Chapter 4: Christmas Away from Home Pt. 1
The freezing cold winter creeped up just in time for mid-December. Amelia was starting to feel hesitant about Christmas this year. This was the first year away from the states, without anyone to celebrate with her. Yes, she'll have Isao but her mom just e-mailed her saying she was currently in Germany for a show with one of her freelance directors. Guess that's what happens when being an artist. Amelia loved that idea of life. Traveling for her music and art. But now that she's somewhere other than the states, she felt more alone. However, she did start getting used to the Host Cub (which was a minor shock to her honestly). It took about a week of Tamaki being stunned at the realization that two of his members were girls before he spoke to her normally again. But even so, they still didn't really know her as well as she had wanted. But then again, it's only been a few months.
The idea hovered in her head, nagging at her as she put on the new uniform and grabbed her leather jacket.
"I'm off Isao," she called out as she started heading out the door.
"Oh Imai, there was a package for you in the mail yesterday. I forgot to tell you when you got home," Isao mentioned, pointing. "It's right over there."
Amelia looked over, seeing the package on the coffee table in the living room.
"All right. I'll just wait until a little later to open it. I think mom mentioned something about it being a Christmas present. Don't want to ruin the surprise," she commented.
"No problem, I'll just put it in your room until you want to open it," he agreed nodding his head.
"By the way Isao? Do you guys set up for Christmas here?" Amelia asked hesitantly.
"I'm sorry Imai but the last time your father had us decorate the house for the occasion was when you were still young. Since then, he mostly has been away on business in New York City during the Christmas holiday."
"Sounds like him," Amelia mentioned. "Well I'll see you Isao."
"Until tonight Miss Wolfe," he grinned as Amelia nodded goodbye while heading out the door.
The whole dilemma of no Christmas in the house made her feel even more foreign to this place. No decorations to be put up, no family to enjoy it with…nothing. God this is going to be a rough December.
...
3:00…
Amelia was so distracted and bummed out that she didn't realize that she was moving slower today. She walked up the stairs to the music room very casually. Her hands in her pockets, head down in thought. She missed her father. She just didn't realize it until she was sitting at the estate with all the people that ran the household. Some days she even thought that she was going to see him pass by around the corner.
Clang! Clang! Clang! The bell snapped her out of her funk when she realized that she was late for the Host Club's gathering. She paced up the last flight of stairs, running towards the door. As she opened it she was in for a surprise. Tropical paradise? Why was it so hot in here?
"Welcome!" the group announced as they normally do. She looked around seeing the jungle-like set up that just blew mind. How in the world did they manage this?!
"Have you ever considered being in theater or something. Given how much you guys dress up I'm wondering if you guys are drama class rejects?" Amelia joked as she dropped her bag at her table.
"Oh Imai it's you. What do you think of our tropical paradise?" Hikaru asked.
"How did you do all this? This is crazy!" Amelia replied in excitement. "It's like you have no freaking budget!"
"Oh my dear you underestimate the strategies of Ouran's Host Club," Tamaki greeted.
"No not really but I figured that this setting wasn't going to be around in the middle of December…" she corrected.
"By the way, where's Haruhi?" Hikaru asked.
"No idea why?" Amelia replied.
"Well she usually hangs out with you outside the club lately," Kaoru replied.
"So we figured she was with you," the twins said in their normal unison.
Amelia shrugged as she took off her leather jacket, putting it around her chair along with her bag.
"Beats me. I rarely saw her out of class today," she admitted. All of a sudden, Haruhi burst open the door and the club did their normal welcome.
"I think Haruhi is going to agree with me on this when I say this is crazy," Amelia laughed.
"Man, Haruhi you're so late," the twins commented. Haruhi fell on her knees at the sight of the Host Club's jungle themed attire.
"I could be wrong but isn't it December. Sorry if I'm being just a bit more realistic about the weather," Haruhi commented.
"Fearing the cold is nonsense, besides the heating system we have is the best," Tamaki gloated. "Besides enjoy this beautiful oasis we created despite the frigid cold outside the school."
Again with his monologue. Haruhi and Amelia sighed, learning quickly to make no effort to pull him into reality. This was just making the last month longer.
"Do you have a problem with how we run our club?" Kyoya questioned with a calm smile. "You both owe us $80,000 remember."
"Not complaining…" Amelia commented quickly putting her hands up in defense. She was trying to avoid another guilt trip from the freak accident she and Haruhi got into.
"Besides you two have the honor of experiencing something truly amazing. This Host Club truly shines this time of year!" Tamaki exclaimed. Amelia was about to set up a few trays for the others since she didn't have anyone scheduled until later.
"WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A CHRISTMAS PARTY!" Tamaki exclaimed. That was when Amelia almost slipped clumsily. Really? Did he really say what I think he said?
She tried to shake off the excitement but as Tamaki entertained guests she couldn't help but put a stupid grin on her face. It was a brilliant idea. She set a tray in front of him as he wooed a girl in his tropical attire. She then continued down the line towards the twins table, setting down the tea set.
"So what are you two doing for the party?" one of the girls asked.
"We have the whole central hall open for the festivities courteous of the school of course," Hikaru began.
"There will be plenty of dancing, we're thinking of even casino games installed for the night," Kaoru finished.
"You guys are serious right?" Amelia asked excitedly, interrupting after their I must spend time with my brother routine. The twins looked up at her. "Like you guys are really having a Christmas party?"
They smiled.
"Of course. It's one of our main events at the school," Kaoru replied.
"Yeah without it, it's hard to really celebrate Christmas around here outside the vacation," Hikaru mentioned.
Amelia smiled widened, puzzling the twins. She couldn't help but feel oddly relieved. She walked over to Haruhi seeing what else she could do through Kyoya's instruction.
"Is it just me or is it a little more ridiculous today?" Haruhi asked as she heard the girls shriek from the twin's brotherly love play.
"Showing skin is indeed popular with the ladies. A lot better than our Santa Claus costume play," Kyoya replied with a grin. "Not that a book of Bali can't fix."
Amelia laughed, noticing how ridiculous and fast these guys can prepare for this Host Club. Both Haruhi and Amelia did their normal duties as the guests started to arrive. However, they really didn't want to participate in the costume theme. Plus it would be hard anyway because they're girls (harder for Amelia especially since she wasn't flat chested like Haruhi, no offense to her). So for reality's sake they stayed away from the costuming.
Instead their job was passing out drinks until their appointments arrived. A debt to pay is a debt to pay in one form or another. Amelia and Haruhi couldn't help but shake their heads at Tamaki's Casanova charm.
"Can you believe we're throwing a party?" Haruhi questioned.
"In a sense yes," Amelia replied. She motioned to Haruhi that her normal clients came in early. "Just don't know what to do about it."
"Looks like the girls came today," Haruhi said.
"Mine aren't coming until later today, I'll get things ready for you and the others," Amelia insisted as she headed over to the table.
"Haruhi will be over in a moment ladies. But until then would you like something to drink?" she greeted as they sat themselves down at Haruhi's table. They smiled and gave her the suggestions for the drinks and she walked off to the bar. Amelia glanced over to Kyoya. He noticed the gesture and smiled. Something about him sometimes made her freeze more than anyone else at the club. There always seemed to be something hidden about him. She smiled in return as she gathered the refreshments for the guests. The return greeting seemed to keep him staring as well but he tried best not to show it by continuing his work.
"Having fun Imai?" he asked.
"You don't have to call me that Kyoya. But yes, it's not bad for a Host Club to say the least. Very well done on your part," she complimented.
"Thank you. It's nice to hear that someone appreciates my hard work. And you already know why I can't call you something else," Kyoya thanked in his own way. She nodded her head as she loaded up the drinks, passing them out throughout Haruhi's table.
"So Haruhi why aren't you and Imai dressed up like the others? We would really like to see it," one of the girls asked.
"Well I'm more of a person who love the layers and winter. I'll skip the tropical paradise until it's summer again," Amelia replied. "More fitting don't you think?"
"I just like to wear winter clothing when it's winter you know?" Haruhi recovered immediately.
"Nice," Amelia complimented with a whisper and winking over at Haruhi.
"But Haruhi, Imai we have costumes for you two. Haruhi you and I are a pair!" Tamaki explained with enthusiasm.
"Pardon my objection but in your dreams your majesty," Amelia replied.
"No thanks," Hurahi objected as well. The girls started fawning over Haruhi's excuse and took it to heart dreaming their fantasies.
...
Later that afternoon (everything jungle free)…
After all the guests were out and all the props put away, the guys tried to relax from the day's festivities. However, due to recent encounters with Haruhi's new client, Tamaki was eating tons of ramen. Apparently the the new relations with the client was unacceptable. He had a troubling incident with Haruhi's new client Kanako Kasugazaki. He took things a little too personal at times.
"Hey Milord, will you stop eating that commoner's ramen and help us with the party plans," Hikaru called.
"Is he okay? He's been like that since Haruhi's last client today," Amelia mentioned as she pulled up a chair and put her feet on the table.
"Nothing he's just being childish," Kaoru mentioned. "Does it really bother you that Princess Kanako has an interest in Haruhi? Besides her illness isn't new you know."
"Is Kanako sick?" Haruhi questioned.
"She has Fickle Female Disease," Hikaru explained.
"Or the never-the-same-boy-twice disease," Kaoru added.
"Usually our clients pick one host and stay with him. However, she has run through everyone at least twice since she came by," Kyoya explained.
"Haven't you guys ever thought that maybe she's trying for variety? I mean you don't know what kind of guy you like until later on anyway," Amelia mentioned.
"Before she met Haruhi she was with Tama-chan," Honey commented.
"Well I guess that explains why he's acting the way he is at the moment," Amelia concluded.
"Oh I see, he's upset because I took her from him," Haruhi concluded understanding the situation.
"Shut up! I couldn't careless! YOU TWO ARE GOING TO GO BACK TO WEARING GIRLS CLOTHING!" Tamaki yelled in frustration.
"Tamaki what are you talking about?" Amelia asked.
"I don't get it how can you two be so popular with the girls when you yourselves are like them! You are the only ones who know you are girls besides those of us here!" Tamaki yelled. He rummaged through a trunk pulling out a picture of Haruhi in her middle school appearance. Long straight hair with bangs and actually wearing the dress uniform. "CHANGE BACK TO THIS! THIS IS BEAUTY!"
"DON'T BLOW UP PICTURES OF ME BEFORE ASKING ME FIRST!" Haruhi yelled angrily. Idiot. Amelia got in between them.
"Boss no offense but this is getting out of hand," Amelia said. The others grabbed the picture of Haruhi observing it's appearance carefully.
"The more I see this picture the more amazed we are," Hikaru commented.
"How did this picture turn into that (the new Haruhi)?" Kaoru asked.
"I got gum in my hair the day before school. It's a pain to get it out so I cut it all off. I didn't care what I was treated as, even if it was a guy," Haruhi explained. "Lost my contacts then too."
"YOU SHOULD NEVER REFER TO YOURSELF AS A GUY! MOMMAAA! Haruhi's using those dirty boy words again," Tamaki screamed and started crying uncontrollably.
"Wow this is different…" Amelia observed as she crossed her hands about her chest. This was getting confusing.
"Who's Mom?" Kaoru asked.
"Under the circumstances I think he's referring to me," Kyoya replied.
The twins grabbed Haruhi and Amelia away from Tamaki as he was having an unpleasant fit.
"Okay he's creeping me out a bit," Hikaru commented.
"By the way we know this is a weird time but do you girls have done any social dancing? It's for the party," Kaoru asked.
"No but if we have to I'm fine with it," Amelia replied.
"No but going to the party isn't on my quota right? I mean I don't really have to go to a fancy party do I?" Haruhi asked nervously.
"Why not? It'll be fun," Amelia encouraged.
"That's it if you wish to stay known as a man you two have to master the Waltz!" Tamaki ordered.
"No thanks senpai. I'll pass," Haruhi tried to run out of the room.
"I'LL REDUCE YOUR DEBT BY A HALF!" the boss screamed and that made Haruhi faint to rock bottom.
"Looks like we have no choice in the matter than, huh Haruhi?" Amelia asked as she helped her up from the floor.
"Why am I always feeling trapped in this place?" Haruhi whined as Amelia pulled her up putting an arm around her shoulder.
"Haruhi don't worry about it. Besides, I'm not good at the Waltz either. But think of it this way you'll be at a party. It's supposed to be fun," Amelia encouraged. Haruhi sighed.
"Yeah I guess, you're right," she breathed.
"Besides I'll keep an eye on you," Amelia reminded, winked at her.
"Well ladies are you ready to take your place as hosts at the dance?" Tamaki asked.
"Sure but don't expect us to pick it up immediately," Amelia replied.
"Just be easy on us senpai. It's bad enough you forced us into this event," Haruhi added.
"I still expect both of you there with your full cooperation tomorrow," Tamaki commented. "I shall teach both of you how to dance the night away."
"Sounds good to me," Amelia commented as she grabbed her jacket from the chair along with her bag. She noticed the twins whispering to Tamaki as Haruhi got her things as well. As she passed by them she heard something about her old pictures.
"Yeah if you got Haruhi's pictures," Hikaru started.
"Then where are Imai's?" Kaoru finished. Tamaki flinched.
"To be honest I have no idea," he explained.
"Probably a good thing," Amelia interrupted. That's when the three of them flinched. "I have enough publicity on the media thank you. I can't imagine why in the world you two would want my pictures anyway."
The twins grinned, but Tamaki blushed in embarrassment. Amelia couldn't help but smile as she slung her bag over her shoulder. She laughed.
"You guys certainly flatter me," she commented. She was about to leave when she turned around to facing them.
"By the way," she began. The members all looked at her this time. "Thanks."
The members looked at her with confusion.
"What for?" Tamaki asked. Amelia just shrugged heading out of the room.
"Does anyone know what she was talking about?" Tamaki asked. The twins shrugged as Amelia stood on the opposite end of the door, sighing in relief.
Maybe she will have a Christmas after all.
...
The next day…
Amelia arrived a few minutes late considering she got stuck in a conversation with one of the guys from her last class. When she entered, Haruhi was already practicing with Kanako. She could tell that Haruhi was nervous. She kept tripping, looking at her feet; but at least Kanako was the one knowing what she was doing. Amelia set her stuff down, immediately noticing Tamaki sulking in the corner of the room with the twins eying him. She went up to Hikaru and Kaoru but kept her eyes on the poor and gloomy prince.
"What's with him?" she asked.
"He's just acting blue because Kanako decided to dance with Haruhi. Haruhi took the offer and now milord is sitting in the corner sulking," Kaoru replied.
"Maybe it's because he wanted to practice with Haruhi," Hikaru mentioned.
"He wanted to be the partner, but unfortunately he won't stand well for pretending to be female," Kaoru concluded.
"I guess I can understand. Anyway, I guess let me know when we want to get started okay, boss?" Amelia said as she went over to a vacant table that wasn't being used by the others.
Although problem is that as soon as she did, she was stuck alone for about a good hour until the twins realized that the king wasn't going to get out of his funk. The only way she was learning anything was by reviewing Haruhi's mistake. So much for cooperating when even Tamaki wasn't helping out. The twins looked over noticing her frustration.
"Um, milord? Maybe you can practice with her," the twins suggested.
"I don't think she would want to," Tamaki objected.
"Sure she would or she wouldn't be here," Hikaru explained. Amelia noticed them talking to Tamaki, getting up. It's been an hour and he's still in the dumps.
"Besides you did tell her and Haruhi to master it by the end of the week," Kaoru reminded.
"Yes he did," Amelia agreed, putting her hands in her pockets. He looked up his attention a little hazy. "Something's got you down pretty hard."
"I'm fine Imai. Please if you would leave me be," Tamaki asked politely. Amelia approached him, standing directly in front of him.
"I would but you did tell Haruhi and I to be here today. I'm just respecting your orders," Amelia reminded. She was getting slightly impatient. Then again who wouldn't be? He ordered them to come and then wouldn't pay attention to them for a good hour.
"Yes, however I'm not in the mood to dance with you right now," Tamaki replied.
"What's wrong with dancing with me?" Amelia asked. Now this was kind of hurting. Was she that much different than Haruhi? She just needed to practice.
"Just not now," Tamaki replied.
"Uh oh," the twins commented in unison. Amelia backed off, grabbing her coat and bag. She wasn't going to waste her time if he wouldn't even practice with her.
"Imai where are you-?" the twins asked. She went over to Tamaki trying not to have a fit.
"I'll respect your wishes. But until you ask me since you said you were the one to teach us, then I'm out of here," she informed. She looked at the three of them from one side to the other. "I'll be in the courtyard. If he decides to do what he promised let me know."
With that comment lingering in the room, Amelia departed, heading into the direction of the courtyard.
"Ouch milord," the twins commented. "You could've been a little nicer to her. I mean she's not Haruhi but…"
The twins shrugged.
"You did say you would teach her," Hikaru added.
Tamaki sat there a little shocked by the reveal. He just realized he made a mistake out of his jealousy to not being able to dance with the one girl he did like. But at what cost of losing another person he considers another daughter (or at least for his own mental safety)?
...
Not too much later…
Amelia didn't go back to the Music Room to practice. No one went out for her. As soon as Kanako had left, especially after figuring out the reason for her host-hopping, the group got a little concerned.
"Has anyone seen Amelia?" Kyoya asked curiously.
"I haven't seen Ima-chan since Haru-chan was dancing," Honey replied.
"Milord kind of scared her off," the twins admitted. Kyoya sighed in disappointment.
"What did you do this time Tamaki?" Kyoya asked closing his book.
"I just didn't want to dance with her when she asked," Tamaki replied. Kyoya adjusted his glasses, looking at the president with disbelief.
"You should know better than to deny a woman of her request Tamaki. After all you are the "king" of this club and that should be the main priority of a gentleman. To keep the girl happy," Kyoya explained.
"What he really should do is apologize," the twins intervened.
"Agreed," Kyoya encouraged.
"I don't see what the big deal was on dancing with her," Haruhi commented.
"Go find her Tama-chan," Honey pushed as he tugged on his sleeve.
Tamaki sighed knowing that he had to go talk to Amelia after his glum behavior.
"You're right, I'll go talk to her right now," Tamaki agreed, slowly getting up from his place and heading out the door. He walked through the hallway, down the corridors and to the courtyard. That's when he saw her, humming to herself and trying to move with the steps of her rhythm.
Amelia was trying to dance without someone there. It was becoming rather difficult when you feel no opposing force. Especially when the guy is supposed to be leading. Trying to copy the steps in which Haruhi intended to master, she stumbled a bit. Her coordination was getting better with the rhythm but the courtyard had its dents in the ground. She recomposed herself, then continued to hum.
Tamaki watched her smiling at her efforts that seemed to be dedicated and undistracted. She didn't seem to notice him walking up to her. As she turned, his hands came together with hers, one hand grasping her own while the other made its way around her waist. Her eyes opened wide, shocked by the sudden contact. He realized how freezing her hands were from being outside for this long. She gasped in surprise.
"It's kind of hard practicing by yourself, you know," Tamaki commented with a charming smile. She tried to push him away but he just kept hold of her, forcing her to stop.
"You can back off you know," she protested. "God knows you didn't even want to practice with me anyway."
"Look calm down I just came to tell you I'm sorry for how I was earlier. I should've practiced with you," Tamaki apologized admitting his wrongdoing. She paused looking into his eyes and then released his hands. She shoved her hands in her pockets to warm them up.
"Look don't worry about it. It's not like I haven't been alone before," Amelia said, shrugging it off, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. Tamaki looked at her puzzled.
"What are you talking about? Did something happen besides my rejection? I'm really sorry. I had no idea it hurt you that much," Tamaki apologized again.
"Look it's nothing you did it's just…" Amelia began to object but couldn't find the words. "Look it's not your problem. I accept your apology."
With that she tried to walk off towards her bag that leaned against the wall of the fountain.
"Maybe not but bottling up your emotions isn't going to help either you know," Tamaki informed. He was rather confused about her behavior. What was bugging her?
Amelia looked at him feeling a little teary eyed. She shrugged her bag onto her shoulder.
"Tamaki, what you have to understand is that I've been through enough without anyone really helping me. So don't think that you guys are going to be any different," Amelia mumbled. Tamaki came over to her, standing in front of her with concern.
"What makes you think we're not different? We're here to help you," Tamaki reminded. Amelia flinched, feeling her eyes water.
"Please tell me what's wrong, Amelia," Tamaki encouraged in a settling tone. Amelia gave up trying to bottle it up. She sighed trying to think of a way to address the issue calmly.
"Look, even before my father passed away, I didn't have friends. Even my mother was a ghost to me but then again they divorced. Middle school was no better because I was busy with what my parents wanted," she began. "Now that he's gone…"
Tears were forming, anger was settling in and she was about to run. She could feel the urge to run. But Tamaki took her arms, shaking her slightly.
"Amelia listen to me. It's okay to be upset about the situation. There's nothing wrong with it at all. Especially when he meant so much to you through your whole life," Tamki comforted. "Let go of what's happened to him, but don't let go of the love he gave you."
She suddenly felt him hug her, pulling her into an embrace. She didn't know what to do. She felt safe but yet so vulnerable. Without anyone to really take care of her, she just gave up on anyone really wanting to take her.
"I'm so sorry," she apologized. He looked up and pushed her forward with a smile on his face.
"What on earth are you sorry for?" he asked bewildered, but smiling.
"Just seeing me like this," she replied. She wiped her tears, smiling a bit, scoffing at her emotions.
"I am the only one who should be sorry for not dancing with you earlier," Tamaki corrected. "Besides what's worse is that I rejected such a beautiful young lady."
His hand reached up touching her chin, the other wiping a tear away from her cheek.
"Don't take this the wrong way but…you still look amazingly beautiful even when you cry. It's rare for most girls to carry the compliment," he said.
"Uh-huh," Amelia laughed with disbelief.
"No it's true really," Tamaki defended sweetly. "Now shall we have that dance?"
"Actually now that I think about it…no," Amelia rejected.
"What? But why not?" Tamaki questioned with bewilderment. "You're not still mad at me are you?"
"Oh God no. I just figured you can pay me back in a week when the party is underway," she replied.
"Besides," she continued, grabbing his collar a bit, leaning close to him.
"If I were to dance with you, I would rather do it properly," she finished with her voice suddenly deeper, sounding alluring, almost appealing to him.
Tamaki blushed a bit, melting with a smile on his face.
"Uh sure, okay," he hesitated. Where did that come from? She was…good! So much talent that he didn't even realize that she had the potential of. She grinned at his face.
"Gotcha," she joked. She laughed a bit at his face.
"How did you do that?" he asked.
"Do what?" Amelia laughed.
"Your voice, the way your tone was when you said that. It was…different," he muttered. He couldn't actually say seductive to her because then she might start hitting his buttons. Especially if she wanted to get away with something both the girls didn't want to do. He would be talked out of anything if she kept that up.
"I don't know. I guess practice never hurt. I mean come on, a little enthusiasm never hurts," she replied. "But only through practice could I make the tones of my voice sound almost different."
"You sure can," Tamaki sang as he started melting and drooling again by the recollection of the alluring change her voice.
"You okay milord?" the twins questioned in unison snapping him out of his blissful state. They approached them out into the courtyard with their winter jackets on.
"Of course I'm okay! Everything's fine! NOTHING HAPPENED!" Tamaki yelled straightening his posture, still somewhat blushing. Apparently Amelia got to him more than she realized.
"Whoa take it easy!" the twins commanded calmly. Hikaru and Kaoru stood on either side of her their elbows propped up on her shoulders.
"We were just seeing if everything was all right between you two," Hikaru explained.
"Yeah everything's fine you guys," Amelia informed smiling a bit looking over at Tamaki with a wink. The boss gulped and blushed, trying to keep his cool.
"Good because if you want Hikaru and I could help you practice later this week," Kaoru suggested with a grin on his face.
"If you're all right with it sure," Amelia agreed.
"Good then you could be our practice girl and in return one of us will help you dance the guy's steps too," Hikaru suggested.
"So tomorrow after class?" they asked.
"Sure," Amelia replied grinning.
"Yes!" they exclaimed, high-fiving each other and grinning.
Tamaki just stood there speechless.