Tales of the Stars

Book: 1 Homecoming

Chapter 6

"Stop acting like it's your first time in a luxury car. You ride in one every day to school." Kyoya pushed his glasses up as he watched the nervous girl fidget. "Just get comfortable and relax, we have a bit of a ride ahead of ourselves." He gave her a tired smile as he settled back into his seat.

"Easy for you to say." Staria mumbled and did the same, letting herself sink back into the leather seats. "I'm guessing you're not really a morning person."

"No I'm not." he already had his eyes closed. "I forgot these things are usually early events. The twins had mentioned their mother and the models would be getting things together before five." he tried to stifle a yawn, "Normally on a Saturday I'd just be getting to bed then."

"Are you saying you didn't sleep? Or that you've only had a few hours?" Staria looked at him a bit concerned.

"If I went to sleep they never would have gotten me up in time. I'll just nap on the ride. It'll be an hour or so before we get to the venue. Wake me up when we're there."

"Ok…." if she knew he was going to sleep the whole ride, she would have brought a book or something along.

Moments later Kyoya was out cold. It was the first time she'd seen him in every day cloths. His taste was simple but chic. It was just khaki's and a nice dress shirt under his coat, but it just looked expensive. Some how it made her feel under dressed for the event. She was in her favorite dark denim flared jeans, a green tank top, and a white zip up hoody. She had added a lime and white striped scarf to her look, since it was colder out that day. She had left thinking it was a cute but casual look, but now she was second guessing herself. She buried her face in her scarf for a second then stole another peek at him. She was being dumb and she knew it. Kyoya wasn't going to care what she was wearing. Well he might if it was all tattered or something, but she wasn't poor. She just wasn't upper class. It still bugged her thinking about it. He hadn't acted like he looked down on her in any way, so she had no logical reason to fret over the whole class difference. She tried to let it go, but that little bug kept crawling back to fester in her mind.

Without really thinking, she reached to move his bangs away from his face a little. 'You'd have a field day if you knew how stupid you make me. If Tamaki ever tells you I'll have to kill him.' she thought and turned to stare out the window for the rest of the ride. She'd decided then and there, crush or no crush, there was no way anything would come of a relationship. Even if he was game his family would probably be against the idea of their son dating a 'commoner'. So she'd enjoy the attention she'd get and maybe flirt a bit, but leave it at that. There was no point if it was to be doomed from the start. Why hurt herself more on a new relationship when she was still hurt over the old one that never even started. She frowned, Tamaki was going to be disappointed in her.

Yuzuru Suoh sat down with his son in their usual restaurant. It had been a while again since their last day out together.

"Aw Staria didn't want to join us?" He pouted at his son. It was very clear that Tamaki took after his father's personality.

"She was invited to a fashion show with our classmate, Kyoya." Tamaki explained.

"Oh the Ohtori boy. She'd rather spend the day with your best friend than you?" He was teasing but also curious at his son's reaction.

"Actually she's quite smitten with him." Tamaki smiled.

"And how do you feel about that?" the older man pushed.

"Huh?" the blond boy was taken a little off guard. "I'm fine with it. Dating someone would be good for him. Why do you ask?"

"Oh just curious." Tamaki's father had a far off look in his eyes. "It just might have been nice if she got a crush on you."

"What?' Tamaki almost dropped his fork, "Why? She's just our guest right?"

"Want to know a secret?" Yuzuru loved seeing his son get worked up. Tamaki nodded, of coarse he'd want to know. "I went to college with Staria's fathers."

"Wait, you said fathers. As in plural. You mean Mr. Chiba and Mr. Wolf right?" Tamaki wanted to make sure he was understanding his father. "So you know her story too?"

The elder Suoh smiled, "I knew you'd talk to her about her family. Actually if I'd had my way she and Mamoru would be your siblings. But naturally you're grandmother and my wife at the time were against the idea of adopting orphaned children from a family of 'new' money…..such closed hearts. Luckily the Wolf's took Staria in. They wanted Mamoru as well but by the time the boy was found they we're already state side and that complicated things. Being a military family means you go where you're sent."

"So her brother is alive?" Tamaki was almost at a loss of words.

"Yes, he's a very bright young man. I couldn't take him in, but I made sure where he was placed gave him a good education and that no one would be able to take advantage of him. Until they mature I've been handling the Chiba children's trust funds. Mamoru actually got in contact with me earlier this week. He's working this weekend but we're meeting next Monday. I had hoped Staria would join us today so I could plan to reunite the siblings."

"That's wonderful father!" Tamaki paused calming his excitement, "Except that Staria's not the least bit interested in learning about her birth family." he frowned. "She told me not to meddle."

Yuzuru frowned as well, "Now that's just sad. I guess we'll just have to change her mind. I intend to tell Mamoru he does still have family. He deserves to know he's not as alone as he may think."

"I'll see what I can do to help." Tamaki had a lot to think about now.

Staria yawned, at some point during the drive she had drifted off. Car rides did that to her some times. She shifted a bit, her left shoulder felt heavier than usual, and it was putting her arm to sleep. During her nap Kyoya had also shifted around a bit and was sprawled out over most of the back seat. She flushed, as she finished waking up, realizing his head was the weight on her shoulder. She froze, mentally debating on what to do. She could let it be and just enjoy the contact. Or she could push him off of her, and probably wake him up in the process. As she argued with herself, Kyoya took maters into his own unconscious hands. He'd stretched again, just enough to slip off her shoulder and slide down to her lap. Still without waking. He wasn't kidding about being a heavy sleeper.

Staria held her breath for a second. 'Way to make it more awkward Kyoya.' she thought. He still seemed cute. Harmless almost, despite knowing better. She let him be, and lightly draped her arm, that was still regaining feeling, over him. There wasn't anything wrong with taking a nap on someone's lap. So she had nothing to fret over. She just had to keep her emotions in check.

Kyoya awoke when the car stopped moving. He blinked for a moment, a bit confused as to why he was horizontal. He knew he'd gone to sleep leaning back. As his eyes focused he noticed Staria looking down at him.

"Have a nice nap?" She asked smirking just a tiny bit.

"I guess I did." He sat up. She didn't seem too phased by his position so he wasn't about to question it. "I take it we're there?"

"Yeah your driver said he's going to find out where to drop us off at so we don't get lost. I guess a lot of shows are going on today."

"Yes Kaoru mentioned that several winter collections are being showcased today. It's a new event for the area. They're hoping to boost artistic revenue in this district. We're mainly here to see Yuzuha Hitachiin's work, but we can stay and see others if you like. Well, unless the twins have other plans for us."

"You never know with those two, do you?"

Kyoya smiled, "Oh I usually know, but it's more fun to not tell an see what happens."

"Mamoru, I need you at hair and make up now. Then back here for final touches and line up." Yuzuha directed as she fixed a hemline on a last second replacement model.

"On my way Ma'am." Mamoru took off. He knew the final touch was going to be the cape she was still debating on. As silly as it was he kind a like it. The morning had gone by in a rush and it was almost show time. He had to focus, but there was a lot on his mind.

He'd gone to the head of the orphanage, and inquired about his parents. The woman was very kind and understanding, but she wasn't allowed to give him details. She did give him a number to a Mr. Yuzuru Suoh and said to contact him about it. Mr. Suoh had been very eager to meet with him, but due to the show he had to post pone it until Monday. Apparently he was the chairman of Ouran Academy, and asked to meet at his office on the campus after school. Mamoru had been given the option to attend several private schools but he didn't want his care takers to worry about the costs. He was curious about the campus as well as what he'd learn.

"Those Hitachiin twins attend Ouran Academy don't they?" He causally asked Yuzuha's favorite hair stylist as she tousled his hair into place.

"I believe so yes. Why?"

"I have an errand to run there later in the week. I thought they might be able to get me a map of the campus before hand."

"I'm sure if you asked Yuzuha she'd get you one no problem. Knowing those boys if they get you one it'll be fake and you'll be lost in no time."

"No faith in us at all." the twins stated, clicking their tongues and shaking their heads, appearing seemingly out of thin air.

"Really now if you want our help…" Hikaru started.

"You need only ask." Kaoru finished.

"I get the point. I'm meeting with your school's chairman on Monday and just wanted a map of the campus so I won't be late." Mamoru knew he'd regret telling them.

Hikaru smirked. "We'll do even better for you. We'll have a guide waiting for you at the gait."

"That's not necessary. It won't be until after school, and I don't want to inconvenience anyone."

"It won't be an inconvenience." They chimed and ran off before he could argue further.

"Great. I'm in for trouble now for sure." Mamoru muttered, he felt bad for whoever those two planed on making help him.

"Be sure you don't loose this." Kyoya said as he pinned an all access badge onto Staria's hoodie. "You'll need it to get back stage after the show. Apparently the twins' mother wants to meet you before your little dress up session tomorrow."

"You know as cool as all of this is, I can't help but worry, after the tone you just used."

Kyoya laughed, "Perhaps you should. Those two take after their mother."

"Don't tell me that! I'll be doomed for sure if three of them all think the same." Staria paled a bit. "Maybe I should drag Tamaki along after all…"

"No that will just give them more fodder to play with." Kyoya smiled. "You'll be fine. Shall we go find our seats?"

"Lead the way." Staria followed the raven haired boy inside the large building. They stepped into the organized chaos, and started making their way through the crowd. Staria grabbed onto Kyoya's arm, after she was nearly ran over by a frantic assistant cursing about missing shoes.

"The energy in here is crazy." She commented. "It gives you a bit of a buzz."

"I suppose so." the Shadow King made note of her clinging to his arm, but made no outward signs of it. A part of him secretly liked it, but he'd never admit it. "Ah the main showroom is just up here." They found their seats rather easily since most of the crowd was still lingering in the hallways. They were well placed, in the second row halfway down the run way. Small gold foil bags, over flowing with white and blue tissue paper, were placed on all of the chairs.

"We get goodie bags?" Staria asked picking hers up off the seat.

"It's normal. They're usually samples to get you interested in buying. Or just marketing adds."

"It's still cool." Staria chirped and started looking through the bag as she sat down. Kyoya just shook his head. The youngest Ohtori had no interest in what was in the bag as he moved it to the floor so he could sit as well. He scanned the room for note worthy faces, socialites, celebrities and journalists alike. As always he was on the look out for possible connections that would benefit him in the future.

"Kyoya smell this." Staria put a perfume sample in is face. A terrible stench drew him out of his thoughts. "I'm not really a fan. Am I just not sophisticated enough or does it just stink?"

"No it smells like old gym socks trying to be masked by roses and ginger." He moved his head away. "Please close that."

"Good to know it's not just me then." the golden haired girl closed the paper sample and folded it up a few times before burying it back in the bag. "These however I love." she held up a pair of sterling silver earrings. The studs were small blue rhinestones that held three small chains each. The shortest of the chains were empty. The middle length ended in a solid star about a centimeter wide. The final and longest strand ended in a larger cutout star, that had another blue rhinestone suspended in it's center.

"Do I really get to keep this stuff?' Staria was a bit in disbelief. "I mean these look expensive."

"Go a head and put them on if you like." Kyoya reassured her. A part of him was curious as to what was in his bag now. If another pair was in his it would make a good auction item for their club's patrons. He'd look in the car later.

"I kinda wish the blue was green though. What do you think?" Staria moved her hair back from her face showing off the new jewelry. Kyoya took a glance. They looked good. She had a fair enough completion that she could pull of any color. The blue really highlighted her eyes though. He forced himself to stop looking when he realized he kept going back to her eyes, not the jewelry.

"They're you. Plus don't they match that necklace you usually wear?" Staria was surprised he'd noticed. She hadn't worn it that day, but normally a silver star necklace adorn her neck. It was speckled with light and dark blue rhinestones as well. The only real difference was that the necklace was a cheep thrift store item. It was cheep but it had a lot of sentimental value. Gene had given it to her for her birthday. It was the last gift before the accident.

"Yes, they would match I guess." She smiled a bit, but her thoughts had already switched back to more depressing things. The two sat in silence as the room finished filling up, and the lights dimmed. Showtime was upon them.

The show had gone wonderfully, no issues at all but Mamoru was in a hurry. He didn't have time to enjoy the party today. He'd promised his friend Motoki, that he'd help him out, and watch his family's arcade. His friend hadn't been out on a date, with his girlfriend, in almost a month and was desperate. Rekka had been pretty patient but she was still a hard girl to keep pleased. All he had to do was get changed and sneak out, but it wasn't happening that easily. He couldn't make it five feet without getting stopped by someone.

'I'm gonna have to call Motoki and tell him to stall…' he thought brushing his way between a group of giggling stick figure coworkers. Then ahead he saw what might be his savior. Yuzuha, if anyone, could help him sneak out. He made a bee line for his employer, who was chatting with a couple other designers.

"Ah there you are Mamoru!" She smiled, "We were just talking about you."

"Good things I hope. I'm sorry to cut things short Yuzuha, but I promised a friend I'd help him out today, so I can't really stay for the festivities." He was obviously flustered.

"I gotcha. The girls keep stopping you." She grinned that cat like smirk that seemed to be natural to the Hitachiins. "Hikaru! Kaoru! Could you com here dears?" The twins turned around from their own conversation and did as their mother asked.

"Mamoru needs to get going, could you two help him get out with minimal trouble?"

"I guess so." they said as one.

"Thanks. I'll get changed and be ready to go." Mamoru, didn't really want the twins help but he'd take it if it meant he could be on time.

"Don't worry about it. Just get your stuff and hang onto the tux. It's yours now any ways." Yuzuha waved him off.

"What?!" He was thoroughly confused.

"It's a gift. You look to damn good it not to keep it. Now get going. You have plans don't you?"

"Come on Tuxy." the twins started pushing him along.

"You owe us you know." Hikaru commented, once they were out of their mother's ear shot.

"Figures as much." Mamoru mumbled. "What would that be?"

"Our friend Star is here. You're supposed to meet her so you know who'll be taking you to the chairman's office on Monday." Kaoru explained.

"I don't have time right now. You know that. I'll make do." the older boy argued.

"And what do we tell her? She's gonna want to know who she's waiting for." Hikaru persisted.

"Just give her a photo of me. Take my head shot from your mom's files or something. I mean it shouldn't be that hard with or without. I'll be the only student not in an Ouran uniform." He had them there. They probably couldn't stall him more.

"He has a point Hikaru." Kaoru had to agree. "I mean Star's not stupid."

Mamoru got his things gathered up, thinking he was glad he drove his car today and not the motorcycle. A guy in a caped tuxedo on a bike, now that's not something you see every day.

The twins got him through the crowded area rather quickly.

"Ok, you should be able to handle it from here right?" Kaoru asked.

"Yeah thanks again. I'll apologize to your friend on Monday when I see her. I promise."

"You better." they said as one watching him go. Mamoru pushed through the door to the outside hall only to run right onto a young couple. The girl actually took most of the force and was knocked down.

"I am so sorry." Mamoru said and helped her up. "I'm running late." When they touched a jolt of energy ran through them both, making them look at each other confused. Mamoru pulled away first, once she was on her feet.

"Staria are you alright?" Kyoya asked, helping her regain her balance.

"Yeah I'm ok." she rubbed her arm a bit. It was still tingling.

"Sorry about that," Mamoru apologized again bowing slightly, "but I have to go." He ran off, with the strange feeling that he knew that girl from somewhere, but couldn't place it.

"Well that was rude." Kyoya watched Mamoru run off, knowing full well who he was. "Let's go find the twins."

"No need we're right here." Hikaru and Kaoru were standing in the door way, mirroring each other on either side.

"Not quit the meet and greet we had hoped for." Hikaru commented

"Not at all." Kyoya agreed. Staria was still watching the young man, she only knew as a model from the show, disappear into another crowd.