Author's Note: Sinde you all keep asking for it, I have decided to update quickly and post this. The ball chapter is finally here! Fair warning, this is only one part of the ball, the next chapter will be covering it as well. I hope this lives up to all of your expectations, I am rather nervous posting this now. I also hope that you are enjoying me borrowing Ouran, please read and review!
Chapter 15:
As Haruhi examines herself using a full length mirror, in one of the guest bedrooms at the Ootori mansion, she remembers going shopping with Kyoya the day before. Although it was hell for Haruhi, Kyoya seemed to enjoy himself. Not only did he insist she try on what felt like hundreds of dresses, once they found the perfect dress, they had to find matching gloves and shoes. Thankfully, she had her own black clutch that she could use or he would have made her find one of those as well.
The dress they finally chose, Haruhi must admit is beautiful. It is a deep, wine red and is very fitted down her torso with ruching. The straps are off the shoulder and the dress has a sweetheart neckline. The skirt comes down in an a-line and goes down to the floor. Her gloves are black, matching her kitten heels and clutch. She has chosen to wear a brunette wig since Kaoru knows she is coming with Kyoya and the wig has slight curls to it.
A knock at the door interrupts Haruhi's thoughts and she bids the knocker entry.
"Sorry to interrupt Fujioka-san, Kyoya-sama just asked me to let you know he is ready and waiting for you at the bottom of the main staircase." A young maid says upon opening the door. She seems very nervous so Haruhi gives her a small smile before answering.
"Alright, I am ready, would you mind showing me the way though please? I still don't quite know my way with all the winding hallways." Haruhi says with a laugh and the girl nods with a small smile.
Kyoya is wearing a black, full tuxedo with tails and a white shirt. His tie matches the colour of Haruhi's dress and his hair is immaculately styled. He definitely looks the part of an Ootori.
"Shall we?" He asks holding out his arm and slightly bowing.
"Yes, though I am nervous. I do not know who all Kaoru told." Haruhi says taking his arm.
"I called him and made it perfectly clear he was to tell no one apart from Hikaru and if either of them told, there would be severe consequences. I also promised them severe consequences if they caused a scene tonight." Kyoya says with a smirk as they head into the ballroom.
On entering the ball room, Haruhi has to keep her jaw from dropping. There are lights everywhere and it is simply beautiful. There is a full orchestra setting up to play along with a dance floor in the middle of the room. Surrounding the dance floor are small tables but there is a long head table, with lots of food, buffet style, at the far side of the room.
"What do you think?"
"It-it's amazing. I haven't seen something so pretty."
"I am glad you like the decor. We tried to make it not too shocking for you Fujioka-san." A voice says behind them and both teens jump.
"Father." Kyoya says with a bow upon turning around.
"Ootori-sama, thank you for inviting me."
"It was no trouble, I hope you enjoy tonight. I made sure there was ootoro on the menu for you tonight." Yoshio Ootori says with a bow and walks away.
"Three things. First, I never thought anyone could sneak up on the Shadow King. Two, your father is as good at you when he hides in the shadows and finally how in the world did he know I like ootoro?"
"Well he is where I learned how to become the Shadow King hence he is good at sneaking up on people. He is the only person that can sneak up on me however. As for the ootoro, just like me, my father has sources. That and I may have asked him to order some." Kyoya says and Haruhi just nods before shaking her head, kind of in shock.
Haruhi's shock does not last long as they have to greet guests soon and as Kyoya's date, she must be in the receiving line. After the first hundred and fifty people, faces are all meshing together and she isn't sure she will keep anyone straight. Some Ouran students have come but thankfully none of them have recognized her. None of their friends have arrived yet however and she is really dreading when that happens. She isn't expecting too much of a problem from Honey, Mori or Kaoru but the rest may still cause a scene.
For better or worse, they all arrive, with their families, one after another. Honey and Mori, as expected, shoot her a secret smile and continue on, accepting Kyoya introducing her as Haruka for the evening. The twins smirk and are about to do something when Kyoya shoots them a death glare. Tamaki however, sees Haruhi and begins to freak out.
"OH! MY DARLING DAUGHTER! I didn't know you would be here! Wait- why see you here with-" Tamaki starts and begins to run over and try to hug her but is stopped by his father grabbing the back of his suit jacket.
"Tamaki! Behave yourself, why were you about to attack Ootori-san's date? You are in public, that is highly inappropriate. Please try to remember where you are!" Yuzuru Suoh scolds.
"B-but it's Haru-"
"I don't care. Come, we are holding up the line." Yuzuru says and pulls Tamaki along, away from the receiving line.
Finally after receiving everyone Kyoya and Haruhi open the dance with the rest of the Ootori family. With the food being buffet style, everyone is eating when they are hungry. After dancing a few dances they decide to get something to eat and find the rest of the host club. Easily enough they find Honey near the cakes and he leads them back to a table where everyone else is. Haruhi gives a small smile and sits down beside Kyoya.
"Hey everyone!" She says and Hikaru glares at her. Tamaki on the other hand is ready to glomp her but only stops when he sees Kyoya's death glare.
"She is trying to eat Tamaki and if you make her spill food on her dress, I will never forgive you. It is a lovely dress and I can't have my date covered in food."
"Yes, why is she your date Kyoya-senpai?" Hikaru asks.
"My father told me to bring her as my date, so I asked her. She said yes."
"Why did you do that dear daughter? If you wanted to come so badly, one of us would have brought you. You didn't need to ask mean Mommy!" Tamaki says and Kyoya glares at him.
"I didn't really want to come. You just never say no to an Ootori, let alone two of them." Haruhi says with a shrug and that semi-satisfies everyone.
"So you are Haruka-chan tonight?" Honey asks with a big grin and. Haruhi nods.
"We needed a name since we couldn't use her real one. Please remember it." Kyoya says looking pointedly at Tamaki.
"Why can't we just use her real name? She has such a lovely-"
"Tono, other kids from Ouran are here-" Kaoru starts and Hikaru adds,
"And they all think Haruhi is a guy, if it came out that she isn't-" before they chorus together,
"Then she wouldn't be able to host."
"Oh...right."
"Yes, well on that note, we need to go mingle." Kyoya says standing up and offering Haruhi his hand. She waves at the host club before she is swept away by. Kyoya.
"It really sucks she is here with Kyoya." Hikaru says and Kaoru shrugs.
"Yeah. She can't be having any fun with Mommy. She should have come with Daddy." Tamaki says and everyone rolls their eyes.
"She actually looks like she is having fun." Honey says looking over to where Kyoya and. Haruhi are talking to another couple. Haruhi is shaking the man's hand and has a large smile on her face.
"Yeah." Mori agrees and the others shake their heads.
"It's just her host mask, she isn't actually having fun." Hikaru says.
"I dunno Hikaru, they are dancing now and her smile hasn't dropped." Kaoru says.
"They are dancing! That is inappropriate for a young lady!" Tamaki shouts standing up.
"Tama-chan, they have to dance, it is expected. Besides, we all danced with her at the Ouran Fair..."
"Fine. Then as her Daddy, I better get a dance later and I also reserve the right to not like that she is dancing in such a revealing dress!"
"But Tono at the fair-" the twins start but Honey just touches their shoulders shaking his head mouthing "Let it go. It's not worth it."
Kyoya and Haruhi meanwhile are just stepping off the dance floor when a familiar blonde girl stops them. Haruhi immediately recognizes her and tries to hide her face. While her disguise is good with a quick glance, anyone who knows her well would be able to recognize her.
"Ootori-san! I just wanted to wish you Happy New Year and thank you for inviting my father and I." The girl says with a curtsy.
"You are most welcome Houshakuji-san. I hope you enjoy yourselves."
"Thank you, we shall. So who is your date this evening?"
"Ah, pardon my impoliteness. This is my date Haruka-san."
"Hello Haruka-san, I am Houshajuki Renge. It is a pleasure to meet you." Renge says with a slight curtsy.
"It is nice to-" Haruhi starts but is cut off.
"Wait a minute! You are not some Haruka-san. I know that voice!" Renge starts loudly.
"Renge! Please be quieter. We will explain everything." Haruhi starts and with a glare she is silent. Kyoya leads them over to some chairs at the side and they all sit down.
"Needless to say, I am actually Haruhi and-"
"You are a girl!"
"Yes."
"Why did you lie to us? Why are you pretending to be a guy at school?"
"I uh-broke a vase and had to pay off a 8 million yen debt. Everyone but Kyoya thought I was a guy and put me in a guys uniform. It was easier to pay it off as a guy than as a girl doing errands. Please forgive me Renge, if you had ever asked, I would have told you the truth."
"Alright, I believe you. Those idiots are that oblivious. I am mad at you for keeping it from me because we totally could have been best friends for much longer but I understand."
"Will you keep her secret Renge? I don't think I have to point-"
"Yes. Kyoya-senpai, just for you, I will keep her secret."
"Thank you Renge, it means a lot." Haruhi says and the two girls hug.
"We can be best friends for ever and ever now!" She says excitedly and runs away.
"Great..." Haruhi grumbles once she is out of earshot.
"She may be annoying but she will be good to have on your side whenever we do release your true gender." Kyoya says and Haruhi nods.
"That's true... I guess."
"Shall we?" He asks and leads Haruhi back to the dance floor.