CHAPTER 6

Yay! This is the chapter you've all been waiting for~ At least, the one I've been waiting for. Teehee! Oh, and the next one as well. Because, well, I'm evil and love writing cliffhangers. So, sorry, but this is not where this story ends, with a simple "happy ever after". I HAVE IDEAS PEOPLE.

ALLONS-Y!

Later that evening, Haruhi could hardly contain her excitement. Her stomach hurt, but eating was impossible. She choked down an apple before leaving, but she didn't want to stain her stunning ocean-like dress. She rubbed her thumb over the new bracelet she flaunted on her right wrist, grinning to herself. She wasn't ever truly beautiful, but tonight, she decided she could be girly for a few hours. This was definitely a step up to her normal wear, where some days she would wear a tshirt and shorts, and some days she wouldn't even change out of her pajamas if she didn't have to.

She left her house at 6, afraid she would be late, and the skies looked like rain. The sun had set about 45 minutes ago, but even then the skies were cloudy and promised another storm tonight. It was warm for this time of year, around 8 degrees Celsius. Instead of snow, this area was getting lots of rain. Haruhi wanted to get to Ouran before the promised storm arrived.

When she arrived at Ouran, many guests had already started to arrive. Although they were half an hour early, they were let in and everyone sat and chatted in the entryway. Well, everyone except Haruhi. While most people in the school knew her as a scholarship student, not many of her peers knew her well enough to like her or even talk to her.

She sat on a windowsill and stared out the window as more limousines pulled in, dropping off couples and groups. Raindrops sprinkled down and Haruhi watched them race down the glass. She was so lost in her little rain fantasy she didn't even notice that everyone else had already entered the ballroom and began to dance and eat.

"Hey Kyoya," Tamaki said. "Where's Haruhi? She did say she'll come, right?"

Kyoya pushed up his glasses and sighed. He was sick and tired of the obnoxious blonde constantly asking him the same tedious questions. But he had to admit, he was wondering that as well. "She did say that, but I don't know where she is. Since she most likely had to walk here, she may have gotten caught up in the rain." I hope she's okay, he added silently.

"Hmph," Tamaki grumbled. The two stood above the rest of the couples on a stage where the music came from. Kyoya leaned up against a wall and searched the rosy room for any sign of Haruhi. Disappointed, he turned back to Tamaki who was preparing to make an announcement.

"Welcome to this wonderful party we've set up for all you little lovebirds. This is an early Valentine's day dance, so we hope you all have a lovely night tonight. Don't forget, we are taking song requests, and..." Tamaki droned on. Hearing a familiar voice, Haruhi snapped out of her trance and slowly snuck in the room, embarrassed. She inched along the back wall, hoping no one would notice, and luckily, only one person did. The dark haired host who had been worrying about her for the past fifteen minutes was the only one who saw her. Everyone else's attention was focused on the blonde next to him.

Kyoya smiled when he saw her. His heart skipped a beat, but he didn't let it show on his face. Haruhi looked amazing in her sapphire dress with her hair left down and plain. She was a bluebell in a garden of pink roses and lavender lilacs. Haruhi stood out, but only enough that Kyoya could see.

Tamaki finished his speech and everyone began dancing again while Haruhi headed for the dessert table. There was an elaborate display of small cupcakes and other sweets, all decorated in white, pink, or red with little hearts and cupids. It was very cute, and Haruhi could only wonder where Honey was and how long the table would last before he got here.

She gently picked up a cupcake and bit into it. The taste of creamy frosting on red velvet filled her mouth, and she savored the sweet taste. She licked her fingers clean, and went to go sit down by the window again when He walked up to her. Kyoya. She was waiting for him to come. She knew he would. Wordlessly, he held out his hand, and she took it as he led her to the dance floor.

The spun around and danced for many songs as the night flew by, getting looks from many other students. While Kyoya was one of the least popular hosts, as he was outdone by Tamaki in that aspect and did most of the manager's duties, and didn't have many requests himself, people judged Haruhi for dancing with a host. They looked on in jealousy, in hatred, and in happiness. Those who knew Haruhi were happy for her, but those were few. Most others were spiteful and angry that the student at the top of his class, a well known host, and a very good looking one at that, was dancing with a poor commoner like Haruhi.

"That's a very beautiful dress you have on, Haruhi," Kyoya said as they swayed to the soft music.

Haruhi blushed. "Thanks, my dad got it as a present."

"It's the perfect color on you, that baby blue."

"That's what everyone says. I guess my dad really knows me well. Although truth be told, I don't really like dresses all that much."

"You don't? Why ever not?"

Haruhi thought for a moment. "Well, I'm just not really that girly. I would cut my hair, but I promised I'd keep it long. I would rather wear just a tshirt, but I can't wear that to school."

Kyoya smiled. "Well, you look amazing tonight."

They danced in silence. Around them, girls had their heads on their boyfriends shoulders, or the boys would pull their chin up for a kiss. Other girls who did not come with a date lined up to have a dance with one of the twins or Tamaki who announced "Sorry ladies, but I have some business to attend to" and jumped on the stage, while Mori and Honey were over by the desserts (as Haruhi expected).

When the final song came around, everyone without a date left, and only the couples stayed.

"This is the final song of the night, so make it count," Tamaki announced with a wink. He put on a slow, romantic song and dimmed the lights so the room glowed a soft gold.

Kyoya did not let Haruhi go. They had been held together for two and a half hours, the majority of the dance. They had only paused once to get another cupcake, and they resumed immediately after that. Now, the night was almost over, and Haruhi was thankful for this wonderful night, but also sad it was winding down.

"Hey, Kyoya?" she whispered.

"Yes Haruhi?"

"You know how I called you all arrogant and obnoxious before, at that last party? I'm sorry, I meant it then, but I accused you unknowingly. You're really a great group of guys, aren't you?"

Kyoya chuckled. "Well, I'd agree with you, but it is true that we are very arrogant and obnoxious. More Tamaki than anyone, I suppose."

Haruhi giggled and silently agreed.

"Would you mind staying for a few minutes after?" Kyoya whispered.

Haruhi was startled, but she agreed.

Haruhi waited outside of the ballroom obediently as Kyoya told her to while the hosts cleaned up. They were quick workers, and when she peaked in, the dark room was empty. She stepped inside to meet Kyoya, but she didn't see him.

"Kyoya?" she called softly. He stepped out into the light falling inside from the entryway. Smiling he said, "Haruhi, I have something that I've needed to tell you ever since I first met you."

Haruhi was silent.

"When I first saw you, I thought you were beautiful. You're smart, kind, and I don't know where this came from, but ever since I met you, I've wanted to say..." he trailed off. He took her hands in his and said, "Haruhi, I love you."

Blushing furiously, Haruhi stuttered, "I-I, well, I..."

"I understand if you don't feel the same way, after seeing what I do and everything," he said shyly.

Haruhi smiled. Kyoya, probably the most mature of all the hosts, known as the Shadow King, could be shy and embarrassed like everyone else in the world. All these rich bastards would never stoop so low as to confess, but Kyoya was honest, and Haruhi loved that about him.

"You know Kyoya," she said, "I love you too." She squeezed his hand and he drew her in for a kiss.

Haruhi was surprised, but it quickly turned into pleasure. Kyoya was sweet, sweeter than the cupcake's taste that still lingered on her lips. He pulled her in closer, but broke off for a second so he could say, "Mmm, red velvet," lick his lips, and continue. His hand ran through her soft hair, and she was so happy. It was the end to a perfect day.

"Happy birthday Haruhi."

ENJOY SHIPPERS

You are all so nice, I am going to feel bad when I update the next chapter...