Hi guys! Yeah another update! Yes I know it's been what two days, but since I got lots of nice reviews and I'm sure people want to know what happened I give you this. The dramatic story arc continues! Fear me!
Enjoy! Please read!
Chapter Twenty Five: Behind the Tutu's
Kyoya really wanted to know how the hell Kagame had talked him into this. He was better at performing quiet inspections, on his computer.
"Kyoya I never knew how freeing tights were!" Tamaki yelled as he pranced around in the pair of black tights and ballet shoes.
Kyoya sighed, "Again Tamaki what grand scheme have you concocted?"
"It's quite simple. No one can resist my charm, and so I will take part in these dance trials. I assume they are some kind of sacred rites for the dancers, and from them I can find who would dare to hurt puppy. "
"Yes but why do you need to dress as a dancer?" Kyoya questioned shuddering at the ensemble.
Tamaki glanced at his legs as he ran a hand through his golden hair, "Kyoya I must blend. Blend. And in order to blend I must become the dancer.'
"Than why are the twins dressed in tutu's and buns." Kyoya glanced at the twins.
"Surprisngly comfortable." The twins waved as they praticed and marked a few steps in the flat ballet shoes. They had apparently raided the costumer department for their outfits.
"Well there were only three open slots." Tamaki shrugged, "And one was for a male lead and the other two were for female."
"Again where did you come up with this?" Kyoya asked, "You will disgrace your family name."
"No we won't."The twins called as they stretched their legs, "We're used to dresses."
Kyoya pushed up his glasses as he glared at Kagame who was hanging off the arms of a boy in a top hat and pair of glasses with wild green hair.
"You can thank Choki here." Kagame thumbed her friend in the chest.
"Ah anything for the host club." Choki shrugged, as he tipped his hat, "Anything else goddess?"
"No. No. No. That's it." Kagame replied with a wave of her hand as Choki gave another bow and walked back down the hall with the excess clothes. She stared after him shaking her head, "Crazy boy. Now then, you know how these trials work? The human sacrifice is chosen for theater and the high priest says the sacred rights.
After which the holy ballet shoe is passed around and each dancer must cut open their feet to lay down their blood as an offering-"
"Kagame." Kyoya warned
"We know." The twins crossed their arms, "We studied dance before you."
"You did not." Kagame answered, "Did they?"
"Their mother had them enrolled as an attempt to make them more graceful if they ever decided to take to the runway." Kyoya explained, "If any of you embarrass the host club-"
He gave a glare as the sheen came to him glasses and the three cowered together.
"To the stage." Tamaki called skipping off as the twins followed holding hands.
"If this works-"He began.
"We'll know who Mikan's pranker is." Kagame finished, "Nah. I just wanted to see if Tamaki could dance. We're going to head to the backstage, and check who was in the free for all and who had heard anything. Hopefully Tamaki will cause enough of a stir to distract everyone else."
"You're enjoying this."
"It was either this or daytime TV." Kagame shrugged
"Why aren't you in a University?" He began
"School isn't for me." She answered, "I got through maybe a year and hated it. Loathed it. Crushed my creative free spirit. I do a lot of baking, part time catering gig, it's fun."
"You could always open up a store, your mother has the money." Kyoya began
"Where not that rich!" Kagame looked affronted, "Plus eleven horses to look after, two destructiveve twins, a shoe addict sister, and a danger prone primma Donna. Hell no."
"Your mother's book tour is not going well?
"Not going well. The woman is never home. I had to leave a message about Mikan which she'll probably answer in three days her inbox is so flooded."
She paused and continued, "Thanks for trying to stop Mikan. Means a lot to me."
"She's an asset." Kyoya answered, "A costly asset, but an asset. My assumptions are that she's managed to generate a three figure revenue and donations from well wishers."
"There were boys?" Kagame began, "I saw them don't act like you didn't."
"Yes, the boys left flowers. The girls purchased half of our fine china." Kyoya answered smirking
"You played to the rumor that Mikan wasn't going to be well." Kagame crossed her arms.
"Yes. You would be surprised at how well profits go up when they are dead or almost dead." Kyoya explained, "And since Mikan serves tea we offered priceless cups that she had served as the puppy."
"Only you." Kagame shook her head, "Only you. Please tell me you are working on something better."
"We are." Kyoya started, "It's hard to price merchandise. We cater to girls, and girls don't want see Mikan in the same way of boys."
"Yeah to bad it's not a bunch of boys wanting stuff of Mikan. You would have enough material for a sexy action packed drama to last through five mangas." Kagame waved a hand.
Kyoya gave a small smiled, "Indeed."
The twins were used to being the center of attention so the fact they were not made their blood boil.
They glanced at the other girls in there smalls groups with a few of these groups gathered around one dancer.
"What's so special about them?" They asked aloud as there was a sudden silence. The girl with blonde curls stood up and made her way to them. She was not very tall, with a long slender figure that resembled a well worn stick.
"Can I help you?" She began, "And who are you by the way?"
"We are visiting dancers.' They answered crossing their arms,"To this pathetic institution it has nothing on the Paris schools."
"This is not Paris. This is Ouran. "The girl replied, "And if you are visiting than perhaps you better learn the pecking order."
"Oh. Than you can follow us around and learn a thing or to." They answered, "Pecking order. Yes who are you?"
"I am the lead dancer." She answered crossing her arms, "Antoinette."
"Sisters there you are."
The twins glared as Tamaki strode over already being followed by group of girl dancer's who seemed to swoon over him, "Have you managed to make a friend?"
"This is our brother." The twins thumbed at Tamaki.
"Bonjour Mademoiselle. You are French as well?"
"Qui. I mean my Madré is, my Papa is Japanese." She answered offering her hand as Tamaki quickly graced her finger tips as she blushed, "Tell me-"
"I am Germain." He bowed low, "It is most excellent to be in the presence of such a fine dancer, have you visited the Paris schools?"
The twins laughed as soon as Tamaki had waltzed away into the crowd of girls, "Idiot. Let us go find something to ease the boredem."
They didn't have to go far as they soon found a group of girls and few boys chattering away.
"What is going on? What is the buzz?" They demanded
"The improtu performance staged by Mikan." A girl began.
"Kanji." A boy scolded, "Shush we don't know anything about that."
"Oh please yes we do. It was all the upper level seniors who were dancing with her. Of course none of them have the guts to admit how they were all out shone by her performance."
"She's got the raw talent."
"Who is this Mikan?" The twins began again leaning in as they rested their heads on their arms almost in a bored manner.
"New girl. She's been on the side lines, mostly chorus work, but she get's private instruction at the school."
"I think she's in a favor with Tamaki, the head master's son."
"The head doesn't control the theatre."
"Well still they must have worked something out.'
"Doesn't she work for that club? The host club?"
"What is the host club?"
"A bunch of the coolest and hottest guys at school charge rich daddy's girls exuberant amounts of money to drink tea."
"Sounds intriguing. Why don't you visit? To poor like the rest of the commoners."
There was a pause and then laughter.
"Oh man where'd you guys say you were from?"
"Paris." Hikaru answered glaring.
"Well I don't know about Paris dance schools, but the only way any of us can afford to even get into this program is scholarship."
The twins glanced dumbfounded at each other, "But surely you don't go to the school?"
"School. No we dance here all day." Another girl answered, "We're all on scholarship, only way we can afford the program. Now the regular school is all the rich bitches and bastards who snob off the theatre. It's nice to think they have no idea they walk the halls with scholarship students everyday."
"But Ouran has only one scholarship student."
There was another round of laughter, "Oh yeah. Haruhi, he's in on that host club gig. Not to bad of a guy though, a little regular. He's in the regular school."
"So what you dance all day?" Karou asked deeply disturbed that the theatre was over run with commoners, that they may walk the halls with them every day and never know.
"Duh. We have a few regular classes, but we're focused on theatre. The regular school is for the kids who are going to take over the family empire." They answered
The twins felt there blood began to boil, insolent commoners.
"What about this Mikan? We heard lots of rumors that she was using drugs."
More laughter.
"Drugs? Mikan? No. No. Yeah maybe she got a little hung over from parties, but drugs, no, no, no." a boy shook his head, "She just put on this performance-"
"Jin you said she didn't know what was going on."
"I lied." He looked away, "Anyways she meant to do it as a way to make a comeback of sorts or that's what Mya is saying now."
"Mya." A girl rolled her eyes, "What a bitch."
"Shh." Jin warned, "Her people are everywhere."
"Did someone say my name?"
The twins glanced at the brunet, she was slender built, taller and her boobs actually were present on her chest. Not quite like the other dancers.
"Finally some one with culture. 'Hikaru exclaimed, "Perhaps you can talk with me and my sister here. We are sick of all this common rumor."
Mya blinked and then smiled, as she turned, "Of course, you can follow me to my room just over here."
Karou threw another glance at the group who had resumed talking quietly, as he focused on the boy, Jin. He looked oddly familiar. Mya however had begun to talk introducing them around to other groups. She seemed to have everyone fawning over her or else glaring from a distance.
She was one of those girls, the one who had the ties and connections to instill fear and power over the other dancers even if she wasn't built to be one herself. They had seen it before as they lounged in the lavish room.
"So no doubt you've heard the rumors." She began
"Of course." They shrugged, "It is not unlike a young upstart to try and steal the spot light.'
"I was hoping she would have broken a leg." Mya replied. She was in a pink skirt and black leotard as her hair was gathered back now in a series of twits and pins. Her shoes looked hardly worn through, but there were several blackened pairs around her.
"Do you hate her?"
"Oh me and her go way back." Mya bragged, "It began really in eight grade, it was my first major competition. She danced with such grace, and then I beat her score by five points. She was crushed, and every time after that she's made a point to beat me at everything. She even followed me to my theatre."
"Your theatre?" Karou asked
"It might as well be mine. My mother is the headmistress." She answered, "I still can't believe she was allowed in. I hear she has to take so many extra classes just o keep up with the material."
"Hmm." The twins shook their heads.
"We met at every conference, every competition. She never remember me, I knew she was just doing an act. And then she had that spill a year ago now, and she disappeared from the stage. She was supposed to be at an American school, Julliard."
"What happened?" The twins asked
'Oh she played it up as she fell off the stage. She was just blinded by a camera flash and fell into the orchestra pit.' Mya explained, "Broke her leg. Then She comes here, she doesn't of course enter in any of the dance programs, and sprains her leg. And then this. I'm not sure what she's trying to prove to me."
"It doesn't sound like she has anything to prove." Hikaru answered, "You've just created the drama to think that someone might rival you. Makes dance much more interesting."
"Oh no, no, sister. Mya may very well have a rival in Mikan, but why Mikan? She's not here."
"Oh no sister. It must be something else." Hikaru stared at her, as Mya rolled her eyes.
"Nothing really. Just friendly competition." Mya assured them.
"You insult her, you wish she would break a leg." The twins smiled, "Oh my we sense she poses a threat. We would do the same to any girl who dared question our position."
"Indeed." Mya nodded, "You may want to join the others, warm up begins in five minutes."
"Oh must we leave sister." Hikaru glanced at Karou.
"Indeed we must sister. We are guests." Karou answered as they walked out together, "That was boring."
"Needs more drama, more flair." Hikaru agreed as they smiled as they approached the senior dancer, Antoinette.
"Are you threatened by Mya as well?'
"Mya." She asked turning her attention from Tamaki, "Oh no. Younger dancer poses no threats to me. I'm trying to simply get into a good company when I have to leave."
"Mya is such an amazing dancer." A girl chimed to her friend.
"Yeah than why isn't she trying out?'
"She's the headmistress daughter. She's already guaranteed."
Antoinette stiffened at the mention, "Don't remind me. What I've had to fight with over that girl."
"Do please don't bring up such things. I am sure you have a much more natural grace." Tamaki assured her. The girl seemed to melt in his gaze.
The twins huffed bored, this was getting there no where.
"Ladies! Ladies! Ladies! Was I missed?"
"Kagame!" Antoinette shoved Tamaki over, "Oh how have you been? I haven't seen you since New York City."
"I know. I know. I know. Oh whose your friend?
"This is Germaine." She answered grabbing his arm, "He's visiting from Paris. And these are his sisters."
"Oh how lovely. This is Kyoya, he's working as my guide." Kagame gestured to Kyoya who seemed to be observing the other dancers, "You two come speak with me."
The twins glanced at each other, as they followed Kyoya.
"So Kagame where is Mikan? I mean after her performance today-" She glanced around as she allowed Tamaki to listen in as well.
Kagame pulled back, "That wasn't a performance, my sister was drugged and someone thought it was funny to put her in the costume that she danced her final solo in before she fell of the stage. She then managed to dance well enough to survive, but now she can't even try out, because her legs need to recover."
"Oh Kagame. Jesus. Come on, Germaine do you mind?'
"No. Of course not." He answered following her. Antoinette seemed putting off, but smiled at his antics.
"God who could do something like that?" She asked as she began to stretch, "Germaine are you going to warm up."
"Of course." He answered as he effortlessly stretched, "I am here to watch perhaps demonstrate, nothing more."
"I was hoping you would stay." Antoinette began as she lifted her leg onto a bar.
"Oh perhaps we meet again." Tamaki answered
"Ahem. Back to my sister. I just saw her in the Nurses office, got the coffee she drank, the coffee that was drugged. I don't know who saw her that morning, but it had to be a fellow dancer. Did Mikan come back stage today?"
"No. I haven't seen her. I never see her. I mean all the girls gossip about her private classes." She began, "I don't stop them."
"Nor should you." Tamaki offered, "It's better to let rumor fly than for the poor girl to be accused of being taking advantage like what was her name, Mya."
"Oh nothing is worse than being the daughter of the headmistress." Antoinette she rolled her eyes, "Now sometimes they are good dancers, but Mya milks it. She rules over everyone else."
"Favorite." Kagame hissed, "Does she still hate Mikan?"
"More the ever. She convinced that Mikan followed her, I think it's because of her fling with Jin and then Mikan meeting right back up with him." Antoinette
"No. Mya was always into boys like Germaine." Kagame gestured behind her as Tamaki was busy leaning over and doing something with his arms. "So why? Mya wasn't there the Mikan fell off the stage, and now would she have the motive to almost kill her."
"Mya might be a bitch, but she's no murder." Antoinette nodded with a sigh, "So where does that leave us?"
"At a dead end." Kagame answered shifting her dress, "Mikan's been through so much, she doesn't need this."
"No dancer does. The school loves her, what's this about her being a puppy?"
"Is this girl a dog or a girl?" Tamaki asked as Antoinette laughed.
"Oh she's a girl. A pink headed free spirited imp who's been the biggest rival for senior dancers since Mellie." She crossed her arms as she glanced at him.
"Mikan is my sister." Kagame continued to keep up this masquerade, "Puppy is offical title so a bunch of rich boys can use her as a sex slave."
"What!" She demanded, but Kagame laughed at Tamaki's face.
"I kid." She shrugged,"It's a club she's apart of. She serves tea in a maid outfit, they call her their puppy."
"Tea to whom?'
"To girls, but the boys act as hosts." Kagame explain.
"Ah." She nodded her head, "The delicate art of conversation."
"Indeed." Tamaki agreed, "They do not sound so horrible, I'm sure their leader is handsome and strong-'
"And dumb as brick." Kagame stopped him as Tamaki sh rinked into a corner.
"What's wrong with Germaine?" Antoinette asked as she looked at Tamaki who was cultivating mushrooms in a corner.
"He's getting into his act." Kagame replied, "I've seen this before, I think the French are known for it." She glanced at Antoinette who crossed her arms annoyed, "Okay sorry. I forgot about how you're French."
"So who did it?" Antoinette started again, "And how is Mikan handling the popularity?"
"She's more concerned with working her way to a lead part." Kagame argued, "And I don't think she'll let this sudden boost at the school go to her head. They will forget about her in a week."
"Have you been to this school?" Antoinette argued, "The very rich are crazy. If they decide they like someone they will follow them around."
"Mikan is popular at the club and if anything she'll gain recognition like the other club members." Kagame answered, "Who know's she may become more popular than there king."
Tamaki let out a blood curling scream as he ran off.
"Germaine!" Antoinette called after him, but he was gone in a puff of dust and screaming dancers, "Oh my. He is dramatic."
"Part of his act. His love of the stage the burn of the stage lights." Kagame said dramatically, "So have I've been missed?"
"What do you think?" Antionette asked returning to her exercises, "Of course you have been missed. We had such fun in Paris, in the clubs."
"When you showed up to that class hung over and I had to give the instructor a lap dance to make sure he would forgive you."
"You saved my ass many times." Antoinette answered, "You never cease to amaze Kagame. Please do not tell me you've become a whore for real."
"I was never a whore to begin with, just a man eater." Kagame answered with a flick of her hair as she adjusted the front of her dress, "And no. I'm thinking of doing something with my baking, I'm just not sure quite what yet."
"Well there is time." Antoinette answered, "There is always time. I must finish preparing so if you excuse me."
Kagame bowed away, the auditions had already begun with the lesser members of the company trying out for the solos opened to their skill levels. Most girls kept to what they could while some strived to go higher and failed.
It was heart breaking to see if they fell out of a turn onto their face flat as a pancake.
"So Kyoya anything?" Kagame asked
"Besides damage control with Tamaki and the twins, no." He answered, "Those two happened to be useful and get cozy with Mya, the girl who is Mikan's supposed rival. I know her mother, and Mya would not shame her mother for the sake of a lead."
"You never know dancers Kyoya." Kagame warned, "What else?"
"The twins are popular and will be performing a small piece for the viewing pleasure of the fellow dancers and Tamaki will be assisting Antoinette in her lifts, it seems that the boy who was supposed to be helping her has dropped out."
"Who?"
"A Jin." Kyoya answered. Kagame raised an eyebrow, "Thanks keep and eye on the three stooges. I don't need to run out of here in my heels.'
"Hooker boots." Kyoya argued as Kagame rolled her eyes. He watched her go and then turned back to the swirling mass of bodies. The girls were muscular but trim, with muscles that bulged on their back and legs. Their hair was perfectly held back with not a hair stray or out of place.
They were preparing for their pieces now, lining up to be called onto stage or else warming up and doing something strange with their shoes. Their Pointe shoes were black and dull, unlike the ones he had once see Mikan buy.
It looked painful as they flexed and stretched their bodies at every angle chattering still as if they were nervous. He was sure each and every one of them knew their part, the beat of the music, and the moves, but it would take luck to make it all come together.
"I see you too have made friends, what are you calling yourselves again?" Kyoya glared at the twins who gulped as they patted their wigs and batted their eye lashes.
"Don't be jealous." They answered stiffly, "And were both called Paris."
"How original." Kyoya answered, "Where is Tamaki?"
"Here.' They pointed at the floor where the sobbing king had been moaning about Mikan.
"What is it Tamaki?" Kyoya asked
"Mikan is more popular than me! How is that! I'm gorgeous! There is no man or woman who can be more handsome! I have wit, charm, she is just a puppy! How! How!"
"Tamaki, you will always rule over Mikan. Without you there is no Mikan. Mikan is simply the flavor of the week, because she preformed an outrageous stunt due to the influence of drugs. People love her because she's different. She does not have the same social skills as you, in fact she is more blunt in her conversation. I do not see you sudden worry, as a master." Kyoya finished.
"That's it ! I have to do something just as crazy!" Tamaki leaped up as Kyoya grabbed by the ear.
"No you don't.' Kyoya warned, "Don't even try."
"But-but-but." Tamaki began putting on his saddest face.
"No. You are Germaine here, and you will help perform with Antoinette and then be done with it." Kyoya warned, "Now go stretch with her and find out what you must do for the piece."
"This should be amusing." The twins laughed
"You two. I hope you know what your doing or risk embarrassing the whole club?"
"Oh please." The twins crossed their arms, "Like we could ever do that."
They sauntered off as Kyoya sighed and leaned against the table making notes on his pad.
Mikan had been a lead in a major production of a showcase. She had danced the lead solo in the ballet the firebird. She had fallen off the stage, and broken a leg and retired from dance. She comes to Ouran, injured twice more, and then this occurs. She's forced to dance in the firebird costume in front of the school falling, but not breaking her leg this time.
The question became who and why? It seemed to tie into Mikan's past, which from as he had noticed she never, ever spoke of. She was very private about dance, she had always been private about dance. They knew less about her than they did Tamaki which was saying something. What could she be hiding?
He sighed again as he shut his pad. He was going to have to maul over it for awhile as he desperately wanted his computer or a computer, something with an internet connection.
"Kyoya this is Jin. I'm sure you've at least seen him."
He glanced at the tall dark haired boy in the same ensemble as the other male dancers.
"Nice to meet you.'
"I'm hear your head of the host club, shadow king." Jin smiled as Kyoya eyed Kagame who shrugged, "Are your friends trying out?"
"No." He lied quickly
Jin laughed, "Kagame you weren't kidding this guy's a stick."
Kyoya raised an eyebrow as Kagame simply looked around, "I beg your pardon."
"Forget it Shadow King." Jin offered, "I hear you need some help with Mikan. Kagame is only going to tell you so much and don't even try with Mikan. She'll bite your hand of if you mention New York and the firebird incident."
"Why?" He inquired
"Because it ruined her chances of getting in Julliard. There wasn't supposed to be any flash photography, blinds a dancer." Jin answered, "And don't think I'm going to tell you. Mikan and me have a confidence and I can't jeopardize that."
"We're you close?" Kyoya asked feeling more like a cop on a detectiveve show.
"Yeah. Partners for the two weeks of classes." He answered, "We did all out partner dances, anytime she needed a lift, you could say we grew really close."
Kyoya nodded as Jin cleared his throat. Kagame had moved away.
Jin leaned in,"Listen as someone who dances for a living, Ill give you some advice. Guard what you're asking. People are treacherous around here, everyone is after the other guys part, dancers are sensitive creatures."
"I can see that." He answered coolly.
"I know, and that's why I warning you." Jin answered, "I am really close to Mikan, and I would love to find out who did this, but like I said dancers are sensitive."
Kyoya took it as you hurt her feelings and my foot with be up your ass in the most polite manner possible.
"Glad we understand each other." Kyoya answered as Jin laughed.
"Your alright shadow king. I don't know why they run from you. That glint in the glasses is a good touch."
"Your input will be accredited where needed." He answered as Jin lingered by him, "Can I help you?"
"No. You can move if I'm bothering your space." Jin offered as he smiled.
"No." Kyoya answered, "Don't you have a dance to prepare for."
"Perhaps. I go last." He shrugged, "No big deal. I rather hang around one who is not going to be followed by fans in his own studio."
'I know the feeling." Kyoya answered, "Giggling girls."
"Yes. They hang around you like flys, but few actually know what you do or look past your looks." Jin continued
"And then they say the sweetest things it makes your teeth rot." Kyoya continued
"And you can't be rude, because you'll hurt their feelings."
"Though you want them to shoo." Jin continued, "And then the ones who get you are few and in between, and so you keep yourself guarded."
"To make sure no one can get past your defenses." Kyoya sighed leaning a head on his palm.
"Hehe. We have a lot in common shadow king." Jin laughed
"Not likely." Kyoya answered, "I run a successful business."
"Which takes a grace." He replied, "Don't worry Shadow King, I'll pretend to fear you.'
"No need." Kyoya answered, "No point. People will think what they will and your position guarantee's no one will question."
"Only rumor." Jin finished for him, as they grew quiet.
"Do you like dance?" Kyoya started
"Yeah. You like business."
"It allows me to express myself." He answered
"Cool." Jin answered as they both struggled to find something to say. There was that quiet connection, that absurd factor that allowed them to be more than acquaintances.
Kyoya cleared his throat, "So where are you going from here?'
"A company. I'm hoping for the American Ballet Company, got a couple offers in Europe, smaller companies." he answered
"Is it hard to find someone." He began
"A place." Jin offered, "Yes and no. I have a better chance of security, because of my track record and connections with previous instructors."
"Ah." Kyoya answered, "Do you play sport?"
"No. I get enough here." He answered, "You."
"Running." He answered, "I work out to keep in physical shape."
"Ah, yes. Appearances are important." Jin answered, "You married off yet?"
Kyoya blanched, "No."
"Sorry I'm used to hearing of arranged marriages for the sake of companies." He explained, "I assumed."
"Understandable. Is everyone on scholarship?" He asked
"Of course. That is the only way you get into the program." Jin answered, "You have to apply, try out and be placed. You are assigned classes, you have to go to conferences."
"Its work being a dancer." Kyoya answered, "Do you find time for classes?"
"I have school in between dance." He answered, "We take classes outside of this or we try to. How goes running a club?"
"Interesting. "Kyoya replied, "Very interesting."
"You want to go get a sandwich or something after all of this." He offered
"I'm busy today.' Kyoya started
"No problem." Jin shrugged, "I'll find you at lunch."
Kyoya paused, friend? He had very few of those. A dancer, it would make things interesting.
"I'm up soon. You may want to go watch your friend." He commented as Kyoya stood up.
He watched as Tamaki managed to walk-through each of the steps.
"Amazing isn't it?" Kagame asked as she stood beside him from behind the stage wings.
They watched Antoinette as she extended her legs and arms, gracefully turning in each step as Tamaki followed her, holding her in each of the turns and lifting from the hips.
"He's not half bad." Kagame commented "Enough to make her look amazing."
Kyoya laughed as he pushed up his glasses, "Jin is nice."
"You got along?" Kagame questioned
"What? Is that surprising that I can get along with people." He answered
"No. No." Kagame shook her head, "Really? Jin. Jin. Wow. Then again your friends with Tamaki."
Kyoya let it go, "Have the twins gone?"
"Nope. They will go after all the others have finished." Kagame explained, "They've managed to win over almost the whole studio. Little devils."
'That is what we advertise them as." Kyoya offered
"They better not pull that yoia crap they do at the club.' Kagame warned, "They won't put up with it here."
"I think the believe they are French ballerina's named Paris." Kyoya answered, "Where are they anyways?"
"Probably chatting with Mya and spreading rumor." He answered
"Mya. Gah." She commented, "Don't talk to me about Mya. She gets under my skin way to quickly."
"She does seem to have that presence. Does she have talent?"
"Yes. She just exploits her mother's position, she plays into the political side of dance." Kagame offered
"You know a lot about this."
"I was the one who took Mikan to performances and conferences. Mom couldn't afford to travel, writing for her magazine and working on the novel and raising the other three. Me and Mikan must have tromped all over the states and some of Europe."
"How long has she been dancing?"Kyoya asked
"Since she was two." Kagame shrugged, "She didn't get serious till sixth grade."
"Ah." He nodded, "Did you tell Tamaki Mikan was more popular than him?"
"I suggested that the puppy might become more popular." She answered, "I mean come on a school chanted her name."
"True." He nodded
"She won't Kyoya. She probably won't even notice." Kagame crossed her arms, "I need food."
"Go steal a granola bar." Kyoya started
"Nah." Kagame sighed as they watched Tamaki and Antoinette finished as she clapped. Tamaki was panting as he came off stage.
"Germaine what out of breath?" Kagame teased as Tamaki sat on the floor.
"Lifts are hard." he panted leaning against her leg, "Kagame save me."
"Deep breaths. Deep Breaths. How did it go Antoinette?" Kagame asked as the girl stretched.
"Fantastic. Germaine you should take a rest and be careful. Have you not dance sine your arrived a week ago?"
"To much family." he lied, "I am sorry that you have to see me like this."
"No worries." She answered as she grabbed his hand, "Come on I want you to meet some of my other friends."
"Is it me or are we now leading double lives?" Kyoya asked
"Its you. I always do this." She answered, "Come on we need to find a new lead."
"I have a hunch that this goes back to when she fell off a stage." Kyoya answered
"Oh yeah someone brought a grudge forward and followed Mikan to her new school." Kagame rolled her eyes, "I have highly doubt that."
"Whatever you say Kagame, but I need to do my sleuthing on the computer."
"Hacking files." She countered
"There is that." He mumbled
"You're not denying it." She chimed, "I'm going to find food and hopefully something that can be a clue."
"Your Tamaki!" someone yelled at.
Kyoya raised his head as he scrambled off the ground, running to Tamaki who seemed flustered at the situation. No dancers attended the host club from what he gathered.
"Mya stop it. This is Germaine."
"He's the host club king." Mya answered, "Duh. Then again of course you wouldn't know you don't have the money or the time to afford it."
"Ahem." Kyoya coughed, "I beg your pardon, but this dancer could never be the host club king."
"Who are you?" Mya asked as Kyoya realized she had no idea who he was. He smiled,
"Germaine's personal guide for while he tours Ouran program. And I don't believe that the headmistress, daughter should not spread such rumors."
Mya seemed to swallow a frog as the twins came over behind her.
"Oh please she obviously is just confused. Germaine is uglier than Tamaki could ever be." They answered, "Come on Mya you were going to show us that stretch."
They walked off as Kyoya commented, "Is she always like this?"
"Sometimes worse." Antoinette answered bristling, "Your sisters seem to be a perfect match for her."
"My sisters, oh yes." Tamaki nodded, "Perfectly horrible beasts."
"Germaine we must be on our way. We will return in time for their performance, excuse us." Kyoya tugged and prodded Tamaki away, but not before he had thoroughly bowed and showered Antoinette in affection and praise for her skills.
"Tamaki." Kyoya hissed
"Shh! I'm undercover!" He answered walked proudly away
"You look like a fool in those tights, your fans will think your gay!'
"AHHHHH!" Tamaki screamed as he took of running, "Must change! Must change!"
Kyoya shook his head, this was the last time he was going to let Kagame talk him into a hair brain scheme. Tamaki returned a moment later, in his school uniform, and Kyoya could honestly say he never wanted to see Tamaki in tights ever again.
"I forgot how loose pants are." He commented adjusting his tie.
"Tamaki. Let's go. The twins can make fools of themselves, we've been here to long."
Kyoya sighed, "I am ready to go home and away from this excessiveve dance drama."
"Think of the poor puppy her psychotic renegade dance killer might be out there watching her every move!" Tamaki cried
Kyoya blinked, "Good bye Tamaki we will meet tomorrow."
Mikan paused later as she rode home in the truck with Kagame as her stomach churned. She chewed on the rather stale pop tart she had found in the glove box, as she gulped.
"Mikan?" Kagame started, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." She lied. Something was wrong, call it a sixth sense, but she could feel something that was going to brew up and over the surface like a pot of noodles left too long on the stove top. It was like everything over the past year was going to come into play, that this incident had something sinister about it.
She couldn't describe it, but she couldn't relax as she stared out the window, taking deep breaths.
She was the firebird, burst into flames, but this was her time to come back. No matter what she was going to get a solo in that damn show even if she had to beg.
"Mikan." Kagame offered again, "Did you know the twins dressed up today in tights?"
Mikan shook her head and laughed, "No way. I'm not going to even ask why."
"You wouldn't believe me." Kagame said softly, "You doing okay?'
"Yeah."
"Liar." She pushed, "Come on. You must have felt something."
"No." She answered, "The whole thing is kind of funny."
"Yeah funny. Poor Mori."
"What? Mori is fine." She argued, "He's a strong guy."
"He lifted almost all those girls and then Hunny wanted a piggy back ride."
"Did you visit with anyone?" Mikan asked
"Yeah, Antoinette. Remind why are you not friends?"
"The dance rule." Mikan answered, "Duh.'
"Oh don't be hating." Kagame shook her head, "You and that dance rule. It's keeping you from friendships."
"Its not a big deal." Mikan encouraged, "And why were the twins in tights?"
"Well they wanted to see what it was like being dancers so they put on tights and tutu's."
"Oh no." She moaned, "No. No. That is so wrong and they fooled everyone."
"Why?" She asked, "They could have asked me."
"Mikan. Sweet heart, everyone wants to be a dancer. And I think they wanted to see what its like to wear tights." She laughed, "I wish I could have gotten them into fish nets."
"Kagame you are sick. So how is everybody?" Mikan started
"Good." Kagame nodded, "They talk about you a lot."
"What do they say?"
"All the same things. Rivalries. Politics. You big accident." Kagame waved a hand.
"Don't tell me you launched some kind of hair brained, scheme to investigate."
Mikan sighed, "You watch to many cop shows."
"Mikan someone is out to get you. You don't want to admit that. People will always be after you because of your talent. They're scared."
"Amazing I'm still alive." She answered
"Your scared aren't you." Kagame started, "Your scared because you can't remember."
"To think someone did that. Drugged me, and I can't even recall." She started
"Hun, we'll figure this out." Kagame promised patting her leg, "Eh. You still with me."
"Yeah." She nodded, "You think the headmistress will let me try out still."
"Beg and grovel. And pull into a sob story." She answered, "She might give you a shot.'
"Fuckin up tight bitch." Mikan grumbled
"Mya?" Kagame started
"Yeah Mya. She'll be all over this. I can't believe I didn't recognize her this morning and then I get to see her right after I wash the puke out of my hair."
"Did you tell her off?"
"No need she was busy." Mikan muttered running a hand through her hair, "Did you tell mom yet?"
"Which part?" Kagame asked
"Any part." Mikan offered, "You know how she gets self righteous."
"I think you're down playing all of this." Kagame answered, "Who would go through that kind of trouble."
"Kagame I don't want to think about it." Mikan answered, "With you on the case I'm sure that it will all work out for the best. It's probably a stupid prank gone wrong."
"Tamaki and Kyoya mentioned a man in a cloak had you. It might have been a jacket and a hat." Kagame began
"So what a thug drugged me?" Mikan cocked her head as Kagame twisted her lip and shrugged.
"I'll check into it."
"Yeah. Though so." Mikan answered, "So how's Jin?"
"He's good. He's taken to Kyoya." Kagame offered
"Everyone likes Kyoya." She answered, "Everyone. I'm not kidding, he might be the shadow king, but that sweet face he shows to everyone is like a Venus fly trap."
"Comparing him to a plant not bad." Kagame offered, "You sure you're going to be cool?"
"Yeah. Yui dad is out of town again. Same with her mom."
"You want me to drop at her house."
"Yeah." Mikan nodded, "I need a distraction from my stress."
Kagame sighed as she changed lanes, "Here we go."
"Thanks."
"Of course babe." She answered, "Do your homework, you going to spend the night?"
"Yeah. I think I will, she doesn't like to be alone." Mikan sighed
"I understand." She answered, "Mikan this is still touchy I know, but do you feel violated?"
"Yes and no. Not being in control of my actions, knowing that some shadowy figure was dragging me around, pretty, pretty worrisome, but like I said I'm assuming it was some kid." She answered, "Yeah just a prank."
There was silence in the car as Kagame pulled up and into Yui's driveway.
"Alright be good." She warned.
Mikan only rolled her eyes as she got out of the car and walked briskly up the front steps. Kagame watched as Yui waved at her before letting Mikan in.
She was going to fry the bastard who did this if it was the last thing she did, as she pressed on the accelerator and spit gravel as she pulled out of the driveway.
More cliffhangers. Get used to it as the story arc progresses, so Mikan won't admit that someone tried to hurt her, Kagame is pissed and has Kyoya working the case, and while suspiscion is away from Mya, the headmistresses of Ouran Theatre daughter, her under the breath comments say something else. And it seems Tamaki doesn't mind prancing around in tights, no surprise there, and the twins aren't to bad in tutu's, (horrible mental images) they wore flats not pointe shoes for clarification.
Poor Mikan she can't catch a break with rivals and old (cough) flames (cough) (cough)
I'm accepting guesses at who dun it.
Please review and review, and review, and fav and or alert.