Hi everyone! So I know I asked for 15 reviews before the next chapter, but I'm updating anyways, even though I got 3, which is still cool by the way. The reason I'm updating still 2 reviews short is because this story gained 3 more favorites and 6 more followers.
I put this on Stripes of the Past, but I don't remember how many of you are reading that one, so I'll put it here too:
Reviews are what keep a story going. Yeah, it's great to get a favorite and/or follow, but nothing gets the fire to write blazing more than a review. It tells me as an author that I'm not just wasting time and energy on something that no one is really enjoying. It tells me that there are people out there that actually like what I write, and that alone is what gives me the drive to write. If I don't get that confirmation... I don't have the energy or the heart to sit down and write a chapter.
I would still like to hit that 15 review mark. This story has been viewed over 600 times. Surely one of you can spare the time to let me know how I'm doing. I don't want to sound like I'm begging, but please review! It really does mean the world to me.
Because they have been my most faithful reviewers, I'm dedicating this chapter to lostfeather1 and gothicpoet0615. Thank you so much for all of your lovely comments.
To gothicpoet0615: Thank you so much for all of your constructive criticism. It means a lot, and helps me make each chapter better.
To lostfeather1: You are an absolute riot in every review you leave. I can't stop laughing and smiling when I read your reaction to each chapter. Though you're going to have to wait a little longer for what happens to Ayanokouji.
Thank you both, and here you go! This chapter is for you two!
Chapter IV
Kea put on a smile as the doors to the garden opened.
"Welcome ladies," she said in sync with the Host Club. Today, Tamaki had decided to hold the Host Club outside. It was a beautiful spring day, and the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. After a completely unintentionally heard comment from Kea to Kyoya about how lovely the day was as she walked into the Host Club, and a muttered complaint at what a waste it would be to stay indoors, Tamaki was sold on the idea of having a 'flower viewing reception'. Of course, that called for certain outfits.
He, Kyoya, and the twins were wearing modern style butler uniforms, complete with waistcoats, pocket watches, and aprons. On the other hand, Haruhi, Takashi, Mitsukuni, and Kea were dressed in traditional servant clothing: a shihakushō. Takashi wore a dark blue-and-black shihakushō. Mitsukuni matched with a lighter shihakushō with a lavender undershirt. Haruhi was dressed in a burgundy and orange ensemble.
As an experiment, Kea had her own outfit today. She wore a white shirt with red pants, in the style of ancient Shrine priestesses. While not entirely sure why she was being made to wear a different outfit, she didn't mind. It separated her from the Hosts, telling everyone that, while she may be a member of the club, she was not a Host.
She looked up from her book, ensuring everything went smoothly. The previous night, she had put the finishing touches on the picture books she and Kyoya had compiled. Well, it was her that set up the cameras around the Host Club. Once she had, she had wirelessly connected them to her computer so she would be able to snap pictures of anywhere in the room from her chair. Since she was always on the laptop while not greeting guests, no one thought anything of it, providing her the perfect cover.
Thankfully, the Club went off without a hitch. Azamuki didn't show, which was a huge relief to Kea. Not to say that she didn't have faith that Kyoya could pull through on his end. Out of everyone in the Host Club, the only one she trusted more than him was Takashi. Of course, there was always Haruhi, but Kea didn't like thinking of her as a Host.
Speaking of her, she was sitting with Mitsukuni and Takashi while they entertained guests. Kyoya was walking around, selling the picture albums to clients. She snickered as two girls, currently being entertained by Hikaru and Kaoru, jumped up from their chairs, each wanting a complete set of picture albums. Shaking her head fondly, Kea turned around, returning to her task: shadowing and managing.
Before she knew it, the Host club was over. Maids came around, cleaning up. Sighing in relief, Kea let her hair out of the low ponytail. While combing her fingers through her locks, an arm wrapped itself around her shoulders. Before she could react, she was pulled into a hug by Kaoru. He placed his arms around her waist and his chin on her shoulder, while Hikaru had his arm around Haruhi's shoulders.
"So Haruhi and Kea. Have you decided your elective courses for this term?" the twins asked simultaneously. "How 'bout Conversational French?" Kaoru continued.
"I don't know. I've taken French before, but it might be good to have a refresher course." Kea mused.
"I think the four of us should take it together. It makes perfect sense." Kea resisted the urge to smirk as Kaoru joined his brother in saying "We are in the same class."
Tamaki was reduced to a shriveled lump, hiding under the blue-striped shadows of a cherry blossom tree. Kea shook her head, tilting her face to whisper in Kaoru's ear. He chuckled, shrugging slightly. His answer was just as quiet, but his brother heard it as well.
"Say, Mommy dear?" Kea kept one ear on Tamaki and Kyoya while keeping the other on the twins.
"What is it now… Daddy?"
"I have a new theory. I mean, it's just my hypothesis, but it seems that by being in the same class, Hikaru and Kaoru are able to spend more time with Haruhi than I get to here at the club! This gives them a chance to get close to her and if that happens–"
"Tamaki. You just now realized that?" Kea couldn't resist looking over her shoulder as Tamaki was electrocuted with a sudden lightning bolt. A chart with two pie graphs popped up in front of Kyoya. "According to my research, in a single day the twins spend roughly nine hours of class time with Haruhi. Meanwhile your contact with her is limited to a couple hours of club activities. In other words, your involvement in Haruhi's life each day amounts to no more than three percent on certain–"
"AAHH! I don't want to hear it! I don't want to hear it!" Taking his hands off his ears, Tamaki grabbed Haruhi's shoulders, pulling her towards him. "Listen Haruhi! I want you to stop hanging out with those shady twins from now on!"
"Who are you calling shady?"
"Yeah! Take a good look at yourself boss!" Tamaki gasped, recoiling.
"Yes! That's it!" He clenched his fist. "Alright then! We can't go on hiding the fact that you're a girl from everyone in the school any longer! All Daddy wants is for you to go back to being the girl you used to be!" Kea groaned, resting her forehead on her fingertips.
"Who are you calling Daddy?"
"That's what I would like to know." Kea muttered. A hand rested on her shoulder. She looked up to see Takashi. "Takashi?"
"Are you alright?"
"Huh?"
"You seem to be having a lot of headaches lately." Kea blinked, trying to come to terms with the fact that Takashi had just talked.
To her.
In multiple sentences. More than that, he was asking about her wellbeing. After staring for a few moments like a complete idiot, Kea nodded.
"I'm fine." Takashi tilted his head, his concern written in his eyes. She sighed. "If you must know, the source of my headaches is a certain pompous second year blonde." Takashi nodded.
"Physical… exams?" Everyone froze at Haruhi's question.
"That's right. I forgot all about it." Kea looked between Takashi and Kyoya. Before she could say anything, Haruhi spoke up again.
"Then that means… there's no doubt. They're going to know… I'm really a girl."
影女王
Kea tapped her foot on the ground, trying to keep calm. It was the day after the flower viewing ceremony, or whatever Tamaki called it. Everyone was gathered in Music Room 3 to discuss what to do about Haruhi. Tamaki was currently sitting in a chair, daydreaming. From the look on his face, it was most likely a fantasy about Haruhi. While Tamaki didn't seem like the type, flashes of boys from her old neighborhood crossed Kea's mind. She shivered at the reminders.
"He must be having a great daydream." Kea looked down at Mitsukuni.
"He's kind of creeping me out." Kea found herself agreeing with Hikaru. Tamaki's eyes flashed.
"Envious, Hikaru? This is all part of my strategy."
"Strategy?" Kea crossed her arms. "Dare I even ask?"
"While Hikaru wasted time, blinded by his jealousy, I've foreseen the outcome of this charade." Everyone gathered behind Kea and Hikaru. "This anime is obviously a romantic school comedy. Haruhi and I are the main characters, so that means we are love interests."
"Yeah? Then what are we?" the twins asked.
"You boys… are the homosexual supporting cast." Tamaki drew a line in the floor with a stick. "So please make sure you don't step across this line."
"You've got to be kidding." Kea shook her head.
"I know I'm going to regret this… but where do I stand in your... romantic high school comedy, Tamaki?" Tamaki flung an arm around Kea's shoulders.
"You, darling…" He poked her cheek, emphasizing his next words. "Are the best friend of the heroine who is secretly in love with me as well, but gives me up for the happiness of her friend!" He finished with a dramatic pose, arm up, sparkles all around, Kea on his side.
"I knew I shouldn't have asked." Tamaki stumbled back when an elbow was suddenly and violently jabbed into his side. Takashi allowed a small smirk at Kea's choice of removal. Hikaru sighed.
"Hey, listen boss."
"I don't think you get it."
"If word gets out that Haru-chan is really a girl, then she won't be able to be in the Host Club anymore." Mitsukuni continued. Tamaki's entire being turned white. "But, if Haru-chan started wearing girls' clothes, I bet she'd be even cuter than she is now!"
"She dressed like a regular girl when she was in middle school, right? She must have been pretty popular with all the boys."
"Yeah." Kyoya confirmed Hikaru's question. "According to my investigative reports, someone would declare their undying love to her at least once a month." Kea lifted an eyebrow at that.
"Oh, I see. So then even the boss wouldn't be able to get close to her." Hikaru grinned, a slightly evil look in his eyes.
"But we'd be able to because we're in class with her all day long."
"No way." Kea looked over at Tamaki to see him tearing up. Just then, the door opened, revealing Haruhi.
"Hey guys. Sorry I'm so late." Tamaki grabbed her shoulders, once again pulling her towards him. Kea dug her fingernails into her sleeves to prevent herself from socking Tamaki in the jaw. Takashi, reading her body language, again smirked slightly.
"Don't you worry Haruhi! We're determined to keep your secret. No one will find out that you're really a girl during tomorrow's physical exams! So please, promise you'll stay our beloved secret princess!" Haruhi blinked a couple times, trying to comprehend what Tamaki was saying.
"Sure."
"You know what? I think both of us would be a little peeved if we had to watch all the guys flirt with her." Kea scoffed.
"Tell me about it. There's no way in heck I'd allow some random guy to cozy on up to my lil' darlin' Haruhi." Kyoya lifted an eyebrow as Kea's voice changed as an accent slipped its way in.
"Then that settles it." Kaoru agreed. A whiteboard with the title 'Operation Conceal Haruhi's Gender, also known as Operation I Swear Haruhi is a Boy!'' written on it. Kea sighed, hiding her eyes behind her hand.
"They always have to go overboard."
"Listen up squad members! At tomorrow's physical exams, position yourselves in Formation A, and then, wait for your orders!" Mitsukuni started applauding, while Hikaru and Kaoru saluted.
"Yes sir!" Haruhi stared blankly at them. Just then, she hit her fist on her palm.
"I've got it. You guys are worried because if they find out I'm a girl I can't be a Host and therefore can't pay my debt!" She turned around, talking to herself. Kea walked over, offering advice. The males watched as the two collaborated.
"Your balance is 5,333,332 yen, and you still need 875 customers before the debt can be forgotten." Kea gripped her chin. "However, if they find out you're a girl, then you won't be able to take customers, and as such can't make any money. Or at least not near the amount you make now." Haruhi put a hand behind her head.
"Well. Guess I'll have to come up with another way to pay you back." She started laughing. Hikaru and Kaoru turned to Tamaki.
"Do something! The subject doesn't appear to have any motivation!" Tamaki groaned.
"Why did we get stuck with such a difficult heroine?" He whirled on Haruhi, pointing at her. "Are you saying you that you hate being a Host?! That you hate this club!?"
"To be honest, I'd have to say yes." Kea winced, chuckling under her breath while she closed one eye.
"Ouch. Harsh much?" She looked over her shoulder to see Tamaki had retreated to a suddenly very dark corner.
"I mean you guys aren't bad but if it gets out that I'm a girl there's nothing I can do, you know?"
"She doesn't seem to care one way or the other."
"Well before we do anything else we have to find a way to motivate her." Takashi gripped his chin.
"Fancy tuna." Lightning went off in everyone's heads. Kea lifted an eyebrow.
"Oh that's right! You didn't get a chance to eat any during last episode's party…" Tamaki turned his head, letting everyone see the very creepy look on his face. "Did you?" Suddenly, everyone, save Kea, was in on it.
"Did you hear that? She's never eaten fancy tuna before. Isn't that awful?"
"Wow. Talk about a difficult childhood."
"If only Haru-chan could stay in the Host Club, she'd have the chance to eat all kinds of yummy things whenever she wants." Haruhi tried to blow it off.
"What are you talking about? Don't be silly!" She started waving a hand, trying to make it seem like it was no big deal. "Just because I'm poor and I've never had it doesn't mean that I'm so much of a glutton I'd go on fooling everyone about my gender just to try some fancy tuna!" She started chuckling nervously. However…
Everyone else had the same. Exact. Expression. What it meant?
She's staying.
'Three… Two… One.'
"Am I really going to get to try it?" Kea sighed.
'Figures.' Something came to mind. "Um…" The Hosts looked at Kea. "I take it, from all the fuss you guys are making, that whatever these physical exams are... they're mandatory?"
You could have heard a pin drop.
"You mean… you've never had a physical exam before?" Kea shook her head at Tamaki's incredulous question.
"Nope. Why would I? I was homeschooled, remember?"
"Then… who made sure you were healthy?" Kea sighed, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.
"Myself. I had… have… guidelines for a healthy life." Hikaru and Kaoru blinked.
"You mean… you managed your health?"
"Uh… yeah?" Kea chuckled lightly. "Who better to make sure I'm healthy than me? After all, it's my body. I should know it." Kyoya hummed, pushing up his glasses.
"I see. Don't worry, Kea-san. We'll make sure you know what goes on. Of course, Haruhi might better explain it. After all, she is a girl, though we are going to extreme lengths to hide it." Kea sighed, letting her head drop.
"Fine. But if any doctor tries anything funny they're getting booted to New Jersey. I don't care who they're affiliated with."
影女王
Kea walked down the hallway with Hikaru, Kaoru, and Haruhi. The boys weren't at all nervous, but they had been raised in this life. Haruhi was familiar with physical exams as well, so she wasn't too worried. The only thing that concerned her was her gender being found out. As for Kea…
She would rather go swim with sharks at the moment.
"We will begin conducting physical examinations shortly. All students, please proceed to the clinic in your respective school building."
"You have more than one clinic?" Kea muttered under her breath. 'I would love to see how any of these rich brats would survive Hume Lake.'
"Relax, Kea!" Kaoru draped an arm around her shoulders. "It's not that bad. Just a weight test, measuring your chest-"
"Measuring my what!?" Kea recoiled. Turning on her heel, she began to stalk away. "That's it! No way in hell am I going in there!" Hands clamped onto her shoulders.
"Hang on, Kea!" Kea glared over her shoulder at Haruhi. "That's for the boys. It's different for the girls."
"It had better be, or you can be sure my father's going to hear about this." Even though none of them knew who her father was….
They didn't want to find out.
"So… what's the deal with this 'Formation A' thing you guys were talking about?" Haruhi tried to change the subject. "What do you do during the physical exams here at Ouran anyway?"
"It's no different than the physical exam you'd get at any other school." Hikaru said calmly.
'I doubt that.' Kea thought.
"Yeah!" Kaoru piped up. "Why would a physical exam be any different for us just because we're rich?" Haruhi laughed softly.
"You're right. I didn't think about it that way." Somehow, they ended up at the front of the pack. The girls hug back while the doors opened. Haruhi and Kea immediately drooped six inches. The path was lined with dozens of doctors and nurses.
"Welcome students!" Their voices rang obnoxiously in Kea's ears.
'What the hell is this!? A nursing convention or something!?' Hikaru and Kaoru were completely unfazed.
"What… what is all this?" Haruhi voiced Kea's unspoken question.
"Just another physical exam." Hikaru walked in.
"The usual." Kaoru added as he walked in after his brother.
"The usual?" Kea and Haruhi chorused. They walked in together. Sweatdrops appeared as the two watched a pair of twins curtsy to the boys.
"Are they seriously curtsying!?" Haruhi looked up at Kea's mutter. Her expression was a mixture of awe, disbelief, bewilderment, and annoyance. "When are we? The Victorian Era!?" Haruhi laughed softly.
"Take it easy, Kea. Remember: just breathe."
"Easy for you to say." Kea crossed her arms protectively around herself. "The last time I let someone wearing one of those uniforms near me something bad happened." Haruhi tilted her head. Before she could ask what, someone called out to them.
"Mr. Fujioka?" Both looked over to see a dark-auburn haired nurse and a blonde nurse standing next to them. The auburn addressed Haruhi. "I'm your nurse for the physical exams this afternoon."
"And I am yours, Miss Kea." The blonde curtsied to her. Kea nodded back. The nurse gestured with a hand towards a direction. "If you will please follow me, we have a room prepared for you." Kea followed, blinking in surprise.
"A room?" The nurse nodded. Kea couldn't help but feel slightly suspicious at that. Looking around, it was clear all the other girls had their exams in the open, or behind a simple curtain.
'Is this because I'm an honor student?' That thought vanished when she saw two other nurses fall in behind her. Neither was sporting real expressions. Kea's eyes narrowed briefly, but gave no indication she saw them. 'No… there's something else going on.'
Finally, they made it to Kea's 'room'. The door opened, revealing a normal-looking exam room. The blonde nurse opened the door, smiling. Kea smiled slightly back, walking inside.
Her senses went into overdrive.
Lifting a hand, she pretended to be pushing up her glasses. She hid her real action by actually pushing up her glasses. When the door closed, she turned around. All three nurses were standing behind her.
"Never expected you to be here… Ayanokouji." The blonde's eyes widened. They closed when she started chuckling. "And out of everything, you got your brother to dress up as a girl." Kea smirked. "I don't know whether to be impressed, flattered, or repulsed."
"None of the above." The dark haired nurse stripped, revealing a very masculine form. Azamuki wiped his face on the fabric, getting rid of the makeup. When it was clear, he glared down at Kea. "Make sure we're not interrupted."
"Of course, Master Azamuki." The last nurse bowed to the siblings, disappearing around the oaken door. That left Kea alone with the duo, which were clearly not happy with her. Ayanokouji took off the blonde wig, letting her auburn locks fall to her waist.
"So…" Kea placed a hand on her waist. "What did you want with me?"
"You." Azamuki stepped forward. Kea's eyes widened as the window opened. She whirled, her eyes widening further when three men stepped through. Turning around again, her cerulean eyes narrowed to slits.
"What are you playing at, Ayanokouji?" She didn't respond. Azamuki laughed, throwing his head back. When he returned his gaze to Kea, his amusement vanished into hatred.
"She's not playing. Neither am I." Kea growled under her breath as his gaze swept over her form, an all-too familiar glint in his eyes. "Take her away."
*/*\*/*\*
Haruhi lifted an eyebrow when she saw Takashi and Mitsukuni 'disguised' as doctors.
"Honey-senpai? Mori-senpai?" Both lifted a finger to their lips, telling her to be quiet. "They're so obvious."
"I brought those two for backup just in case something happens." Kyoya explained from behind her.
"But why are they in doctor disguises?" Kyoya smiled slightly.
"They're just helping to set the mood." He pushed up his glasses. "Disguises make our operation feel like a real espionage mission." Haruhi groaned. Looking over, she saw a doctor congratulate a student on her weight loss.
"Don't you think it's weird… that these doctors are all so jovial and nice?"
"They're chosen by the school's chairman. This may be a school but it's also a business. Therefore, he wants to keep the students happy." Kyoya explained. "After all, most of the students that attend Ouran Academy come from prominent families that have their own private doctors at home. So this… is just a formality." Haruhi knew Kyoya was explaining this to help her understand…
But it just felt like he was rubbing it in that they came from well-to-do families and she didn't.
'These damn rich people.' She thought as she walked away, following her nurse. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw two more nurses follow after Kea. Haruhi tilted her head. 'What was that about?'
Kyoya watched as Haruhi walked away. While doing so, a doctor bumped into him. When he turned around, he got a good view of the man's face. It was scruffy, and his eyes were bloodshot with bags under them.
"I'm terribly sorry."
"No problem." Kyoya watched the man hurry away. "Huh." Meanwhile, Hikaru and Kaoru stood in front of their changing station.
"Hitachiin brothers. Would you would please come with me? It's time to do your chest measurements. You can use the area behind this curtain to undress."
"Doesn't matter to me." Hikaru said as he took off his shirt.
"We're not shy. Who needs a curtain?" Kaoru agreed as he stripped of his. The girls swooned as the two revealed their torsos. Haruhi could only gape in shock at the females' reactions.
'Though… Hikaru does look kind of good without a shirt.' She shook her head, slapping herself few times. 'What am I thinking!? Snap out of it!'
"See Haruhi? A rather impressive turnout today." Kyoya sounded quite impressed. "Physical Exam Day is quite popular with the ladies."
'What's wrong with the girls at this school!? I'm so glad I know Kea!' While the girls, nurses included, were distracted, Takashi and Mitsukuni took action. They grabbed Haruhi, ushering her away.
"Come on Haru-chan! This way!" They shoved her into a curtained area. As she stumbled back, someone's arms wrapped around her.
"I've been waiting for you…" She turned her head to see Tamaki. "My princess." Haruhi separated herself, sinking to her knees.
"Tamaki-senpai!" Tamaki hummed, crouching in front of her.
"You're so cute when you're surprised!" Haruhi pouted slightly.
"Mr. Fujioka?" She looked back at the nurse's voice outside the curtain. "It's time for us to take your chest measurements. Once you've finished disrobing, would you please come with me?" Tamaki stood up.
"This is it! The inevitable moment has arrived." Tamaki smiled gently down at her. "You just stay back here and wait, okay Haruhi?"
"But what are you going to do?" Tamaki pressed a finger to Haruhi's lips.
"Don't you worry. I'll protect you." Haruhi's eyes widened. She watched as Tamaki walked towards the curtain. "I promise I'll protect you Haruhi."
"Mr. Fujioka? Are you ready to be measured now?"
"Yes." Tamaki opened the curtain. He had donned a brown wig, so the girls wouldn't know it was him standing in for Haruhi. At least… that was the plan. "I'm Haruhi… Fujioka."
It didn't work. The girls knew it was him immediately. Tamaki blanched as their whispers reached his ears. The hysterical laughter of the twins met his ears as well.
"I can't believe he actually did it!" Hikaru gasped out. Kaoru began pumping his fist while grasping at his chest.
"They recognize him! I told you they'd see through it!" Tamaki blushed as the girls began laughing along with the twins. He ripped off the wig, glaring at them. Whirling on them, he grabbed Hikaru by the throat.
"You jerks! You said there'd be no way the girls would be able to tell it was me!"
"It's payback for calling us the homosexual supporting cast!" Hikaru choked out, holding his hands up in surrender... thought the smile never left his face. Letting him go, Hikaru fell to his knees, laughing his lungs out. Everyone else was laughing right along with him and his brother. Meanwhile, Tamaki had the wonderful job of explaining to Haruhi that the plan didn't work. He peeked around the corner.
"I'm sorry. They figured it out. Hehe." Haruhi whipped her head around, her eyes shooting lasers at him. Tamaki screamed in horror. He vanished again.
'Just as I thought.' Haruhi sighed. 'Tamaki-senpai lives in his own carefree little world.' She didn't hear the footsteps behind her until a hand gently rested on her shoulder. She turned around to see Kyoya.
"Haruhi, ready?" he put a hand on his hip. "I went ahead and set up a special room for you, a special boys' clinic. And I have a doctor standing by sworn to secrecy." Outside, the rest of the Host Club, save Tamaki (who was currently slowly disintegrating into a pile of sparkly ash), stood waiting.
"It turns out the doctors here today, are all on staff at one of Kyoya-senpai's family's hospitals." Hikaru shrugged in time with Kaoru.
"Would have been nice if he said something to us earlier." Kaoru said. Kyoya just smiled.
"I had to get my revenge too." His eyes closed while he continued talking and smiling. "I'm sorry. I just don't think I'm supporting cast, homosexual or otherwise." Shaking her head, Haruhi stood, following Kyoya to the room. She knocked on the door.
"Come in." Opening the door, she saw a redhead nurse waiting for her. "Hello, Mr. Fujioka. I've been made aware of your situation. If you wouldn't mind, please disrobe for me over there." She pointed towards a curtained off area of the room.
"Sure." Haruhi closed the door behind her. Outside, the Host Club gathered to ensure nothing else went wrong. Well, went wrong that they hadn't planned.
"I'm telling the truth!" They turned at the sound of a distraught female voice. A student was crouched on the ground, her arms around her. "One of the doctors grabbed me by my shoulder! He was trying to make a pass at me! I've never been so terrified!" Kyoya gripped his chin.
"I had a feeling this might happen." The others looked at him.
"What do you mean?" Mitsukuni asked.
"A bit earlier today, I saw a strange man, wearing a white lab coat but clearly not one of our hospital's doctors, and I thought he looked a little odd." The twins wasted no time in pouncing on him.
"Shouldn't you have said something sooner?"
"Oh, well it's no big deal! I'm sure the security guard will catch him."
"Tell me miss." Once again, the Host Club overheard the crowd. "Did you happen to notice where the pervert doctor was headed?"
"Yes sir! He ran off towards the special boys' clinic!" All turned sheet while. They all turned around.
"Haruhi!"
*/*\*/*\*
Haruhi turned around at the sound of the curtain being opened. Her eyes widened when she saw a man closing the curtain behind him.
"Excuse me…?" He turned around, his own eyes growing when he saw he wasn't alone. Before she could react, he had clamped a hand over her mouth.
"No it's not what you think! Please just keep quiet!"
"Haruhi!" Both turned around when they heard Tamaki's shout. He leapt in, his foot planting itself in the man's face. "Tama-chan kick!" The man slammed into the wall.
"One!" Haruhi looked behind her to see the twins. Both bore very serious expressions. "Good looks that attract the public eye."
"Two." A foot slammed onto the ground, the repercussions making it sound like a monster's step. Kyoya stepped out of the shadows. "More wealth than you can imagine."
"Three." Mori appeared out of nowhere. "Chivalry that will never be able to overlook…"
"The hideous wickedness of this world." Honey finished the sentence. Haruhi felt a shirt being draped over her. Tamaki stepped protectively in front of her.
"That's what makes up the Ouran Host Club!" The others lined up behind him. "We're here! Watch out!" They spoke in sync. The man paled several shades.
"Please don't hurt me!" He flung himself on his face. "Spare me my life!" Haruhi stared in shock at him.
'I can't help but think that if Kea were here, she'd laugh at him.' Haruhi's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked around. Her only female friend in the school wasn't in the assembly. 'I wonder if she's okay. She would have come running the second she heard I might be in trouble… so why isn't she with them?'
"I'm a doctor." The stranger's voice snapped her from her thoughts. "I have a small emergency medical clinic that I run in the next town over. My name is Yabu."
"Did he say his name's Yabu?" Hikaru whispered to Kaoru.
"That's crazy! What a terrible name for a doctor!" The two looked at each other. "Unless you're a quack."
"I know. I'm here because I was hoping to see my daughter. My wife left me last month and took my daughter with her! But I know that she attends school here!"
"I don't mean to pry or anything," Kyoya looked at Haruhi. "But why did your wife leave you?"
"Well, you see… I don't charge much, but even so some people can't pay. So I allow them to write up IOU's. Unfortunately, some never did pay me back." Yabu sighed. "My wife and daughter got so fed up with me that they packed their things and left that night.
"And that was it. They left me, forever! I know I'm terrible at managing our money, and I can't say no to anybody." He bowed his head. "I don't blame them for being tired of constantly living in debt." Kyoya internally sighed.
'This man clearly has his facts mixed up. If he's as poor as he looks, so poor his wife would leave him, there's no way his daughter would be able to attend Ouran. Besides the fact that he just admitted he lives in debt!'
"But I wanted to see my daughter one more time, so I came here! After being pelted by rain and wandering the streets I finally made it to your school. Once I entered I was mistaken for a doctor here to examine students!"
"Well of course. You're wearing a lab coat." Hikaru pointed out.
"Anyone would mistake you." Kaoru added.
"And then it happened! I thought I had found her. I reached out to grab her shoulder, but when I tried to ask her about my daughter the girl started screaming! And before I knew it there were all kinds of people chasing me!"
"That's so tragic!" Tamaki slid to the man's side. Kyoya resisted the urge to slap Tamaki for being an idiot.
"Dr. Yabu, I think you may have the wrong place. Are you looking for Ouran Public High School?" Yabu looked up.
"Yeah, that's right."
"I figured that might be the case. This is Ouran Academy, a private institution. Your daughter doesn't go to school here." Yabu gaped, turning as white as a ghost.
"Man that's pretty sad. You don't even know what school your daughter goes to?"
"I bet your relationship is messed up because you don't pay attention to her, not because of some stupid debt."
"Wow, Kyo-chan! I'm impressed that you figured out he had the wrong school!" Kyoya smiled slightly at Honey's praise.
"Well there's no way the daughter of a small time doctor, would ever be able to get into Ouran Academy." He stated like it was the weather.
"Kyoya. Would you please find a map of all the public schools in this area? I would like to help this man find his daughter." Haruhi and Kyoya looked up slightly. The Vice-President smiled lightly as he walked out of the room.
"Whatever you say." Once it was done, he gave the map to the doctor. Yabu left, the Host club watching him walk down the lane.
"Are you sure about this?"
"After all, even if he does manage to find his daughter, there's no guarantee she'll want to speak to him."
"Well then, that's something he'll have to find out for himself." Everyone turned around to see Kea standing there, smiling.
"Kea!" Haruhi leapt at her, embracing her. She didn't notice the wince of pain that wracked the taller girl's body. Kea rested a hand on Haruhi's back, patting it. "Are you okay?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" When Haruhi pulled back, all she saw was a concerned look. "Did something happen to you?" Kea's eyes widened, her hands gripping Haruhi's shoulders. "You're not hurt, are you?"
"No, no! I'm fine! Thanks to the guys." Kea looked up to see the Host Club staring at her. Draping an over Haruhi's shoulders, they joined them by the window.
"I never thought I'd say this… but thank you for looking out for Haruhi." They nodded. Kea directed her attention out the window, enjoying the breeze. Takashi, who was standing behind her, stole a glance down at her. His eyes narrowed.
"I'm sorry about this you guys, but could you please leave?" Everyone recoiled from her. "Except you, Kea. You can stay if you want." Tamaki began panicking.
"Haruhi? Are you still angry with me? You're not thinking of quitting the Host Club, are you!?" Haruhi laughed softly.
"Don't be stupid, senpai. I've just gotta finish my physical exam. As a male student of course." All of the Hosts smiled at her. Kea smiled as well.
'You certainly have changed in the short while I've known you, Haruhi. I'm proud.'
"But let me explain! I'm not doing this because you're bribing me with fancy food. I'm doing it to pay back my debt!" Tamaki blushed.
"You're so cute Haruhi!" He glomped her, much to the outrage of Kea and Hikaru. "I can see right through you! I know you're just after that fancy tuna! But it's so-"
"Cut it out, senpai! NO! Hey don't touch me there!"
"Red card!" Kea said along with the twins.
"Looks like Tamaki-senpai,"
"Is the real pervert!"
"Who cares?! Would you guys just GET OUT OF HERE!?"
"Wait! What do you mean real pervert!? Someone explain right now!"
*/*\*/*\*
Kyoya looked up in surprise as his phone rang. Picking it up, he realized it was the doctor he had assigned to Haruhi. Opening the phone, he answered. Not a minute later, he had called for a driver, running down the stairs as he pulled on a jacket over his sweatpants and T-shirt. It wasn't long before he arrived at the front gates of Ouran. The doctor was waiting for him.
"What's wrong?"
"You need to see this." She led him to the special boys' clinic. His eyes widened when he saw it had been marked off like a crime scene. The doctor paused on the outside of an area that had been taped off. It was the exact space where they had stood, watching Yabu leave, not a few hours earlier.
"What is going on here?"
"That." She pointed down. When Kyoya saw what she was pointing at, he was sure his face paled. On the carpet… in drying blood… was the outline of a left footprint…
In the exact shape of Kea's shoe.
Cliffhanger! What happened between Kea and Azamuki? Why is there a bloody footprint?
I KNOW! But I'm not te-ll-ling! *Sing-song* Guess you guys are just going to have to wait for the next update. Speaking of which, can you guess who is going to appear? Personally, I think it's going to be VERY interesting when Kea meets her.
Please, please, please, PLEASE review!