Hold the phone! Everyone stop what they are doing right this instant! What the fuck is this!? THE APOCALYPSE! No, not the apocalypse. Just me finally finding the time to update.
And by finding the time I mean shoving my m*****f****** homework to the side to focus on something that is actually important. My mother would argue that school is more important, but FUCK THAT SHIT! I LIVE FOR FANFICTION! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Sorry. I'm on a major sugar high right now. I've been pumping the sugar and soda so I can stay awake long enough to finish this because WHO THE FUCK NEEDS SLEEP!? I do. Haha.
Anyways, I am so, so, so, so, SSSSSSOOOOO sorry for not updating sooner. AP classes are an absolute bitch with the fucking homework. And yes, I'm swearing a lot.
Sugar does that to me. Hence the reason I don't eat it a lot. FOCUS! *slaps myself* Okay! Relatively sane. Where was I? Oh yeah. Apologizing on my hands and knees.
Please forgive me for not updating sooner! I swear on my life if it was up to me I'd be updating every day. Well, maybe not every day, but as often as I could while working around all of the bodily functions necessary for life.
A special thanks to everyone of you! In the time from the last chapter, this story has been viewed a total of 1,020 times by 289 of you, has gained 7 favorites and 10 follows, and has been reviewed 21 times! On that note, here are the responses to my beloved reviewers.
To purple peace sign dolphin: Sorry about the cliff! (Not really. ;}) I'm glad you like this story!
To AllyM93: Again, sorry not sorry about the cliffhanger. But I am sorry for not updating sooner. Thanks for the love!
To LadyEllesmere: I'm sensing a theme here. Hope this helps!
To Guest: Thanks!
To liznightangel: I'm glad you are enjoying the story and Kea. You have a wise policy, my dear. But I'm glad to finally hear from you! :)
To gothicpoet0615: AH! My most faithful reviewer! How wonderful to hear from you again. Once again you deliver wonderful insight on the reaction of a reader... and it's EXACTLY what I hoped to invoke!
I believe I told either you or someone else this, but I don't think Ayanokouji was given enough screentime. The creators were on a time crunch, so it's understandable. But that is what fanfiction is for! Don't you worry, my friend. You will have your answers soon enough. But not this chapter.
Alrighty! With no further ado, here is - WAIT! I need to give you guys a little warning. There is some strong language in this chapter (the actual chapter, not this part). There are a lot of strong feelings running around, and, let's just say...
Kea gets majorly pissed off at someone. Not saying who, because that would ruin the chapter.
Okay... *goes over mental checklist* Apologize for not updating sooner? Check. Respond to all my beloved reviewers? Check. Warn them about Kea's anger... Yep! All good! Happy reading!
Chapter V
Kyoya sighed to himself as he wrote in his notebook. Currently, he was sitting at his desk in the back room of Music Room #3. He was on free period, his last class before the Host Club opened. As such, he was always the first to arrive. Normally, he found the silence somewhat relaxing.
Today, however, his thoughts were consumed with something else. After being shown the bloody footprint the previous night, Kyoya couldn't shake the feeling that something would go wrong. Subsequently, he had spent hours tossing and turning before finally sending some officers from his private police force to stake out Kea's dorm room. It turned out to be a very good call on his part… because he had been right.
Someone had tried to break into her room. The perpetrator had been stopped, and Kyoya had been contacted. Because it wasn't official, they didn't report to his father or brothers. Kyoya had ensured that wouldn't happen.
In any case, he had abruptly awoken at the unholy hour of three A.M. to his phone vibrating. He was immediately wide awake. When he heard what was going on, he had the officers put him on speakerphone. What he had been told had boiled his blood like nothing before.
He had known something was wrong with Kea when Haruhi hugged her. The shorter girl's arms had been flung around Kea's waist. When that happened, an expression of pure agony had shone in Kea's cerulean eyes, briefly flashing over her entire face. In that instant, Kyoya knew, when he saw that expression, that she was in excruciating pain.
Which meant that someone had hurt her… badly. He also hadn't failed to notice that she deliberately kept her left side hidden by keeping Haruhi on that side or ensuring it was out of view from everyone. It only worsened when he saw the bloody footprint. And then to hear had happened from the horse's mouth…
Out of reflex, Kyoya's hand flexed around his pencil at the memory. He ended up breaking it. Sighing, he threw the useless tool away, taking another out of his pocket. Another sigh escaped his mouth.
"If I keep breaking these things, people are going to get suspicious." Unbeknownst to anyone, Kyoya was actually a very proficient martial artist. He made sure that no one knew. It wasn't like he was ashamed of it or anything; it was just that the whole 'secretly a martial art master' stereotype was Mitsukuni's thing.
Kyoya sighed, feeling he could blame no one but himself as his head dropped. Looking at his notebook, his dark eyes widened when he realized he had actually been writing down his thoughts. Surprised, and intrigued, he read through them. Upon halfway through, an uncharacteristic red coloring sprang up on his cheeks. Quickly ripping the page out, he crumbled it up before throwing it into the trash.
Just then, the door opened, revealing Takashi with Mitsukuni on his shoulders. Kyoya sighed in relief. If it had been the twins or Tamaki, he would have had a heck of a lot of explaining to do. Covering up his relief with his usual stoic expression, he turned to face the Strong and Silent Host and the Boy Lolita Host.
"About time you got here." Mitsukuni waved, laughing.
"Hi Kyo-chan! Sorry we're late! Takashi's kendo went later than we thought." Kyoya shook his head.
"It's fine. Now, let's start setting up."
*/*\*/*\*
Kea, Haruhi, Hikaru, and Kaoru walked down the hall together. Hikaru and Kaoru walked on the girls' sides, preventing any other guys from getting close. Hikaru was on Haruhi's left, and Kaoru was on Kea's right. They were all laughing at a joke Hikaru had told.
Their merry mood continued into the Host Club. Kyoya, Takashi, Mitsukuni, and Tamaki looked up at laughter. Tamaki frowned at the sight of Hikaru having an arm around Haruhi's shoulder. Well, it was probably more the fact that Haruhi didn't look like she minded the touch then the actual touching.
On the other side of the table, Kyoya felt his chest tighten at the sight of Kea flash a beautiful smile at the twins. Unlike last night, her eyes sparkled with mirth. However, the fact that she was obviously trying to hide how much she was favoring her left side didn't go unnoticed by him though. Or Takashi.
"Kea-chan!" Mitsukuni ran towards her, his arms out. Kea laughed lightly, using one hand to sling the smaller highschooler up onto her right hip. He laughed in merriment, wrapping his arms around her neck. "How are you today?" he asked her as she slowly joined the others.
"I'm fine."
"You're lying." She glanced at him. His eyes were unusually serious, his voice quiet so only she heard him. "Your left side is hurt. Pretty bad." Kea sighed.
"Don't tell anyone, alright?"
"Can I tell Takashi?" Mitsukuni smiled. "He'd find out anyways. I'm not too good at keeping secrets from him."
"That's fine. But no one else."
"Kay!" Jumping out of her arm, Mitsukuni stuck his arms out like a little kid pretending he was an airplane while running to Takashi. He climbed up the taller Host, whispering into his ear. Kea twitched her fingers when he looked at her, the only indication she gave that she had seen the glance.
"Kea-chan!" She looked over to them. "You're gonna be paired with us today!" Jumping off Takashi, Mitsukuni led him over to her. His large brown eyes shone with hope. "Is that alright?"
"That sounds like a great idea!" Mitsukuni smiled, taking her hand.
"Come on! Your outfit's in back." Takashi silently followed them. Kyoya watched, his chest tightening further.
'Am I…. jealous?'
影女王
Kea smiled as she looked around the Host Club. Today's theme was Traditional Clothing... and Tear Day evidently. The twins' mother had designed all of the outfits, and, Kea had to admit, they were beautiful. As for the tears… Kea still had a hard time figuring that one out.
Tamaki's kimono was by far the most extravagant. His kimono was a dark gray with golden flowers embroidered all over it. He wore a golden haori with flowers over it. And as if that wasn't enough, he had somehow managed to get a hold of a hair extension, tying it back in the traditional style of a feudal lord.
The twins were wearing matching blue kimonos with a flower design. Their bangs were held back by two hair clips, Hikaru's on the left, Kaoru's on the right. Haruhi's kimono was a dark gray with lighter gray flowers. She was also wearing a haori, though hers was lavender with light pink lotus blossoms.
Kyoya's kimono was a dark brown with a flower pattern of a lighter tan spaced out over the fabric. He was kneeling at a low table, using a calligraphy brush to write down whatever he wrote on a scroll instead of the modern mechanical pencil and notebook. Kea rolled her eyes as he began reminding Haruhi about her debt again. Her ears pricked up when the girls began asking about more picture books.
"Unfortunately we don't have anything planned at present, ladies." The twins peeked over the top of the rice-paper wall.
"But doesn't the Host Club make a lot of money…" Hikaru started.
"From the sale of promotional items?" Kaoru finished. Kyoya turned around to talk with them directly.
"That's true but the items are poor quality." He fanned a set of pictures. "Those picture books were filled with nothing but amateur hidden camera shots." A tick mark pulsed on Kea's forehead.
"Well then maybe you should consider investing in new cameras, Kyoya." The bespectacled Host jumped at Kea's voice. He looked over his shoulder at her. She flicked open her fan, placing it over her mouth to hide her smirk. "The cameras aren't the best quality, not the camerawoman."
"Does that mean you're the one that takes all the photos, Kea-senpai?" Kea turned, smiling gently at the gray-haired girl. She nodded, moving her fan so the girl could see her smile.
"Yeah. The equipment I have access to has seen better days, that's for sure, but I make do." The gray-haired girl smiled. Reaching inside her bag, she pulled out a pad and pen.
"Well, if you want to, you can write down your contact information." Kea tilted her head. The girl smiled. "My family deals with all sorts of cameras. From the camera in a phone, to what's used on a movie set." Kea's eyes widened. Taking her free hand out of her sleeve, she waved slightly.
"I appreciate the offer, Princess, but I couldn't possibly impose." The girl shook her head.
"It's not imposing if I offer, Senpai! Besides…" she thrust the paper and pen into Kea's hands. "You're the reason I was able to get an appointment with Kyoya-senpai in the first place!" Her eyes shone while her cheeks flushed. "I owe you. So please… allow me to pay you back." Kea smiled gently.
"Thank you darling." Kea wrote down her name and number, handing the paper back to her. "I'm so terribly sorry, but I'm afraid I forgot your name." The girl giggled.
"Oh it's understandable. You have so many names running through your head, I would actually be surprised if you remembered the name of everyone you helped." The girl curtsied slightly. "I am Chidori Hayashi." She rose. "The next time I have an appointment, I'll have a few of my servants bring some prototypes for you so you can choose which ones you want to use."
"Thank you, Princess Hayashi." Chidori giggled again, taking Kea's hand.
"Call me Chidori, please. You don't need to address me formally Senpai." Kea smiled.
"Of course, Chidori. I look forward to looking working with you in the future."
"And I you, Senpai." Chidori smiled back, walking out of the Host Club. "By the way, Senpai…"
"Yes?"
"That outfit looks wonderful on you." Kea blushed, looking down at her outfit. Her kimono was a simple red, accenting the highlights in her hair and cerulean eyes. Her haori's base color matched Takashi's: a dark, royal blue. The flowers on the sleeves and base hem of the coat tied into Mitsukuni's outfit. The obi band was a dark brown with a maze pattern, matching her hair and the pattern on Takashi's kimono.
To retain some semblance of individuality, Kea had been given a hairpin by the twins. It was a cluster of pink and red flowers with five strands of white beads hanging from it. She had kept her hair down for this day, but she wore the pin anyways. The fan in her hand was made of rice paper with a white lily, a gift from Kyoya. As always, she wore her glasses, rounding out the outfit.
"Thank you, Chidori." Chidori smiled, a slight skip in her step as she left the room. Kea sighed, opening her fan again. She tapped it against her lips as she thought.
'Chidori is a nice girl, and smarter than she lets on.' A slight smirked pulled up at Kea's lips. 'I'm looking forward to getting to know her better. Who knows? I might even be able to strike up-.'
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Mitsukuni crying. Swiftly turning, she wasted no time in rushing to the shortest Host's side. She knelt in front of him, gently laying a hand on his shoulder. He looked up at her, his eyes filled with tears. In one hand he held a zori sandal.
"What's wrong, Mitsukuni?" He sniffled, looking like an adorable child.
"I don't know how but I lost one of my sandals!" He started crying again. Kea heard the sounds of the girls sighing in concern at him. Almost silent footfalls made her look up.
"Mitsukuni." Takashi knelt at his cousin's side, lifting up his right foot. In doing so, he slipped the missing sandal onto Mitsukuni's foot.
"Takashi?"
"I noticed that you dropped it."
"Takashi!" Mitsukuni flung himself into Takashi's arms. The tallest Host held him close as Mitsukuni cried. Kea knew the tears were forced, albeit completely effortlessly, but it was a heartwarming scene nonetheless. She started rubbing Mitsukuni's back, her gaze soft. The girls around started whispering to themselves.
"How sweet."
"Isn't it though?" The first girl leaned towards her companion.
"Look at Kea-senpai. She almost looks like a mother." The brunette next to her nodded, her eyes swimming.
"They look like a family, don't they?" She sighed dreamily. "Mori-senpai is the father, Honey-senpai is the son, and Kea-senpai is the mother." Both squealed to themselves. Takashi and Kea exchanged a hidden, but extremely amused, glance. Takashi's eyes sparked for a moment.
"You might get some customers if you keep this up." Kea's nose wrinkled slightly.
"It's your job to attract the ladies. I have no interest." A soft, almost inaudible, huff came from Takashi's nostrils.
"Sure you don't." When Mitsukuni finally calmed down, Kea realized he had fallen asleep. Shifting to her knees, she gently slipped her arms under Mitsukuni's arms. She then lifted him from Takashi's lap, cradling him to her chest. She and Takashi returned to their designated area just as his next appointment came in. Kea continued to hold Mitsukuni, answering questions when asked, occasionally glancing down at Mitsukuni. He woke up in time for his own appointment, and immediately asked for some cake.
"I'll get it." Setting Mitsukuni down, Kea slipped silently into the back. On her way there, she saw Hikaru and Kaoru teasing Haruhi. 'Don't those two ever stop?' However, she couldn't help but notice Hikaru was more affectionate towards Haruhi, though it came across in a more mischievous, teasing manner than his brother. As she stepped into the back, she was met with Kyoya. "Is there something wrong?"
"No. I just don't have any more appointments today." His tone was aloof to the average listener. Kea, however, caught the slight underlying tinge of relief. She walked to the fridge, rolling her eyes at him.
"You know, you don't have to accept requests." Kea commented as she opened the fridge to look at the cakes. "Hm… chocolate with mousse, strawberry with cream, vanilla and shavings, or angel food with strawberry?"
"I actually do. It's considered an honor to be requested." Kyoya didn't remove his eyes from her figure. She was bent over at the waist, and, since she was right in front of him, it granted him a great view, albeit covered in fabric. He tried to fight the urge to blush, instead pushing up his glasses. "Angel food with strawberry." Kea made a small sound of affirmation.
Reaching blindly to her right, she grabbed a knife, cutting a piece off of the cake. When she turned, Kyoya was mildly surprised when the sight of two pieces met his gaze. His surprise only grew when she shifted her fingers, revealing another plate. It grew again when she offered him the second piece.
"You're stressed. Sugar isn't the best thing for lowering stress levels, but it does help in making you feel better." Kyoya reflexively took the place when it was pressed to his chest. He watched as she left, turning his head to stare at her as long as possible.
From here, he could see her bend over again, offering the piece of cake to Mitsukuni. He laughed gleefully, hugging her before sitting down to devour the sugar. She pressed a kiss to the top of his head, sitting down next to Takashi as she began conversing with the guests. Kyoya sighed to himself, taking out a fork before eating his piece.
"You certainly are quite the puzzle, Kea." By the time he finished the cake and put the dishes in the sink, the Host Club had closed. Tamaki was flirting with Haruhi again. 'Does that idiot never learn?' Everything stopped when Tamaki looked up. Following his gaze, Kyoya realized someone was staring at them from behind the doorframe. Nudging Kea, he motioned with his eyes for her to look over as well.
Kea hummed softly at the sight. It was a young girl, probably around Haruhi's age. Her hair was a long, dirty blonde, held back by a pink bow. Her eyes were brown, and they swept over the group, clearly looking for someone.
'First time appointment perhaps? Makes sense.' Kea was about to step forward to greet the girl, but the twins beat her to it. Kaoru and Hikaru offered the girl a rose. When she began shying away, Tamaki appeared.
"Stop that. How many times do I have to tell you boys to be more courteous to our first time guests?" He turned around, offering a hand to the girl. "Please, you don't have to be afraid my princess. I welcome you… to the Ouran Host Club." Thinking everything was settled, Kea returned to flipping through her book.
Boy was she wrong.
Instead of taking his hand, the girl slapped Tamaki, sending him flying.
"NO! Don't touch me! You're phony!" Kea, uncharacteristically, gasped. Running forward, she steadied Tamaki as he regained his feet.
"What do you mean… I'm phony!?" She pointed a finger at him.
"Just what I said! You're phony! I find it hard to believe that someone like you is the prince character of this Host Club!"
'Prince… character?' Kea internally groaned. 'Plleeaase tell me I'm wrong!'
"You shouldn't go spreading your love so easily like that! You stupid! You must be a dimwitted narcissist! You're incompetent! A commoner! You're disgusting!"
'Okay, slapping him is an absolute no-no, but throwing around insults?! Albeit the stupid one is rather spot on.' Kea gritted her teeth. 'Just who the hell does this girl think she is!?' Just then, the girl flew by to tackle Kyoya in a hug.
"Oh how I longed to meet you! My one and only prince charming!"
This time… Kea did not bother hiding her anger.
'She.
'Is.
'DEAD!'
影女王
Kea sat next to Kyoya, looking across at the girl. Well, not fully. She was tending to Tamaki, who had quite the bruise forming on his cheek. While doing that, she was listening to the girl introduce herself.
Okay. I'm going to be perfectly honest with you here and tell you that the ONLY reason Kea was tending to Tamaki was so she wouldn't strangle the girl. Evidently….
According to her….
She was Kyoya's fiancée.
"Of course! My name is Renge Houshakuji, and I'm transferring into Ouran Academy's First Year Class A tomorrow." As soon as she was done, Tamaki went off into his emo corner. The angry one this time, not the sad one.
"Why is he sulking?"
"Because Mommy was keeping a secret from Daddy, Hikaru." Kea answered. She emphasized 'Mommy' and 'Daddy', knowing it would aggravate Kyoya.
It did. He shot her a glare before asking a question of his own.
"Whatever. Why does everyone insist on referring to us like we're husband and wife?"
'Because it annoys the crap out of you.' Kea thought to herself. Her momentary glee was squashed by Renge.
"Ours is a story of love at first sight!" Kea clenched her fists, squashing the urge to shut her up. "I couldn't resist the way you were adoring the flowers in the backyard when you thought no one else was looking."
'Ouran doesn't have a backyard. Unless she counts the rose maze, but if she's transferring… ah f-'
"And how sweet it was when you reached out to that poor little injured kitten."
'I have never heard of Kyoya going anywhere near any type of animal. Unless you count the twins.'
"She serious?" the little devils asked.
"Could you have the wrong perso-?"
"No way!" Renge cut Haruhi off. "I can recognize my love anywhere!" Behind Kyoya, the twins were freaking out. Secretly, Kea wanted to join them.
"He's a gentle man who's kind to everyone-"
'Nope.'
"But doesn't ask anything in return-"
'Oh like hell he doesn't.'
"He likes solitude-"
'Eh… depends on his mood.'
"But in fact sometimes he gets lonely."
'Maybe.'
"He looks like the star of the popular dating sim, Uki-Doki Memorial!"
'SAY WHAT!?'
"You're my real life Ichijo Miyabi!" Everyone turned sheet white.
"Uki?" asked Haruhi.
"Doki?" asked Mitsukuni.
"OTAKU!" Kea and Tamaki screamed in horror while holding each other and holding an open hand out towards Renge in an effort to keep her away.
"OTAKU!?" echoed Hikaru, copying Tamaki's posture. Takashi was completely lost.
"I'VE NEVER SEEN ONE!" Kaoru freaked out, mimicking Kea. The four held each other, staring at Renge like she as some sort of alien. Kyoya was the only one who was calm.
"I get it now." The entire Host Club fixed their eyes on Kyoya while Renge was running back and forth like some kind of lunatic. "You're in love with that character. You're projecting that love onto me, and you've somehow deluded yourself into thinking that we're engaged. I assume this Miyabi character probably wears glasses as well."
"You mean… so she… made it up?" Tamaki's voice was hopeful. "You're not really her fiancé, right?"
"Well no I don't remember ever asking for her hand in marriage. Besides this is the first time I've ever met the woman." Everyone sweatdropped, before collapsing onto the floor. Everyone was thinking the same thing.
YOU SHOULD HAVE SAID SO SOONER, KYOYA!
"According to my research I understand that you're in charge of managing the club. Is that true Kyoya?" Kea leaned her elbows on the back of the couch.
"That's right! Kyo-chan is our Director!" Mitsukuni answered the girl's question.
"You're the club's Director!? That's perfect!" Renge began daydreaming… again. "Oh wow! I've always wanted to wear a sandwich board to advertise a business."
"We don't advertise. We're just a Host Club." The twins stated, shutting that dream down. Kea lifted an eyebrow slightly at their tone of voice. They were irritated.
"I've made up my mind! From now on, I'm going to be the Manager of this Host Club." The twins sighed, realizing she wasn't going to listen to them.
"Not gonna happen." Renge froze, trying to find the owner of the voice. It didn't take her long, since everyone but Kea and Takashi had said something, and Takashi was obviously not a girl. Well, technically Kea had screamed, but screaming and talking are two very different things. Renge narrowed her eyes at Kea.
"And why not?"
"Because that's already Kyoya's position." Renge frowned, thinking. She clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling.
"Then I'll be his assistant!"
"Not happening." Renge stuck her hands on her hips.
"Why not!?" Kea didn't give an inch.
"Because that's my position." "Because that's Kea's position." Kea looked to her right and left to find the twins had copied her position: forearms on the couch, leg crossed over the other one. Renge sighed, opening her eyes as wide as they can go.
"Do you think I could be the assistant for a while? Please?" She clasped her hands together, swaying back and forth slightly. Kea smirked to herself.
'This girl is an absolute idiot.' "Sorry, but the title of 'Assistant Manager' isn't just given. It has to be earned." As the two girls faced off, Tamaki talked to Kyoya.
"Um, listen Kyoya?"
"Miss Houshakuji is the only daughter of a very important Ootori family client." Kyoya closed his eyes. "So please be polite and try not to offend her, alright?"
"Then it's settled!" Everyone recoiled at Renge's shout. "I shall earn my way into Kyoya's heart, and become his new assistant manager!" She ran out of the club, laughing like a maniac. Kyoya looked over at Kea… and wished he hadn't.
If looks could kill, Renge would have been disintegrated. Even though her body language, to the average onlooker, hadn't changed, it was obvious to everyone in the Host Club that she was majorly POed. Her entire body radiated death. Kyoya smirked to himself, gripping his chin.
'My my. Is someone jealous?'
影女王
"I thought about it a lot last night. Renge is obviously infatuated with Kyoya. Due to the fact that their families are business partners, we can't simply shoo her off. However!" Tamaki flung a hand up in the air. "Maybe having Renge around won't be such a bad idea."
"Why do you say that?" the twins asked. 'You're not the one that has to deal with her in class.'
"Well it's fairly obvious, isn't it? Renge just transferred into the same class as Haruhi. So if Haruhi has a girl friend around, it could bring out the female within her! Renge's girlish air of tenderness might be able to stimulate Haruhi's own sense of femininity."
"Good grief." Haruhi and Kea moaned.
"Now is our chance to help Haruhi get in touch with her feminine side. This is an important project men. She doesn't have any friends in class right now other than these two shady twins. That's no good for her!"
"Ehem!" Tamaki stiffened, looking at Kea. "What about me? I'm in Haruhi's class as well, and we hang out after classes a lot." Haruhi nodded.
"Yeah. No offense to her, but I don't really want to get to know Renge. From what I've seen, she's an obsessed fangirl." Haruhi smiled. "Kea's the only girl friend I need."
"Well… it would be good for you to hang out with other girls outside of the Host Club, Haruhi." Haruhi rolled her eyes, playfully glaring at Kea.
"Like you do? Last I checked, you use your free time to help get more girls into the Host Club, not out of it." Kea shrugged, smirking at the brunette.
"Well we've got to get your debt paid somehow. I simply help. After all, if I couldn't further your popularity, then what kind of friend would I be?" Haruhi laughed.
"One who wasn't interested in helping the Host Club." The girls laughed together, completely ignoring the boys. All of them, especially Tamaki and Kyoya, were shell-shocked. Only the twins had heard Kea and Haruhi laugh like that before.
The mood was ruined by the door opening.
"Hey everyone!" Renge peeked around the door. "You'll be happy to know that your future Assistant Manager has made you some cookies!" Tamaki gasped.
"Isn't she ladylike!? I'm so moved by your generosity."
"I didn't bake these cookies for you, you phony prince." Tamaki was sent to the sad emo corner, while Renge flirted with Kyoya. "I'm sorry I burnt them a little bit. I did the best I could. And I already know what you're going to say."
"Thanks but I don't eat sweets." Renge didn't hear Kyoya. Kea, on the other hand, did.
"Oh you're always so sweet to me Kyoya!" Mitsukuni began to eat a cookie.
"She wasn't kidding. These cookies really are burned." Takashi and Kea rushed over to him, hands outstretched.
"Don't eat that Mitsukuni! It's bad for you." Kea took the cookie, crushing it.
"I'll go get you some mi-"
"AAAHHH!" Renge leapt after the Boy Lolita. Takashi picked him up as he ran away from the girl. Kea rushed into the back, grabbing a glass of water. Exchanging a glance with Takashi, she waited till he had passed before throwing the water on the ground.
Renge slipped, spinning around and around until she was stopped by Kea's foot. The blonde's eyes were spinning, but they focused soon enough. Kea offered her a hand up, one she took gratefully. However, her eyes widened when Kea began to squeeze her hand to the point of pain.
"Don't ever… treat Mitsukuni like that… again." Kea whispered. Renge gulped, nodding. Kea smiled, shaking Renge's hand. "Glad you're not hurt, Miss Houshakuji." Walking away, she let Takashi put Mitsukuni on her shoulders. "C'mon. Let's get you some milk."
"Kay!" Mitsukuni laughed as Kea began to skip to the back. On her way there, they both saw Tamaki freaking out, while the twins grinned. The short blonde looked down at Kea as she looked up. They shared an amused look. "What do you want to bet the twins did something with Haruhi?"
"Oh they definitely did." The two giggled, vanishing into the back. Through the door, they could hear Tamaki screaming. Once it was shut, Kea and Mitsukuni burst out laughing. Mitsukuni rolled on the floor, while Kea bent over, clutching her stomach.
"Those twins are a class act!" Kea took off her glasses, wiping her eyes. "They would kill at Noah's Ark Circus." Mitsukuni tilted his head.
"Noah's Ark Circus? What is that?" Kea waved him off, opening the fridge.
"Nothing you need to be concerned with." Pouring a mug of milk, she gave it to him, who was sitting on the ground, playing with Usa-chan.
"Thanks Imōto!" Kea smiled, ruffling Mitsukuni's hair.
"Anytime." The duo walked out to see Kyoya trying to resolve the situation. Mitsukuni headed towards Renge, while Kea joined Takashi and Kyoya.
"Every single one of you!" Everyone looked at Renge. "Except for Kyoya, all of your characters are lukewarm! Each of you needs to have some kind of dark side, you understand?
"Girls are bolder around handsome young men who are troubled! If you keep carrying on like this, it's only a matter of time before girls get tired of you and stop coming altogether! Are you trying to ruin my precious Kyoya's business!?" Kea felt a large vein pulse in her forehead. Turns out, Renge wasn't done.
"As an aspiring Assistant Manager, it's my duty to change your character backgrounds! Let's start with you!" She pointed at Mitsukuni. Kea fixed a pointed glare at Renge, but she was too far gone to notice it.
"If all you are is cute inside and out then you're no different than a baby. Therefore… from now on you are the baby-faced thug!" Mitsukuni screamed in horror.
"Oh like he-!"
"And Mori-senpai, you're his childhood friend, the flunky! The twins will be basketball players enslaved in their own world. Haruhi, you're an honor student who's constantly being bullied. And as for you Tamaki, you're the school idol who's admired for your good looks but you actually have an inferiority complex you're hiding from the world. The lonely prince!" Tamaki gasped as Renge turned to Kyoya. "And Kyoya you're perfect just the way you are now, so I want you to stay as kind and as affectionate as ever, 'kay?" Kea scoffed.
"If being cynical and manipulative is what you consider 'kind and affectionate', then you're right on the money." Renge whirled on Kea.
"You're just jealous that I'm going to take over your place!" Kea scoffed again, picking up her schoolbag.
"Yeah, whatever." The twins looked after her as she walked out.
"Where are you going, Kea?"
"I've got a meeting to get to. I'll see you later." Kea closed the door behind her, sighing to herself. Leaning against it, she took a moment to gather her thoughts. Sighing again, she walked down the hallway, her footsteps echoing.
"This is stupid. Why am I getting so worked up about this?" Outside, a cloud covered the sun. shadows covered the grounds.
"It's not like… like I… like I care about Kyoya…
"Do I?"
影女王
"What… the… hell!?" Kea hissed. 'I walk through the garden, trying to find Kyoya, and THIS is what I find!?' The brunette growled to herself, flipping her braid over her shoulder. "I know who's behind this." Stalking through the mass of people, she eventually found some of the Host Club. All of them were soaking wet.
"What happened!?" Haruhi looked over at Kea. Today, the cerulean-eyed girl's hair was held back in a single French Braid. Her bangs still framed her face.
"Hey Kea. Nice hairdo." Kea smiled at the girl.
"Thanks. But what happened to you!?" She looked to her right, where the twins were sitting. "Why are you guys soaking wet?"
"Well… you remember yesterday? How Renge was going on and on about changing our characters?" Kea stiffened, before slumping over slightly.
"Yeah. But what is with the film crew?" Kyoya looked up from his book.
"Apparently these guys are from Hollywood. Don't you recognize the director? Kea looked over at the man. "He directed the vampire movie Merenial Snow. It was the number one grossing box office hit in America last year." Kea grinned.
"Oh yeah! I remember him." Hikaru tilted his head.
"Did you see it?" Kea chuckled.
"Yep." She popped the 'p' for emphasis. Dropping her bag, she tossed it over to them. It landed perfectly by Hikaru's chair. "I walked the red carpet on the debut night in Los Angeles." Haruhi, the twins, and Kyoya gaped at the brunette as she walked over to the group.
"Excuse me!" The group turned. The director's face split into a smile.
"Kea! How wonderful!" He wrapped his arms around the girl, lifting her up in a bear hug. "I did not know you would be here!" Kea laughed, fixing her clothes. Two attendants came over, doing it for her.
"I go to school here now. Didn't you know?" The man shook his head.
"'Fraid not. But I do now!" Renge cleared her throat.
"Hate to interrupt, but how do you know Mr. Johnson, Kea?" The man, Pietro Johnson, wrapped an arm around Kea's shoulders.
"Why, Miss Kea here was Persephone Fangora!" The Host Club, who had gathered, gaped, along with Renge.
"A-Are you serious!?" Renge screeched. Kea snickered. Lowering her voice, she rasped out her next words.
"Vat's the matter, darling? Vou don't recognize me? Such a shame. Vour blood is so sweet smelling." Renge swooned, while the film crew clapped and hooted.
"Amazing! You've still got it Kea!" A crewmember clapped Kea on the back, making her temporarily loose her balance. She regained it, smiling. It was only temporary, as Renge tackled her in a hug.
"I can't believe it! I've always wanted to meet you!" Pulling back, she slapped herself on the forehead. "I can't believe I didn't recognize you! Of course, you aren't wearing that gorgeous dress, or your costume, and I don't remember you wearing glasse-." Kea placed a hand over Renge's mouth, lifting an eyebrow.
"Wait. You watched Merenial Snow?" Renge nodded.
"Of course! Persephone was my inspiration! I've aspired to be just like her!" Kea lifted an eyebrow again, crossing her arms.
"Well, hate to break it to you, but you're way off base. Aside from the glitzy part. And even then." Renge shrugged.
"Eh. I decided I could do without the whole 'bringing-your-worst-nightmare-to-life' thing." She shook it off, her eyes sparkling again. "But it's still an honor to meet you! OH!" She grabbed Kea's hand with both of hers. "Could you help me with something?"
"And… what would that be?"
"Mitsukuni isn't following the script. Could you help me find some boys who fit the bill of punks?" Kea blinked in surprise.
"Uh… why me?"
"Because!"
"That's not an answer. Besides, who in their right mind would help someone find others to bully their friend?" Renge huffed, stalking away.
"Fine! I'll find them myself!" Kea rolled her eyes, pushing her glasses up.
"Whatever. Pietro." The man looked at her. "Could I see what you've got so far?"
"Sure! Right over here." As Kea bent over the monitor, Tamaki ran up to Haruhi. She turned around as he called her name.
"So how was I? Did you like my performance?" Haruhi stood, handing him a towel.
"It was pretty awesome. I'm surprised you were able to get into your character like that. You were really believable."
"I've discovered a new, darker side of myself. I'm starting to think it might be a good idea to explore it."
"Are you sure about that?" Tamaki stopped rubbing his head with the towel. "Because I think you're fine just the way you are now Senpai." Tamaki blushed.
"You do?" He ducked his head in embarrassment. "Well, if you say so Haruhi." He began poking his fingertips together.
"Haruhi's right, Tamaki." Tamaki looked over his shoulder to see Kea. "As obnoxious as you can be sometimes…" Tamaki frowned, but his eyes soon widened as Kea began to dry his hair. "You make it pretty entertaining. I'm willing to bet that's why the Host Club has done so well up to this point."
"What do you mean?"
"Well you are the most requested Host." Kea chuckled, pulling the towel off his head. Tamaki's hair was all ruffled from the towel. An attendant began to comb his hair, but Kea took over. "Between you and Kyoya, I'd say you two are the-." A crash cut her off. "What was that?"
The two ran around the corner, stopping short. Haruhi was collapsed on the ground, Renge in front of her. Two boys were standing there. As Haruhi looked over at them, the two saw the tears in her eyes. In a rage, Kea and Tamaki each grabbed a boy by his collar, shoving him against the wall. The window above shook from the force of it. Kea just snarled in the back of her throat while Tamaki questioned the boys.
"So which one of you jerks started this?" The boy held by Kea paled considerably as her eyes darkened.
"I-It's not what you think! That girl started it! She was giving us a hard time!" Kea narrowed her eyes, looking over at Renge. She avoided Kea's eyes.
"He's telling the truth, guys." Both Tamaki and Kea looked at Haruhi. "It wasn't their fault. They were provoked." Tamaki let go of the boy, as did Kea. The second they were free, they ran off. Tamaki cupped Haruhi's face, concerned.
"Haruhi? Are you in any pain?" Renge tried to get up, but Kea planted a hand on her shoulder.
"Stay… down." She growled. Renge shivered, meekly obeying. Kea watched as Haruhi took something out of her eye.
"Yeah. It's my contact." Tamaki gaped in surprise.
"Your… contact?"
"Yeah. I guess it must have slipped out." Kea sighed in relief, her entire body deflating. Tamaki began to laugh in relief as well, placing a hand on his forehead.
"I see how it is. You're able to cry without using eye drops! So you're a full-fledged Host now!" Haruhi smiled.
"You… you…" Renge whirled on the cameramen. "Please tell me you got that cameraman!"
"Yes boss!" Kea smirked as a figure came around them.
"Other than Haruhi's contact falling out that was an ideal final scene! All it needs is a moving narration by my sweet Kyoya!" Just then, said 'sweet' Kyoya slammed a rock into the lens, shattering it. Kea smirked, stepping back, which would have allowed Renge to stand, should she have had the strength.
"No! What'd you do to my camera!?"
"Why? Is something wrong?" Kea bit her lip, trying to not burst out laughing.
"I'm terribly sorry but I cannot allow there to be any record of a club member engaging in violence." Kea could have done a happy dance at Kyoya's expression… for it was far from neutral. If anything, it was blatantly obvious to everyone that he was majorly ticked off. "I think you caused enough trouble around here Renge. Please stop being such a pest."
'As soon as I get back to my room, I am dancing until I can dance no more!' Kea thought gleefully. 'Heck, if my reputation, and Kyoya's, wasn't at stake, I'd be running up the walls. Screw it! I'd be singing!'
"A pest." Regaining control of her thoughts, Kea looked over at Renge to see that she was crying. "But you're supposed to pat me on the head and tell me not to worry! You're supposed to be kind and affectionate Kyoya!" Renge ducked her head. "Why are you acting so differently now!? Tell me why!"
"Because that's not the real Kyoya." Renge's entire body froze. She looked up at Kea, who was looking down at her. "You've been living in a fantasy this entire time, Renge."
"That's not-!"
"It is true, whether you like it or not!" The gathered crowd gasped at Kea's shout. The crew had heard her shout before, yeah, but that was acting. This… this was real life.
"You need to get your head out of the virtual world and into reality, Renge." Even though her voice was harsh, Kea's eyes were soft. "You've been locked up in your room for so long you can no longer distinguish what is real and what is fake. If you really want to know someone… if you really want someone to be kind and affectionate towards you… if you really want them to love you…" Kea placed a hand on Renge's head, petting her hair slightly. "Then you have to learn about them as a person, regardless of what they look like." Renge fell to her knees, sobbing. Kea stepped back, sighing to herself as Haruhi crouched in front of the crying girl.
"Does it really matter?" Renge fixed her eyes on the short-haired Host. "Who cares if someone is a little different then how you expected them to be? Take a good look at the person on the inside and get to know them little by little. It's a lot more fun that way." Kea smiled to herself, turning around and walking away.
'Finally… the nightmare is nothing more than a bad memory once again.'
影女王
"Welcome ladies!" Kea smiled brightly at the girls. "Tamaki is waiting for you."
"Thank you Kea-senpai!" She giggled, waving them off. She watched as they gathered around the Host's King. Unbeknownst to anyone else, in the week since the whole Renge fiasco, Kea and Kyoya had edited and sold the film. It was a major hit, and requests had been flooding in like there was no tomorrow. She joined Kyoya just in time to hear Tamaki's expectant call.
"I may have broken the camera lens but the footage that we'd already shot wasn't damaged. Naturally I did cut out that one violent scene, but, thanks to Kea's wonderful editing skills, the entire film flowed together beautifully. Sales have been pretty good so far! That Hollywood film crew did a fantastic job. But then I guess that's to be expected." Kea giggled, covering her hand with her mouth.
"Of course. After all, I did work with them for two years on that vampire movie." The twins and Tamaki sweatdropped.
"So is this what you meant by interesting?" the Hitachiins asked.
"It's best to have as much money as we can in the club's budget." Haruhi sweatdropped as well.
'And just when did he start calculating all of this?' The brunette was snapped from her thoughts at the sound of footsteps approaching.
"Good day everyone." The Host Club looked to their right to see Renge standing there.
"Renge?" Tamaki asked. "But I thought you'd gone back to France already."
"I can't believe I didn't realize this sooner. It was so chivalrous of you to risk your life to protect me. I could feel the love when you lectured me about judging people." Kea blanched.
'Oh by all that is holy please tell me she is still straight!' Kea's eyes widened when Renge grabbed Haruhi's hand.
"When you said it was fun to get to know people little by little you were talking about me!" Tamaki and Kea bristled, making incomprehensible noises in the back of their throats. It only worsened when Renge began dragging Haruhi away. "Come on Haruhi! Let's go to my house and play some games together! I think it's time you got to know me better."
"WHAT!?"
"Excuse me." Renge stopped pulling on Haruhi to look at Kea. "I hate to interrupt, but Haruhi still has a full day of hosting ahead of… him. Your little… arrangement… is going to have to wait." Renge bopped a fist on her palm.
"Oh yeah! I meant to talk to you too, Kea!" Kea's cerulean eyes widened.
"Really?" Renge nodded.
"I wanted to say sorry for trying to overthrow you. It's obvious to me now that you and Kyoya are involved. The way you defend him practically screams your love for him!" Kea blushed beet red from her neck up. "But… if you'd allow me…" Renge began rocking back and forth on her heels. "I'd still like to help you run your club." Regaining control, Kea opened her notebook.
"Well, Kyoya and I have the management under control." Renge's head drooped slightly. "However… Renge?"
"Yes?"
"How often do you cosplay?" Kea smirked to herself at Renge's gasp.
"Whenever I can!" She began posing. "The only true show of absolute admiration is to become the person you admire!" She inhaled. "That said… why do you ask?" Kea looked up.
"Well…." She drawled. "We could use some tips on different themes for the Host Club from time to time. The boys here are a bit limited in creative ideas." Renge squealed, tightly wrapping her arms around Kea's neck.
"I'd love to! Just call whenever you need me!" Renge skipped out of the room, blowing a kiss towards Haruhi. "I'll be waiting Haruhi!" The twins watched her leave.
"Hey Kyoya-senpai."
"You okay with that?"
"Why wouldn't I be? Everything Renge said is true."
"NO IT ISN'T!" Tamaki was still bristling. Kyoya smiled, shrugging.
"But I thought you were the one who wanted her to have a female friend in the first place?"
"Well yeah! A female companion, not a girlfriend!" Kea laughed, shrugging.
"Well… that's for you to work out, Tamaki." Ignoring his cries, she walked to the back. 'You know… maybe Renge won't be so bad to have around. She's… actually kind of fun.'
影女王
Kea sighed to herself as she washed dishes in the back of the Host Club. It was her day, and, for once, she didn't mind. After the Host Club had closed, everyone had gone home. Today had been hectic, and she needed the time alone to gather her thoughts.
She couldn't get what Renge said out of her head. The rational side of her head said that it was Renge overreacting, as usual. And, as usual, overthinking and putting an emotional spin on things. That it was just Renge… being Renge. On the other hand… there was still the issue of Kea's mind holding onto the words 'practically screams your love for him'. If holding onto them wasn't enough, she heard it repeated over and over again, till it was no longer Renge's voice saying it. Instead of Renge's voice saying them…
It was her own.
Sighing, Kea let the dish sink back into the soapy lukewarm water. Placing her hands on the rim of the sink, she rested her weight on her arms. Forcefully shutting her eyes, she began mumbling under her breath. She was so lost in her chanting she didn't know she was no longer alone till two arms appeared next to hers and a chest pressed into her back.
Jumping in surprise, Kea tried to whirl. A leg slipped between hers, pinning her. Before she could freak out, a familiar chuckle sounded in her ear. Kea's body relaxed at the voice.
"You are asking to die, Ootori." Kyoya chuckled louder.
"Ooh, last name uh? Did I make you that mad?" His voice dropped to a husky whisper as he practically pressed his lips to her ear. "Or are you that made at yourself for letting your guard down?"
"Shut up. I was just… thinking." Kyoya lifted an eyebrow, stepping back slightly. Kea turned around, pressing her back to the sink in order to gain some more space between them.
"About me?"
"You wish you were so lucky." Kyoya chuckled darkly. Lifting a hand, he removed his glasses, placing them on the counter. Behind her own, Kea's eyes widened. She whipped her head away so she wouldn't look at him.
"Ah. Are you shy?"
"Shut up!"
"Then look at me." Kyoya used his free hand to take hold of Kea's glasses. He didn't pull them off though. At least, not at first.
Kea stiffened when his fingers curled around the rims of her right lens. When her glasses didn't move, she relaxed. Kyoya slowly… methodically… took them off. Her bangs fell around her eyes, that she had closed.
"Kea…" Kyoya whispered.
"What?" she whispered back.
"Let me see your eyes." Kea took a deep breath. Ducking her head, she turned it so it was facing him. She slowly raised her face, her eyes hesitantly opening. Kyoya sucked in a breath at the sight.
He had thought her eyes were beautiful before, but, free from her glasses, they were enchanting. A dark Catalina blue surrounded her pupils, blending perfectly into her pitch black pupils. The blue became lighter towards the outside of her iris, ending in cobalt. Traces of lighter blues were intertwined in the dark shades, catching the light and sparking with her strongest emotions. They flickered back and forth, trying to reach his gaze.
"Wow." She smirked slightly, laughing under her breath.
"Is that a good 'wow' or a bad 'wow'?" Kyoya smirked slightly, tucking her left bangs behind her ear.
"A good one. I've never seen anyone with pure blue eyes." Kea chuckled.
"Well, it helps that both of my parents have blue eyes." Kyoya lifted an eyebrow.
"Is that so? Interesting."
"Now… is there something you needed?" Kyoya shook his head. "Then what are you doing here Kyoya?"
"Were you jealous?" Kea blinked several times.
"Huh?"
"Of Renge. Were you jealous of all the attention I was getting from her?" Kea lifted an eyebrow.
"You get fawned over by girls all the time. What makes Renge so different?"
"The fact that she called me her fiancé." Kea blinked again, but Kyoya could tell it was different. The reason he had taken her glasses was so he could read her reactions with no hindrance.
"Why would I be jealous of that? It was obvious from the start that she was an overobsessive fangirl. It just turned out that she spent her life in front of a game console instead of being a secret admirer." Kyoya leaned closer. "Kyoya? What are you-?"
"Kea…" Kyoya leaned so close their noses were touching. Kea blushed deeply, her rosy cheeks turning beet red. Kyoya stared right into her eyes, not giving an inch. "Why did you get so upset when Renge started trying to change everyone?"
"Oh what? I was supposed to let her have her way?" Kea glared. Without her glasses, it was all that more intense. "I don't care if her family works with yours."
"Why not?"
"Because rich as fuck or not she doesn't have the right to enforce her will on people like that!" Kyoya blinked in surprise, both at the choice of language and the shout. Kea groaned, looking away. "Sorry."
"Why are you apologizing?" Kea glanced at him. "You're absolutely right you know." Kyoya chuckled, resting his forehead against Kea's. "If it makes you feel better, I never would have replaced you with her." He smirked at the widened eyes.
"Oh? And why is that?" Kyoya tilted his head, moving Kea's slightly as well. "After all, she is the only daughter of an important client, is she not?"
"Yeah… that's true." Kyoya sighed, lowering his voice. "But she's not my type." He sighed again, pulling back slightly. Before she could do anything, he put her glasses back on.
"Get back to work. Those dishes won't clean themselves." Kea lifted a hand to her glasses, adjusting them. She could only stare after him as he walked out.
"What was that about?" Shrugging, she turned back to the sink. "I wonder what he wanted." Outside the kitchen, Kyoya leaned against the door. He smirked to himself.
"Isn't it obvious?" Pushing off the door, he silently walked out of Music Room #3. "For someone so smart, you're awfully oblivious. I wonder how long it'll take you to realize just what exactly I want from you Kea."
Again, I am eternally sorry for the long wait. In the meantime, please enjoy this chapter and my other stories while I work towards updating them, hopefully within this month. Granted, there are only a few days left, but I can still try. And please don't forget to review! It really does mean the world to me when you do. Till next time!