One week later and it was time for the ball. Alice was along as a chaperone, but in a nice dress and that night she was blonde haired. Nanami was in a beautiful dress, looking very grown up tonight, her hair and makeup professionally done.
"It is so good to see you here tonight, my little lambs," Tamaki announced as a spotlight came on before he bowed to them all and the chandeliers turned on. "The Ouran Host Club would like to bid you welcome."
The guests were clapping, cheering, and giggling to Tamaki and the others.
"As always ladies, the Host Club members are here for your entertainment," Kyoya reminded. "So we invite you to dance to your hearts content. Based on her dancing skills, one lucky young lady will be chosen as tonight's queen. The queen's reward will be a passionate kiss on the cheek, from our king."
Tatsumi wore her hair down and had gloves as she wore a simple dress, though had a big skirt that almost covered her feet.
"Good luck to you, my darlings." Tamaki winked and blew them all a kiss.
Hikaru approached with Kaoru. "Haruhi, show some enthusiasm." He said at the same time as his brother.
The girls squealed, blushed, and fainted from Tamaki.
"Well, excuse me, you guys, sorry," Haruhi said to the twins. "I'm not used to this sort of thing. I've only ever gone to the festivals held in my neighborhood park."
Hikaru looked at her. Hani got onto Mori's shoulders.
"I don't know if you can really consider that a party or not," Tatsumi said to Haruhi. "Well, since you're already here you might as well get yourself something to eat. We've got quite a spread."
"A spread...?" Haruhi asked. "With fancy tuna?"
Honey looked shocked. "Fan-" he started.
"-cy..." Hikaru and Kaoru said together.
Tamaki looked surprised. "...Tuna?" He asked, then flipped over the railing to look at Tatsumi, handing her a mobile phone. "Get some fancy tuna here right now." He practically ordered.
Haruhi's eyes widened to Tamaki's reaction.
Nanami whispered to Kyoya. "The few boys who are my and Tatsu-chan's guests will be chosen as the prince and recieve a kiss on the cheek from me." she whispered for him to announce. With her doing the kiss on the cheek; it was safer as she was less likely to be propositioned.
"Just don't forget about me." Kyoya whispered back.
"Of course I won't... But you best announce it before the dancing starts." Nanami whispered.
"If you insist." Kyoya quietly smiled with a slight smirk.
Nanami smiled then looked at the audience with Kyoya.
Kyoya cleared his throat. "Attention, gentlemen, attention," he then announced to those there for Nanami and/or Tatsumi. "The male guest chosen as the best dancer will be crowned as Prince and will get a kiss on the cheek from 'Princess Nanami'."
Hani looked at Kyoya. The male guests all clapped. Hikaru hugged Haruhi, with sympathetic tears in his eyes.
Nanami curtseyed and smiled sweetly. "Good luck, gentlemen." she told them sweetly.
Kyoya had a small smile to this. Tatsumi looked over to him, then saw Hani.
"You poor little dear~" Karou cooed to Haruhi.
Haruhi blushed bright red, but was annoyed. Hani looked almost as if he would pounce on Kyoya. Nanami smiled sweetly.
Soon though, Tamaki got them all dancing with the guests. Kyoya looked over to Hani and looked a little jumpy now. Haruhi stood against a pillar as almost everybody had someone to dance with. Tatsumi folded her arms as she watched the dancing from the corner. Hani however kept calm for now and danced with the guests.
"Hello, Haruhi. I've been looking all over for you. Do you think maybe I could have the next dance?" Kanako asked with a smile.
"Uh, yeah, of course you can." Haruhi accepted as she held out her hand to Kanako.
Haruhi's guests soon seemed to be crying in jealousy. Kanako put her hand in Haruhi's and walked out towards the dancefloor with her.
"Kasuga-chan is here." Hani grinned.
"Rodger." Mori replied.
Haruhi walked with Kanako only to be grabbed by Mori and Hani.
"What? Kidnapped?" Kanako looked stunned and worried.
Nanami was dancing with a guest too, smiling. The guest smiled down to Nanami as they shared a dance together. Nanami smiled to the guest, dancing with him. The guest smiled back to her, and even carefully dipped her to seem charming. Nanami actually squeaked in surprise from the dip, her leg automatically extended for balance.
Tamaki kept up appearances, dancing with his guests. "Tatsumi, you dance too." he told the other Hostess.
"No one will dance with me." Tatsumi muttered to him.
Mori came in with Hani, carrying Haruhi and set her down in a different room.
"There she is!" Kaoru announced.
Tamaki turned a random guest to Tatsumi's direction, before continuing his own dancing.
The guest looked surprised but offered his hand to Tatsumi. "May I have this dance?" He asked.
"Huh?" Tatsumi blushed and looked over. "Um... Well... All right..." she then said shyly as she accepted his hand before giving a look to Tamaki on the way to the dance floor.
Tamaki smiled encouragingly. The guest gently pulled her to a respectful amount of space between them and started to dance with her. Tatsumi had a small smile as she decided to put up with the dance.
The guest smiled. "You look very nice tonight, Tatsumi-san." he smiled.
"Oh, please, I'm not that pretty." Tatsumi smiled back shyly.
"Yes, you are." The guest smiled.
"Thank you... Um..." Tatsumi smiled back, asking for his name subtly.
"Kenji," The guest smiled. "Kenji Hikumura."
"Pleased to meet you." Tatsumi replied and they soon began their dance.
Kenji smiled and was actually a good dancer.
"You're rather good at this." Tatsumi admitted with a small smile.
"Lessons." Kenji chuckled with a smile back.
"Maybe you could give me some." Tatsumi smiled back.
"I'd like that." Kenji smiled.
Tatsumi blushed, but smiled back, making every moment count of the dance. Kenji smiled. Tatsumi smiled back, turning bright red in her cheeks.
Kenji glanced around. "May I have one more dance?" He then asked.
"That sounds like fun, but I would like a drink first." Tatsumi smiled, deciding to have a quick fresher before the next dance.
Kenji smiled. "Then let me escort you." he offered, offering his arm too.
"Oh, thank you." Tatsumi smiled back, then soon accepted his arm.
Kenji led her to the refreshment table. Tatsumi smiled to the escort and soon went to get a refreshing drink. Kenji decided to get a drink too.
"Cheers." Tatsumi smiled politely to Kenji.
"Cheers." Kenji smiled and clinked glasses with her.
Tatsumi smiled back and soon drank her drink. Tatsumi looked all around as they took a drink break. Kenji glanced to Tatsumi with a soft smile. Tatsumi smiled back as she finished up her drink.
Kenji also finished his. "Ready to dance again?" He asked.
"Yes, please, thank you." Tatsumi smiled as she held out her hand to his.
Kenji put down his glass and led her into another dance. Tatsumi smiled to Kenji on the way to another dance.
Nanami curtsied to the guest she was dancing with and went to find another, after all, she had to pick one to kiss on the cheek later. The guest bowed to Nanami and allowed her to go. Nanami looked for her next dance partner. One guest took Nanami's hand, kissing the back of it while kneeling on one knee before her with a charming and suave smile.
Nanami looked surprised letting out a small squeak, while automatically blushing.
"May I have this dance?" The guest smiled to Nanami.
Nanami bobbed a curtsey. "Of course." she agreed quietly.
The guest smiled as he then began to dance with Nanami. Nanami gave a small smile back as they danced. Tamaki then went to see what the others were up to.
"How light on your feet." The guest chuckled, though in a good way.
Haruhi felt humiliated as she was forced into a dress with hair extensions and make-up.
Nanami smiled. "Thank you, as the only girl of the Haninozuka family, Mother and Father included dancing lessons as well as our craft." she told him.
"You've been taught well, I see." The guest smiled back.
Nanami gave a small giggle to that.
"So, is that your gentleman friend?" The guest asked as he gestured to Kyoya.
Nanami looked over to Kyoya and smiled. "He's a very dear friend." she told her dance partner softly.
"Oh, I'm not making him jealous, am I?" The guest chuckled.
While mentally agreeing he might be to keep cover she had to lie, though it sounded truthful. "Oh, I'm sure not..." she told the guest, trailing off as she didn't know his name.
"The name is Takahashi," The guest replied. "Yukio Takahashi."
Nanami smiled. "Hashi-kun." she then dubbed him, using her cute nickname reasoning.
The guest, Yukio, chuckled, but smiled to that. Nanami continued the dance, smiling.
"You look very lovely tonight, even if we just met." Yukio smiled to Nanami.
Nanami blushed slightly. "Why, thank you." she said politely.
"You're welcome." Yukio smiled.
Nanami smiled back, sweetly though polite too. Yukio smiled as he soon dipped her one last time and ended the dance.
Namami lightly fanned her face then. "Thank you for the dance, but I must go get a drink or step out for some fresh air." she told him politely.
"But of course, my dear, this has been exceptional." Yukio smiled as he bowed to her once again.
Nanami curtsied and then decided she would do both, grab a drink and stand outside for a few minutes. Yukio smiled as he allowed Nanami to go. Nanami fetched a drink and stepped out onto a nearby balcony to get some fresh air. Kyoya looked over to Nanami and smiled to her from afar. Nanami was sipping at her drink a small smile on her face as she watched the cherry blossom petals swirl.
Kyoya smiled to that before he let Nanami have some privacy, just passing by Yukio. Nanami sighed softly, happy but wishing she could dance with Kyoya, but knowing the guests came first this time. Yukio soon decided to do his own thing, wandering about the dance floor. Nanami soon finished her drink and went to head back inside.
"Did you have a lovely dance?" Kyoya asked Nanami, seeming to come from nowhere.
Nanami looked up at Kyoya. "Oh, yes, I wish I could dance with you though." she told him softly.
"Believe me, I wish the same." Kyoya quietly admitted.
Nanami reached up and, as they weren't exactly in view yet, stroked his cheek softly. "The next ball, we will dance." she decided softly, but firmly.
"Don't make me wait long~" Kyoya whispered.
"I promise." Nanami smiled warmly and kissed his cheek.
Kyoya smiled back to that with a small nod of his head. Nanami then went back inside, happy she had given Kyoya a kiss on the cheek. Kyoya soon waved to Nanami. Nanami waved back and walked along the edge of the dancefloor to search for one last partner before the climax of the ball. Kyoya soon got himself a refreshment while Nanami had to dance with guests. Nanami smoothed out her dress, ready for after the last dance that was awarded to Kanako and Tohru.
Kenji kept the distance respectful, but wanting to ruin the evening by holding her too close for her comfort. Tatsumi smiled bashfully to Kenji's dancing. Kenji smiled kindly. Tatsumi smiled back, her eyes sparkling into his. Kenji looked warmly, but not in a creepy way at her. Tatsumi seemed to blush from the warm feel and could even feel her heart pumping.
Kenji felt her heartbeat increase through their hands. "Are you alright?" He asked softly.
"Oh, u-uh, I'm fine, just, excited about a wonderful evening we're having." Tatsumi smiled bashfully.
Kenji smiled softly. "I'm happy to be dancing with the prettiest girl here." he told her.
"You really think I'm that pretty?~" Tatsumi blushed.
Kenji nodded.
"Wow~..." Tatsumi smiled while blushing. "Thank you, Kenji... You're rather handsome and cute too. Not to mention a real gentleman."
Kenji blushed a little then. Tatsumi smiled as this would be a night to remember. Is this what her mother told her was called love?
Kenji kissed her hand after the dance had finished. "My Lady." he smiled.
Tatsumi blushed and smiled back. This was a wonderful feeling.
Kenji smiled. "I kind of don't want to lose contact after the ball." he admitted.
"Neither do I..." Tatsumi replied. "Um... Shall we... Keep in touch?"
Kenji nodded. "Can you spare a few minutes after the ball to get a pen and paper so we can exchange numbers and class details?" He asked softly.
"Oh, that would be good, yes..." Tatsumi agreed, feeling so into Kenji that her words mixed up a little.
Kenji smiled warmly. Tatsumi smiled back with a small sniffle before she seemed emotional for once. Kenji offered a clean tissue.
"Sorry," Tatsumi said softly as she wiped her eyes. "It's just... No boy has ever been so nice, charming, and sweet to me without making me want to gag."
"It's alright, and those other boys must be fools" Kenji told her.
Tatsumi gasped, but blushed to that. Kenji smiled warmly to her, showing he was sincere. Tatsumi looked down shyly to wipe her eyes and smiled back to him, just as warm. Kanako was dancing with Tohru. Tohru carefully danced with Kanako as they were destined to be together.
A boy looked to Nanami with a small smile, looking around. Nanami glanced to him and smiled politely back.
"Hello." The boy greeted.
Nanami smiled. "Hello." she greeted back, not knowing who he was, though she recognized him as a guest.
"Good evening..." The boy smiled back and held out a rose to her.
Nanami blinked in surprise, but took the offered rose to not be rude. "Oh, thank you..." she said, wondering who this was.
"You're welcome," The boy smiled. "I am Asa Zenigata."
Nanami smiled. "May I refer to you as Zen-chan?" She asked him.
"You may, my dear." Asa allowed.
Nanami smiled sweetly.
Asa smiled back. "Lovely evening, huh?"
"Yes." Nanami agreed softly.
"Do you care for another dance, or would you just like to talk?" Asa asked. "I adore your company."
"The dance is over now and I have to do my kiss on the cheek for the Prince of the ball." Nanami said softly, but smiled sweetly.
"I hate to see you go, but if you must." Asa replied, allowing her to do what she already promised somebody else.
Nanami went to the stairs, ready to go down and gift the one 'crowned' Prince.
"May this awkward couple be forever blessed!" Tamaki cheered.
Hikaru grinned. "And now we'll announce the Queen and Prince of the ball." He said.
"Congratulations, Princess Kanako Kasugazaki!" Karou added.
Everyone else then clapped to this.
"And also to Prince Tohru Suzushima," Hikaru added. "And for their rewards, a kiss on the cheek from the king for Queen Kanako, and a kiss on the cheek from Princess Nanami to Prince Tohru." he announced.
Tamaki smiled charmingly. "You ready?" He asked.
"Haruhi Fujioka will stand in for Tamaki!" Karou announced.
Haruhi soon freaked out with Tamaki about that. Others lined up for Nanami's best honor.
"Kyoya did say that a little accident towards the end of night might make even more thrilling for everyone." Hikaru grinned to the others.
Kanako looked up to Tohru wondering if they should accept the kisses. She didn't mind for him as it was just a kiss on the cheek.
Hani looked at the line of boys. "Suzushima has been named the winner of the kiss." he reminded them, sweet, but his eyes warning to the boys.
"It's just on the cheek, right?" Tohru asked with a hand on Kanako's shoulder. "You should accept it, it will commemorate your graduation from host hoping."
"There's no way I can kiss her." Haruhi muttered.
"If you do it, we'll cut your debt by 1/3." Kyoya bribed as he wrote in his notebook.
The other boys backed up as they hadn't been the lucky ones. Hikaru chuckled.
"And you can have the kiss on the cheek from Nanami, count it as a congratulation for our rekindled relationship from a friend." Kanako smiled.
Nanami linked arms politely with Haruhi to walk down the stairs. Alice was watching carefully. Haruhi soon sighed and went down the steps to get it over with. Tatsumi brought out a fan and fanned herself, like her mother who was often a sophisticated almost like a Southern Belle.
"Hey, you don't think this is Haru-chan's first kiss, do you?" Hani piped up.
Tamaki looked shocked. "What? Wait, Haruhi!" He yelled just as both Host ones were about to kiss the cheeks of their two chosen guests. However, he ended up slipping on some banana skins and pushed them both.
Kanako was surprised and had turned slightly to see Tamaki, only for her lips to meet Haruhi's. Nanami squeaked as she was pushed, her lips meeting Tohru's. Tatsumi tried to stifle a snicker to Tamaki's slip. Haruhi looked quite shocked as well. Tohru's eyes widened as Nanami shared a kiss with him. Kanako pulled back, looking shocked. Nanami pulled back, looking shocked with a blush. Tamaki fell to the floor.
Haruhi looked bashfully to the sight before pulling away from the sight and covered her own mouth. Kyoya's left eye seemed to twitch under his glasses about Nanami and Tohru kissing. Tatsumi rolled her eyes to Tamaki's reaction. Kanako looked up to Tohru. Tohru merely laughed nervously.
"I'm sorry, I would have just kissed your cheek." Nanami apologized quietly and rushed off, embarassed; after all, it was just meant for a kiss on the cheek.
"Oh, uh, it's okay..." Haruhi chuckled softly, showing she wasn't that bothered about the kiss, even if it wasn't an accident.
Kanako blinked as Nanami ran off. Nanami hurried inside, heading towards the restrooms.
"Nanami!" Kyoya called out and went after the girl.
Nanami sniffled as she ran.
"Nanami, wait!" Kyoya cried out.
Namami was soon caught by the taller quick boy, and turned, her eyes full of tears already.
"Nanami..." Kyoya whispered as he gently and carefully held Nanami.
"It's okay, it was an accident, I'm not mad." Kyoya soothed Nanami.
Nanami clung to him tightly.
"It's all right~" Kyoya soothed as he hugged her and stroked her hair.
Nanami sniffled and cuddled closer.
"Shh, shh, it's all right~" Kyoya soothed as he hugged Nanami, gently rocking her.
Nanami hugged him back and wiped her eyes.
"It's okay..." Kyoya comforted. "If it helps, I'm not mad."
Nanami looked around a moment then as they were alone she pulled Kyoya into a soft kiss. Kyoya lightly hummed and smiled in the kiss that he finally got to have for tonight. Nanami was doing both reassuring and getting reassurance as they kissed.
Kyoya smiled as Nanami seemed to perk up from the kiss. "Was it good for you too?" he then whispered.
Nanami looked up to him. "Yes, I love you Kyoya even if we can't show it fully in public." she whispered.
"I love you just as much if not more~" Kyoya quietly purred.
Nanami shivered, but in a good way at the purr in his voice. Kyoya had a small smirk to her weakness. His hold on her was the only thing keeping her standing due to how weak he made her knees. Nanami blushed to the smirk.
Kyoya chuckled as he held onto Nanami. "Feeling better, my sweet?"
"Yes, my love." Nanami nodded softly with a smile.
"Good..." Kyoya smiled back.
Nanami gave him one more hug. Kyoya smiled as he hugged back.
"Let's go back to the others." Nanami whispered.
"Yes, let's." Kyoya agreed.
Nanami wrapped her arms around one of his and walked back with him. Kyoya smiled down to her on the way back.
Kenji took Tatsumi to exchange numbers. Tatsumi smiled as they did this as she felt very special deep down inside to have Kenji with her. Kenji smiled softly. Tatsumi smiled back. So, this was love? Kenji handed her the paper with his class and his number. Tatsumi accepted it and traded it with her own. Kenji smiled.
"I had a wonderful time, Kenji." Tatsumi smiled back.
"I did too." Kenji smiled.
"See you soon, but I'm sure I'll see you in my dreams~" Tatsumi giggled bashfully.
"My dreams will be sweet with you in them." Kenji smiled.
"Mine too." Tatsumi smiled back while giggling.
Kenji smiled. "I'll call you tomorrow, and maybe you would like to meet up for lunch?" He suggested.
"Yes, that sounds good, I should be able to, but call first." Tatsumi agreed.
Kenji nodded and smiled.
"Thank you, Kenji." Tatsumi beamed.
Kenji bowed and escorted her back to the group. Tatsumi smiled to Kenji on the way back. Kenji smiled softly. Tatsumi smiled back.
"Well, looks like you had fun too." Kaoru smirked to Tatsumi.
"I did~" Tatsumi smiled, ignoring his smirk.
Kenji bowed and left to go home. Hikaru smirked. Tatsumi smiled with a small sigh.
"I guess she's turning into the girl she said she was." Kaoru whispered to Hikaru.
Hikaru nodded. "Maybe she'll let us dress her up for her date." he smirked.
Tatsumi looked over to 'The Clones'.
"A little make-up, a cute dress, maybe a new hairdo..." Karou added.
"Slight heels and matching accessories." Hikaru agreed.
Tatsumi soon came to them.
"And here she comes now!" Kaoru smiled only to get his head knocked with Hikaru's by Tatsumi's rage.
Hikaru rubbed his head. "What's the big idea?" He glared.
'I heard you guys..." Tatsumi glared back. "Don't get any ideas!"
"Uh, sorry, you're the one who's being a girl!" Kaoru snapped.
Tatsumi then did it again before walking away. "Mind your own business!"
Hikaru glared. "We were only trying to help!" He shouted, glad the guests had gone home.
"You could at least let us help!" Kaoru added.
"Stay out of my life!" Tatsumi glared back, thinking they were just meddling.
"See if we offer help again!" Hikaru glared and turned and stormed off, slamming a door behind him as he did.
Hani clung to Mori. Kaoru joined Hikaru. Tatsumi grumbled to the twins. Mori comforted Hani as well as he could.
"Oh, my, what's happened here?" Kyoya asked as he and Nanami joined the others.
"Tatsu-chan hit Hika-chan and Kao-chan's heads together when they offered help." Hani said quietly.
Nanami looked surprised.
"Tatsumi..." Kyoya sighed.
"You know how much they bug me." Tatsumi defended.
"Yes, but they were helping you this time." Mori told the tomboy.
"I think you should apologize next time we see them," Hani said softly. "They didn't deserve being hurt." he said.
"I'll go check on them." Nanami said and scurried after the twins.
Tatsumi just let out a sharp sigh.
"Be careful." Kyoya told Nanami.
Hani looked to Tatsumi. Tatsumi looked back at Hani.
"They were only planning to help." Hani told her.
"I guess they were..." Tatsumi said. "Maybe I shouldn't have just expected the worst."
Hani gave a sweet small smile. "Let them cool down tonight and apologize tomorrow, 'kay?" He told her.
"All right..." Tatsumi replied softly, with a small smirk to Hani which was her way of smiling.
Hani smiled and hugged her. Tatsumi gave him a small pat on the head. Hani giggled. Tatsumi smiled down to Hani, she could never resist that giggle of his. Hani hugged her. Tatsumi smiled down to him. Hani smiled. Mori gave a small nod to Tatsumi in approval.
Nanami nodded and went after the twins. "Hika-chan, Kao-chan!" She shouted after them.
"I think we have company." Kaoru said to his brother.
Nanami skidded as she caught up to them, grabbing them to stop a fall. "Are you alright?" She asked them softly.
Hikaru looked down at the smaller but older girl. "Not really." he muttered, still sounding annoyed.
"We try to do a little charity and it got us nowhere." Karou added.
"She didn't know you were trying to help her for real." Nanami informed them.
"Well, she didn't even check before hitting our heads together," Hikaru frowned. "We were even going to use our mother's newest dress design." he added.
"She always judges..." Karou sighed and shook his head. "What a stubborn little girl."
Nanami looked curious, a new dress design? She wanted to see it.
Hikaru noticed her look and glanced to Kaoru. "As she wouldn't let us, will you let us?" He asked.
"That is, if you would like?" Kaoru added hopefully.
Nanami glanced between them and smiled. "Okay, I'll let the others know." she smiled.
"Or we could text them and let them know~" Hikaru told her.
Kaoru soon brought out his phone. Nanami looked between the two. Hikaru held one of her arms, ready to hurry out with her. Tamaki looked at his phone, stunned. He then gulped and looked at Kyoya and Hani. Nanami barely had time to squeak in surprise. Hikaru smirked as they jumped into their limo with her and headed home.
"Well..." Kyoya said quietly.
"What was that about?" Haruhi asked.
"I don't wanna talk about it..." Tatsumi sighed.
"It'll be nice to have some company~" Kaoru giggled with a smirk with Hikaru.
Hikaru nodded. "A doll to dress up." he smirked.
Nanami looked between them and straightened her skirt while moving to sit properly. Tatsumi looked over to the twins. Karou laughed with Hikaru as they took Nanami home with them. Hikaru put an arm around Nanami. He counted her as a new toy. Kaoru even gave a small pat on the head. Nanami pouted to that but had agreed so wasn't truly upset.
"Kyoya, Hani-senpai." Tamaki said.
Hani looked to him. Kyoya also looked over to Tamaki. Tatsumi looked over to the twins.
"I just got a text from the twins... They've taken Nanami for the night." Tamaki said.
"Is that bad...?" Haruhi asked.
"Well, it could've been me." Tatsumi shrugged solemnly.
Hani looked up to Takashi. Tamaki looked nervous, having been the one to deliver the news.
"This is an interesting turn of events." Mori commented.
Kyoya just looked to Tamaki, not sure what to say or do to this, though he just hoped they wouldn't do anything funny. Hani shrugged.
"I'm sure she'll be okay, the twins might be shady, but they respect you." Tamaki told Kyoya and Hani.
"They better watch out." Kyoya warned.
"Mm..." Tatsumi merely hummed in the background.