figure holding it lowered it with a sigh. The shadowed figures that sat in a circle below conspired about their latest failure, the attempt to have the air-headed french girl obtain the key backfiring as the girls obsession proved to much to repress. He turned to glance at his newest pawn as one of the more skilled members tended to the maintenance of the girl, the memory eradication both had undergone ensuring him a loyal tool that could be easily controlled.
The handsome man exhaled as he observed his multiple minions move about the luxurious chamber mechanically each working with their own purpose while the few who had joined of their own accord tended to other business.
"Master; the boy you had us prepare is ready." A young maid approached the attractive man timidly, her gaze downcast as she twiddled her thumbs nervously. She blushed as she felt him place a hand to the side of her face, the tender action masking the wintry chill in his eyes as he adressed her sweetly.
"Thank you Mine-chan," He grinned coldly as the girl before him glowed with happiness, the simple thank from her superior blinding her from his true nature, "Why don't you go ahead and take the rest of the evening off, hm?"
"Oh n-no I couldn't possibly take a day off! things have to be washed, and-"
"Please?" The hand that held her face moved to tilt her chin slightly "For me?"
The blushing girl nodded madly as the insidious man dismissed her with a chuckle, bowing once before retreating back down the dais he sat upon quickly "A-arigatou Master!"
'And to think I didn't even have to wipe her memory'His lips curled into a cruel smile as the boy he requested approached wordlessly, sallow skin combined with rust colored hair giving him a sickly appearance. Placing a finger to the boys forehead he watched as the color slowly returned back to his person, pupils dilating as his whole agenda was transferred with a single touch.
He staggered backwards as the man retunred his hand to the glass at his side, stopping only for his new instructions before he left to complete his task.
''Otanashi....you know what to do."
Christ an attempt to make some things happen this time around.....So.... a LOT of things happened in this chapter, including a few explanations, but at the same time more question raised than answered. Who's controlling the young people of the night world? Who's the handsome man in charge of this secret council? And most importantly, why do Haruhi and Kyoya never get to finish their conversations?? These things and more to be answered later.
(1) Heh... I bet someone can guess who this 'loyal friend' is....
(2) Yes this is b- as in blood...you don't think that they use blood tablets all the time?
R and R!!
Ja ne