Author's Note: Did you see the news?! That's right, I am now the owner of OHSHC-wait, what? What do you mean Bisco Hatori took it back? Sorry, guys, I still own nothing except a cat and one shoe (I can't find the other shoe).
In other news, sorry it took so long to update, but I was having major writer's block on this story. Until I get to the scene I have planned for just after the Garden Party, I'm at a bit of a wall. Well, actually it's kind of a big wall with barbed wire, but you get the gist.
A huge thank you to all those who have reviewed, particularly ShadedStarlight0, who gave me the necessary inspiration for this chapter.
Now, read, review, and enjoy!
Haruhi and an Ootori
Chapter 5
Haruhi froze in her actions as she took in the disastrous sight in front of her. At least half the contents of her wardrobe were strewn across her room in disarray, and the other half was in a jumble in her dresser and closet.
This is ridiculous, she chastised herself. Since when do you care about what you look like? It's one date with one guy. Why are you suddenly freaking out about what you wear?
The chastisement only held Haruhi's attention for a second. The she caught sight of the clock. She had just over an hour till Akito arrived to pick her up for their date, and she had no clue what to wear, much less what to do with her hair, which was really getting too long for her liking. Her dark hair was flipping every which way and hanging down just past her shoulders, and it had become far more trouble than it was worth.
Mustering that little bit of steel courage which she had always possessed, Haruhi picked up her cellphone and dialed, giving one quick last ditch prayer for a peaceable outcome.
"Hey, Kaoru, I need some help . . ."
Kaoru was there in five minutes with Hikaru at his side. As soon as Haruhi opened the door, the twins came striding in like they were the two most important generals on their way to a war council. They spent five minutes circling her before Kaoru dragged her towards the bathroom and pulled out an extensive kit filled with hair supplies. Hikaru went straight for her closet, checking it and dismissing everything Haruhi had not thrown out on her own volition.
Haruhi was shoved unceremoniously into the chair that accompanied the elaborate make up stand the twins had installed in her bathroom two years prior. Kaoru promptly followed this by dumping a pitcher of water over Haruhi's head. As the girl spluttered and gagged, Kaoru began to lather in a thick layer of shampoo.
Then he dumped more water over her head without warning.
"You're getting the floor wet!" Haruhi protested through her coughing fit, an effort on her part to rid her lungs of the water she had accidentally inhaled.
Kaoru poured a glob of conditioner on her head next before answering Haruhi's indignation. "That's not really important right now, dear Haru. You have a date, and as much as Hikaru and I disapprove of you selection—"
"And we like Akito-san about as much as we like buying off the rack," Hikaru called from the adjoining room.
"As your best friends, we cannot let your love life be thrown to shambles because your fashion sense is based off of nineties sitcoms."
"Hey!"
"Don't try to deny it, Haruhi," Kaoru said as he rinsed of the conditioner. "If you could put together an outfit on your own, you wouldn't have called Hikaru and me."
Haruhi eyed Kaoru suspiciously as he began circling her with a pair of haircutting scissors.
"How short do you want it, Haruhi? I mean, you have the face to pull off a pixie cut still, but we could also do a bob, or just a trim. WAIT, I'VE GOT IT!"
"Kaoru, I thought you were asking my opinion?" Haruhi said incredulously.
"Things change."
"In two seconds?"
"Hey, let the master work!" Hikaru defended his brother. Haruhi could see him rifling through a few garment bags he'd brought with him. "Do you know what you're doing on this date of yours?"
"We're going to dinner at Oishī Tenshin. It's a dim sum restaurant, mid-range prices, but still plenty elegant. And then we're walking around the night festival in that high-end shopping district you and Kaoru like so much."
"Got it."
Meanwhile, Kaoru had been hacking off large chunks of her hair. Since Haruhi had cut her hair herself before, she normally wasn't bothered by haircuts. She was, however, bothered by the manic look in Kaoru's eyes as he worked.
Thirty minutes later, Kaoru had finished washing, cutting, blow-drying, and primping Haruhi's hair. He spun her around in the chair so fast she almost fell out of her seat.
"Voila!"
Haruhi studied herself carefully. Kaoru had worked with the newfound waviness of her hair instead of trying to straighten it out. She now had a layered, chin length hairstyle that curled lightly at the ends to shape her face in a rather elegant manner. The way Kaoru had placed the decorative hairband Hikaru had given him at some point made Haruhi look like she'd popped out of a 1920s film.
"Wow, Kaoru, I think you missed your calling as a hairstylist," Haruhi said appreciatively.
"Nah, I'm just usually the one working hair, make up, and accessories at shows."
"My turn!" Hikaru called out from Haruhi's bedroom.
Haruhi and Kaoru walked into Haruhi's bedroom to find three manikins set up, each wearing a different ensemble.
"Okay, Haruhi," Hikaru started. "Here are three different Hitachiin-original outfits composed for your choosing. Pick one, we'll see how it looks, and then Kaoru and I will tell you if you can wear it out or not."
Haruhi began to examine the three outfits set in front of her.
The first was an elegant knee-to-calf length dress with a hemline that was shorter in the front than it was in the back. It was a silvery-grey silk with light pink embroidered flowers trailing from the upper right corner of the bodice down to the waist line. It was a one-shoulder strap dress, and the strap was braided and draped in the back to accentuate the low-cut back, which made up for the very proper neckline of the dress.
The second dress would have ended just above Haruhi's knees if she had been wearing it. It was indigo with a full skirt that looked like it would twirl well, and the bodice was constructed of carefully layered stretches of ruched fabric, and it completely lacked straps.
The third was a two-piece outfit. There was a wool-knit red skirt that looked a little short, but it was paired with black leggings. The top Hikaru had chosen was a sapphire blue color with elbow-length sleeves, and it would be the sort to cling to Haruhi's torso perfectly. The neckline was narrow and low, forming a very thin V at the front and again in the back.
"We've got shoes and accessories for all of them, but you should pick what you want to wear first," Hikaru added while Haruhi walked around the manikins.
"I think I want to wear the one with the skirt and top tonight," Haruhi said. "I think it's more appropriate than the other two for where we're going. But can I keep the grey one to wear to the Garden Party?" Haruhi asked.
"Of course, Haruhi," Hikaru responded, pulling the pieces off the manikins. "We were planning on leaving them all anyway. Them and a few other pieces to replace, you know, your entire wardrobe. Everything's out of style!"
"You gave them to me," Haruhi retorted, her eye twitching in annoyance.
"Yeah, six months ago!" Kaoru bit back. He had a pair of knee-high, flat-heeled leather boots in one hand and a pair of ruby earrings and a matching ruby bracelet. "These will go perfect with your outfit. And that light blue headband will really pop with the it all. Now get dressed so we can do the finishing touches," Kaoru commanded as he threw Haruhi and her outfit back into the bathroom, slamming the door closed behind her.
Five minutes before Akito was supposed to arrive, the twins deemed her worthy. Haruhi had to admit, they had done a good job. The ensemble fit with her personal style, but would not look out of place for where Akito was taking her. She actually thought she looked rather beautiful, but with a bit of an edge.
The twins said that if Akito wasn't driven crazy by the boots by then end of the night, then he wasn't worth her time.
Haruhi silently agreed.
Haruhi kicked the twins out of her apartment, and not two minutes after their limo had pulled away did another one show up to take its place.
You can do this, Haruhi, she said to herself in her head. You've dealt with the hosts and every other guy at Ouran, you can handle Akito-san.
"Hello, Haruhi," he greeted her. "You look absolutely enticing. You'll have to thank the Hitachiins for me; they have emphasized your already stunning appearance," Akito complimented her. His eyes raked over Haruhi in such a way that she wanted nothing more for them to forget the date and just go straight to her clothes-covered bed.
Stop it, Haruhi! You are not fan-girling this!
"Thank you, Akito-san. You look nice, too," Haruhi said simply.
Akito was dressed in light grey slacks and a navy blue button-up shirt, his hair oh so wonderfully mussed.
I really hope this goes well, she thought.
The restaurant was the perfect place to take Haruhi. Akito had looked into her background a bit (the information was already on-hand) and had discovered her love of food. Thus, he thought a dim sum restaurant would be a good choice. And he had been right. He rather enjoyed watching Haruhi's eyes light up every time a new basket was opened.
She proved an excellent conversationalist, and her attire wasn't hurting anything either. Akito's eyes were drawn more than once to certain assets on Haruhi's figure that would have had the whole Host Club slapping him upside the head if they ever found out about his wandering eyes.
Where the hell did she get those boots?
The food tasted amazing, and Haruhi was wonderful company throughout dinner.
A marriage with her would not be the worst thing in the world. She's far more entertaining than the other women with whom father had tried to match me. If she really doesn't care for Kyoya, then perhaps . . . but I'm getting ahead of myself.
After Akito had paid the check, the two of them walked out of the restaurant and down the street through the night festival.
As they walked, they began rapid-fire questioning, trying to get to know one another.
"Why a lawyer?"
"My mother was a public defender. What do you want to do?"
"Go to the dumpling stall down there."
Haruhi laughed lightly. "I meant your career."
"Oh, I know. I'm good at handling clientele and recruiting new clients, and I've brought in a few new partner companies through some of my connections. I work well with people."
"So public relations for the Ootori Group? Or something like that?"
"Exactly like that. It's what I'm best at."
"But what about what you want to do?"
"Well, if you walked faster, we could make it the dumpling stand that much sooner, and I'd be a happy camper."
"Akito-san, be serious."
"Fine, I want to be named co-chair of the Ootori Board, but I can't see Kyoya putting me there. I'm a liability. End of subject. What's your favorite food?"
"Ootoro."
Akito smiled; he knew that one. "Favorite place you've ever been?"
"Okinawa."
This intrigued Akito. He knew the hosts had taken her to Europe, the Amazon Rainforest, America—why Okinawa? He asked her as much, and his curiosity was piqued even further by the light blush that colored her cheeks.
"I like the beach there, and I have good memories of it from my Host Club days," Haruhi replied somewhat evasively.
"Okay, favorite host?"
"I am not going to answer that."
"Why not?"
"Because any answer I give will immediately turn around and bite me in the ass," was Haruhi's eloquent reply.
"Swear on the Ootori name I won't tell anyone," Akito pleaded.
"Sadly the Ootori name is not a trustworthy one. I'm still not convinced Kyoya was honest with me about my debt."
Akito let out a laugh that made Haruhi smile. "I remember hearing stories about that. You know, if you ever get the chance, you should look through that black book of his. I'm sure he has your debt record in there somewhere."
"Snooping in the Shadow King's black book? Sorry, but no thanks. I don't have a death wish."
The two laughed as they walked, finally reaching the dumpling stand. Haruhi paid for their dumplings, which Akito was suprised by. Even wealthy heiresses expected him to pay for everything on a date, and yet here was Haruhi, handing over a few yen in cash unnecessarily.
"Favorite song?" Haruhi shot at him through a mouthful of dumpling.
"Big Bang's 'Alive,'" Akito replied.
"Big Bang? Wouldn't take you for a K-pop fan."
"They do some Japanese translations, but I'm fluent in Chinese, Korean, French Spanish, and English in addition to Japanese."
"Huh, why the interest in languages?"
"It helps with my job. Do you speak any other languages?"
"I'm fluent in English, and I know some Korean."
"Favorite band? K-pop or otherwise."
"I like BoA, she's Korean, but she's become pretty popular here, too. Her music's catchy."
"That it is. Favorite book?"
"Legal Minds of the Twentieth Century," Haruhi answered without hesitation. Seeing the look Aktio was giving her, she added, "My mom gave it to me when I was a kid, and I've kind of grown into it over the years."
"Huh, that's far more impressive than my own," Akito said unabashed.
"What is it?"
"I'll only tell you if you promise not to judge me."
"Okay, I promise I won't judge you. Now what is it?"
"The Count of Monte Cristo."
"How is that not impressive?"
Akito shrugged. "Your favorite book is about people who changed the world. Mine is about the most complex criminal in literary history," Akito answered, a twinkle in his eyes.
Haruhi smiled at Akito's bright expression, which made Akito smile at her in turn. He had stopped walking now, and Haruhi was only a few centimeters away from him. She watched as his eyes brightened even more as he bent down slightly.
"Haruhi Fujioka, you are one hell of a woman," he stated before closing the tantalizingly small gap between them and kissing her.
Except something was different about it this time.
Maybe it had been the wine and her tired mental state, but when Haruhi had kissed Akito at the ball, it had felt like absolute bliss. Now, Haruhi's mind was thrown back to a very drunken night over two years ago when she had kissed someone else.
Someone who looked a lot like Akito.
Someone who had been so slammed he never did remember he had kissed her.
But then, Akito shifted slightly, and Haruhi's mind was overwhelmed by the feel of him. It was different, yes, but it was still more than pleasant. Haruhi willingly allowed Akito to pull her against his chest and wrap his arms a little tighter around her. Haruhi, meanwhile, slipped her arms up his sides, her hand tracing his shoulder blades before messing his hair up even more.
Just as Akito began to trace her lips with his tongue, they were interrupted.
"Oh, sorry, sweeties!" called a man dressed in drag. He and his three friends appeared to be good-natured, but thoroughly drunk.
"It's no problem," Haruhi said, flashing her natural host smile.
"Oh," squealed one, who appeared to be a transvestite. "They're such a cute couple!"
Another one giggled. "Yuki, don't bother them. Just go back to what you were doing. Sorry us old ladies disturbed your happy little make out session!"
The party of drag queens and transvestites began walking down the street again.
Haruhi turned back to Akito, about to ask him if they could head home now, and caught a glimpse of his expression.
She had never seen him look so annoyed by something. Normally he seemed like an easygoing guy, one who got on well with most everybody. Haruhi gently placed her hand on his arm, trying to bring him back—he looked like he had drifted elsewhere.
"Akito-san, is everything okay?" she said softly.
"I'm fine Haruhi," he said, snapping back into himself. "I just don't approve of people who dress in drag. It seems rather disgraceful."
What did he just say? Haruhi thought, flabbergasted.
Akito misread her shocked expression. "Oh, not you," he said quickly. "You were in high school, and it was more of a game than anything. I mean people who dress in drag as part of their . . . lifestyle," Akito finished, as if 'lifestyle' was not the word he wanted to use. "Transvestites and professional drag queens . . . they are people who make their living off of it, and it just seems so disgraceful, don't you think?"
Luckily, Akito didn't expect a response as he led her back towards the waiting limo, and Haruhi didn't offer another word of conversation the entire way back to her apartment.
When the limo pulled up to her apartment complex, Haruhi darted out of the car and up to the door so fast Akito didn't have a chance to say goodnight.
Haruhi promptly locked the door and dialed an all-too-familiar phone number, ready to give someone an earful.
Author's Notes: Well, what'd you think? There's now going to be some Kyoya, the Garden Party, a fantastic post-Garden Party scene featuring a jealous Akito and a crazy happy Kyoya, and then some more Kyoya in the chapters to come. I will try to update for my other story, The Broken Hearts Club, tomorrow, if I can. No updating Saturday as I will be out of town. Thank you for reading!