A Drizzle of Honey Chapter 9
Author's note:
Back so soon! I wanted to thank all of you who reviewed yesterday. I love all your comments and often they make me laugh out loud. If you have time, let me know how I'm doing or if you have any tips. Thanks guys! I own nothing.
Later that evening, Honey was paying Edie a visit in the guesthouse. She sat on the floor, leaning against the bed and curling her knees up to her chin. He sat above her on the bed, running his fingers through her hair. This had become a nightly habit ever since she first had dinner at the main house. That night Honey escorted her home and finger-combed her locks that were so much darker than his own while they chatted about their days or dreams or whatever else came to mind. Honey would sometimes get entranced by the sound of her dark hair gliding against his fair skin.
"So then what happened?" Edie scooted backwards so her spine could lie flat against the bed.
Honey could imagine the interested twinkle in her eyes. "Tama-chan declared that we were the homosexual supporting cast in the story of his romance with Haru-chan."
Edie laughed so hard she snorted. He loved her laugh. Most people only got to hear her sparkling titter she used in public, however, when they were alone, she had a deep belly laugh that could shake a room. The first time he heard it he pledged to make her laugh that way at least once a day.
"I imagine the twins just loved that. Oh I wish I could have seen their faces," Edie was practically gasping and her shoulders still shook with every chuckle.
"They devised a plan to get back at him," Honey grinned.
"Of course they did. Tell me, please tell me."
"Well we needed to find a way to hide Haru-chan's gender during the physical exams, so they convinced Tama-chan to wear a wig and pretend to be her."
"No one is going to believe that. Poor Tama-chan. Shouldn't someone warn him?" Edie had warmed to the silly prince after their talk.
"He did call me homosexual supporting cast. I don't mind the gay thing, but I am the main character," Honey took a playful pouty tone.
"Fair enough. I'm assuming Kyo-chan has a back-up plan," Edie tried her best not to grimace at his name.
Honey could detect some of her bitterness. "He's an Ootori. Of course he does," Honey began to French braid her hair, a skill she taught him two weeks ago.
His nimble fingers made short work of the job despite the large amount of hair she possessed. Edie nearly purred at the soft tugging sensation on her scalp. "You guys get into the craziest adventures," she sighed.
Honey tied the hair elastic she supplied at the end, then sat back to admire his handiwork. "If you join the Host Club, you could be a part of them," he teased.
She rose from the floor and stretched tall, the hem of her t-shirt revealing a small band of skin. "Tama-chan actually talked to me about that today."
"And?" Honey prompted, crossing his legs and leaning back on his hands.
Edie hopped up on the bed next to him. "And maybe I actually wouldn't hate being a host. At least not as much as I feared."
Honey perked, "Does that mean you want to join after all?"
"So Kyo-chan could have his way? I don't think so!" She stuck her tongue out in disgust.
He lied back on the bed, trying to appear causal by crossing his arms behind his head. "He's not so bad. Kyo-chan is one of my best friends. He may seem calculating and cold, but he is loyal to those he cares about. You guys are actually pretty similar."
"You've got to be kidding me," Edie said aghast.
"Seriously. You both are smart, powerful, and good at reading people."
"No way-."
"—And you're both stubborn," Honey arched an eyebrow to make his point.
Edie opened her mouth in defense, but snapped it shut again when she knew he was right. "Maybe. Still, can you imagine his face if I just said I was going to join after all my resistance? He would lord it over me 'til the day I die."
"Isn't there an American idiom for this? Something like, 'don't cut off your nose to spite your face'?"
Edie followed his example and lowered herself until they lay together side by side. "My head knows that you're giving me good advice, but my pride is refusing to let me listen."
Honey chuckled and put out his arm so Edie could use it as a pillow. She inched closer until she was snuggled nicely into his side. "If you want to save face then join the club, but do it on your own terms."
"Like what?"
He patted her back. "You'll think of something."
The day of the physical exams was finally upon them. Edie walked the hallways with her classmates to the examination area. She listened to Chizuko fret about her weight. Apparently measurements like height and weight were made in full view of everyone. Only the psychological review and body inspections were made in private.
"I've gained two kilos this year. I'm sure of it," Chizuko said around the fingernails she was chewing frantically.
"Even if that's true, I'm sure you got taller too," Kimiko comforted.
Unfortunately, Kimiko had a waspish figure, so the huskier Chizuko took little reassurance. Edie patted her panicked pal sympathetically on the back. She understood weight insecurities. The world of MMA was filled with eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Fans of the sport may not see, but the pressure to make weight snapped many hopeful fighters.
"I think you are beautiful Chizu-chan. Don't worry," Edie smiled her support.
She wished Honey was there to chime in, but he and Mori were excused early due to the Host Club's activities. Edie had not yet acquiesced to becoming a host, so she stayed behind. Although, she did happen to spy a white lab coat in his bag. Things with Mori were less tense than she imagined they could be. She ate lunch with him and Honey and though they never spoke, Mori wasn't much of a conversationalist anyway. He still avoided any eye contact with her, but the chill she felt from him the night of the ball was gone.
The herd of third-years finally stopped in front of the double doors of the examination area. Faculty had claimed one of ballrooms for the doctors. The doors swung open and once again, Edie was stunned at the lengths this school went for the comfort of its students. Rows of pretty nurses in pristine white dresses lined the aisle where students were ushered down. White linen curtains sequestered off several examination areas, but first the students were lined up before a series of scales.
Chizuko's forehead was beginning to dampen while her eyes darted nervously around the room. Ayako squeezed Chizuko's now clammy hand in solidarity. One by one, boys and girls alike stepped up to be weighed until it was finally Chizuko's turn. Dread resided in her eyes, but she raised her chin and solemnly stepped on the square platform.
"Sixty-four kilograms," announced the nurse.
Chizuko's face lit. "Really? That means I lost weight," she squealed then turned to raise a victorious fist to Edie and the other Bees.
They applauded and cheered. It was now Edie's turn. It wasn't her first time having her height and weight exposed to a room of strangers. She'd been to dozens of fight weigh-ins. She barely even noticed when her nurse reported her weight. She was too busy trying to spot Honey in the crowd.
Sure enough, she spotted him off in the section where the first-years were being weighed. He and Mori were disguised as doctors in white lab-coats. Perhaps Mori could have pulled off the role, but Honey resembled a child dressing up in his father's clothing. He wasn't fooling anyone, but the girls swooning next to him didn't seem to mind.
She managed to make eye contact with Honey and was rewarded with a thumbs-up. Peeking to make sure the coast was clear of meddling teachers, she snuck over to him. However, she was halted halfway there by the sight of the twins, topless and embracing each other. She had to admit they were well built. Even so, she snuck up beside them and smacked each of them in the belly, leaving a five-fingered red mark emblazoned across their flawless six-packs.
"Ow!" They yelped.
"That's what you get for being exhibitionists," she laughed and flounced away before either the twins or their admirers could retaliate.
She sidled up next to Honey, cool as a cucumber. "Looking sharp Doctor," She said.
"Why thank you," Honey straightened his lapel comically.
"Seriously, what are you wearing?" Edie asked incredulously.
"Kyo-chan likes to advertise the club at large student gatherings. Cosplay is always a big hit with the ladies."
"Always on duty."
"You should be too. I though you were going to join the club by now," Honey gave a reprimanding look.
"I made no such promises," was her prim response, "and you told me I should join on my own terms. I haven't decided what those are yet."
Edie, Honey, and Mori watched with interest while Haruhi entered an examination room. The curtain closed behind her. Girls practically frothed at the mouth. This was their chance to see the body of the newest host. Several moments later, the curtains parted revealing a semi-nude Tamaki in a brown wig. The second the female audience began to murmur their confusion, Tamaki realized his fatal mistake. He trusted the twins. He attempted to throttle the tricksters, but soon the waves of disappointment radiating off of Haruhi gave him pause. Tamaki reduced to a weepy mess over the angered object of his unrequited love.
Edie and Honey bore witness and shook their heads in pit. "Poor Tama-chan," Honey lamented.
"He is foolish sometimes, but I'm still rooting for him," Edie shrugged.
"Really?"
"Yeah. Tama-chan is an adventurous guy and Haru-chan is grounded. They'd be good for each other if Haru-chan could just recognize his merit.
"I agree," Mori rumbled.
She was drawn aback, but smiled. Those where the first words Mori said to her since the disastrous confession. His low voice no longer set her heart a-flutter, but it still warmed her to know that she might not have burned the bridge to friendship.
"Miss Hale?" a nurse with a pleasant face interrupted, "The doctor will now see you for your personal exam. Please follow me."
"I'll be off then. Stay out of trouble boys," Edie saluted them then hopped away after the nurse.
Honey watched every step of her departure until she disappeared into the throng of people. He climbed atop Mori's shoulders and directed a forward march. "Come on buddy, we need to get checked out too," Honey said.
A raucous scream stopped the gentle giant in his tracks. Huddled in the corner was a trembling girl pale as snow. Mori carried them both to her side. Hikaru and Kaoru followed. Honey dismounted and cradled the frightened second-year's hand. "What's wrong?" he asked.
The girl gulped huge panicked breaths as she spoke. "I was waiting for my personal check-up when an imposter dressed as a doctor entered the tent," she paused to sob, "He tried to touch me. I screamed and he ran away. I was so scared."
Hikaru and Kaoru supported the girl on either side and assisted her to stand. "Which way did he go?" Kaoru soothed.
The girl's shaky finger raised and pointed in the exact same direction the nurse led Edie. Warning bells clanged in Honey's ears. He took off in a sprint before anyone could react. Frantically, he searched, asking everyone he saw where Edie was. At long last he found the nurse who took her away. Baffled, she directed him to the last exam station at the end of the road. He didn't even stop to thank her. He ran as quickly as he could to the white curtain.
Eek!
Honey's heart iced over when he heard her shriek.
A few minutes earlier and inside her exam room, Edie's nurse handed her a crinkly paper gown. "Please remove your clothes and put this on. Your underwear can stay on, but we'll need you to remove your bra. The doctor will be with you shortly," the nurse bowed her way out of the room.
Edie set to work. The dress was soon pulled over her head and folded into a neat pile, followed by her lilac sports bra, and lemon yellow flats. She then began to remove her white stockings, but tripped over the exam table. "Eek!" she shrieked and fell into a painful heap on the floor.
Much to her dismay, the white partition separating her from the outside world swept open. Her legs were bent in an uncomfortable "w" position, but luckily her back was facing the opening. She whipped her head to look at the intruder and was dismayed to see Honey, concerned and frantic. His eyes searched the room then lowered slowly to see her crumpled on the floor.
Even though she faced away he could still see the naked curve of her spine as it disappeared into ruffled white panties. His face boiled and for some reason loud carnival music was screaming on loop in his skull.
She wrapped her arms around her breasts and yelped, "Get out!"
She was shrill enough to disrupt his daze. He separated them once more with the curtain. He stammered ardent apologies through the linen. "God Edie, I'm so sorry! It w-wasn't what it looked like. Crap, crap, CRAP!"
Edie was too busy pulling her clothing back on and fuming to pay attention to his words of apology. Only when her dress rested on her frame did she start listening. She pulled open the curtain ferociously to find Honey cowering in a bow on the ground. He looked pitiful, but she was mad so she didn't bother to tell him to rise.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to see, not that I saw anything…not that there was anything to see…I mean you have things to see, but… God I didn't mean it…Crap!" he rambled too worried about her hatred to make sense.
She cut him off, but her eyes still contained a burning wrath. "You have exactly three seconds to tell me why you lost your mind and acted like a complete pervert."
"A girl was attacked by a man and he ran this way, so I wanted to make sure you were okay, but I heard you scream and burst in. I'm sorry," Honey spoke breathlessly from his groveling position.
She understood and was even grateful. He tried to save her, but he had also seen her naked. This was a sin not easily forgotten. She outstretched her arms, inviting Honey into a hug. " I forgive you, and thanks for at least trying to save me."
Tears of gratitude welled in his eyes. He sprang up into Edie's arms, but as soon as he connected she planted her heels and threw him over her left hip, back onto the ground. He lay flat on his back, dazed and confused. She offered him a hand to help him stand. "Now we're even," she grinned playfully, "Let's catch us a pervert."
Honey accepted the offered hand, a little embarrassed to be caught off guard. He rubbed his bruised shoulder. "Nice throw. You probably could have taken care of yourself, couldn't you?"
"I totally could've, but it's nice to know that I wouldn't have to. For real, thanks," she grabbed his hand and ran them both back to the main reception area.
The twins, Mori, Tamaki, and Kyoya conferred together a huddle. Tamaki spotted them first. He broke off from the group and swept Edie off the ground into a relieved cuddle.
"My goodness, are you alright? I nearly fainted when Mori told me," Tamaki gasped.
"I'm okay Tama-chan. Honey came to get me. I didn't even run into the guy," she giggled and patted his shoulder until he put her down.
Ever the pragmatist, Kyoya checked, "So the imposter is still at large?"
Honey nodded solemnly. Hikaru and Kaoru positioned themselves like protective sentries around Edie. It was ridiculous considering that she wasn't actually under any threat, but Edie was touched by the gesture. "This school has pretty tight security. I'm sure they'll handle it," she assured.
Before she could even finish her sentence, yet another girl screamed. The Host Club and Edie booked their way over to the disturbed youth. The victim held her hands trembling to her breast. Tamaki switched on his prince persona in an instant.
"Are you alright princess?" he cupped her shoulder.
This was the closest the girl had ever been to the prince. His violet eyes overwhelmed her, so she had to blink the stars out of her eyes before she could manage human speech.
"I'm fine. Just shaken I suppose. Some pervert doctor approached me, started talking crazy, and then ran away after I screamed," she gushed.
"Which way?" Kyoya and Edie spoke over each other.
They glared at one another. At least until the girl said, "The special private men's examination ward."
There was a beat of silence while everyone realized the implications. Tamaki never dropped his character faster. "Haruhi," he whispered, dropped the girl, and took off running.
It didn't take long for the other's to follow suit. They weaved through the hall until the male ward appeared. Tamaki burst in the room first. He took one look at Haruhi and the disheveled man, then acted. "Tama-KICK!" he yelled.
Edie had to admit she was impressed with his form and from the way Haruhi was gazing up at Tamaki, she was pretty impressed as well. Way to go Tamaki! Once the Host Club arrived, matters solved themselves rather quickly. As it turned out, the doctor was just looking for his estranged daughter, who actually attended Ouran's public high school, not the private school. Tamaki assisted in reuniting the family in his usual benevolent, if not meddlesome fashion.
Once the ordeal was complete, Edie accompanied the host club back to their music room. Kyoya decided to postpone club activities in an uncharacteristic show of courtesy.
Haruhi and Edie sat together on one of the couches discussing the events of the day. "Were you frightened?" Edie wondered.
"Not really. Confused definitely, but that guy wasn't even intimidating," Haruhi poured them some tea.
Edie collected her portion and curled around the warmth, "Well you certainly are brave. Two other girls ran into him and they were terrified."
"The girls in this school aren't the most rational, present company excluded of course," she crossed her legs.
"You can say that again. Still you have to admit Tama-chan was seriously cool back there," Edie eyed her junior around the rim of her teacup to measure her reaction.
Haruhi's expression grew wistful. "I guess you're right. I didn't know Sempai had it in him."
"You should tell him. After all, he almost saved you from a pervert. He was so worried, but didn't hesitate to come to your aid. It was the first time I saw him as a real prince," Edie hoped her nudging would plant a seed of romance in her dense friend.
"Maybe I should…" Haruhi pondered.
"Now…" Edie suggested.
Haruhi smiled and took off to find her hero. Edie sipped the jasmine tea as a reward for her matchmaking effort. Satisfaction bloomed in her belly, at least until Kyoya claimed the seat that Haruhi had just evicted.
"A little birdy told me you have reconsidered my offer to become a host," Kyoya said.
Edie returned her cup to its saucer with a clatter. Dang that Honey! He was the only one she told. She could almost feel the smug energy oozing from Kyoya's pores, but she was always a bit pessimistic when it came to him.
"First off, you can't call it an offer when you practically coerce me to comply. Second, I haven't actually decided, so…"
"Please Edie, you're better than this charade. The club needs you, the members like you, and our guests are thrilled with your addition. Don't you think we should bury our bad blood?"
Edie settled her fist on her hip and raised her eyebrows. "Like you wouldn't say anything to improve the financial status of the club."
"Of course I would. There is nothing I wouldn't do or say to get you to join. Tamaki has gotten quite attached to you. He texts me every hour on the hour to ask me if you've joined yet. My life will be utter hell until you back down."
Inspiration struck. Honey told her to join on her own terms and Tamaki suggested she become someone who couldn't be toyed with. Well she just found her terms. "You'll do anything?" she checked.
"As I just said," Kyoya had little patience for repeating himself.
"Mr. Ootori, prepare to eat your words!"
"Valued guests of the Host Club, gather round to watch our newest host in action. Please welcome, Edie Hale!" Honey announced.
The ring of guests around the floor mat burst into eager applause. Edie skipped out onto the mat, wearing a fitted exercise top and leggings. She waved at the crowd. "Hi everybody! I'm so excited to spend time you all you pretty ladies," she stole a trick out of Honey's hosting guide and willed little pink flowers to bloom around her head.
The crowd ooed and awed while the applause continued to grow. She raised her hand to silence them. With any luck, her face showed only serious earnestness, but she was too excited to tell. "It was really scary during the physical exams for us girls, right? There was an intruder and some poor souls were harassed."
Her eyes searched the group and apparently she was doing fine because everyone clung to each syllable she said. Several of the guests nodded along solemnly. She continued, "The Host Club cares so much for every single one of you and we don't want anyone to be afraid ever again. So…" she paused for dramatic effect, "Kyo-chan has agreed to assist me to teach you all some self defense."
The room burst into applause once more and Kyoya hobbled out of the prep room and into the ring. His glasses were off and he was covered head to toe in padding. The guests were all moved that the icy vice president would care enough to sacrifice his body for their sake. Hikaru and Kaoru couldn't help but snicker in their corner, ignoring the murderous glares Kyoya shot them.
"Isn't he amazing ladies?" more nods and swooning from the audience, "Good! First, we will learn how to punch. In dangerous situations the best thing to do is scream and run away, but if for any reason that isn't possible, you should know how to punch without harming yourself."
Edie showed them how to curl in their fingers and wrap the thumb over top to make a fist. She had the rest of the hosts, excluding Kyoya, go around and examine form. Many girls hyperventilated when Tamaki grasped their hand to make corrections. Soon everyone in the crowd knew how to make a fist.
"Great job," Edie smiled, "Now let's punch. The force for a punch comes from your mass and the acceleration of you movements. Sadly, girls don't have a lot of mass, but we more than make up for it with our acceleration. Strike fast as fast as you can."
Edie punched the air, her arms so fast that those watching almost missed it. "Put your whole body behind the punch. Gather power from the ground, your legs, waist, and arms. When you punch someone in the tummy, don't aim for the belly, aim for the spine. Watch me," she continued.
Kyoya reluctantly provided her with sparring gloves. Once she was strapped in, he clenched every fiber in his abdomen. He still felt her blow like a bullet to his stomach. He wanted to growl at Edie for being so rough, but the loud applause from the peanut gallery calmed him. Her eyes sparkled with glee and he reminded himself that one of her hairpins was sold for 370,000 yen on the only auction.
"Okay friends, it's your turn. Line up," Edie announced and passed the gloves to the first one up.
The guest was a mousey and quiet first-year. "I-I couldn't possibly hit Kyoya-sempai," she bit her knuckle bashfully.
Edie grabbed her hand, "It's okay. Kyo-chan wants you to hit him. He told me he would take a million punches if it meant his beloved guests could be safe. Isn't that right Kyo-chan?" she almost giggled.
"Quite right Edie," Kyoya said, because what else could he do?
Despite being mousey, the first-year could still pack a punch. None of the blows hurt as badly as Edie's, thank goodness. Edie watched for a while to make sure all was progressing smoothly, then took a step back to hang with Tamaki before the next lesson. He passed her a water bottle and gave her a respectful nod.
"Congratulations, you've officially become a host no one would toy with," he observed.
"I'm glad I took your advice. Thank you."
"So is your feud with Kyoya over?"
Edie considered this as she drank from the bottle. "I think so. Now that we're working together things should get calmer. Who knows, we may even become friends."
"I hope so," Tamaki smiled.
So did Edie. Being mad all the time was exhausting. It would be nice if their arranged truce could last.
"Edie come quick!" Hikaru called her over to the prep room, frantically.
"What's up?" she asked while she ran over.
"Kaoru needs help opening a jar of commoner's coffee."
Edie eyed him incredulously. Goodness these hosts were drama queens. She passed the water bottle to Hikaru. "Is that all?" she swung open the door to the prep room.
Before she knew it, she was shoved inside and the lock clicked behind her. She looked up wildly to find two twin girls. Wait, they were the white and black twins from the Hitachiin boutique. They advanced ominously, then pounced. One pinned down her legs while the other removed Edie's top.
"Wait a second-," she began.
Before she could finish, the short maid outfit Hikaru had waved at her during the flower festival was pulled over her head. Her leggings were removed and then the girls threw her active wear out the open window. Edie raced forward to try to catch them, but managed only to watch them flutter down three floors and land on the ground. Edie stalked to the door and knocked.
"What am I wearing?" she rumbled.
"You missed cosplay day," Kaoru chirped on the other side.
"I'm in the middle of a self defense seminar!" she fluffed up her black skirt and was relieved to find black shorts underneath.
"It's important for the guests to learn that no matter what you are wearing it is still possible to defend yourself," Hikaru laughed through the wood.
"Fine, let me out of here."
"Are you going to punch up if we let you out?" Kaoru asked.
"Not today, but watch your backs," she threatened.
Hikaru and Kaoru squealed and ran away after switching the lock. She shook her head and regarded the female twins sarcastically, "Nice to see you again."
Wordlessly, they bowed low. Edie mustered her last shred of self-respect and exited the prep room. "Enough punching. We're gonna move on," she announced while she approached the mat, ignoring the cooing guests.
Kyoya was relieved when Edie called for a rest. He was starting to sweat a little. Then he spotted her, dressed up in a frilly maid outfit. She looked like jailbait. They stared at each other. He was puffed up like a marshmallow with all his sparring pads and she was an X-rated nursery rhyme. Neither of them had ever looked more ridiculous. Their only option was to burst into empathetic laughter. It was a kind of forced camaraderie, but it was real. For the first time since their meeting, the shadow king and the icy fighter were seeing eye to eye.