Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction ❯ Love Lost in Time ❯ Chapter Two ( Chapter 2 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

LOVE LOST IN TIME
An Ouran High School Host Club AU fanfic

Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess


AUTHOR'S NOTES: A big thanks to Nightfall2525 for the idea and encouragement for this piece. I hope it will be to your liking. Not sure how long or involved this will be. Could be another short "epic" for me, so say a prayer for my muses. Alternate Universe with some of the actual events (anime and manga) being referenced. Kyoya x Haruhi centric. No spoilers in this chapter, as far as I'm aware. A Standard Disclaimer appears at the end of the chapter. Comments and further encouragement are always welcome.


CHAPTER TWO


It was a typical Thursday evening routine. Go to school. Attend the Host Club. Go home. Change clothes. Wash dishes. Go to the store. A strangely mundane yet soothing routine for one young woman.

She enjoyed the shopping, especially on an evening when the store was sparsely populated. It allowed her to focus on something other than her school work. Something that she rather enjoyed. Cooking had become an outlet for the young woman. It was relaxing, yet at the same time required intense focus. An indulgence she could afford. As with any recipe, selecting the right foods and the right ingredients were important.

And finding them on sale...doubly important.

Haruhi Fujioka already knew what she was cooking for dinner. A simple meal of chicken and broccoli with Lo Mein noodles. It was easy to prepare and she'd have leftovers for school lunch the next day. No doubt it would be stolen by her classmates, Hikaru and Karou Hitachiin. The twins enjoyed her cooking, despite the fact that it was unfancy. And they had personal chefs of their own.

As she was inspecting the broccoli an odd feeling passed through her. She heard a voice in her head and for a moment she became lost in her thoughts. It was an odd experience, her vision going fuzzy as her mind replayed a dream from the night before.

'Haruhi! Haru, where are you?!"

She heard someone call to her. Knew she recognized the voice, though she couldn't place it specifically. It was angry, scared and...familiar. Her heart, slowing in its beat, rejoiced. She felt her lips pull upwards into a smile, despite the fact that her body felt heavy, her lungs begging for air.

"Haru!"

Then he was there. The man who called out to her. While she lay there -- though she didn't know where she was, she was positive she wasn't standing at least -- her smile grew. She knew that it was someone important to her. Someone her heart knew well.

But she couldn't see him. Not well at least. She saw shadows with a splash of color.

And the name...she couldn't recall anyone ever calling her Haru. Her father did when she was a small child. And there was Hunny-sempai. But that was just due to his child-like manner. No one ever said her name quite like that. With such passion. Such intimacy. It gave her a warm feeling although in her dream she felt cold. So very cold.

She felt herself being lifted, felt strong arms wrap around her as soft lips pressed against her neck. It was the same person that had called out to her. The same one that made her feel warm. Safe.

"Who? Who would do this?!"

There was such sadness in his voice as he repeated her name over and over. She was sure she felt tears, his tears, but though she tried to make sense of what was happening around her, she still couldn't see.

And the feeling of coldness surrounded her, overwhelmed her.

Then he pulled away and for an instant she could see clearly. For a mere second she saw dark hair. Slick ebony hair falling against pale skin. His shirt was white satin, smeared in red. Was that blood? The pendant he wore also stood out; a thick cross with a single red stone. Her heart, she remembered. So the pendant had been a present. From her. And his face....

Well, he had none.

Every time he appeared faceless. Without fail. Even though the dreams were always different, he was there. It was the strangest thing.

'Maybe I just need to stop consuming those energy drinks,' she thought. 'Too much caffeine for me.'

"Miss? Are you all right?"

A female voice called her out of her reverie. She managed a nod, her vision slowly coming back into focus. Realizing that several people had stopped to stare at her caused her cheeks to turn pink and she apologized loudly. One of those people looked familiar. A tall man with black hair. And for a moment, she thought it was the man from her dream.

'How ridiculous,' she told herself. Quickly, she put the broccoli she had been holding into her basket and moved briskly from the produce to the meat counter.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught him again. The strange figure. But he wasn't so strange. Wearing a tailored shirt and dress slacks, he looked like a business man. Perhaps someone who had just gotten off of work and had stopped by the store to pick up an item at the request of his wife.

Upon closer inspection, he looked too young to be a serious business man. Maybe he was running an errand for his mother. But he still looked too well dressed. It just didn't fit.

And then the strangest thought hit her.

"Which one, miss?"

"Oh! That one. A pound please."

"Making a gourmet dinner, I see."

When she looked up and saw Kyoya Ohtori standing there, she should have been completely shocked. Completely taken aback by his royal-like presence in such a meager grocery store.

But she wasn't.

"It's nothing fancy," she replied.

"You say that about everything you make."

"True." She gave a nod. "But it isn't fancy."

Kyoya adjusted his glasses. "Of course."

Receiving the meat from the counter, she turned towards her schoolmate and fellow Host Club member. Tilting her head to one side, she realized that her earlier accusations had been quite ridiculous. But it only led to one thing.

"What are you doing here, Kyoya-sempai?"

"Here?" He shrugged in his usual nonchalant manner. "Why, I'm shopping."

"Shopping?"

"Yes."

"For what?"

'For dinner.' The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he bit his tongue to keep from saying them aloud. Sometimes his vampiric instincts got the better of him, even in human form. He had to quickly come up with a believable story. He hadn't really given it any thought, even before he left his house to find her.

"I thought some of those little cakes would make for an interesting addition to tomorrow's tea."

"You mean cupcakes?"

"Yes," he said with a curt nod. "Hunny-sempai has mentioned them on several occasions."

"Couldn't you have them made?"

As they turned into an aisle, the young man tried not to sigh. His plan was quickly being knocked over. Of course, he didn't have an iron clad outline to follow. He was winging it, which had never been a problem before today. Somehow, Haruhi made it especially difficult.

"I could, yes. But that defeats the purpose."

"Purpose of what?"

"Shopping."

Haruhi paused, looking at him for a good solid minute. This was Kyoya. Cool, intelligent, efficient. Yet, to come shopping, even for something for club? That wasn't like him. He had people that did that sort of thing. And there were probably people who worked for the people. It was just a thing of the rich and privileged.

But, here he was.

She grabbed the necessary noodles and said, "We can check out the bakery if you'd like."

His smile was typical, but there was a genuine touch that made Haruhi smile as well. "I'd like that."

They glanced through the bakery, finding several types of cupcakes. Kyoya decided to buy everything they had, several of his personal bodyguards coming into the store to carry the cartons out. He paid for the cakes and Haruhi's groceries as well, carrying the bag out the door himself.

It was a little awkward as they left the store. Neither wanted to leave the other. Kyoya hadn't obtained his goal and Haruhi was interested in this Kyoya, that wasn't Kyoya, but still Kyoya.

"Would you like to come over for dinner?"

She had expected him to suggest a restaurant, or excuse himself. But an unexpected warm feeling came over her as he gave her that genuine smile and nodded.

"I'd be delighted."

They walked to her apartment, Kyoya continuing to carry the groceries without complaint. They talked about school, about upcoming exams and about the Host Club. The night air was cool, the sky clear. A full moon was just rising over the horizon. The young man took notice to it just before they went inside.

Was it a sign?

He followed Haruhi into the apartment, taking his shoes off as he stepped inside. He then followed the young woman into the kitchen. Her home was modest, not necessarily shabby, but sparsely decorated. The kitchen was big enough just for the two of them and all the required appliances and cabinets. Sitting the bag on the counter, he saw her digging through one cabinet for the proper cookware.

"Anything I can do to help?"

She gave him some simple instructions. Wash the broccoli. Place water into a pot. Turn on the stove. Things he managed to accomplish with little problem.

"Ouch!"

She couldn't, however, trust him with a knife.

"Are you okay?" Her eyes widened as blood beaded on his finger. "I'll go get the first aid kit."

"I'm fine," Kyoya answered, slightly fascinated by the sight of his own blood. He'd had scratches and cuts before, yet the sight seemed very intriguing. More lingering vampire habits, he supposed. "It's just a nick. Some water will do."

"Here," she handed him a paper towel. "The band aids are on top of the cabinet in the bathroom."

"Thank you."

Kyoya washed and bandaged the wound in the bathroom. All the while his mind tried to formulate a new plan. Things were going well. She hadn't kicked him out yet. But it wasn't exactly moving along. What could he do? Perhaps nothing for now, he told himself. He couldn't rush into this. His father, his family, would never forgive him if he screwed up.

He wouldn't forgive himself.

As he returned to the kitchen, he found Haruhi cutting the chicken while oil bubbled in another pot. He went to help, but she ushered him out. The kitchen was too crowded and she had most of the meal already going. So he sat at the table in the next room, quietly watching and waiting.

Meanwhile, Haruhi tried to figure out how Kyoya had ended up in her home. The situation was so unusual. Yet, it felt...she wasn't sure how to explain it. Familiar? Somewhat. He'd been in her home before. With a sigh she shook her head, refocusing on the meal.

'Quit acting crazy,' she told herself. 'It's not like Kyoya's going to try anything.'

Of that she felt certain.

Twenty minutes later, she brought plates into the other room, along with dinner and drinks. They said a quick thank you before eating. Little was said, aside from the occasional comment on the food or the weather.

"Your father's working late again," Kyoya asked.

"Yes," Haruhi replied. "He's been picking up extra shifts when he can."

"Sounds like he's working very hard."

"Yes."

Kyoya noted the note of concern in her voice. "Too hard, then?"

Haruhi managed a small smile. "He looks so worn out lately. I know he's doing it for me. For us. But, I wish he'd take a break."

"Have you asked?"

She shook her head. "I can't."

"I'm sure he'd slow down if you asked. As you said, he's doing it for you."

"Maybe. I...." She pushed her food around her plate. "I just don't feel right asking."

Unconsciously, Kyoya reached a hand out to her, latching onto her wrist gently but firmly. The action surprised her, causing her to drop her chopsticks. Then he grasped her hand, holding it in his. His thumb moved without thought, gently caressing her skin.

"Ask."

"Oh.... Okay...."

Clearing his throat, he pulled away as quickly as he reached for her. His emotions got the better of him, a mistake he could not make again. Over the rim of his glasses, he watched her expression go from surprised to thoughtful. He didn't realize he'd been holding his breath until she finally spoke.

"Would you like dessert? There's some mochi in the fridge."

"Sure."

Again, they ate quietly. When Haruhi moved to clear the table, Kyoya stopped her. He did the work himself, albeit a bit fumbling and uncertain. It was the least he could do since she had invited him for the meal. And while Haruhi washed the dishes, he dried them. The motions were unusual to him, but it was a simple task.

They talked about school again, and the tea party the Host Club was having the next day. He teased her about her increased popularity and the fact that her debt was slowly decreasing.

"I'm not responsible for the cupcakes, am I," she inquired with genuine concern.

"No. Consider them a treat. On me," he replied, putting down the last dish.

At that moment, the front door opened. "Haruhi! I'm home!"

"And just in time," Haruhi said with a smile.

Ranka entered the kitchen. He was dressed in his usual work gear: a simple shirt and a pair of pants. His long hair was tied back at the nape of his neck. He smiled as he saw his daughter, a smile that froze, then grew as he noticed she wasn't alone. "Kyoya! Haruhi didn't mention anyone was visiting today."

"It just happened," the young man replied.

"Hungry, dad?"

"Oh, yes. Please." He sniffed the air and sighed loudly, his stomach echoing his mouth. "It smells delicious."

"You skipped lunch again, didn't you?"

Kyoya tried not to smile at the accusatory tone to Haruhi's voice. Or the chuckle at the reaction of her father. He looked guilty almost immediately. But he never admitted it. Instead, he motioned for Kyoya to follow him.

"Won't you join me for a drink, Ohtori-san?"

"Dad!"

"I'll join you," he replied with a nod. "But I mustn't drink."

"Of course, of course."

Although it was already pushing nine, Kyoya remained until nearly the last second. By the time 10:30 came around, he had to excuse himself from the inquisitive Ranka. They had talked everything from Haruhi to politics. An enjoyable conversation, even if the older man was more on the tipsy side as he left the apartment.

"Will he be okay," the young man asked Haruhi as she closed the front door. "If you need help...."

"He'll be fine," she replied. "He tends to drink more on the nights he works long shifts, but he doesn't over do it." She offered him a smile. "Besides, I don't want you to break your curfew."

He silently cursed his father, and his young human form. But he managed that genuine smile he couldn't hold back since he met her in the grocery store. "I'm sorry for intruding this evening. The meal was wonderful, and the company more so."

Haruhi felt the heat in her cheeks and ducked her head, averting her eyes before daring a glance at him. "It's no trouble. Don't forget those cupcakes tomorrow."

"I won't."

The sound of a horn signaled the arrival. They both looked down as a black limo pulled up to the curb. Kyoya sighed aloud, taking a step towards Haruhi. Without a word, he leaned forward. He heard Haruhi's quick intake of breath and smiled to himself.

"Good night," he whispered in her ear.

Haruhi found it difficult to breathe as his breath caressed her ear. What had she expected? A kiss? It would've been an unusual end to an unusual evening. But his simple departing remark was more like the Kyoya she knew and impossibly more unusual than what she had expected.

"Good night," she said as he made his way down the stairs to the street. She waved to him as he waved to her before getting into the limo. The door shut and the car pulled away. She watched as it disappeared down the street and around a corner.

The full moon caught her attention then. She looked at for a moment, a warm feeling overcoming her. Her cheeks were on fire again and even the cool air couldn't calm her suddenly shaky nerves.

"An unusual evening, indeed" the young woman muttered as she went back inside.


~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.