Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction ❯ A Slanted Line ❯ Chapter 4

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

A SLANTED LINE
An Ouran High School Host Club fanfic

Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess


AUTHOR'S NOTES: Once again, thanks go to Ezri-chan for helping me to rebuild this idea with one of her own. I hope everyone will enjoy! ^_^ This is a non-lemon chapter, and the story progresses more so than last time *kicks muses*. A Standard Disclaimer appears at the end of the chapter.


CHAPTER 4



It was a dark and starry night. A quiet one made for stargazing. The little lights twinkled in the night sky. Beacon of hope for some. For others a simple joy to watch.

A young woman, a maid, made her way from her cleaning duty in the common room and strode down the hallway towards the staircase. She just needed to check the guest rooms and her duties would be finished for the evening. She wanted to be outside looking at the stars.

"What do you mean by that?"

"You know!"

"No, I don't!"

A little peace and quiet for her young masters wouldn't have hurt either.

"Don't play stupid, stupid."

"Don't call me stupid, stupid!"

"GAH!!"

Tentatively, she knocked. "Sirs, is everything all right?"

"FINE!"

On the other side of the door, there was a bedroom. While nearly four times the size of a normal bedroom, it wasn't nearly big enough to divide the two boys inside. The Hitachiin brothers sat on their beds, facing away from herself. The calm of night finally settled in, dividing the boys further where space could not.

"Hikaru?"

A pause. "Yeah?"

"Do you...hear us, Hikaru?" Why are we fighting? Do we really hate each other?" He looked to his brother for affirmation and comfort. "Do you hate me?"

"No.... No, I don't hate you."

Tears formed in the young man's eyes. "Then why? I hate it. I hate what we're doing and I hate what we've become."

"Seriously?"

"Hikaru, I'm serious!"

The other young man, the mirror image of the other, became immediately concerned. "What do we do? We can't change how we feel."

"I just...never thought we'd fight over a girl."

"Haruhi's not just any girl," Hikaru stated.

"I know. But it's still no excuse." Kaoru shifted his position on his bed, looking less flustered and more frustrated. "We've been...selfish."

With a sigh, Hikaru nodded. "I agree."

A heavy weight appeared to be lifted. But another weight was close to falling. The problem addressed, could they come up with a mutual solution?

Kaoru was more than ready. Not necessarily ready to give up, but ready to take another approach. He really did dislike fighting with his brother. What was once fun, was now a chore. And becoming far too much like work. Competing was fun, but not with his brother. He wanted it to stop.

"Hikaru, we have been going about this all wrong."

His shrugged. "Maybe."

"We need...to work together."

Hikaru looked away. "Can we?"

He knew the fighting was taking a toll on his other half. And it hurt - physically hurt - to see him down. But he didn't want to give up. Hikaru wanted Haruhi. It was his competitive nature that wouldn't leave well enough alone.

"What do you mean?"

However, Kaoru had a good point. Their methods had definitely been failing. Haruhi was spending more time with the upperclassmen than with them. She'd even started hiding in the library during lunch, even though she'd leave them each a home cooked meal. It wasn't the same without her. And quiet frankly, it annoyed both of them. Hikaru especially. Sharing her seemed like a foreign concept, even with friends. But there was one person he could share with, if he let himself. Maybe it was time to give up.

'Surely you don't expect me to choose between the two of you. It can't be done.'

Maybe, he was being TOO selfish.

"Can we work together, Kaoru? It seems an impossible question but.... Do you really think we can share her? Even if she never chooses, won't you always wonder?"

"Wonder what?"

"Who's better."

"Why should I?"

"You wouldn't be the least bit curious?"

Kaoru pondered the question seriously. "I think so. Probably. But as long as she loves me, though, it hardly matters."

"That simple, huh?" Hikaru sucked in a breath, glancing out a window at the moon and stars. "Maybe it is." He looked back at his brother. "If she loved me, I'd feel the same. But...."

"But?"

"We've shared everything, Kaoru. Do you want nothing for yourself?"

"Of course. But I want Haruhi with me no matter what. You want that too, right?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"I wouldn't share her with anyone else, Hikaru. Would you?"

"No." He shook his head. "I couldn't."

"Then we can do this." Kaoru moved to stand in front of his brother. Close enough that he leaned forward and rested his forehead against his twin's. "She may have been joking when she said it, but she won't choose. She wouldn't say something she didn't mean, even in jest."

"I know."

"Are you with me?"

It took a moment, but that was all the other young man needed. A dam had burst and his competitive edge was gone. In its place was his desire for himself to be happy, his desire for his brother to be happy and his desire for Haruhi. They really did share everything.

Why stop now?

"I'm in." He raised an eyebrow. "You have a plan?"

"Of course. I learned from a master."

Hikaru smiled. "Then let's do it."



Haruhi trudged through the small apartment she shared with her father. Her steps weren't lazy. Just...nervous.

The twins' behavior had somehow changed. They still argued -- boy did they ever! -- but they'd also begun to be more...playful. The little love notes returned to her desktop, but were now unsigned, with only two intertwined hearts as a signature. One large present replaced the customary two she used to receive.

The number of kisses they tried to steal also increased. It was bad enough they teamed up on her a few days ago. Their continuing bravado was enticing the customers even more! Luckily none of the customers caught on. But more than a handful were ecstatic when all three of them interacted.

The three of them. Together.

Did they finally realize? Did they finally see?

And why did her heart continuously do flip-flops at the thought?

She tried to figure it out all weekend. There was nigh a peep from either of the Hitachiins. No phone calls on her cell. No text messages. No large surprises, like the choir that was sent to sing her to sleep last weekend.

Not given to flights of fancy, her fears overtook fantasy. Sure it was nice to imagine the three of them together. It was simply a logical equation in her mind. But what if this was all a farce? What if they decided that it was every man for himself again?

She could always talk to Hunni. Or Mori. They had been the greatest sounding board for her as the week progressed. Understanding and a wonderful change from the constant harassment of her predicament. But it was unfair for her to rely on their friendship to save her floundering relationship with the twins. Did they even realize she loved the brothers? Perhaps they did, and that's why they were eager to help. Maybe it was some other compulsion.

In either case, she would have to thank them both.

"Mornin' pumpkin."

"Morning, dad."

Maybe she'd bake a cake.

"What's the smile for?"

"Hm? Smile?"

Her father smiled at her. "It's the happiest I've seen you in a while. I was starting to think you'd lost your best friend, or something."

"Huh?"

"Did you finally work things out?"

She shrugged, picking at her breakfast, her smile fading. "I'm not sure. But they will...eventually."

"That's the spirit!"

She smiled again. "Why are you so happy dad?"

His smile disappeared as he shrugged non-chalantly. "It's Monday."

"Uh-huh." She shook her head as her father glanced at her over his tea cup. "Your breakfast is ready. I'm off to school."

"Have a good day, dear."

Taking a deep breath, she sincerely wished it would be a good day. The twins were the first thing on her mind as she exited the apartment and trudged down the staircase to the sidewalk.

They were also the first thing she saw when she reached the street.

"Haruhi!" "Ohayo!"

As they stood and moved onto the sidewalk, she noticed the white limo behind them. Kaoru opened the door and Hikaru gaze a large sweep of his arms in invitation.

"Your chariot, my lady."

She managed a smile, despite the pounding of her heart in her chest. "This...isn't necessary, you know."

"We know," Hikaru said.

"It's the least we can do," Kaoru added.

Tempted to look and see who was watching (namely, her father, but she knew there were many others), she sucked in a breath and stepped towards the white car. The twins smiled at her, happy smiles she hadn't seen in...how long had their feud been going on?

"Thank you." And she meant it. With all her heart.

It really was going to be a good day, after all.



"Now class, open your text to page 107...."

Haruhi was surprised that there were no "surprises" for her at school. No presents. No notes. It was only slightly disappointing. But that quickly gave way to relief. Perhaps they had given up. Maybe things would go back to they way they were. That was more disappointing, but she could live with it.

The quiet car ride into school had been BLISS!

Her first time back in the cafeteria for lunch was a cause for celebration. And so was the quiet demeanor the twins had over their meals. There were no comparisons (save one, since she made each of them different meals this time). And they even shared! It was the change of pace Haruhi had hoped for all weekend. Heck, all along! They even shared with her.

And, she realized, that she loved them. Truly loved them. Never more certain of anything she wanted. It was a strange feeling, but comforting.

"Haruhi?"

She had been sitting for about ten minutes before she heard her name. Looking up she found Mori sitting across from her. He looked odd sitting at the low table, his body towering above it and herself. But his smile was friendly and his eyes calm.

"Mori-sempai? Need to study?"

He shook his head. "No. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I'm fine, thanks.

The silence was awkward, but amiable. It seemed the upperclassman wanted to say more but couldn't find the words. Uncertain, Haruhi struggled to make conversation.

"Are you worried about Nationals?"

He shook his head. Then nodded. A sigh followed the confusion.

"I think you'll do well. The whole school is cheering for you."

His smile was light. "I shall do my best."

"And...I want to thank you. And Hunni-sempai. For all your help."

"Help?"

"Perhaps you didn't realize, but you and Hunni have helped me to figure out some things. Feelings really." She blushed a light red, staring down at the text she was supposed to be studying. "You both provided a much needed distraction, as well as a solid foundation. I just...want you to know I...that is...."

Mori's response held some hint of amusement. "You're welcome."

Shyly, she looked up at him. What she received was the caring gaze of someone like an older brother. Relieved and happy, she asked, "Mori-sempai...you like strawberries, don't you?"

"Yes," he replied, slightly confused. "Why do you ask?"

"Curiosity," she answered. "Thank you, for checking up on me. I think...things will be fine now."

"I'm glad."

Without another word, he disappeared.

Haruhi's smile stayed plastered to her face, even after the final bell rang.



"Here she comes."

"We should have gone to get her," Hikaru chastised.

"Then it wouldn't be much of a surprise, now would it," Kaoru answered.

"More romantic though."

"Save it for the trip."

"If she agrees."

"Which she will."

The twins straightened as Haruhi approached, her smile catching their attention and causing them to smile as well. She stopped a few feet away and asked, "You're both still here?"

"We couldn't leave without you," Kaoru said.

"Can we offer you a ride home?"

There was no Host Club meeting that day. And though it was a nice enough day to walk, she decided it would be the perfect ending to the day. She could even surprise her father with dinner if she arrived early enough. And, she admitted shyly, it would be nice to spend more time with the twins, at least while the calm lasted.

"Sure. Thanks."

"No problem."

She was nestled comfortably between the boys in the back seat as the car pulled away. It appeared it would be another quiet ride, save for the thundering of her heart in her ears. It was so loud that she didn't even hear Kaoru when he spoke to her.

Or was it Hikaru?

"Huh?"

"We have a question for you."

She nodded. "Okay."

They looked at each other, then back at her. There was a mischievous glint in their eyes, and the friendly smiles suddenly looked devilish.

Kaoru took the lead. "We know you're not one for the beach, so...."

"So?"

"How much do you know about skiing," Hikaru asked.

"Skiing?" She shrugged. "I've never done that. I guess it would be fun."

"No guessing," Kaoru said.

"We're going to find out for sure," Hikaru added.

"Wha-?" Suddenly uneasy, she sank back into her seat. "What do you mean?"

"We're taking you on a little weekend excursion."

"Excursion?" She sat up, her heart skipping a beat. "Wait...this weekend?"

"Yeah. Why," they asked in unison.

"Well, that's...there's...." She suddenly wished she could think of an excuse, but one was not readily on her tongue. "It's somewhat sudden," she finally managed. "I'll need to talk to my father about it."

"Not a problem," Kaoru said.

"All ready done," Hikaru added.

She tried not to choke as she swallowed. "You're kidding, right?"

"Us?"

"Why would you ask?"

Why would she, indeed. With a sigh, she asked, "Do I need a passport?"

"Nope, it's here in Japan."

"Our family rents out a cottage in the mountains," Kaoru explained. "It's nearly spring, but there's plenty of snow."

Hikaru interjected, "We'll be staying there."

"Okay...." They had really given this 'excursion' some thought. Haruhi still tried to think of a reason not to go, but nothing came to mind. The thought of being alone with the twins wasn't scary. No, it was what the twins would do that set her nerves on fire. In a strangely good way. She could do without the nervous shaking though. "All right. So what's the game plan?"

"We'll leave after classes end on Friday," Kaoru said.

"There are no events or meetings this weekend so we'll be fine," Hikaru said.

"Make sure you pack some heavy clothes, it'll be cold."

"And you won't have to worry about expenses, other than personal souvenirs."

"You won't have to worry about that either, really."

"We've got everything covered."

So they did. Haruhi nodded. "There's just one thing."

"Yes?" "What's that?"

"How are we getting there? By bullet?"

"Of course not, silly," Kaoru chastised.

"By private jet, of course," Hikaru said. "We only travel in style."

Haruhi smiled weakly. "But...are you sure the limo wouldn't get us there just as easily?"

"Too much time on the road," Hikaru said with a shake of his head.

"This would be much faster," Kaoru said. "And safer."

Her breath was shaky as she replied, "Oh...."

The brothers looked at each other, then at the shrinking Haruhi between them.

"Haru-chan?"

"Have you ever flown before?"

Her reply was so weak, they weren't sure they'd heard her.

"No."

"Kaoru, maybe a plan B is in order."

"Perhaps. We have a few days to decide."

Haruhi remained silent for the duration of the drive home. Her mind idly listened the brothers' banter, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She was still out of it as she exited the limo in front of her apartment complex. Thankfully there were fewer spectators at the earlier hour. And her father wasn't home, yet. Another plus.

But as the stretched vehicle pulled away, she still had to wonder what she was getting herself into.


~TO BE CONTINUED~


DISCLAIMER:
Ouran High School Host Club is a brilliant piece of work by creator Bisco Hatori. Originally published in 2003 by HAKUSENSHA, Inc., Tokyo, Japan, this masterpiece is being translated and published by VIZ Media for fans in America and Canada. I do not own a single piece of the characters used in this story. They were kidnapped and used here without permission.