Author's Note: Thank you again to all my readers, you really do inspire me. I try to respond to every review I get. It may not be right away but my goal is to respond to each of them. I have had a few guest reviews and so I will respond to them here since I cannot PM a response to them.
Also, I am still just borrowing the host club, I sadly do not own Ouran. I am not happy with this chapter but I need to move the story along. That is why it also took me so long to post this, I just couldn't get it the way I wanted. Sorry about that! Please do read and review though, I love your suggestions.
Chapter 8:
Today is the last day of classes before winter break. It is also the Host Club Christmas Party during club hours. Tamaki will be dressed up as Santa, Honey and Mori will be reindeer and everyone else will be elves.
Tamaki has a full Santa suit with a padded belly and beard. The elf costumes are made of green pants and coats with gold buttons. They have a matching hat and black shoes with gold buckles. The twins have added fake, red beards to their costume. The reindeer costumes are the simplest with antlers and noses. Honey is playing Rudolph with a red nose, while Mori just has a black nose.
Tomorrow evening is the school Christmas ball. Haruhi still has to decide whether to go as a host or go as Kyoya's date. If she goes as his date, she has to go in disguise and it is pretty risky. Plus, all of her guests are expecting her to be there if the other hosts are. Haruhi is hoping to talk to Kyoya tonight, after club, to figure out what she should do. She desperately wants to go with her boyfriend but she also has to protect her many secrets.
Thankfully, after the ball, she can spend her break as she chooses. At the moment she just wants to relax and spend more time with Kyoya than the host club. She feels like she hasn't been getting much time alone with him. For the last two weeks, almost every date is spoiled either by a host somehow joining or a host freaking out because she isn't as home when they come for a surprise visit. No matter how many times Haruhi tries to tell them that she does have a life outside of school and host club, they just don't get it. These three weeks are something Haruhi is looking forward to as most of the hosts are going away for at least part of the break. All she has to do is deal with the host club on Christmas Eve. Since her Dad works that night, she figured it was the best night to celebrate with them.
"So Haruhi, I have to say, you look quite adorable as an elf." Momoka, one of Haruhi's regular guests, says blushing deeply.
"Oh thank you Momoka-san." Haruhi says with a slight blush.
"I had wanted Haruhi be Mrs. Claus, I even got the outfit but he turned me down." Tamaki, who has been listening to the entire exchange, says sitting down beside Haruhi.
"Oh I would have loved to see that Haruhi. You always look so sweet when you cosplay as a girl!" Another one of Haruhi's guests exclaims.
"Yes, you always look so pretty and you pull it off better than the others." Says another.
"Well that settles it then, go change into the costume Haruhi. You are now Mrs. Claus!" Tamaki says and pushes her back toward the changing room.
"I hate you so much right now Tamamki... Stupid... idiotic...host club king... Damn rich bustard." Haruhi grumbles as she makes her way back there and changes into the costume.
The costume is a green and red plaid dress with a matching bonnet. There is also a curly haired wig that goes under the bonnet and a white apron that goes over the dress. Haruhi examines herself in the mirror and rolls her eyes.
"Are you done changing?" A voice asks from the other side of the curtain and a Haruhi jumps.
"Yes." Haruhi answers and turns around as the curtain opens.
"I had hoped he would give up on this, I am sorry. You do look kind of cute though." Kyoya says looking her up and down.
"I look like an old lady." Haruhi says and Kyoya shrugs.
"Face isn't wrinkled enough." Kyoya says and kisses her forehead.
"I've missed this, I feel like we haven't gotten any time to ourselves."
"I know. Break starts soon though, we can spend some time together over it. I promise. Have you decided about tomorrow?"
"The risks are so high. Plus, won't people ask questions? None of the other hosts are bringing dates..."
"I know. I just wish I could dance with you. I may not always like to dance but after having to dance with all these guests, I just want to dance with you."
"Then save me the last dance." Haruhi says and kisses Kyoya quickly before heading back out to her guests.
I will find a way to go as a host yet still dance the last dance with you my love.
The rest of the club meeting Haruhi spends being fawned over her guests as well as Tamaki and the twins. Despite her thinking she looks ridiculous, everyone else seemed to love the costume and insisted in getting several pictures of her and Santa. After the meeting Haruhi rushes home so she can cook dinner and then find a suitable dress for the ball tomorrow. She will also need a wig that the others have not seen. Perhaps her Dad might have one from before his hair grew out.
As she is searching through his closet, there is a knock at her door. Knowing her Dad is working and Kyoya is at a family dinner she wonders who it could be. Glimpsing through the peep hole she is surprised to not just see Hikaru but to see Hikaru by himself. That's odd, Hikaru is never without Kaoru. Haruhi thinks as she opens the door.
"Hey Hikaru. What's up? Where is Kaoru?" She asks as she steps aside to let him in.
"He is with mother at a photo shoot. I wanted to talk to you alone." Hikaru says coming in and sitting down on one of the tatami mats in the living room.
"Is everything alright?" Haruhi asks worriedly and Hikaru nods.
"I just wanted to ask you something. I know you are going to the ball tomorrow as a host but I was curious if you would consider going with me?"
"Oh Hikaru..." Haruhi says almost in shock.
"I really like you Haruhi, even if you don't want to go to the ball maybe we could go out sometime?" Hikaru adds and Haruhi swallows, trying to find her voice.
"I-I am really sorry Hikaru but I don't feel the same way." "Are you sure?" "Yes. I only like you as a friend Hikaru. You are one of my best friends but just that, a friend. I am so sorry." Haruhi says and looks to the floor.
The room is silent for a few minutes and then Haruhi feels a finger lifting her chin. She opens her eyes and sees Hikaru's lips coming towards hers. She tries to get away but cannot before his lips are pressing down on hers. He pulls away quickly realizing she doesn't want this and is not kissing him back but he looks heartbroken when he does.
"Nothing?! You feel nothing?!"
"I am so sorry Hikaru."
"Good night Haruhi."