As soon as the Host Club concluded for the day, they all piled into cars and made their way to the Higurashi Shrine. Against her own wishes, Haruhi ended up in the car with the twins. They were bantering over some nonsensical thing making her glare at them. Not even two hours ago they were at each other's necks.
"Why the long face, Haruhi?"
"Yeah, I thought you'd be happy to see Higurashi."
"I would be happier if I wasn't manipulated into inviting you over," Haruhi replied tightly. She threw in another glare for good measure.
Neither of the twins felt affected by her disgruntled response. The remainder of the car ride was spent discussing their hilarious prank.
"Ah! Here we are!" Tamaki was practically glowing with excitement at the base of the staircase. "It's been so long I wonder if her family will remember us, Kyoya."
"They most likely won't considering we haven't formally met her family," Kyoya corrected.
"What's with all of the stairs?"
"It's a shrine of course there are going to be stairs you uncultured heathen!" Tamaki scolded. "Let's not waste any time, let's go up the stairs."
After many agonizing upward steps later, they came upon the threshold of the property. Tamaki instructed all of them on how to perform the cleansing process before passing through the torii gate.
A few yards ahead, a two story house with an open door could be seen. Out front, a middle school-aged boy was casually kicking around a soccer ball while an old man swept the stones. It took only a few steps onto the property before the old man noticed them.
"Ah, welcome guests to the Higurashi Shrine. These are not our typical hours, but would you like a tour?" The old man offered politely. "This place is ancient and full of rich history!"
"We'd actually like to see Kagome, please," Tamaki said. "My name is Tamaki Suoh, I'm a good friend of hers."
"So this is the blondie Sis was talking about," the boy with the ball came jogging over. His face had the same curve and smile as Kagome's, but their eyes were different. While Kagome's were a strange shade of blue, his were a rich brown.
"Oh, so she talks about little ole moi?" Tamaki leaned in, basking in the attention. "Tell me, does she say I am the most handsome of her friends?"
"Not even close, dude." The boy's words were blunt and severely damaged Tamaki's pride. "But I guess what she's been saying is true."
"Are you Souta Higurashi by chance?" Kyoya intervened when the blonde began to flounder the introduction. The boy peered at him curiously.
"I am. Who are all of you?"
"We are the Ouran Host Club, a club designed for the very rich and very beautiful!" Tamaki responded, finally finding his footing.
Judging from the look Souta was giving him, it was not nearly as impressive as the blonde tried to make it seem. The lack of positive reinforcement further crushed Tamaki's fragile ego.
"Sis always attracts the weirdos, I swear," he mumbled to himself. Picking up the soccer ball, Souta looked over his shoulder at the group. "What're you waiting for? Come in."
The Higurashi home was as quaint and comfortable as Kyoya remembered. He earned admiration from the other members of the Host Club when he removed his shoes without prompting.
"Remember, men, we are guests in Kagome's home. Please be respectful!" Tamaki instructed in a loud whisper. The Host Club nodded as they followed suit, loudly commenting (complimenting?) on the home. Kyoya fought the urge to slap his forehead (or rather theirs) in exasperation. They were acting ridiculous and doing so here of all places…
"Mama! We've got guests!" Souta shouted from the living room.
"Souta I've asked you to at least warn me when your friends come over." A woman with cropped curly hair appeared in the door frame where the kitchen was. The slight crinkle in her brow was reminiscent of Kagome's expressive features. Kyoya's stomach dipped at the thought which he quickly wiped away.
"Mrs. Higurashi, a pleasure," Kyoya spoke up, moving toward her. Nodoka Higurashi's chestnut eyes brightened at the introduction, she smiled broadly seeing Tamaki not far behind him.
"Kyoya what a pleasure," Nodoka said. "I'm afraid Kagome's still out for the count. She caught quite a nasty bug."
"You know him?!" shouted Souta and the Host Club. They shared a perplexed look staring from the young man to the matron of the household.
"Of course. Kyoya fills me in on how Kagome is doing at school. She doesn't share much. Whenever she gets home she's so tired she falls asleep in her chair." Nodoka replied, a wry smile pulling at her lips. "It's so wonderful to see she has such wonderful friends."
"We are honored to be your daughter's friends!" Tamaki shouted, impassioned by her sincerity. "She is such a kind and thoughtful flower, we are lucky to know her."
"Talk about overkill," Kaoru whispered. Haruhi turned a quirked brow toward him.
"Yeah, it sounds like he's about to propose to her or something," replied Hikaru. The moment the sentence slipped from his lips, he felt the most odious, oppressively menacing aura. Glancing at the source, Hikaru noticed a deathly glare coming from the Shadow King. "On second thought, maybe not. Where's Higurashi anyways?"
"Kagome is upstairs. She may still be asleep so all of you get comfortable, you can stay for dinner," Nodoka said.
"We would be honored with such an invitation, thank you," said Kyoya. Nodoka flashed him another appreciative smile and retreated back into the kitchen.
Once the dust of the interaction had finally settled, Souta turned toward the Ootori. He straightened his back to his full height, the gesture Kyoya assumed was to appear imposing. Unfortunately, Souta was still in middle school and a whopping 5 foot and 7 inches.
"Kinda weird you know Mama but have never been here before," he said wearily.
"Both Tamaki and myself have been here before. It was last year, I believe, that we came over to tutor your sister. You and the rest of your family happened to be at a soccer game." Kyoya replied nonchalantly.
"Wait, so you've been here before? That's so not fair!" cried Hunny.
"We didn't know them yet, Mistukini," Mori soothed.
Souta watched as the group began to bicker, apparently very annoyed at not being told that news. They were a strange bunch of people; weird and squabbling with each other over absolute nonsense. He knew that the students who attended Ouran were rich, but they didn't feel any different than any other weirdo out in the world. Taking a better look at the group, Souta noticed that they were shining exquisitely from their hair down to their leather shoes. A noticeable difference in their posture and mannerisms than other high school guys he's ever met. Especially the short brunette…
"Wait a second, you with the brown hair," Souta exclaimed and pointed a finger at Haruhi. "Are you Fujioka?"
"Uh, yeah?" Haruhi answered. At the admission, Souta's demeanor immediately warmed. He smiled broadly and moved up to her.
"Thank gods, someone with sense around here then. Sis talks about you all the time!"
"R-Really?" Haruhi said, a slight blush pinking her cheeks. "Why would she do a thing like that?"
"She goes on and on about how much she admires you. Haruhi's so smart, Haruhi's so cool, blah blah blah." Souta remarked, using his best Kagome voice to spew the compliments.
"Oh my, she really thinks that of me?" Haruhi asked incredulously.
"Oh yeah. She says if it weren't for you, she'd go crazy at Ouran."
Haruhi was entirely shellshocked at Souta's words. She and Kagome had been very good friends for a while, but she never thought that the latter admired her in such a way. A warm wave of joy radiated from the core of Haruhi's, she had never felt so genuinely seen and appreciated before. She wished dearly that she could see Kagome at that moment, if not to show her own appreciation.
"A-ACHOO!"
A sneeze rattled through Kagome's body so hard that it pulled her from sleep. The raven-haired girl drowsily reached for her phone to check the time. The bright screen revealed that it was evening and judging from the heavenly smell emanating from beyond her door indicated it was dinner time.
The rich scent of her mother's cooking pulled Kagome from her bed. She stretched her arms overhead, her back letting out a few audible pops. After hours of sleeping, Kagome was looking forward to a delicious, warm meal.
Throwing on a pajama button-up over her t shirt, Kagome was making her way across the room when she heard something. A loud squabble of voices, chatting boisterously with one another. Carefully, she pulled her door open to hear the voices better. Why would her family have company right now?
"Mrs. Higurashi this smells absolutely amazing! Mon dieu, I cannot wait to eat!" The trademark sound of Tamaki's voice echoed from downstairs.
'What the hell is Tamaki doing here?" Kagome asked herself, sneaking to the staircase. As sneakily as she could, she slid down the stairs to see what was going on. Craning her neck around the corner, she was surprised to see not only Tamaki sitting at the dinner table but the entire Ouran Host Club.
As if able to sense her daughter's presence, Mama Higurashi caught her eye and smiled at her. Kagome froze, not wanting to be seen by anyone. She had been in bed all day and was wearing her most comforting (and severely unflattering) pajamas. That in addition to the condition of her hair. She hadn't even thought to untangle her unruly waves coming down!
"Kagome, dear, I was just about to get you. How are you feeling?" Mama Higurashi didn't take the silent hint to let her escape. Tucking her hair behind her neck, Kagome unwillingly walked from her hiding spot.
"I'm fine. Just a little sneezing here and there, Mama," Kagome answered. "What's going on?"
"Kagome!" Tamaki called out her name exuberantly and made to pull her into a tight hug. He was stopped by Kyoya's iron grip which resulted in the blonde slipping and falling face-first onto the floor.
"Would you look at that? You're alive Higurashi," commented the twins cheekily. Kagome rolled her eyes at them and took a seat next to Haruhi.
"As if the common cold could kill someone. You guys are so dramatic." Haruhi said with a bored expression. "How are you feeling Kagome? Are you sure you should be up?"
"Oh, I'm fine. I was planning on coming back to school tomorrow." Kagome replied with a broad smile. "Don't tell me you're worried about me, Haruhi~!"
"We all were worried about you, actually," Haruhi said, swatting Kagome's prodding finger from her cheek.
She purposefully left out who had missed her presence the most as she didn't want to invoke the wrath of a certain bespectacled host. Honey-brown eyes glanced curiously in his direction. Kyoya seemed to be normal as he chatted amicably with Kagome's grandfather. However, she didn't miss the way he sat up straighter seeing the raven-haired girl enter the room.
Before more conversation could ensue, Nodoka presented them with dinner. A massive hotpot filled with various veggies and meats that Haruhi recognized as Kagome's favorite.
"What are we waiting for, let's dig in!" declared Kagome who swiftly grabbed the first portion.
As the Higurashi family began to serve themselves, the members of the Host Club watched them intensely. None of them had seen this type of food before except for in television shows. Skeptically, they glanced at Haruhi who was serving herself. Noticing their gaze, the brunette rolled her eyes in exasperation. Silently she showed them how to plate the food and eat it. Moments later, they all dug in.
"Wow, Mrs. H, you can really cook. Would you be interested in being a personal chef?" asked Hikaru, patting a full belly.
"That's very sweet of you dear, but I don't think I could do that to my family," Nodoka replied, cheeks warming with veneration for her cooking.
"Yeah, then we'd be stuck with Kagome cooking for us," Souta chimed in.
"Watch it, twerp!" Kagome hissed, her eyes glowing angrily.
"So you're saying-" Kaoru swooped in next to Souta.
"Kagome's a shit cook?" Hikaru finished the question with a smirk in the raven-haired girl's direction.
Kyoya watched with great interest as the fire in Kagome's eyes began to burn brighter with her anger. It perplexed him how someone could look so furious and yet so magnificently beautiful at the same time. Perhaps it was the way her blue eyes seemed to glow or the redness that crept into her cheeks. Whatever the case, he was excited to watch the events unfold.
"I am not a shit cook," she growled in a low voice. "I am just out of practice is all."
"Excuses, excuses, Kagome. What would your poor future husband have to say about that?" Hikaru teased, prodding her cheek with his finger.
"Why would her future husband care if she could cook?" Tamaki asked, sorely wanting to be a part of the conversation. "Wouldn't they have a personal chef to make food for them?"
"Depends if Sis marries rich and judging by her attitude, it ain't happenin'," Souta answered.
"That's it, come here you little-!"
The rest of Kagome's threat went unheard as she reached for her brother. Before she could get her hands on her menace of a sibling, he quickly rushed away to the safety of their mother's side. Mama Higurashi merely shook her head and asked they play nice.
"I didn't peg you for the vengeful kind, Kagome," Haruhi teased when her friend plopped down next to her. The raven-haired girl merely sniffed indignantly in reply.
Once the sibling dispute blew over, they regained their peace within the household. The members of the Host Club were deeply entertained by the novelty of commoner living. It was different than Haruhi's apartment but felt comfortable all the same.
"Hey Souta, you got any games?" asked Hikaru who looked bored out of his mind. Her younger brother seemed surprised at being addressed by hium but left to retrieve his Nintendo Switch from his room.
The party was seated comfortably in the living room, spreading along the floor. Much to Kagome's surprise they were all very relaxed and at peace, even Kyoya whose disposition rarely admitted to his comfort. Another surprise for her was how well dinner went. All of the guests were very polite and maintained a rather peaceful atmosphere. The miko supposed it had to be due to some form of manners training or the like. Dinner was a contrast to the chaotic group of people she was used to.
On the other side of the room, Kyoya chatted with Grandpa Higurashi amicably. He listened intently to the lore of the shrine, the upbringing of his grandchildren, and every other fantastical piece of information he could come up with.
After filling his brain with enough history to fill a textbook, Kyoya observed everyone with a grand sense of relief. He had to admit, even to himself, that coming in unannounced was a risk. However, the Higurashi family welcomed them all with open arms. Glancing towards the daughter of the shrine, Kyoya felt his heart warm at the sight of Kagome. With the dredges of sickness washed away she looked her normal, lovely self once more.
At the low table she, Haruhi, and Tamaki played cards. The latter of the group looked very determined to win, but from Kyoya's vantage point, it was obvious the cards were decidedly not in his favor. After each round of Tamaki dramatically expressing his loss, Kyoya had the pleasure of hearing her laugh. It was a light, delighted sound that he was captivated to hear. Watching them, he realized he wished to see her do so more often. With him.
After another hour or so of light-hearted fun, the hour demanded them to be sent home. The members of the Host Club gathered by the front door and shouted their praises. They thanked them for the food, the fun, and much more. So much more that Nodoka could barely contain the pleased grin that stretched across her face. She reentered their home with a distinct sense of pride for her home and for her daughter who made such lovely friends. Kagome, her brother, and her grandfather remained outside to wave them off.
"Say, Kagome does your shrine host festivals? What about miko, do you have any miko?" Tamaki asked his questions so quickly and excitedly that they were borderline incoherent. After a gentle request to try again one at a time, the blonde repeated his inquiries.
"First of all, Tamaki, we already talked about this. I am a miko," Kagome started. "Second, yes our shrine does festivals but only Tanabata and Obon at the moment."
"You're WHAT!" Tamaki seemed utterly flabbergasted by this information. "Since when were you an actual miko, I thought it was just a cosplay thing you did!"
"I guess surprise, I'm a miko," Kagome replied in exasperation.
"Do you perform any kagura dances?" Kyoya chimed in with a question of his own.
Kagome shifted under his gaze, her skin warming from his attention.
"Kind of…"
"My granddaughter performs the most exquisite kagura dances of this age. Her form, technique, and natural spiritual powers set her apart from any other miko in this country." Kagome's grandfather spoke vehemently of her abilities. So much so that the girl in question flushed a deep shade of red.
"Anyways, enough about that. Thanks for coming and seeing me, guys. It means a lot." Kagome said softly. Behind her, Souta comforted her grandfather who was severely put out by being ignored.
"We missed you, Gome-chan. Thanks for not kicking us out!" Hunny stated, wrapping himself around Kagome's middle. She smiled softly and patted his head.
"It was a surprise, but a sweet one. I think I could forgive that," she replied.
"You mean you're not mad at us for dropping in unannounced?" Tamaki asked brightly. Kagome made a face at the implication his question made, but fortunately Haruhi spoke up for her.
"She should be! Next time at least call ahead. This is the second time you've dropped in on someone without warning!" Haruhi growled angrily. Kagiome quirked her head to the side curiously.
"Did they go over to your apartment? I thought you said they would go over your dead body?" Kagome asked.
"Don't even get me started," she grumbled.
"Pardon my interruption, but I think we should allow Kagome to get some rest," Kyoya interjected. "Besides, the car is here."
Just as Kagome's hopes rose at his words they crashed and burned into oblivion. Hiding a pout, she waved them all goodbye as they disappeared down the stairs. Leave it to him to pull a stunt like that.
"So which one is your boyfriend, Kagome? They all were so pretty I thought they could be demons," Grandpa asked, suddenly appearing by her side.
"My money's on Glasses," Souta wagered. "That or you're into girls that look like guys now."
"Souta!"
"Ohh, Glasses would make a lovely husband. Very polite and courteous that one." Grandpa agreed, ignoring Kagome's rising indignation.
"Would you two stop it? Ugh, I'm going inside." Kagome cried, stomping back into the house.
The two Higurashi men shared a look. This wasn't their first rodeo with Kagome's rollercoaster of emotions, especially when it came to boys.
"It's totally Glasses, right?"
"I'd bet this whole shrine on it."
