Japanese Vacation
Chapter 26 –
Preparations
Hermione giggled behind her hand, despite the glares Harry was sending her.
"I thought you said you weren't going, Harry."
"I wasn't," Harry grumbled. "But I got ambushed."
Hermione giggled again, but quickly got herself under control. "I find it difficult to picture any of them 'ambushing' anyone."
Harry glared.
The twins looked at Harry with small smiles.
"You're going," Harry said, ignoring the twins on either side of him.
Hermione blinked. "Harry, I didn't bring anything for a . . . ball."
"Neither did I, but somehow, I'm still going."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, but, before she could speak, Harry beat her to it.
"I'm not going to be there by myself, 'Mione. Please?"
Hermione stared at him a moment before sighing in defeat. Did he even know how powerful his puppy eyes were?
"Fine, I'll find something."
Harry grinned.
Haruhi yawned a bit as she sat in her desk, looking around the room.
"So, what usually happens at these balls?" Draco asked, wondering how different it was from Wizarding ones.
Haruhi shrugged. "We dance, and eat food. Sometimes the Host Club holds little competitions in which there is a girl chosen who receives a kiss from a host…" Her memory went back to her first ball and the slip up that caused her to lose her first kiss to a female student. She sighed a bit and shook her head.
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Similar to . . . ours then, if you discount the competitions. They are very formal affairs, for the most part."
Haruhi nodded. "Most are." She looked from her assignment to Draco, smiling.
Hermione gave Harry a quick hug as the bell rang for the end of the day. "I'll see what I have," she told him. "If nothing else, I'm fairly certain I can transfigure something."
Harry returned her hug, if a little stiffly, and gave her a quick smile. "It's tomorrow."
"What time?"
Harry turned to the twins.
Hikaru stepped forward. "About seven o'clock."
Haruhi stood and walked over to Harry, letting Draco follow. "Hey Potter-kun, ready for more practice?"
Harry visibly cringed, causing Hermione to cough back a laugh. "Well, if you'd learned this the first time around, you wouldn't be learning it now," Hermione said, smiling softly.
Harry glared again. "This is a different dance 'Mione, so it wouldn't make any difference. And," he sighed. "I suppose. It's better than making a fool of myself at any rate."
"I'll see you tomorrow, Harry," Hermione said, heading out to find her host.
"Bye," Harry called. "Well, the sooner we start, the sooner it will be over."
Draco just smirked at him.
Haruhi laughed a bit and nodded. "Your right about that." She began to walk off to the music room, considering the host club was closed for a few days that was the perfect place for them to practice at.
Harry sighed and followed her out of the classroom, his feet dragging slightly.
"Stop sulking, Potter," Draco scoffed. "It's something you'll be able to use in the future. Girl's like guys that can dance."
Harry wrinkled his nose. "But I don't like to dance."
"Stop whining," Draco told him, rolling his eyes.
Haruhi laughed silently from ahead of the two and opened the doors, noticing that only Kyouya there.
"Hey Kyouya-sempai." Hikaru shrugged as he walked past, laying out on a couch.
Kyouya simply gave the red head a look before returning to his book.
"If you don't mind Potter-kun I'm going to go change into something else." Haruhi turned and went to the changing room.
Harry shrugged. "The more time you take, the longer I don't have to practice," he told her, smiling slightly with a small laugh.
"You're pathetic, Potter," Draco said, moving to a seat.
Harry just glared, moving to one as well, though his was away from Draco's.
Haruhi came back out of the changing room in a dress that was just to her knees, and a blue-ish teal color.
"Ok lets get started." She started the music and took Harry's hand pulling him up. "Do you remember what to do?"
"I think so," Harry said, as he blushed, taking in the relative shortness of her skirt.
Haruhi nodded giving him a small smile. "Good. Now start if you can."
Harry closed his eyes a moment before stepping forward with his left foot, opening his eyes questioningly at Haruhi, his cheeks still rather red.
Draco just raised an eyebrow. Why was Potter blushing?
Haruhi smiled at him again. "Good, you're doing very good Potter-kun."
Kaoru looked at Harry and held in a small chuckle.
Hikaru, seeing his brother's reactions smiled. "Wow Haruhi's dress is a bit shorter then usual." His eyes moved from the two to Draco.
Draco leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, as he raised an eyebrow at the two attempting to waltz.
Harry smiled slightly, resisting the urge to clear his throat as he moved to the hesitantly moved to the next step.
Haruhi simply continued to follow Harry's lead, only correcting him slightly.
Harry hesitated again before stepping back.
Hermione made it out to Nekozawa and smiled. "Sorry to keep you waiting," she said, "I had to get the time of the dance tomorrow."
Nekozawa smiled. "Oh you're wanting to go?" He opened the door for Hermione and stepped to the side.
"Not especially," Hermione said, sending him a smile as she entered the car. She waited for Nekozawa to get in before continuing. "But he got me to promise to come." She shrugged lightly.
Nekozawa raised an eyebrow. "He? You mean your friend Potter?" He tilted his head, letting his hood fall back.
Hermione nodded. "Hai. How he gets me to agree to these things I will never know."
Nekozawa laughed a bit then nodded. "Do you need anything for the ball? I'm sure my mother has some gowns you could wear, and you two are nearly the same size." He smiled kindly to her.
Hermione blinked in surprise. "Really? Are you sure she wouldn't mind? I could always transfigure something if it would be too much trouble."
She bit her lip a little.
"There's no trouble; she hardly wears most of them and the ones she does wear the most she has with her while they're in Russia for the time." He smiled at Hermione.
"Oh, alright then." She smiled back. "It would be easier than transfiguring something." She admitted.
Nekozawa nodded and looked out the window.
Harry got through the first set and smiled slightly, his blush still present but not as defined.
Haruhi smiled broadly. "Nice job! You're doing great! Now try speeding up, but only a little, don't be afraid of tripping or stepping on me."
Harry took a deep breath and did as she told him.
It was not until a few more times later that he stepped on her foot. He jumped back immediately.
"Gomen!"
Haruhi only flinched a little then shook her head. "It's ok, it wasn't that bad." She stepped forward placing her hand back on his shoulder. "Now don't worry, you don't need to jump back ok?"
Harry nodded slightly before starting once more. "I can't do this by tomorrow," he said softly.
Haruhi shook her head. "Yes you can. Just don't think so much. Listen to the music, let it set the pace and follow its tempo."
Harry nodded again, wishing he had her confidence as he led her through it.
Really, Draco thought, grudgingly, He's not a bad beginner. Most wouldn't get it this fast. Is there anything that Potter can't do?
Haruhi continued to follow as they danced, her eyes closing for a moment to listen to the music, only to open again and look right into Harry's emerald orbs.
Harry smiled nervously, swallowing reflexively. "So there's nothing else I've got to learn, after this, I mean?" he asked, leading her through it once more.
Haruhi shook her head. "Nope." Giving him a small smile she stopped stepping back. "And actually I think your ready."
Harry blinked. "What?"
She did? How? Why? His confusion was very clear on his face.
Haruhi laughed a bit. "You're doing very well and in all reality I think you're doing as well as you can in a learning environment. You need to try it out in an actual dancing environment, like the ball."
Harry winced; he was looking forward to that.
"Does that mean we're leaving?" Draco asked. "Or are we staying longer?"
"I'd say we can head out." Haurhi looked at Draco a little confused.
The twins looked from Haruhi to the blond, confused as to why he was so ready to leave.
Draco nodded standing.
Harry turned to him. "What's the rush, Malfoy?"
Draco raised an eyebrow. "I prefer to spend as much time away from Gryffindors as I can."
Harry blinked. Not quite sure how to take the fact that Draco wanted to leave because he was there. "Oh,"
Haruhi raised an eyebrow then nodded. "We'll see you guys tomorrow." Quickly she grabbed her bag and stood by the door waiting for Draco.
She didn't have to wait long. Draco gave kind of gave a half wave to the group before holding the door open for Haruhi.
Harry frowned as he returned to his seat. Were things really that bad between himself and Draco that the blond didn't want to stay around him for very long?
Haruhi smiled at Draco then walked out the door. "So is that the real reason why you wanted to leave?"
Draco raised an eybrow. "Of course it is. I don't like Gryffindors. That one in particular."
Haruhi shrugged. "Ok."
Hikaru and Kaoru lookewd at each other. "Was it just me or did he,"
"Look jealous?"
"Yeah."
"He did."
They both looked back at Harry and then began to laugh.
"Of who though?" Harry asked, before he even realized what he'd said. A moment later, he was red again, his head in his arms once more.
The twins looked at Harry and laughed a bit.
"Kaoru, Hikaru. Do you two mind talking Harry home today? I have a few things to set up before the ball tomorrow evening." Kyouya looked up at the two for a moment then looked to Harry with a raised eyebrow.
Harry looked up and shrugged. He really didn't mind. Hey, wait, did that mean he wouldn't have to be the one to get his tux? He decided against asking.
He turned to Hikaru and Kaoru to see their answer.
Hikaru and Kaoru nodded. "Ok."
"It's be an honor to take Harry-neko home." Hikaru winked a bit, teasingly.
Harry just kind of blinked. "Great, I have a ride," he said, smiling slightly, completely missing the teasingness of Hikaru's statement.
The two simply shook their heads. "Well come on." They stood and began to walk towards the door. "See ya later Kyouya-sempai."
Kyouya only waved a bit. "Oh and Potter-san, don't worry about your tux, someone has already picked it up, it should be in your wardrobe when you get home."
Harry nodded. "Great," he said without any enthusiasm as he stood and followed the twins from the room. "See you later."
"So," Harry said, once they were in the limo. "What should I expect from tomorrow?"
Hikaru and Kaoru shrugged. "Well dancing of course,"
"Also great food."
"And a 'competion'."
"Everyone votes on who will receive a kiss from one of us hosts." Kaoru smiled.
Harry nodded slightly, eyes thoughtful. "Doesn't seem that different from the Yule Ball." Except of course, he couldn't have to be opening the blasted thing. And he doubted everyone would be watching him.
The twins nodded and smiled. "It should be interesting,"
"This year it's us who delivers the kiss." Kaoru shrugged as if it was nothing.
Harry felt his eyebrow hike up. "Both of you?" he asked, eyes traveling from one to the other.
The twins nodded. "Of course."
"We don't do anything without the other."
They both looked at Harry. "Why?"
Harry just shrugged. "Just wondering," he said, turning to look out the window. "Wait . . . everything?" he asked, turning back.
Surely that didn't include dating someone.
The two laughed at Harry's reaction. "Pretty much yeah."
"We share a room."
"More like share a bed."
"Very true." Kaoru smiled at his twin.
"Always have since we were little." They both nodded.
Harry blinked once, paused, then blinked twice, before giving a single slow nod. "Oh," he said. Wondering what it was like to be so close to someone.
The twins smiled at Harry then looked out a window seeing that they were at Kyouya's house. Hikaru jumped out and opened Harry's door while Kaoru stepped out behind his brother. "See you tomorrow Harry-neko."
"Yeah, see ya," Harry said, sending them a smile and a wave before heading inside.
Hikaru and Kaoru waved back as they slid back into the limo and drove off.
Harry stopped, briefly, once closing the door behind him, to try and get his bearings. Once he had them, he started toward the stairs that would lead him to his room.
Crookshanks glanced up from his resting place when he heard the car approaching, and hopped down. None of the humans would be able to hear it, but he was sure that they'd get the idea soon enough. He calmly, and slowly, made his way to the front door.
Nekozawa stepped out as they pulled up to the house and quickly moved to open Hermione's door. "When ever you would like to look at the gowns tell me." He smiled leading the way up to the house, holding the door open for her as always.
Hermione nodded. "I want to do my homework first," she said as she entered. "But after that would be nice," she said.
Crookshanks brushed himself up against her legs, causing Hermione to bend down to pick him up so she could comfortably pet him while talking to Nekozawa.
Nekozawa nodded, "Of course. I'll be in the library if you need anything." He smiled and began to walk away.
"Alright," Hermione called after him, turning to the stairs. "Are you wanting to join me then?" she asked Crookshanks, getting a mew in reply. Hermione shook her head slightly as she carried Crookshanks up to her room.
Harry glanced at the suit once more. Really, it didn't look all that comfortable. Then again, neither had the one Uncle Vernon always wore. Though, he had thought that that was because he was overweight. Apparently not.
Soon after dark Kyouya returned to the house and walked in. "Oohtori Kyouya!" He heard Kyouya's father's harsh voice as the man stormed into the entrance.
"Yes father?"
"I want him out!"
"Father what happened?" Kyouya tried not to roll his eyes as he listened to the older man rant.
Harry heard the shouting from his room and frowned. The only 'him' that was staying here, other than those that lived here originally, was him, Harry. That didn't sound good. He shot one glance toward his, still packed, trunk and stood, making his way out of the room, and toward the entrance, wondering what he'd done.
He hadn't even met the man yet.
"Nothing happened I just want him out. This is my house and you never once asked about having a foreigner stay with us!" The older man seemed to be fuming for a moment.
"My apologies father I jus-" He was interrupted by a load crack as his head was turned to one side and his glasses flew off.
"You weren't thinking. Either he's out of this house by tonight or you are disinherited." With that the man stormed off leaving Kyouya to stand in his wake and kneel down to retrieve his glasses, a hand resting on his cheek.
"He shouldn't have done that," Harry said, his voice soft, but filled with anger as he stared after Kyouya's father. When he turned back to Kyouya, the older teen could see just how angry he was, as it shined in his eyes.
Kyouya only shook his head. "It's nothing. Though I think we will have to call Hikaru and Kaoru, I only hope it's not too late to call." He easily reached into his pocket and took out his phone. "Do you have any objections to staying with them?"
Harry shook his head. "No," Harry said, his eyes once more turning in the direction Kyouya's father had gone. He hadn't even met the man, and already he hated him about as much as he hated his Uncle.
Kyouya nodded dialing the buttons.
"Kaoru. It would seem that Potter-san will have to be moving in with you."
"What happened?"
"Things just aren't working with father. Do you think you two can pick him up tonight?"
"Yeah we'll get ready and head over right now. Ja."
"Ja." He hung up the phone and looked at Harry, his cheek a bit swollen and red. "They'll be here to pick you up soon."
Harry nodded, then bit his lip a little. "Follow me," he said jerking his head back up the stairs before turning and moving up them.
Kyouya raised an eyebrow before following the younger boy.
When they made it to his room, Harry immediately went to his trunk and opened it. He spent a moment riffling through it before pulling out a small pouch. He set it on the trunk lid, unrolled it, and pulled out a small vial, holding it out to Kyouya.
"It's a minor healing potion. It should take care of your cheek."
Then he winced slightly, his free hand rising to his scar.
Kyouya, not noticing Harry wince, took the vial. "Are you sure?" After a moment he nodded and took the potion, coughing a bit at the harsh burning down his throat.
"Sorry, forgot to mention the taste," Harry said, forcing his hand down as he rolled back up the pouch. "And, don't worry, I usually have a few extras. You never know when it might be needed.
He took the vial back, corked it, and carefully placed it in the trunk. Shutting the lid, he hid another wince.
After a while Kyouya began to walk towards the door. "The twins should be here soon, would you like help getting your trunk down?"
Harry shook his head, casting a feather light charm on the trunk. "No, I got it. Um . . ." He hated to bring it up, but he had a feeling that Kyouya would make him go even if the tux wasn't worn. "What about the tux?"
"Take it with you, it's yours after all." Kyouya began to walk out heading to his room.
Soon there was a knock on the door and one of the buttlers opened it. "It's for you Potter-san." A maid said as she bowed leaving the doorway.
Harry grabbed the tux and his trunk and made his way back downstairs.
Down stairs the twins smiled and waved. "Hey Harry-neko." They both smiled and opened the door.
"Hey, sorry about the short notice," He glanced behind him once before following them out.
The two shook their heads opening the trunk. "Don't worry about it."
"We had a feeling things weren't going to work out there."
"We even still have a bedroom ready for you." Kaoru smiled.
Harry smiled back, hefting the light trunk into the trunk of the limo. He sighed slightly, looking back at the house; he felt bad for getting Kyouya in trouble, even though it wasn't his fault the older teen was. He laid the tux in there as well, then stepped aside, wincing as another shot of pain shot through his scar. Damn, tonight was going to be bad.
Hikaru closed the trunk and smiled at Harry, his smile faltering when he saw Harry flinch. "You ok Harry-neko?" The two lead him to the limo, letting him slide in before going around to the other side and getting in themselves, signaling their driver to head home.
Harry nodded, settling back into the seat. "Yeah, just a headache. I get them sometimes." He smiled slightly, before it faltered and his hand rose to his scar once more.
Voldemort was pissed. Tonight was going to be very bad.
"Ok." They looked at each other for a moment then decided to let it slide for now.
Harry was silent the rest of the trip, forcing his hand to stay in his lap as well. There was nothing they could do, so it was pointless to worry them.
Soon they came to the twins' house and they leaned over to Harry. "You might want to undo the charn on your trunk. One of the butlers can take it up to you room." They both nodded as they stepped out of the car.
Harry nodded, stepping out of the car as well, slipping out his wand as well. He quickly cast the spell on the trunk when the trunk of the car was opened, and nodded to the twins, letting them know that it was done, and safe.
He really didn't want more people to find out.
The twins called to one man who quickly got another to help him and they both haled the trunk up to Harry's new room. "Well right this way, Harry-neko."
The two walked through the front doors leading into a large entrance room. They made their way up to the wing of the house where they're room was. "Your room is right down the hall, three doors down on your left."
"This one here is ours."
"If you ever need us."
Harry nodded. "Right, Three doors down on the left it mine, this one's yours." He nodded again. "Well, goodnight," he tossed them a smile, and moved down the hall to his new room.
Including the Dursley's, the Weasley's', and Hogwarts, this made the sixth new bed he'd slept in, in less than two months.
The two raised an eyebrow and shrugged going into their own room and getting ready for bed, clasping each others hands as they drifted off to sleep.
Harry paused long enough to make sure that the trunk was in his room, and that no one was there before casting a silencing charm on his room and heading to the bed, not even bothering to change. The sooner he slept, the sooner he would wake up, and it would all be over.
Really Hermione thought as she closed her final book. This isn't that difficult. Though Ron would have had trouble with it, I think. Harry too probably.
"I wonder how Harry is doing with it," she wondered aloud as she stood. "What do you think, Crookshanks?"
Crookshanks just blinked up at her. What he thought was that that blasted bird needed to get here.
Hermione laughed slightly. "Well, can you at least show me where the library is?"
Crookshanks stretched slightly, and left the room, looking back once to make sure that Hermione was following him.
She did.
Nekozawa sat reading one of the books that they had bought at the bookstore in Meiyo Roji.
It did not take Hermione long to find the library, not with Crookshanks leading her. He did have more time than her to explore after all. She bent to pet him once when they arrived, before stepping in. She went to clear her throat to announce her presence, but stopped just in time.
"Nekozawa-san?" she called.
Nekozawa looked up. "Oh Granger-chan, I was just reading one of the books you bought." He smiled and waved a bit to her. "Please have a seat." He motioned to one of the chairs not far from where he leaned back in his chair, his wig and cloak gone.
Hermione smiled back, gracefully moving to the chair indicated. "Enjoying it?" she asked, as she took in the older teen. Really he was quite handsome.
She blushed slightly at her thoughts, glad that the room was dark.
Smiling the blond nodded. "It's fascinating." He turned a bit so that he was facing Hermione as he continued to relax. "If there is anything in here that you would like to read feel free to do so. Also you may take books up to your room, just bring them back."
Hermione's smile grew, her eyes sparkling. "I do believe I'll take you up on that offer," she said, her enthusiasm hard to miss. "But, first . . . you told me to come find you when I was ready to look through your mother's dresses?" she made the last bit a question, in case he'd changed his mind. She really didn't want to force anything.
Nekozawa looked up from the book once more. "Oh right!" He quickly swung his legs over so that they touched the ground and placed a bookmark in the pages, closing it with a snap. "When ever you would like to."
Hermione tilted her head at him. "If it's not too much trouble . . . now?"
Crookshanks simply watched them from the doorway.
Nekozawa shook his head and stood up. "I said when ever you wanted to and if you would like to now that is no problem." He smiled and held out his hand to help her back up.
Hermione smiled, taking his hand. "Great!" she said, following him from the room.
Crookshanks, with nothing better to do, followed as well.
Nekozawa lead the way and soon they had entered a large room with a huge four posted bead with blue sheer curtains. "This is my parents' room." He smiled and stepped over to a set of doors, opening them he stepped to the side. "And this is my mothers' closet. Any dress in here you may use." He looked around a bit until he suddenly felt a small tugging on his pants leg, when he looked down he saw the form of his younger sister, her bright blue eyes looking up at him. "Oh hello Kirimi-chan."
She smiled at the two. "Oni-chama!" She hugged his leg then ran over and hugged Hermione. "What are you doing?"
"Granger-chan is going to pick out a dress for the ball tomorrow." He kneeled down to his sister and patted her head.
Hermione returned the small girl's' hug with a smile. "Would you like to help?" she asked. "I'm afraid I'm quite lost with this many choices."
Kirimi giggled and nodded running into the large closet. "Mommy has a lot of pretty things, this is Kirimi's favorite!" She pulled on the bottom of a gorgeous pale blue gown with pearls embroidered in.
"Yes but Kirimi-chan, that's much to fancy for the ball." Nekozawa smiled following the two in.
Hermione nodded. Even if it wasn't, she didn't think she'd want to wear it anyway. She'd be too afraid of ruining it. "It is very pretty though," she told the girl before turning her eyes to the other things, her thoughts whirling.
If the guys reactions last year were anything to go by, then she looked alright in Periwinkle blue.
She shifted through the dresses thoughtfully.
"Is there anything unparticular that you want?" Nekozawa looked at a few of the dresses.
Hermione bit her lip. "Well, I know that Periwinkle seems to compliment me. That's what I wore last year, but that's about it. I don't do this that often. I'd like to avoid a lot of pink though," she said, shuddering at the memory of her mother dressing her in a frilly pink dress for one of their parties.
Nekozawa nodded and moved to a spot in the closet Kirimi following him as she giggled. "I know what one Oni-chama is thinking of!" Her voice held a sing-song tune as he pulled out a long elegant gown, periwinkle in color. It wasn't extravagant, if anything it had a simple elegance to it.
Hermione turned to Kirimi's 'singing' to see Nekozawa pulling out the dress. Her breath caught slightly. "That's beautiful," she whispered, moving closer to examine it more closely. She smiled softly as two of her fingers reached out to feel the fabric.
Nekozawa handed her the dress.
Silk she thought as she held the dress up. She looked at Nekozawa, "Can I try it on?"
Nekozawa nodded. "Of course," He picked up Kirimi and stepped out of the walk in closet giving her a small smile before closing the door behind him.
Hermione, trusting that Nekozawa wouldn't be peeking, reached back to unzip her yellow dress.
She had a bit of trouble with the straps, but, finally, she realized that they buttoned behind her neck. Then she zipped up the back, which went to just below her shoulder-blades. But, a bra was no problem with the help of a simple glamour. The dress seemed to cling to her upper half before billowing slightly to the ground. It was a little long, but a little heel would take care of that.
Biting her lip slightly, she stepped out into the main room.
Kirimi gasped. "Wow, She looks prettier then mommy in that dress!" She ran around to look at Hermione in the dress while Nekozawa stood from the bed where he had sat and found that his breath had been taken away. He blinked a moment and could hardly move to nod.
Hermione blushed slightly at Kirimi's exclamation. "Are you sure it's not too much?" Hermione asked, still biting her lip. "I wont stand out too much in it?"
Nekozawa cleared his throat, a small blush dusting over his cheeks as he turned his head a bit. "No not at all. It looks perfect on you."
Kirimi nodded vigorously as she smiled at Hermione.
Hermione smiled back at Kirimi. "Alright then." Her hands brushed over it lightly. "I'm going to go change then." It really wouldn't do to have something happen to it. She returned to the closet and did just that. It was not until she was in the closet that it registered what Nekozawa had said, and she blushed slightly.
Nekozawa shook his head as she went back into the closet and walked to the dresser were his mother had her jewelry and picked up a few things. A pearl drop necklace along with matching ear rings. After a moment he held them up for Kirimi to see. "What do you think?"
"They'd be perfect with the dress!" Kirimi laughed and sat on their parents' bed.
Nekozawa nodded and placed them in a box. Part of him was still thinking about how amazing the girl had looked in the dress, he shook his head once more and looked at himself in the mirror. What is coming over me?
It did not take Hermione long to change and place the dress back on its hanger. When she did, she realized that there wasn't any place to put her wand. Well, maybe she could find a bag or something that could go with it. Eyeing it, she decided that it wouldn't be too hard to transfigure a matching purse. She nodded slightly and left the closet once more, leaving the dress in the closet. After all, it was safer in there than in her room. Crookshanks had a tendency to shed.
Crookshanks looked up at her from the chair near the vanity when she re-entered the room. He never had understood the human's reactions to such things, but as long as it kept her happy, and out of trouble, he saw no problem with it.
Nekozawa straightened a bit turning to Hermione and handed her the box. "Here, these are for you to wear with it. Also mother has many hair clips that you could use if you wish."
Kirimi looked from her brother to Hermione and back.
Hermione took the box gingerly. Curious, she opened it slightly, upon seeing the jewelry, thought about protesting, but decided that he was offering, so he obviously thought it was okay. In the end she accepted them with a smile. "They're beautiful. Thank you."
Then, she remembered the other part of his statement and nodded. "And, hair clips would be helpful."
Nekozawa smiled and nodded. "They're right over here." He stepped towards the vanity, petting Crookshanks head as he went, and opened a drawer. "Here, you may use any of these." There were quite a few with gems and some that only had intricate designs.
Hermione followed him, and couldn't help the low whistle that escaped. She blushed slightly. "Sorry," she muttered.
While the gemmed ones were pretty, they really didn't fit the dress, which was elegant in its simplicity, so her gaze was drawn more to the ones that only held designs.
Nekozawa only smiled. "It's alright, you can pick out which ever ones you want."
Suddenly Kirimi's voice came form the bed. "Are you going to marry Oni-chama?"
Nekozawa froze, the smile disappearing from his features.
Hermione seemed to choose, one of her hands flew to her mouth. She turned to Kirimi. "W-what?" perhaps she'd heard wrong. A light blush dusted her cheeks.
"Kirimi… were would you ever get an idea like that?" Nekozawa stepped back a bit looking at his little sister.
"You two look at each other like mommy and daddy do." Kirimi shrugged and petted Crookshanks head softly from her spot on the bed.
Nekozawa's cheeks became very flushed and he turned to Hermione. "Please, excuse me…" With that he was gone, out of the room and down the hall to his own where he sat in the chair by his window and looked out, his thoughts so jumbled he didn't know what to think.
Hermione's blush deepened as she sunk into the seat before the vanity, glad that Crookshanks had left it at some point. One of her hands raised to her mouth, as she attempted to think of a way to explain to the girl the difference between what might be a crush and actual love.
Kirimi looked at Hermione. "Did I do something wrong?" Her eyes were down cast for a moment.
"No," Hermione answered after a moment. "No," she reaffirmed. "It's just . . . it was a surprise is all."
She carefully rested her hands in her lap. "Neither of us was expecting . . . that. And people have several different ways they react when surprised."
Kirimi nodded. "You both do look like mommy and daddy do when they look at each other, though." She continued to pet Crookshanks' head looking down at the furry orange cat.
"Well," Hermione said. "There's a difference between a . . . crush, and love." She couldn't believe she was having this discussion.
Kirimi only tilted her head to one side, listening.
"A crush can happen at anytime. You can meet someone and like them, or it can take a while before it develops, but it's still just a crush," she paused, knowing that she had to keep it simple. "Love is . . . Love is what your mommy and daddy have. True love doesn't just appear in a few days, it takes a while to grow, like a flower. Sometimes, a crush can grow into love, sometimes it doesn't."
Kirimi nodded and then looked at Crookshanks in the eye. Big kids are so complicated.
Crookshanks mewed slightly, before yawning. Humans are complicated creatures.
Really, life would be so much simpler for them if they just lived like cats and Kneazles did.
"So, do you understand? Or do you have any questions?" Hermione couldn't believe she was offering to continue this. It had to be the worst 'talk' ever.
Kirimi looked up from the orange cats eyes and nodded. "I understand." With that she got up and hopped out of the room to her own. Children knew when they saw two people who truly cared for each other, even if they didn't know it.
Hermione sighed slightly when Kirimi left the room. She'd never felt so awkward in her life! She shook her head, and turned back to the hair clips. After a moment, she chose two that seemed to match, and stood from the vanity, making her way out of the room.
"Come on, Crookshanks," Hermione said.
The cat sighed, audibly, but stood and slowly made his way out. Hermione closed the door behind her and made her way down the hall. She paused outside Nekozawa's room, but decided that he probably didn't want to see her right then, and continued down to her own room.
Hermione got back to her room, letting Crookshanks in before closing the door and heading to her own vanity. She sighed slightly as she set the things down and headed to her trunk, pulling out the remainder of stuff that would straighten her hair.
Then, she sat down in front of the mirror, and tried to decide what to do with her hair.
Allanasha Ke Kiri: Alright so … It has been much, much, much too long since our last update. . That is completely my fault, I'll admit. It's my responsibility to turn the RP into story format, and I've been rather … lazy about that. Sorry all. In my defense, I've been rather busy, what with work and college preparations (which still haven't happened) *sigh* Hopefully it wont take so long to update again.
Aku-Hitokiri-Kitsune: OMFG! YAY~! Next chapter! What was happening again? Oh right that! XD so yeha her and I have both been pretty busy...so yeah, READ AND REVIEW!