Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction ❯ Love Lost in Time ❯ Chapter Four ( Chapter 4 )

[ 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. Possible spoilers for those unfamiliar with chapter 64 and up of the manga. A Standard Disclaimer appears at the end of the chapter. Comments are encouraged and welcome.


CHAPTER FOUR


'I suppose time really does fly when you're having fun.'

It had been nearly three months since his initial meeting with Haruhi on a Thursday evenings. They still met every Thursday night for dinner. Both of them almost relied upon it as a calm retreat from the hustle of their daily lives.

Occasionally he would treat her to a meal or take her to a movie. But some of his fondest memories were of their leisurely walks around her neighborhood, especially the time they sat and ate ice cream in a park. The sun had just begun to set and the moment actually made the young man's heart skip a beat. A more romantic moment there hadn't been in...well, centuries. Neither of them had spoken. They simply enjoyed the setting sun, ate their ice cream and watched other couples walk by. It was typical teenage dating, he knew. But he enjoyed it nonetheless.

Their conversations were always lively. How they managed to talk about everything and nothing still amazed him. But her intelligent banter was a welcome change from his classmates, and even his Host Club guests. He always enjoyed her company and from time to time, he caught himself wrapping an arm around her in a crowd. One time she even reached for his hand during a scary movie they agreed to see.

But despite those small hopeful moments, he felt as if he was no closer to truly winning her affections as he had been from the start.

And Tamaki was clearly no help.

In fact, he was becoming quite the hindrance.

The young man was practically jumping on the young woman using his typical overwhelming emotional act. At first, Kyoya chalked it up to the kidnapping incident and his best friend finally realizing his feelings for her. But the blond was dead set on getting Haruhi's attentions at every turn. He even changed Host Club plans to do it! It was deplorable in Kyoya's book. Completely bad form.

Everyone in the Host Club was beginning to see the strain their friendship was sustaining. They argued more now than the twins did. No hateful words had been exchanged, no physical threats made, but no one was brave enough to broach the subject with them.

"Kyoya?"

Or Haruhi, who was oblivious to being the center of the conflict.

"Hmm?"

"I think the pasta is done now."

Kyoya Ohtori stared into the pot as if seeing the string pasta noodles for the first time. He blinked once, twice just before the water began to boil over. He deftly removed the pot and held it over the sink as Haruhi turned off the stove burner.

"I think you're right," he said with the shadow of a smile.

He felt his heart skip another beat as Haruhi Fujioka laughed openly. She had caught on to his sense of humor of late. A sense of humor the young man didn't really know he had. And her laughter always made him feel giddy inside. It was strange, yet exciting for his old soul.

"Here, drain the pasta in the sink, and then stick it on the plate there."

"Alright."

On this particular night -- a Saturday -- Haruhi had invited her fellow Host Club member over and asked him if he wanted to learn to cook. She knew he really had no need to do so. He had personal chefs who catered to him and his family. But she thought it would be fun for them to cook together. To say she was surprised by his answer was an understatement. But the light, airy feeling coupled by the warmth she had come to look forward to by being around him soothed her shock.

Italian was not necessarily fancy, and the simple pasta and sauce she had made -- he cut the peppers and onions, much to Haruhi's amusement -- was no exception. But they sat at the table, talking about everything and nothing, and enjoyed the meal they had made together.

"I've been thinking, Fujioka-san."

"About what?"

He cleared his throat, and then took a deep breath. "You once told me that I had nothing to gain by pursuing you. Do you remember?"

The young woman gave it some thought, and then nodded. "Yes, I remember."

"Back then I agreed with you," he said, adjusting his glasses. "But that was a hasty decision on my part."

"Really?" Haruhi cocked her head to one side. "You have something to gain then?"

"I have a lot to gain." He smiled at her, nodding. Leaning forward, he whispered into her ear. "I have you."

"I...."

He was pleased to see the light blush that colored her cheeks as he pulled away. "So, I think you owe me an apology."

"I...." She clearly didn't know what to say.

"Yes?"

"I'm...sorry."

"Duly noted," he replied with a smile, returning to his meal. "But really, I should be thanking you."

She was only further confused by his words, but at the same time found her lungs devoid of air at his saddened smile. "What for?"

"For allowing me to spend time with you," he replied, reaching for her hand on the table. It was a diversion from his usual demeanor, but he wanted that connection with her. Wanted her to feel it too. "For allowing me into your home and your life. And...for allowing me to take refuge in your company. It's a comfort to know I have someone like you to help me relax and unwind."

She smiled, another blush tinting her cheeks. She squeezed his hand, as if reassuring him. "I suppose, I should thank you as well."

It was Kyoya's turn to be surprised. "For what?"

"For--!"

RING! BUZZ! RING!

It was at that precise moment that a phone rang. A small cell phone that the twins had once given her. She didn't look surprised when she gazed at the caller ID. Instead, she sighed. Kyoya knew immediately who it was.

"Are you going to answer him? He's going to keep calling."

"He knows I'm busy."

"That's never stopped Tamaki before." He had been calling twice an hour since he discovered Kyoya was visiting. The young man was surprised his friend didn't just show up at Haruhi's door.

"True."

Then the doorbell rang.

Haruhi jumped from the table, but was wary of answering it. Her thoughts were the same as Kyoya’s. Holding her breath, she reached for the knob. She was relieved when the person on the other side turned out to be a neighbor.

"Your father wanted me to check on you," the neighbor said. As the elderly woman looked past Haruhi to Kyoya, her smile widened. "Is everything all right?"

"Fine, Kazuki-san," Haruhi replied. "We're just finishing up dinner."

"Oh, a romantic dinner. How wonderful!" The old woman's smile grew impossibly wider and she winked at Kyoya. "I'll leave you alone then. But if you need anything, just call."

"We will." Haruhi shook her head as she closed the door. "I can't believe my father."

"I can," Kyoya replied. "He's just looking out for you."

"I know," she said with a nod. 'And he probably has good reason knowing Kyoya's here,' she told herself. 'But it's not as if he's going to jump on me.'

No matter how much she may have thought about it.

Oh yes, she had given it some thought. Especially since he mentioned that time at the beach house. She had been naive then. Perhaps she was still so. Yet the thought of him that close, staring into her eyes without the obstruction of his glasses....

She cleared her throat, returning to the table. There was no logical reason to be thinking in that manner. Even her dreams, although different as of late, gave her little need to think of the young man in that way.

'You should know that you have my heart.'

'And you should know that I love you.'

She sipped her drink as the words echoed in her head. Words spoken by lovers, and one of them in her own voice. She cursed whatever power was still withholding the identity of her faceless man. Garbling his voice so that she couldn't place it. A sound that was just beyond her grasp.

"Haruhi?"

"Hmm?"

"Ready for dessert?"

"Oh!" Kyoya had brought a European treat with him. Something called Tiramisu. She'd never had such a sweet treat. "Yes, of course. I'll go--!"

RING! BUZZ! RING!

"You should answer it," Kyoya said, hiding his own distaste behind a smile.

"I'll call him back tomorrow." Haruhi said. "For now he'll just have to settle for a text."

"Really? Saying what?"

She smiled up at him devilishly. "That I'll call him tomorrow."

Kyoya openly laughed.


*=*=*


The Ouran Host Club Riding event went off with nearly a hitch Monday afternoon.

While the idea had been a brain child of the club’s president, Tamaki Suoh had been the least active. The young man found himself caught in his thoughts. And while the clients loved the morose and contemplative manner with which he conducted himself, he was drowning in misery.

On the inside, he was genuinely sad that Haruhi had not answered his calls over the weekend. Well, she sent him a text. And she did call as promised.

But along with that sadness was anger. A fire of burning determination to keep Haruhi from falling in love with Kyoya.

Honestly, he shouldn't have any qualms about the two of them getting together. It would cause much less trouble and strife, including his current distress. And put less of a strain on his friendship which, deep down, he truly valued. The Shadow King of the Host Club had been by his side since middle school. Had helped him through tough situations and was more than happy to remain in the background while Tamaki took the credit and glory.

It was more than he could say for another friend. A friend from so very long ago who had betrayed him and his family. A friend who stood there and did nothing as his mother was slaughtered and his father begged for his life.

At first he had passed it all off as a dream: his friend, the death of his family. But as time passed and the dreams became clearer, he researched the names and faces he recalled. It's what ultimately led him to Japan. And when his father's family offered him a place there, he snagged the opportunity.

Meeting Kyoya, however, had been a surprise.

And befriending him a complete accident.

Fate had an ugly sense of humor, he thought with a snicker.

And apparently, a plan.

"Look out!"

"Someone! That horse--!"

The commotion drew everyone's attention, including Tamaki's. Without thinking, he ran towards the horse. He grabbed a young woman and shielded her as the horse panicked. He felt something punch against his shoulder, and then sudden pain jolted his brain. But he was still more concerned about the young woman than himself.

"Are you...okay?"

"Tamaki!"

Mori and Hunny raced to calm the animal. But by the time the others reached his side, the Host Club president had passed out. And when he awoke in the nurse's office, he discovered he had a large bruise from the horse.

Everyone had also been waiting for him.

He was somewhat surprised to see the worried look on Haruhi's face. His heart skipped a beat, his breath catching in his throat. She even brought his clothes. He couldn't help but smile.

"I'm really sorry."

That's where she came in.

Megumi Kanoya was a transfer student who had just joined the second year class. Her hair was long, dark, and her complexion creamy and light. Even in the school uniform she appeared the picture of a lady, not too unlike manner of the other female students. She was quick to take the blame and apologized profusely. It didn't help that she reminded Tamaki of a certain someone, either.

"Suoh-san! This way!"

"Ah, Kanoya-kun."

"Please, let me do something for you."

She even made him bento lunches! First as an apology. Then as a way of being able to spend some time alone with him. Her cooking was delicious. Just as good as someone else whose food he also enjoyed.

The others referred to her as the "ideal Haruhi". But in reality, she was a distraction. A way for Tamaki to back away and reassess the situation with Haruhi. Although he did enjoy his time with Kanoya. And they had quite a bit in common. If he didn't have this one important part to play....

'Perhaps, in another lifetime,' he thought.

The Host Club seemed determined to push the two of them together, however. He knew Kyoya had something to do with it. He was a schemer, after all. The others were just following along.

But Haruhi had also put her all into helping out. She even went so far as to put together an event just for him. If he hadn't known her any better, he would have accused her of pushing him away. Of turning him away so she could be with Kyoya. Yet, he saw how hard she was working -- running even -- to ensure the success of the event. It made him smile just thinking about it.

"Kanoya-san?"

"Yes?"

And in that instant it hit him.

"You wanted to know if...something was the matter."

"Oh, yes." The young woman wrung her hands worriedly. "Is...something wrong?"

He really was falling for Haruhi.

"I'm troubled...because of the feelings I just realized I have for a girl."

A complication he did not foresee.

"This girl.... Do you love her?"

"Yes." His smile was genuine despite the darkness he felt raging in his gut. "I think...I've been in love with her...for a long time...."

Emotions would only complicate matters. But at the same time, he would have an easier time obtaining what he wanted the most.

Or so he hoped.

"Does she...feel the same way?"

He took her hand in his. "I do not know."

Her smile was sad, and tears formed in her eyes, but she still put her best foot forward. In a way, he pitied her. He knew what it was like to lose someone he held dear. His mother in this lifetime, and his family in the last.

"Then...you must tell her."

"I will." She was being brave, and he knew it. He offered her a sweet smile. "I just don’t know how."

"I’m sure you will figure out a way," she told him. "In the meantime, shall we finish our challenge, Suoh-san?"

He placed her hand on his elbow. "Of course."


*=*=*


As the week drew to a close, the Host Club spent their after school hours straightening up their meeting place. And while Kyoya Ohtori concerned himself with paperwork, Haruhi and the twins worked on the filing. Hunny worked diligently on another cake as Mori watched from the seat across from him.

All of them had something on their minds.

"Kyoya?"

Lifting his head, he gave a brief smile. "What is it, Haruhi?"

She tried to smile, but her concern was too overwhelming. It was the same smile he saw the night before when he left, and he knew exactly what she was going to say. Everyone was thinking it.

"I.... I'm concerned about Tamaki-sempai."

The twins nodded in unison. They looked up from their filing. Both looked somewhat confused.

"Come to think of it...." Kaoru chimed in.

"...He has been acting a little weird lately," Hikaru, added.

"First his arguments with Kyoya-sempai, and now he’s avoiding all of us."

"It's certainly unlike him."

"He even turned Kanoya-san's cooking away three days in a row," Hunny said, hugging his Bun Bun tightly. "She even made pastries."

Mori only patted his best friend on the top of his head, placating the worried young man. It sounded as if the young man was only worried about the pastries, when in fact he was concerned on a deeper level. The taller man was also concerned.

Kyoya nodded his agreement. He, too, had been worried. Ever since the orienteering event ended.

Tamaki had cut himself off from the entire Host Club and his own inquiries had gone unanswered. A quipped "I'm fine," in class did little to make him think their rivalry was near done. In fact, he believed that it was about to explode. It seemed strange that their friendship should be tested in this way, but he was at a loss as to what to do. If the boy wouldn’t talk to him, it was difficult to work out a resolution.

Despite his own fears, he gave Haruhi and the other Hosts a reassuring smile.

"When Tamaki is ready to talk, I'm sure he will--!"

CREEK! BANG! CRASH!

The door to Music Room three opened suddenly. In its doorway, breathing somewhat heavily, stood Tamaki Suoh. Sweat beaded his usually smooth brow. Had he been running? From where? And for what purpose?

"Tamaki!" "M'lord!"

"Is...Haruhi here?"

"Yes," the young woman replied, stepping forward. She didn't notice the worry on Kyoya's face, nor know that he had reached for her to keep her from moving away. She only gazed at Tamaki, genuinely concerned. He had to have been looking for her if he'd worked up a sweat. Or maybe he was running a fever. "Sempai, are you--?"

"Haruhi!" Lurching from the doorway, Tamaki approached the unsuspecting young woman. He looked like a man possessed, his eyes wide as he caught her by the shoulders. "I have something I need to tell you...."

The twins moved forward, as if to stop him but it was Kyoya that held them back. He had gotten out of his chair and joined the group. His own brow was furrowed, but his cool demeanor prevailed. He could feel the tension in his jaw as Tamaki grabbed a hold of Haruhi.

"Tamaki, are you all right?"

"Fine," the young man replied with a nod. It was the same curt answer he had been giving, but it held less venom than usual. For a moment he looked up at the others. The madness left his eyes, a small smile appearing on his lips. "I just...I need to say something. I've been holding back for too long."

"What is it," Haruhi asked. "What have you been holding back?"

"Haruhi...." He caught her gaze and held it, even as he dropped to one knee. Haruhi’s quick intake of breath was echoed by the twins. "You should know that...I love you."

One barely had to listen to hear a pin drop.

CLANG!

Or in this case...Hunny’s fork.


~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 manga masterpiece is being translated and published by VIZ Media for fans in America. I do not own a single piece of the characters used in this story. They were kidnapped and used here without permission.