i actually had this chap written a while ago and thought i updated lol I apologize in advance if there are any historical inaccuracies enjoy :)
"Mizushima-san and Fujioka-san," their sensei began, checking them off of her clipboard. "Your turn." Haruhi helped Tsukiko set up their poster in front of the class and plugged in their little radio. Once everything was set up they looked to their sensei, who was sitting in one of the empty desks. "You may begin whenever you are ready."
"We decided to do out project on Ireland, the primary language spoken is English while their national language is called Irish," Tsukiko began, then pointed to the picture of the flag. "As you can see the colors of the flag are orange, green and white."
"A nickname for the country is 'The Emerald Isle' because of the green forests and hills which give the country its beauty," Haruhi continued. "However, the official color of Ireland is blue, not green, because it started in Irish mythology, Flaitheas Eireann, who was the sovereignty of Ireland was always represented in a blue gown. Which later during the Order of St. Patrick, the color began to be called St. Patrick Blue as it was the background of the historical arms of Ireland."
"Ireland is also home to many historically famous castles, including Dunluce, Birr, and the infamous Leap castle. Tragedies from over the years have left locals to call it the most haunted castle in Ireland! It is believed that an Elemental lurks within its halls, though many locals just call it 'It.' 'It' wanders the halls of the castle terrifying and malevolent as it strikes fear in the hearts of people throughout the years," Tsukiko continued. "Ireland is also home to some fun forms of dance."
"Back before the British invaded, each Sunday villagers would gather themselves in their Sunday best, attend Mass and meet up in the town square, where everyone would dance. At this point, seeing as the majority of the country was Roman Catholic, also known as Irish Catholic, when Protestant England took over, many changes took place."
"Many of the Irish were sold into slavery and dancing had been banned," Tsukiko explained while Haruhi went to set up the music. "However the citizens were not about to give up a piece of their culture and would dance but keep their arms down at their sides to imitate the appearance of squashing bugs."
"They would also dance to traditional folk music that has some similarities to today's Country genre of music in the U.S." Haruhi finished as she turned on the stereo.
"Which we will now demonstrate." Tsukiko took her partner's hand and counted the beats silently until it was time to start the dance.
The two dances exactly as they had practiced. Seven steps one way, three steps in place, three more steps in place. Seven steps the other way six steps total in place. Point, kick, turn the lady, point kick, turn the lady. Promenade. Earning claps from the entire class as they bowed.
The two continued to spill more information about the country and handed out printed out pictures of historical painting they had found during their research. "Thank you, Mizushima-san and Fujioka-san. You may be seated now," sensei said after they finished their presentation. "Hitachiin brothers, it's your turn." The girls cleaned up their things and went to sit back down, but the twins didn't show up at the front of the class. "Hikaru? Kaoru? I could have sworn they were here today, I guess they'll just have to go tomor-"
The classroom door swung open and in stepped the twins garbed in baggy pants, oversized t-shirts, hightops, sunglasses, and a whole lot of bling. "Yo, yo, yo!" Kaoru shouted and walked in with some sort of swagger walk.
"'Sup dawg!" Hikaru added, sending the entire class into fits of laughter and their sensei to resist the growing urge to bang her head against the desk she sat at.
"Kaoru! Hikaru! If you do not take this presentation seriously, I will be forced to fail you! Why are you wearing those ridiculous costumes!" their sensei scolded, aggravated.
"But sensei!" the twins nearly whined in unison.
"Our project is on American culture!" Hikaru began.
"We needed these costumes for the class to understand what we are talking about." His twin added.
"We have another four costume changes for this presentation!" they exclaimed together.
Their sensei's eye twitched and she put her head on the desk with a sigh. "Just…just do your presentation…" she granted with a wave of her hand.
"I'm pretty sure Ishikawa-sensei is going to need therapy after the stunt you guys pulled in English today," Haruhi said once the hosts and Tsukiko were all gathered at their lunch table.
"Don't be like that, Haruhi!" the twins chided eating their lunch.
"You have to admit, it was very entertaining," Tsukiko commented eating from her bento box.
"Tsuki-chan, why are you eating from a bento? Don't you buy lunch?" Honey asked, as he peered over his lunch of cake.
"Actually, I made my lunch last night and put it in the fridge for today," she explained, picking at the rice. "I don't exactly have much money on me, nor do I wish to ask Ootori-san, for money for lunch-"
"Yet, you find it perfectly fine for him to buy you a brand new dress for the gala this weekend?" Kyouya commented, enjoying his lunch.
"That, my friend, was his doing, he wished for me to have a dress appropriate for the gala, and I couldn't refuse," she argued.
"You don't have to attend the gala, you are free to stay home-"
"I have to attend."
"It is your choice."
"No, it's not." Her voice was a tone of seriousness and authority that shocked everyone, even the Shadow King himself. "I have to attend the gala under the conditions of me staying at the Ootori mansion."
"Conditions?" Tamaki repeated quizzically.
"You didn't think that just because he owed my uncle a favor, Ootori-san would just let me stay and attend Ouran Academy for nothing in return, did you?" she replied, continuing her meal. "Believe it or not, Kyouya, but your father has a lot to gain from our agreement."
Kyouya just looked at her and swore he heard her mumble something else.
"But he's not the only one." Too bad he couldn't make out the words, as the group continued their meals, trying to make lighter conversation.
"Tsukiko! How much longer!" Kyouya called up the stairs as he waited for his date in the foyer.
It was finally Saturday and the Watanabe gala was waiting for them. Fuyumi offered to do the girl's makeup and her perfectionist ways were about to make them unfashionably late. "Hold your horses, Kyouya!" he heard his sister call. "She's almost ready!"
"Just know that our father already left in a separate car!" he replied.
"Quit your whining! I'm ready!" Tsukiko called out as Fuyumi stepped out to the banister.
"May I present, Mizushima Tsukiko!" she announced as Tsukiko stepped out to the stairs.
She wore a ball gown with a laced lavender bodice and a violet satin skirt that flared out. She also had a shawl of the same violet. Her brown hair was tied up in a French twist and she wore a necklace and earrings matching the bedazzlement of the dress. Well equipped with makeup you would never have guess she was only a first year high schooler, she looked like a Disney princess.
"Well? I thought we were running late?" she teased as she gracefully descended the stairway.
"We are," he covered quickly. "You look lovely by the way."
"About time you acted like a host to me," she teased with a wink.
"Adorable! Okay! I need a picture!" Fuyumi exclaimed breaking out her camera. "It's like a high school prom!"
"You've been watching too many American movies…" Kyouya complained but willingly posed for a few pictures.
"Shut up and smile, Kyouya!" both girls scolded before going into fits of laughter.
"Well, the gala awaits," he ended their fun and swept Tsukiko to the door.
"Fine," Tsukiko sighed reluctantly. "Bye, Fuyumi! Thanks so much!"
"Anytime! Kyouya make sure she comes home!" Fuyumi ordered.
"You'd think you were her younger sibling not me," Kyouya commented outside as Shin opened the door for them.
"Well, with all the testosterone she had to deal with growing up I'm sure the extra estrogen is something she's longed for," Tsukiko replied, sliding in first.
"Your words just came out in a jumbled mess," he teased.
"So?"
"Never mind…"
"Mizushima Tsukiko, escorted by Ootori Kyouya!" the butler announced. Once the two had arrived the butler escorted them from their limo into the mansion and through a door, which lead to the top of a stairway, the ballroom full suitors below it. Most eyes had turned to see as Kyouya held his date's hand toward the stairs, allowing her to glide down first with him two steps behind.
The band started up again and as with tradition, Tsukiko was offered her first dance by her escort, who bowed and offered his hand. "Well, Milady, would to care to do me the honor of the first dance?" he teased, Tsukiko smiled and curtsied.
"Why, I'd be delighted, Kyouya-kun," she teased back accepting his hand.
They glided across the dance floor with graceful steps. Every once in a while Kyouya would spin her, and Tsukiko would let go of his collar bone so he could lead her around only to spin back into their embrace. Though, the taller of the two might never admit it, but he was enjoying their dance, it reminded him of something. But what?
The changing of music and the tapping on each of their shoulders was a warning to switch partners. Like a game of musical chairs, everyone was thrown from one partner to another until Tsukiko finally came back to her escort, just as a bell rang. All eyes turned to the maid. "Dinner is served."
Like the gentleman he was raised to be, Kyouya pulled out his date's chair for her. "Nee nee! Tsukiko-chan!" she heard the girl next to her whisper. It was Ami from her English class. "How did you get Kyouya to take you to this?"
"It's a long story," Tsukiko replied with a giggle. She never did come up with a cover story.
"Perhaps a business deal? Is your father here as well?" Michiru from her chemistry class asked.
"No, my father was unable to make it," Tsukiko lied, figuring this was probably a better alternative to the truth. If everyone knew the real reason as to her attending the gala rumors would run wild. Best not to fan the flame.
"Oh! Kyouya offered to take you so you wouldn't miss out!" Ami concluded.
"Something like that," Tsukiko chuckled.
"Well, hello Kyouya, Imouto-chan!" called a familiar voice. The two looked over to see their blonde haired friend.
"Tamaki-senpai!" she exclaimed with glee.
"Tsukiko, you look so lovely I almost didn't recognize you when you walked in!" the blonde idiot complimented taking a seat next to Kyouya.
"What are you doing here?" his four-eyed best friend asked him.
"I found out my father and I were also invited, he just forgot to tell me until yesterday." Glancing at the chattering girls who were including Tsukiko, the blonde boy smiled. "You know this was a really good idea."
"You think so?" Kyouya raised a brow as the first course was brought out. "I thought it was a complicated and unnecessary obstacle in our lives.
They both kept their voices low. "Oh you don't really mean that, look at her, this is probably the best way to get her acquainted with other students."
"You mean other than, oh I don't know, class itself?" Tamaki frowned.
"You're enjoying yourself, too," Tamaki argued. "Besides, it takes more than class time to build friendships. If it weren't for the club you and I wouldn't be friends."
If only you knew, Kyouya thought, stirring his soup.
After supper, the suitors gathered in the ballroom for more dancing and mingling. "Kyouya-san, I'm delighted that you were able to come!" Suzune exclaimed gliding up to the host and his date. "Tsukiko-chan, I didn't realize you'd be joining us as well."
"Yes, thank you for the invitation," Tsukiko replied, even though it was sort of a lie.
"Of course, have you had the punch? It is just divine!" she offered.
"Actually, I have not-"
"Let me find Tamotsu, he'll get you both a glass," Suzune offered, running off before either could refuse. Kyouya began to walk away.
"Where are you going?" Tsukiko called, grabbing her escort's arm. "She said she'll be right back."
"I was going to go and find that blonde idiot," he explained.
"No, at least wait for Suzune, she likes you," Tsukiko begged, Kyouya complied as he saw said girl come back with a server.
"Sorry to keep you two waiting, Tamotsu," she ordered, as they both accepted a glass.
"Mizushima-sama," the server said.
"Thank you," she replied accepting the glass.
"Ootori-sama." With a nod he accepted the glass.
"A toast," Tsukiko proposed, holding up the glass. "To you and your family and this lovely gala." She gave an appreciative smile. "May you find an appropriate suitor."
"And you as well, Tsukiko," Suzune answered holding up her glass. "Cheers."
"Cheers," the two guests replied together as they clanked their glasses. Everyone took a sip, just as the band switched to the next song.
"Ah, look at that, I believe you promised me a dance, what good timing," Suzune declared, looking toward her guest. "If you don't mind, Tsukiko."
"Of course not, go right a head," the petite girl smiled.
"In that case," Kyouya gave a bow, handing his glass to the server. "Watanabe Suzune, may I have this dance?"
"Why of course!" She gave a bow as well, taking his hand and they danced across the floor.
"Well, a beautiful princess, such as my Imouto-chan shouldn't be standing around waiting during a ball like this," she heard her senpai behind her. "May I have this dance?" She turned around to see the blonde idiot bowing and reaching his hand out.
"Of course, An-chan*!" she gave a bright smile and accepted his offer. Delighted the older boy spun her around and around as she giggled with joy.
"SHE CALLED ME AN-CHAN!" he exclaimed, the bystanders just ignored him, knowing well how excited the boy could get over something trivial.
The night continued with more dancing, dessert and more dancing, Tsukiko and Kyouya being passed around from partner to partner. Tsukiko arguably dancing with more gentlemen than Kyouya danced with ladies, seeing as Suzune kept coming back to dance with him. It also continued with dessert in the living area, where Tamaki charmed many of the ladies, making Tsukiko laugh at the fangirling going on. Kyouya couldn't help but notice that not once did he see his father or any of the parents. Usually, at galas like these, the parents were there chaperoning and practically making business deals with their children with each other. He hadn't seen a single parent all night. Where had they gone?
Eventually the night did end, and a very hesitant Suzune was bidding farewell to a certain bespectacled second year student. "Thank you for coming," she said giving a bow. "We should do this again some time. I hear the Takigawa family may be holding one of these next month, perhaps we'll continue our dance then."
"Until, then Milady," Kyouya replied with that host smile of his and gave a bow, just as his limo pulled up and Tsukiko finished her goodbyes.
"See you guys on Monday!" Tsukiko called, waving to Tamaki and a few of the girls from her class.
Kyouya let Tsukiko slide in first before following suit as Shin shut the door for them. "Well, that was an eventful night," the four-eyed boy commented.
"It was fun," Tsukiko agreed. More entertaining than I had expected. But I never did see Ootori-sama, where was he hiding? "Thank you, for escorting me."
"It was my pleasure," he replied, giving her that host smile. She shook her head and returned with a sad smile. "What's wrong?"
"You know as well as I do that we were both under orders from your father." She gave a shrug with her answer. "I'm sure if you had it your way, you would have invited someone else."
"If I had it my way I wouldn't have gone at all." Tsukiko gave a chuckle. "But it was more fun than I expected."
"I have to admit that too," she replied, then a thought crossed her mind. "What was with everyone speaking like we were in Pride and Prejudice?"
"It's customary when attending a gala in search for potential suitors to act as polite as possible, and very much like in Jane Austin classics." The limo finally seemed to have made its way onto the main road, Kyouya allowed himself to relax against the window. "The goal is to sell yourself in the most positive way possible to find a suitor worthy of marrying. You know, depending on what their family has to offer."
"In essence it's to ensure a better business deal," Tsukiko answered with an eye roll.
"Well, that is how many of us are going to succeed in our parents' businesses." Kyouya gave a small smirk at his comment, finding his companion staring out the window. "It's not as though you have to worry about that though."
Tsukiko just gave a sigh and continued to look out the window. If only you knew…
"I suppose you could say that," she merely replied, daydreaming as the night's excitement began to wear off. How much longer would she have to sit in the car? She was beginning to feel queasy. Weird, I don't normally get carsick…
The next twenty minutes of the drive took place in silence, both staring off into the distance, watching headlights pass by them through the tint of the window. The silence was welcome, until the nausea and sleepiness was about to overwhelm her. She had to say something to take her mind off of it or else she would hurl all over her escort's limo. Not exactly how she wanted to end an actually fun night. "Are you all right?" Looks like she didn't have to break the silence.
"Huh?" Her companion's voice broke her from her reverie. "Sorry, I was spacing out."
"I asked if you were all right." She watched as he raised a brow.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" She waived away his worry.
"You look paler than usual."
"I'm fine, just a little dizzy, I don't do well on late night car rides," she lied.
"We're almost home," he replied, noticing some familiar landmarks through the tint of the window.
"Thank you…"
"Huh?"
"For keeping this a secret," she replied, crossing her arms. "You know, me living with you and your father covering my tuition. I'm sure it would've been the talk of the school my first day had everyone known."
"It would have been a hassle for both you and the Host Club, as well as unwanted publicity," he commented, she nodded and a small smile crossed her face.
"Who knew we could finally agree on something? It's like that day when we were kids and I convinced you to wear Fuyumi's kimono. We both agreed you looked ridiculous." She couldn't help but chuckle.
"I swear you make up some of these memories," Kyouya chuckled and shook his head.
"What?" She gave a hurt look. "You don't remember?"
"I remember playing hide and seek and making you hide while I went about my business, only to have my sister scold me for letting you hide in the dryer while the maid almost started the load," he replied. "I remember you pestering me into a fit of annoyed rage that would chase you until you climbed the armoire in some room nearby." Tsukiko's face changed to a sad smile. "I also remember you waking me up as soon as you arrived with your mom on a Saturday, usually around six in the morning. Needless to say, I was never too thrilled about waking up that early."
"You make me sound like an annoying pest." She held her arms across her chest even tighter.
"You were." She scowled at him.
"Interesting, because I thought after seeing me nearly everyday for a year you actually came to like me and actually play with me during the next year?" Her face softened as she looked out the window. "Or did I imagine that we actually had a good friendship?" She couldn't help but mutter under her breath as she realized, "Did I just imagine that me coming back would be a good idea?"
"Well, Fuyumi's photo certainly captured one of our friendlier moments," he managed to comment with a genuine smile as the limo finally came to a halt. "Looks like we're home."
"Good, I'm exhausted, and my head hurts," Tsukiko answered as Kyouya helped her out.
It was only when they reached the door, did Tsukiko realize something was wrong. "Tsukiko, are you okay?" she vaguely heard her friend call as she leaned against the door. Her world spinning. She felt a cool hand on her forehead. Welcomed relieve. "You're burning up."
"That's the least of our worries," she replied, feeling her stomach churn. "Mind helping me to my room as quickly as possible?"
Kyouya helped her up he stairs as she staggered despite being led by him. Once the petite girl shut her door, Kyouya alerted Honoka to help her out of her dress and try to make her comfortable because she wasn't feeling well. Being a man whose goal was to be a physician, why was it exactly that he felt a pang in his chest when he overheard his friend being sick?
*An-chan: another form of "older brother" or "brother"
I can't make any promises that I will be updating more often school and work get in my way! However, I hope to finish up the current case with my ghost hunt fic and then i plan to take a break possibly work on my old Nejiten fics and rekindle the awesome ideas i had before. Be patient with me as you guys have been for so long and happy 2nd birthday to this fic i will get my writing groove back it seems to have disappeared for a while any ideas? As in any good ways to get my creative flow back? It seems to be blocked by a rock or something lol. Anyway review and hopefully i'll get my flow back.
Jaa nee!