Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction ❯ A Slanted Line ❯ Chapter 9 (finale) ( Chapter 9 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: vampyremiyu 
Here it is...the final chapter. What happens now that the vacation is over?
Anime/Manga: Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.14.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.2K | Visits: 1.5K | Status: Completed
Here it is...the final chapter. What happens now that the vacation is over?
Anime/Manga: Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.14.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.2K | Visits: 1.5K | Status: Completed
A SLANTED LINE
An Ouran High School Host Club fanfic
Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Here it is. The final chapter! Thanks go to Ezri-chan for helping me to rebuild this idea with one of her own. I appreciate all your love and support on this story. *big hugs* And more thanks to all of those that have reviewed and kept my confidence going on this story. I appreciate every word. Okay, now that they've consummated their love...what's next? Nothing naughty, but there are hints. A Standard Disclaimer appears at the end of the chapter.
CHAPTER 9
Haruhi sighed, curling up tighter in a posh chair. With a sigh she attempted to close her eyes, but they shot open a second later. Flying home was not nearly as bad as the flight to the mountains. She even managed to sit near the window and look out at the clouds beneath them. But after an hour her stomach was feeling a little queasy and she was getting no distraction from her new lovers.
Especially since both Hikaru and Kaoru were asleep.
What a foreign concept this feeling was. It was comforting and unnerving at the same time. Not afraid to fly. Not afraid to be alone, or alone with the twins. But afraid of the future. Of their future.
What if she hadn't thought it all through?
Truthfully, she gave it so little thought that only now her logical mind was trying to grasp the overwhelming concoction of their newfound relationship. It was logical. And not. The "not" was making her nervous. She had made her decision, had no regrets. She loved them and would always do so. But not knowing what was next, especially what would happen in school the next day, made her sick to her stomach.
She'd considered waking them up. But she found their sleeping visages slightly calming. Much more calming then their hands on her shoulders or arms. More soothing than their fingertips grazing her waist, her ribs. Licking her dried lips she turned to look out the window again, sighing as a flood of intimate memories played in her mind.
Kaoru surprised her in the bedroom. While Hikaru was in the shower, he savored her like a favorite food. It was another new experience Haruhi wanted to remember forever. She was awed by the relaxed pace, and quite unsettled. He knew just where to touch her, how to touch her. When she came for him, it was a steady stream of passion and love. He even whispered "thank you" in her ear. She asked what he meant, and he blushed a light pink. To her surprise, it covered his entire body.
"I wasn't sure if you'd let me touch you if Hikaru wasn't in the room," he explained. "I want you to be comfortable with us individually as well as together."
She had leaned over and kissed him lightly. It didn't strike her as odd that they were together alone. There was a sudden pang of guilt, but she was happy that he took such an interest in her happiness.
Hikaru, too, had shared the same worry. However, he had remained silent on the issue until after their individual encounter in the kitchen. Haruhi had volunteered to make them breakfast. But Hikaru wanted more than food, and it took no convincing on his part for Haruhi to feel the same. The food was only temporarily forgotten as he lifted her onto the counter, stripped her from the waist down and took her just as the oil for the fish was starting to simmer.
"Are you...okay with this?" he asked after it was over.
"With it just being us?"
He nodded against her forehead, afraid to look her in the eye. "Yeah."
"Yes, it's just fine."
Hikaru sighed, like a weight had been lifted. The he grinned like an idiot. He helped her from the counter and even helped with the cooking. There were no real words spoken between them until breakfast was served and all three of them sat down to the meal. No one mentioned the extra encounters. No one mentioned last night for that matter. The conversation revolved around remaining activities and the trip home.
Home. She had mixed feelings about that as well. Firstly, her father would no doubt want details of the trip. While she would love to discuss the newfound intimacy of their relationship, it was not a subject she was ready to breach with him. There were plenty of other details she could share, but he was getting better at reading her. No doubt he'd know something was being left unsaid.
Second, just thinking about being apart from the boys hurt. A painful hurt that throbbed where her heart beat. Her new connection to them didn't want to be severed. It was somewhat childish, she speculated, but knew it was true.
That's when the fears about school began to rise. What would her classmates think? What would the other Host Club members say? Sure they all knew about the twins' affection for her. But that affection had escalated. They loved each other. Love was not an easy emotion to hide. Beyond that they had consummated their emotions, become lovers. She was uncomfortable lying about their relationship, and more afraid that the strange, new demon that lurked within her would do something to publicly jeopardize them.
With another sigh, Haruhi looked again at the twins.
Her heart stopped, breath catching as she found two sets of dark eyes staring back at her. After a moment, her breathing continued, her heart beating. They were looking at her oddly, assessing something. She blinked rapidly and offered an uncertain smile.
"What?" It was all she could say.
"You're deep in thought," Kaoru said.
"You're worried about something," stated Hikaru.
"And it's not the flight," Kaoru added.
Damn but they were good, she thought. Then she nodded. "We should talk," she told them. Thankfully only their eyes looked panicked. Her smile became more certain, reassuring and she added, "I'm not changing my mind. I just need to resolve some issues."
"Issues?"
"Such as?"
"Well...." Would she be able to explain to them what felt unexplainable to her? "There is the matter of public appearances." She held up a hand to stop them from interrupting. "I am not changing my mind and I am not ashamed to be seen with either, or both of you." She waiting until they nodded their understanding before continuing. "It's that I know what is expected of you because of your class standing. How am I supposed to act in public? In school even?"
Kaoru looked at the ground while Hikaru closed his eyes. Both were seriously considering her words. However, it took no time at all for them to answer.
"Just be yourself," they replied in unison.
"We love you for who you are, not something you pretend to be," Hikaru said, almost scolding.
"There may be some etiquette to consider," Kaoru said. "But we don't expect you to be someone you're not."
"All right." It was a start. She could ask about the etiquette later. "What about at school?"
"What about school," they asked.
"Well, I'm not sure how I should...act. I mean, sure, most of the school knows you like me, but...I'm not even sure what I'm asking here."
The boys moved to sit closer. Kaoru sat in a chair next to her, leaning over the arm. Reaching for her hand, he pulled it so that he cradled it close to his chest. Hikaru kneeled on the floor to her other side. He placed one hand on top of her knee, the thumb caressing the area gently. He held her other hand in his free one, entwining their fingers and squeezing reassuringly.
"Only a little has changed," Kaoru said. "Everything else is the same."
She nodded. "I know."
"If you're worried about one of us trying to pull something sexual at school, we'll promise to be good," Hikaru said. "Or try, at least."
"And no more fighting," Kaoru promised. "Perhaps a little bickering here and there. We do need to consider the Host Club clients after all. But no more fighting."
"Not where you're concerned, anyway," Hikaru added.
She looked skeptical. "Promise?"
They each held a hand over their heart. "We promise."
"Good," she replied with a sigh. Her eyes suddenly felt heavy, her body sinking into the chair. "How long before we land?"
"Another hour." "Why?"
"I think...I'm going to take a little nap."
Eyes closing, she felt lips on her cheek and forehead. A small smile spread across her lips as she felt the boys pulls away, then felt the soft warmth of a blanket in their place. They exchanged a few words, but she couldn't understand them. Feeling a little better now about what was to come, she drifted to sleep thinking of them all in her kitchen eating breakfast.
When Haruhi finally awakened, she found herself spread out on the long seat of a limo. She could hear the wheels against the pavement, hear the air as the vehicle cut through the wind at a decent clip. How she had gotten there was no secret. One of the twins -- or one of their servants -- had carried her.
"Where are we?" It was the question that needed asking.
"We just left the airport," Hikaru said
"We'll have you home shortly," Kaoru stated.
The twins sat side by side on the rear seat of the stretched car. They looked no different than when she had seen them last, but it was like seeing them for the very first time. There was a sudden pounding to her heartbeat and she felt herself grow warm. She supposed it was her love for them showing itself to her. It felt strange. Good, but strange.
"Are you okay," Kaoru asked.
"Yeah, thanks." She moved from her seat to sit between the twins. They didn't argue her move, adjusting themselves accordingly. He felt her heart speed up, her blood start to boil, and all despite the lack of intimate touch. It was like her body was distressed, while her mind was at ease.
She inhaled deeply trying to relax. The quiet in the car was amiable, but she really wished they would say something. Do something. Why did she feel this constant need? Her body began to quiet, resting between the boys.
"Haru?" "Oh never mind."
She blinked, confused. "Yes?"
"It's nothing." "Forget we said anything."
She blinked again, taking in each young man in turn. It slowly dawned on her what they wanted to ask. It was had to discern but she noticed the smaller details of them: Hikaru's furrowed eyebrows, Kaoru biting his lower lip. And the slight fidgeting of their legs didn't go unnoticed either.
Good, she thought. I'm not the only one feeling like a animal. Where did these thoughts come from anyway? So suddenly? She felt as if she were addicted to them. And maybe that was the case.
Or maybe she really liked sex.
Her thoughts pondered over these new "irrationalities" as the boys settled themselves closer. Hikaru's arm rested on the seat behind her, his hand lightly caressing her shoulder. Meanwhile Kaoru snuggled in, taking one of her hands in his and holding it tightly on his knee. There was a small twinge of disappointment. But it felt good to sit there with them, comfortable yet affectionate. This would be a wonderful constant, she thought with a light sigh.
The boys eventually broke the silence by asking little questions. Would she like to try roller skating someday? What about surfing? Did she need help studying for her history exam? Would she help them with their math? And they definitely wanted to know when she'd cook dinner for them. Breakfast had gotten rave reviews from both of them, an accomplishment that made her happy. But dinner seemed more...formal. She wasn't sure she was ready for that just yet. Instead, she suggested an alternative.
"Why not have a picnic? Just the three of us."
Kaoru warmed to the idea instantly. "At the park."
Hikaru simply thought warm. "Late Spring would be good."
The boys argued over time and location, but a picnic was a definite. Good to know.
There was talk of other things: their mother's latest clothing line, what they wanted to eat when they got home, how they would need to go shopping for more presents.... Haruhi shook her head, stopping the conversation.
"What?"
"You promised no more fighting."
"But we're not fighting," Hikaru replied.
"We want to buy you presents," Kaoru added.
"Okay." Her pratical mind was working overtime. There were so many things she could really use. More than a diamond necklace or ruby tennis bracelet. "How about another school uniform?"
They looked at each other, then at her.
"Practical."
"Too practical."
"But I could really use one," she said with a small smile. "It doesn't sound like much to you, but it would mean a lot to me."
"Really?"
"If that's not enough, maybe you can buy me a new set of cooking utensils," she suggested. "The pots and pans we have are ready to rust."
"Again, too practical."
"Isn't there anything else?"
"Practical is me," she said. "Not that your other gifts mean nothing. But I appreciate something useful."
"Really?"
"Really."
They gave in only because she looked so cute when she asked. However, she had planted the seed for other things, such as gowns, jewelry and swimsuits. Well the last wasn't her idea, but there would definitely be a swimsuit in her future, whether she liked it or not.
The thought was disrupted by the slowing of the vehicle and a small jerk as the long car made it's final stop. The ride hadn't taken that long at all. Had they been speeding? Maybe time really did fly while they were having fun.
"Here we are," the driver said over an intercom.
"Thank you," Haruhi automatically responded. She looked at the twins. The boys immediately pouted. Leaning over, she kissed first Kaoru, then Hikaru on the cheek. Relinquishing Kaoru's hand, she moved for the door. It opened before she could touch and she soon found herself staring at a familiar sidewalk.
"Do you want us to carry your things upstairs," Hikaru asked.
"No, that's not necessary. I got it."
As she stepped from the car, she noticed that her things were already waiting on the curb. She smiled again at the driver, who merely nodded. Stepping to collect her things, the boys leaned out of the door.
"Will you be okay?" Kaoru asked. "Your windows looks dark."
One glance indicated he was right, but she was hardly worried. "Dad's probably working a late shift," she said, slinging the last of her bags over her should. "I'll be fine."
"Okay." They both sounded disappointed, but didn't argue.
"Thanks for inviting me along. I had a great time." She paused for a moment then said, "Maybe next time we can go somewhere warmer."
"Like the beach." Kaoru suggested.
"We have a beach house too," Hikaru added.
Her smile didn't reach her eyes. Her last few beach experiences hadn't been great. But maybe the third time was the charm. "We'll see." She stepped away from the vehicle. "I'll see you both tomorrow."
"Love you." "See you tomorrow."
She barely noticed them wave as the driver closed the door. He smiled, nodding at her again. "Good night, Miss Fujioka."
"Good night," she said to the driver. As the car began to pull away she whispered, "Love you."
With a small smile, Haruhi turned and headed for her apartment. Her father would be home soon to ask her all sorts of questions. Despite having a long day himself, he would want to hear every detail. She wanted to be unpacked and comfortable till then.
She also needed to get her things ready for school. There were gifts to wrap and pictures to be shown. However, she was no longer worried about what her classmates might think. What her friends might say. It just didn't matter anymore. She knew, in her heart, her family and friends would be there to help her.
And tomorrow, she was going to need all the help she could get.
Somewhere in the distance, the twins only smiled.
~FIN~
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.
An Ouran High School Host Club fanfic
Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Here it is. The final chapter! Thanks go to Ezri-chan for helping me to rebuild this idea with one of her own. I appreciate all your love and support on this story. *big hugs* And more thanks to all of those that have reviewed and kept my confidence going on this story. I appreciate every word. Okay, now that they've consummated their love...what's next? Nothing naughty, but there are hints. A Standard Disclaimer appears at the end of the chapter.
CHAPTER 9
Haruhi sighed, curling up tighter in a posh chair. With a sigh she attempted to close her eyes, but they shot open a second later. Flying home was not nearly as bad as the flight to the mountains. She even managed to sit near the window and look out at the clouds beneath them. But after an hour her stomach was feeling a little queasy and she was getting no distraction from her new lovers.
Especially since both Hikaru and Kaoru were asleep.
What a foreign concept this feeling was. It was comforting and unnerving at the same time. Not afraid to fly. Not afraid to be alone, or alone with the twins. But afraid of the future. Of their future.
What if she hadn't thought it all through?
Truthfully, she gave it so little thought that only now her logical mind was trying to grasp the overwhelming concoction of their newfound relationship. It was logical. And not. The "not" was making her nervous. She had made her decision, had no regrets. She loved them and would always do so. But not knowing what was next, especially what would happen in school the next day, made her sick to her stomach.
She'd considered waking them up. But she found their sleeping visages slightly calming. Much more calming then their hands on her shoulders or arms. More soothing than their fingertips grazing her waist, her ribs. Licking her dried lips she turned to look out the window again, sighing as a flood of intimate memories played in her mind.
Kaoru surprised her in the bedroom. While Hikaru was in the shower, he savored her like a favorite food. It was another new experience Haruhi wanted to remember forever. She was awed by the relaxed pace, and quite unsettled. He knew just where to touch her, how to touch her. When she came for him, it was a steady stream of passion and love. He even whispered "thank you" in her ear. She asked what he meant, and he blushed a light pink. To her surprise, it covered his entire body.
"I wasn't sure if you'd let me touch you if Hikaru wasn't in the room," he explained. "I want you to be comfortable with us individually as well as together."
She had leaned over and kissed him lightly. It didn't strike her as odd that they were together alone. There was a sudden pang of guilt, but she was happy that he took such an interest in her happiness.
Hikaru, too, had shared the same worry. However, he had remained silent on the issue until after their individual encounter in the kitchen. Haruhi had volunteered to make them breakfast. But Hikaru wanted more than food, and it took no convincing on his part for Haruhi to feel the same. The food was only temporarily forgotten as he lifted her onto the counter, stripped her from the waist down and took her just as the oil for the fish was starting to simmer.
"Are you...okay with this?" he asked after it was over.
"With it just being us?"
He nodded against her forehead, afraid to look her in the eye. "Yeah."
"Yes, it's just fine."
Hikaru sighed, like a weight had been lifted. The he grinned like an idiot. He helped her from the counter and even helped with the cooking. There were no real words spoken between them until breakfast was served and all three of them sat down to the meal. No one mentioned the extra encounters. No one mentioned last night for that matter. The conversation revolved around remaining activities and the trip home.
Home. She had mixed feelings about that as well. Firstly, her father would no doubt want details of the trip. While she would love to discuss the newfound intimacy of their relationship, it was not a subject she was ready to breach with him. There were plenty of other details she could share, but he was getting better at reading her. No doubt he'd know something was being left unsaid.
Second, just thinking about being apart from the boys hurt. A painful hurt that throbbed where her heart beat. Her new connection to them didn't want to be severed. It was somewhat childish, she speculated, but knew it was true.
That's when the fears about school began to rise. What would her classmates think? What would the other Host Club members say? Sure they all knew about the twins' affection for her. But that affection had escalated. They loved each other. Love was not an easy emotion to hide. Beyond that they had consummated their emotions, become lovers. She was uncomfortable lying about their relationship, and more afraid that the strange, new demon that lurked within her would do something to publicly jeopardize them.
With another sigh, Haruhi looked again at the twins.
Her heart stopped, breath catching as she found two sets of dark eyes staring back at her. After a moment, her breathing continued, her heart beating. They were looking at her oddly, assessing something. She blinked rapidly and offered an uncertain smile.
"What?" It was all she could say.
"You're deep in thought," Kaoru said.
"You're worried about something," stated Hikaru.
"And it's not the flight," Kaoru added.
Damn but they were good, she thought. Then she nodded. "We should talk," she told them. Thankfully only their eyes looked panicked. Her smile became more certain, reassuring and she added, "I'm not changing my mind. I just need to resolve some issues."
"Issues?"
"Such as?"
"Well...." Would she be able to explain to them what felt unexplainable to her? "There is the matter of public appearances." She held up a hand to stop them from interrupting. "I am not changing my mind and I am not ashamed to be seen with either, or both of you." She waiting until they nodded their understanding before continuing. "It's that I know what is expected of you because of your class standing. How am I supposed to act in public? In school even?"
Kaoru looked at the ground while Hikaru closed his eyes. Both were seriously considering her words. However, it took no time at all for them to answer.
"Just be yourself," they replied in unison.
"We love you for who you are, not something you pretend to be," Hikaru said, almost scolding.
"There may be some etiquette to consider," Kaoru said. "But we don't expect you to be someone you're not."
"All right." It was a start. She could ask about the etiquette later. "What about at school?"
"What about school," they asked.
"Well, I'm not sure how I should...act. I mean, sure, most of the school knows you like me, but...I'm not even sure what I'm asking here."
The boys moved to sit closer. Kaoru sat in a chair next to her, leaning over the arm. Reaching for her hand, he pulled it so that he cradled it close to his chest. Hikaru kneeled on the floor to her other side. He placed one hand on top of her knee, the thumb caressing the area gently. He held her other hand in his free one, entwining their fingers and squeezing reassuringly.
"Only a little has changed," Kaoru said. "Everything else is the same."
She nodded. "I know."
"If you're worried about one of us trying to pull something sexual at school, we'll promise to be good," Hikaru said. "Or try, at least."
"And no more fighting," Kaoru promised. "Perhaps a little bickering here and there. We do need to consider the Host Club clients after all. But no more fighting."
"Not where you're concerned, anyway," Hikaru added.
She looked skeptical. "Promise?"
They each held a hand over their heart. "We promise."
"Good," she replied with a sigh. Her eyes suddenly felt heavy, her body sinking into the chair. "How long before we land?"
"Another hour." "Why?"
"I think...I'm going to take a little nap."
Eyes closing, she felt lips on her cheek and forehead. A small smile spread across her lips as she felt the boys pulls away, then felt the soft warmth of a blanket in their place. They exchanged a few words, but she couldn't understand them. Feeling a little better now about what was to come, she drifted to sleep thinking of them all in her kitchen eating breakfast.
When Haruhi finally awakened, she found herself spread out on the long seat of a limo. She could hear the wheels against the pavement, hear the air as the vehicle cut through the wind at a decent clip. How she had gotten there was no secret. One of the twins -- or one of their servants -- had carried her.
"Where are we?" It was the question that needed asking.
"We just left the airport," Hikaru said
"We'll have you home shortly," Kaoru stated.
The twins sat side by side on the rear seat of the stretched car. They looked no different than when she had seen them last, but it was like seeing them for the very first time. There was a sudden pounding to her heartbeat and she felt herself grow warm. She supposed it was her love for them showing itself to her. It felt strange. Good, but strange.
"Are you okay," Kaoru asked.
"Yeah, thanks." She moved from her seat to sit between the twins. They didn't argue her move, adjusting themselves accordingly. He felt her heart speed up, her blood start to boil, and all despite the lack of intimate touch. It was like her body was distressed, while her mind was at ease.
She inhaled deeply trying to relax. The quiet in the car was amiable, but she really wished they would say something. Do something. Why did she feel this constant need? Her body began to quiet, resting between the boys.
"Haru?" "Oh never mind."
She blinked, confused. "Yes?"
"It's nothing." "Forget we said anything."
She blinked again, taking in each young man in turn. It slowly dawned on her what they wanted to ask. It was had to discern but she noticed the smaller details of them: Hikaru's furrowed eyebrows, Kaoru biting his lower lip. And the slight fidgeting of their legs didn't go unnoticed either.
Good, she thought. I'm not the only one feeling like a animal. Where did these thoughts come from anyway? So suddenly? She felt as if she were addicted to them. And maybe that was the case.
Or maybe she really liked sex.
Her thoughts pondered over these new "irrationalities" as the boys settled themselves closer. Hikaru's arm rested on the seat behind her, his hand lightly caressing her shoulder. Meanwhile Kaoru snuggled in, taking one of her hands in his and holding it tightly on his knee. There was a small twinge of disappointment. But it felt good to sit there with them, comfortable yet affectionate. This would be a wonderful constant, she thought with a light sigh.
The boys eventually broke the silence by asking little questions. Would she like to try roller skating someday? What about surfing? Did she need help studying for her history exam? Would she help them with their math? And they definitely wanted to know when she'd cook dinner for them. Breakfast had gotten rave reviews from both of them, an accomplishment that made her happy. But dinner seemed more...formal. She wasn't sure she was ready for that just yet. Instead, she suggested an alternative.
"Why not have a picnic? Just the three of us."
Kaoru warmed to the idea instantly. "At the park."
Hikaru simply thought warm. "Late Spring would be good."
The boys argued over time and location, but a picnic was a definite. Good to know.
There was talk of other things: their mother's latest clothing line, what they wanted to eat when they got home, how they would need to go shopping for more presents.... Haruhi shook her head, stopping the conversation.
"What?"
"You promised no more fighting."
"But we're not fighting," Hikaru replied.
"We want to buy you presents," Kaoru added.
"Okay." Her pratical mind was working overtime. There were so many things she could really use. More than a diamond necklace or ruby tennis bracelet. "How about another school uniform?"
They looked at each other, then at her.
"Practical."
"Too practical."
"But I could really use one," she said with a small smile. "It doesn't sound like much to you, but it would mean a lot to me."
"Really?"
"If that's not enough, maybe you can buy me a new set of cooking utensils," she suggested. "The pots and pans we have are ready to rust."
"Again, too practical."
"Isn't there anything else?"
"Practical is me," she said. "Not that your other gifts mean nothing. But I appreciate something useful."
"Really?"
"Really."
They gave in only because she looked so cute when she asked. However, she had planted the seed for other things, such as gowns, jewelry and swimsuits. Well the last wasn't her idea, but there would definitely be a swimsuit in her future, whether she liked it or not.
The thought was disrupted by the slowing of the vehicle and a small jerk as the long car made it's final stop. The ride hadn't taken that long at all. Had they been speeding? Maybe time really did fly while they were having fun.
"Here we are," the driver said over an intercom.
"Thank you," Haruhi automatically responded. She looked at the twins. The boys immediately pouted. Leaning over, she kissed first Kaoru, then Hikaru on the cheek. Relinquishing Kaoru's hand, she moved for the door. It opened before she could touch and she soon found herself staring at a familiar sidewalk.
"Do you want us to carry your things upstairs," Hikaru asked.
"No, that's not necessary. I got it."
As she stepped from the car, she noticed that her things were already waiting on the curb. She smiled again at the driver, who merely nodded. Stepping to collect her things, the boys leaned out of the door.
"Will you be okay?" Kaoru asked. "Your windows looks dark."
One glance indicated he was right, but she was hardly worried. "Dad's probably working a late shift," she said, slinging the last of her bags over her should. "I'll be fine."
"Okay." They both sounded disappointed, but didn't argue.
"Thanks for inviting me along. I had a great time." She paused for a moment then said, "Maybe next time we can go somewhere warmer."
"Like the beach." Kaoru suggested.
"We have a beach house too," Hikaru added.
Her smile didn't reach her eyes. Her last few beach experiences hadn't been great. But maybe the third time was the charm. "We'll see." She stepped away from the vehicle. "I'll see you both tomorrow."
"Love you." "See you tomorrow."
She barely noticed them wave as the driver closed the door. He smiled, nodding at her again. "Good night, Miss Fujioka."
"Good night," she said to the driver. As the car began to pull away she whispered, "Love you."
With a small smile, Haruhi turned and headed for her apartment. Her father would be home soon to ask her all sorts of questions. Despite having a long day himself, he would want to hear every detail. She wanted to be unpacked and comfortable till then.
She also needed to get her things ready for school. There were gifts to wrap and pictures to be shown. However, she was no longer worried about what her classmates might think. What her friends might say. It just didn't matter anymore. She knew, in her heart, her family and friends would be there to help her.
And tomorrow, she was going to need all the help she could get.
Somewhere in the distance, the twins only smiled.
~FIN~
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.