XXx Honey xXX
I roll over, lazily pulling aside my blackout curtains.
Warm sunshine pools on my face as my eyes open groggily, taking a moment to adjust to the new source of light. I glance around my room to see Akimi has stacked a few of suitcases at the foot of my bed.
This time tomorrow I'll be on a plane to Switzerland with Aya, Takashi, and the rest of our families.
And I have whole month to try and express how I feel to her. I have to do it by the time summer ends...or I might be too late.
I doubt she's noticed it at all, but Aya's been getting more than her fair share of stares around school. But sometimes she's denser than rock and only notices what she wants to. It's been hard, having to suppress the jealousy I feel when I do notice. And it's harder knowing she's probably still carrying on over a guy like her ex-boyfriend.
I need this chance.
No customers. No one to make fun of me for trying to be romantic. No interference whatsoever.
Just me and Aya in the lush green countryside filled with hundreds of flowers, glassy lakes, and maybe even a baby goat or two. A wide smile spreads across my face and my heart rate speeds up.
But then my cell phone rings, shattering my daydreams.
I sigh and roll to the other side of the bed, knowing there was a pretty good chance this was Tama-chan. Who else would it be this early in the morning during summer vacation? I sigh as the caller ID confirms my suspicions before flipping my phone open.
"Hello?" I ask in time with four other voices.
"SHE'S GONE! MY BELOVED DAUGHTER HAS VANISHED OF THE FACE OFF THE EARTH! SHE MUST HAVE BEEN KIDNAPED BY A BAND OF GYPSIES I JUST KNOW IT! CONTACT THE POLICE! WE HAVE TO REQUEST AN EMERGENCY DEPLOYMENT OF THE SDF!"
"Wait, slow down," Hika-chan commands. "You're not making any sense. Now what?"
"MY DAUGHTER IS GONE!" Tama-chan wails.
"What do you mean Haruhi's gone?!" Hikaru yells.
"Is she really missing?" I finally ask.
"And her family is bankrupt?" Takashi mumbles.
"IT'S THE ONLY EXPLANATION!" Tama-chan yells. "I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET THROUGH TO HER HOME PHONE AND HER FATHER'S WORK FOR THE PAST SEVERAL DAYS AND NO ONE WILL ANSWER! THEY'VE BEEN EVICTED INTO INDENTURED SERVETUDE! WE HAVE TO RESCUE THEM!"
"Boss please, not so loud," Hika-chan whines. "Have you tried calling her cell phone?"
"CELL PHONE?! WHY ON EARTH WOULD SHE HAVE A CELL PHONE?!" Tama-chan yells into the receiver.
A minute passes before he starts speaking again, but he seems to have gotten a hold of himself.
"Of course," he muses. "She was issued one by a secret underground network of commoners known as the Plebeian Exchange."
"Not to interrupt your delusions," Kyo-chan finally speaks up. "But Haruhi is currently in Karuizawa."
There's a pause before Tama-chan finally speaks up.
"Haruhi was turned out of her home, kidnapped by gypsies, and forced into servitude...in Karuizawa?"
"Moron," Kyo-chan murmurs.
"We have to go rescue her anyways!" Tama-chan protests. "Be at my estate in exactly fifteen minutes!"
And then he hangs up before any of us can protest.
Kyo-chan wastes no time in hanging up either.
"Well, see you guys there," Hika-chan says before hanging up.
"I guess we're not going to Switzerland anymore," I sigh.
"Yeah," Takashi mutters before hanging up.
I set down my cell phone and roll out of bed. I shower and change quickly.
Aya didn't answer her phone, so it looks like she's still asleep. As I stand outside her room I can only hope she's nothing like me or Kyo-chan when it comes to being woken up. I knock on the door and it swings open, as if Aya never closed it all the way last night.
"Aya-chan?" I call out.
A wait a minute, but get no response.
"Aya-chan?" I repeat a little louder.
Still no answer.
I push the door open a little, taking a tentative step inside.
It's quiet, with sunlight pooling in various spots around the suite. And on the far end of the room Aya is cocooned in a ton of tan, purple, and pink blankets, clutching Usako to her chest.
I smile as I step through the door way, zigzagging through the gap between the tan couches and the glass coffee table. The area around it was littered with empty plates, DVD cases, art supplies, and a cold cup half filled with coffee.
How late did she stay up last night?
I finally reach the bed and halt for a moment, praying no one choses this moment to walk into the room.
"Aya-chan?" I whisper, shaking her shoulder gently.
She doesn't budge.
"Aya-chan?" I say a little louder.
"She's out cold I'm afraid."
I freeze for a moment, but relax as soon as I recognize the speaker's voice. Akimi is leaning in the doorway, a lazy smile on her face.
"She only went to bed about two hours ago. It's useless to try and wake her up now."
"We need to go Kimi-chan; can you please pack a bag for her?" I ask.
She raises an eyebrow as she pushes off the wall.
"Isn't it a bit early? Switzerland isn't until tomorrow."
"We're not going to Switzerland anymore," I say quietly. "We have...a club activity. Takashi isn't going either, but tell Oka-san they should go anyway."
She smiles as she plops down on the one of the mini couches.
"I don't think that will be a problem," she says as she picks up a caramel square from a bowl next to the coffee mug. "But to bad huh? You're losing your chance."
"What do you mean?" I ask, taking a seat across the table from her.
"Well, weren't you gonna tell Aya nee-chan you like her?"
My face flames as Akimi calmly discards the candy wrapper in a nearby trashcan.
"You too Kimi-chan?" I squeak.
She giggles, tossing her braid over her shoulder.
"Come on, you can keep those feelings bottled up forever," she lectures. "It's not fair to you or her."
I perk up at her last statement.
"Does that mean Aya-chan likes me too?" I ask quietly. "What do you know Kimi-chan?"
"Even if I knew I wouldn't tell you," she says, twirling a loose lock of her hair around her finger. "If you want to know just ask her yourself."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask. "And when did you start calling her Nee-chan?"
Her expression turns serious before she gets up. She blows a loose strand of her hair out of her face calmly, seeming to enjoy my suspense.
"OK, listen carefully," she commands as she picks up a backpack from a pile of Aya-chan's bags. "I'm only gonna say this once, mostly because I think she should be the one telling you this, not me."
I nod, urging her on as she empties the backpack of all its contents.
"While I don't know what her definite feelings towards you are, I can tell you for sure she cares about you a lot."
My heart flutters at those words, even if it wasn't the answer I was looking for.
"Aya nee-chan loves being around you, and is happy you care about her as well. There's been a very small number of people she's ever considered friends, and you are among them," she explains.
"At first she was surprised she was able to warm up to you so quickly. She thought her experience with her ex-boyfriend would cause her to be a lot colder and resistant to being around boys. But you've really proved her wrong, and she's grateful for that."
I can feel pride swell through me at those words, but I can't help but feel like she was right. This would be better if it came from Aya herself.
"In my opinion, the quickest way to get her to accept her feelings is to show her you are completely devoted to her. Show her she's safe with you. Put her before anything else."
I nod as she walks over to Aya-chan's closet.
"Now for Kami's sake just make a move already!"
"Shhhh! I don't want her to wake up!" I whisper.
She just winks as she pulls out some clothes and a pair of shoes.
"Just do it," she commands.
I take a deep breath before walking up to Aya-chan's bedside. She's sprawled out on her back now, her oversized tee-shirt handing off her shoulder.
"It's a good thing she fell asleep with street clothes on," Akimi says as she unzips a pair of black combat boots.
I refuse to let myself blush as I bend down and scoop Aya up bridal style, clutching her to my chest.
She immediately seems to feel the lack of warmth and leans into my body more, her hands clutching the fabric of my shirt.
I smile down at her as Akimi slides her boots on over her black and red cheetah print knee socks.
"Here you go," she says, looping the strap of Aya's bag in my hands before retrieving Usako from the mess of blankets. "There's a change of clothes in there, a smaller purse, her cellphone and charger, headphones, some of her art supplies, and her wallet."
"Thanks, Kimi-chan," I say. "You're a great friend."
"So are you. I've never hand to many friends either, so I only want you two to be happy," she says as she steps back. "The two of you look good together, and I look forward to serving you two for the rest of my life."
I feel my face flush as she giggles.
"I don't even know if she likes me yet!" I protest.
"I guess that was uncalled for," she says with an apologetic bow. "Now hurry up, I originally came to tell you Takashi-sama is here. He's been waiting for a while."
"Alright," I mutter, tightening my grip on Aya. "Bye Kimi-chan."
She waves goodbye and then begins cleaning as I carry Aya out of her room.
I pass a very confused looking Chika in the hallway, but I don't really pay attention to whatever he yells as I try to speed up without waking Aya. To my delight she just nuzzles her face into the crook of my neck, her soft breath tickling my skin.
Takashi just surveys the scene as I spread her out on the limo seat so she's more comfortable before I take a seat across from him.
"Did I miss something?" he asks with the slightest hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
"I wish," I mutter as I stroke her hair softly. "It looks like I'm going to need to lower my expectations for this trip."
XXx Aya xXX
"HARUHI! DESPAIR NOT! DADDY'S COME TO SAVE YOU!"
The next thing I know there's a violent lurch and I'm thrown off whatever flat surface I was lying on.
My eyes snap open as I feel a pair of familiar arms loop around my stomach.
"Are you ok?" Honey asks.
I shake myself mentally before I answer.
"Yeah, fine. What happened?"
"Looks like Tama-chan is eager to land this thing."
My head jerks up and I realize I'm inside a helicopter.
"Uhhhh...What day is it?" I ask stupidly.
He laughs before placing me back on the leather seat.
"Sorry, but it looks like we won't be going to Switzerland after all."
I'm both relieved and sad at the response. I'm happy I won't have to worry about being alone in a foreign country with Honey, but at the same time I was kind of looking forward to it. Damn it brain make up your mind! Are you happy or not?!
"Then where are we?" I ask, trying to shake off my internal debate.
"Karuizawa."
XXX
"Oh my! What dashing young me you are! These hunks must belong to Haruhi!"
I look up at the man in front of me...and try not to laugh. And I fail, because I snort rather unattractively before my hand can muffle any sounds coming from my mouth. If our host is offended, he doesn't show it.
"Why don't you call me Misuzu-chi?" the man asks, innocently fluttering his lashes.
"He's an old friend of Ranka's," Kyoya explains. "They used to work together at the same shop years ago."
"Well naturally you would know!" Tamaki spits.
"I went into business for myself two years ago and believe you me running this adorable little pension is like living a fairytale!" Misuzu gushes, ignoring the side conversation.
I try and step out of the way as he starts spinning. And for a brief second, I wonder if he sings as well, and has a choir of furry little woodland creatures to accompany him.
"So then, is Haru-chan like your indentured servant?" Honey suddenly asks.
"She's more like an unpaid employee," Kyoya explains. "This also happens to be Ranka's preferred method of keeping track of his daughter while he's busy working."
"What the-? How do you know all of this stuff?!" Tamaki whines.
"'Take my little girl under your wing' he says. He practically begged me!" Misuzu gushes, cutting off any reply Kyoya might have not given anyway. "And since is still can't afford the expense of hired help, it works out for everyone!"
He runs over to Haruhi and places his hands one her shoulders.
"She's a model employee really. It's such a shame I can't pay her anything! Oh! Tell me what you boys think of this cute little apron she's wearing. I made it myself!"
"You are quite an exquisite seamstress," Tamaki replies as the rest of the club gives thumbs up.
"Um, sorry to interrupt," I mutter. "But is there somewhere that I can go change?"
Misuzu finally seems to realize I'm there and suddenly his eyes go all big and teary. He towers over me, and for a minute my heart stops beating.
"Of course you can! Oh you're so adorable! Just like a little doll!"
"Uhhh...thank you?" I reply awkwardly.
"You can use my room senpai," Haruhi says as she pulls a key out of her apron pocket. "It's just down the hall, the last door on the left."
"Thank you," I say as I take the key from her and suppress the urge to sprint down the hall.
Half an hour later I'm trudging down the steps to the garden, pulling a black and red flannel over my black shorts and tank top.
"I'm sorry boys! I'd love to have you all as guests! But I'm afraid there's only one vacant room left," I hear Misuzu say sadly.
"Only one room you said? Well that settles it, I'll have to stay here to represent the club," Tamaki says.
"Have you no feeling of loyalty? Of any solidarity boss?" Hikaru asks.
"Togetherness is our guiding principle," Kaoru mocks.
"My own words twisted! And thrown right back in my face!" Tamaki wails.
"Ummm did I miss something?" I ask as I drop down next to Honey at the foot of the stairs.
"They're trying to figure out who's staying in the last vacant room," Honey explains. "But we have a summer house here in town, so it really doesn't matter. We can just stay there Aya-chan."
"OH NO YOU DON"T!"
We turn to see Tamaki pointing an accusing finger at us.
"My daughter is not staying in a house alone with a boy! Not even if it's you Honey-senpai! She'll stay with her sister!"
"So you mean I get the spare room?" I ask.
Tamaki freezes and his face drops. I grin as I see the twins getting upset as well, but Tamaki like always, recovers quickly.
"NO!" he gasps. "You can room with Haruhi!"
"Uh, you might want to ask Haruhi and Misuzu before you stuff me in that room Tamaki," I reply.
"OH it's fine! Absolutely fine!" Misuzu says.
"Now to solve our other problem boss," Hikaru and Kaoru say in unison.
"Here's an idea, we bet you'll like it," Hikaru says through his smirk. "Why not hold a little competition?"
"Call it the Guest Relations odd jobs contest at Pension Misuzu," Kaoru adds.
"It's very simple," Hikaru continues. "We all just lend a hand around the place for the afternoon."
"And the one that makes the best impression on Misuzu-chi gets to sleep in the vacant guest bedroom."
"That's brilliant!" Misuzu yells. "I think it's an absolutely delightful idea! The winner of the contest will be determined by how refreshing they are!"
I turn to Haruhi, who's sulking over by the tables.
"I don't know if these guys are gonna be much help so I'll give you a hand Haruhi," I whisper. "Just tell me what to do."
"Thanks," she grumbles as she rests her face in her hands. "Give me a second and then I'll get you familiar with the schedule."
"AND I'LL MAKE YOU A CUTE LITTLE APRON!" Misuzu gushes as he picks me up and spins me around in a circle. "Haruhi, you two go into town and get the supplies for me."
"Or not…" she sighs as she pushes herself up. "Let's just get this over with."
"Ok," I mutter as he sets me back on the ground. "I need to get a few changes of clothes anyways. it looks like we're staying a while."
XXX
I hum quietly as I make my way over to the bench I told Haruhi I'm meet her at two hours ago.
She's sitting quietly, reading a small book with the bag of supplies for my new apron resting by her side. I plop down next to her, pulling the bud out of my right ear before setting my bags by my feet before stretching out.
"You ready to head back?" Haruhi asks without looking up from her book.
"Well…" I trail off, bringing my gaze up to the two stores across the street.
If you saw me on the street, knew nothing about me, and just went off how I looked, you wouldn't doubt I'd walk straight into the store to the left.
The Caged Butterfly.
Just by looking through the glass windows I can see the walls are painted a dark midnight blue and sponged with silver and metallic purple glitter.
Dozens of mannequins stand in the window, all sporting the same crazy punk style with pops of neon colors. Ripped fishnet stockings laced with scarlet ribbon and black lace, lime green foux fur boot covers, loose grey vests with colorful tube tops underneath, and huge pumps and knee high boots.
I had every intention of shopping there, and did, hence the four bags at my feet. But as I stare between the two stores, I feel the store to the right also pull me towards it.
Kawaii Couture.
Everything in there is pink and lacey. The front display is filled with Wa Lolita dresses and princess gowns that have been tailored to be knee length. Nothing but ribbons, frills, and lace from wall to wall.
"You want to go in don't you?"
I turn to meet Haruhi's knowing gaze. She nods towards Kawaii Couture, her short brown hair bobbing slightly in the faint breeze.
"But it's not really me is it?" I ask with a sad smile.
"Does it really matter senpai?"
"I guess not."
I gather my bags in my arms and get to my feet. Haruhi closes her book and tucks it under her arm before following me into the store, and eventually wanders off by herself.
Forty-five minutes later I'm slightly weighed down by eight new bags, looking around for her.
"Haruhi?" I call, scanning the isles.
Finally I find her over in the shoe display, looking over a pair of cream colored heels.
They're about two inches high and have a pale pink lace border with a darker pink ribbon stitching around the top. There's a peep toe opening and right in the center of the bridge of pink silk is a small pink rose.
"They're cute," I say as I walk up to her. "You should get them."
"I don't know," she sighs. "They're expensive, and not really practical. Maybe I shouldn't."
She places them back on the display, the slightest bit of disappointment in her eyes.
"What size do you wear Haruhi?" I ask as I squat down to the many stacked boxes under the shelf.
"A twenty-four," she replies as I locate the correct box. "Why?"
"Come on," I say as I get back to my feet. "I'll get them for you."
"I can't let you do that senpai," she protests. "I don't need them, they're just shoes."
"Haruhi," I lecture as I pause in the middle of the isle. "Have I ever told you what my favorite quote is?"
She shakes her head.
"Shoes are the most important thing for a woman," I recite with a smile. "Good shoes take you good places. I hope these take you great places without fail."
And with that I take off towards the register so I can pay before she can catch me.
XXx Author's Notes xXX
I'm halfway theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere~ (someone please tell me what song that's from I'm been wondering about it forever and it's really bugging me)
Lotsa love, Krystal