Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction ❯ Not So Great Expectations ❯ The First Step ( Chapter 1 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: vampyremiyu 
Haruhi introduces the twins to her father.
Anime/Manga: Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama / Comedy / Angst | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 04.19.2008 | Updated On: 05.02.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 743 | Status: Completed
Haruhi introduces the twins to her father.
Anime/Manga: Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama / Comedy / Angst | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 04.19.2008 | Updated On: 05.02.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 743 | Status: Completed
NOT SO GREAT EXPECTATIONS
An Ouran High School Host Club Fanfic
Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess
AUTHOR'S NOTES: A sequel to my story, "A Slanted Line". Thanks to Ezri-chan and everyone who supported it! I hope you'll enjoy this as well. ^_^ WARNING for LEMON content in later chapters. No spoilers that I'm aware of. A Standard Disclaimer follows the chapter.
Chapter 1 - The First Step
"Five o'clock." "Got it."
"Nothing too dressy either. I know it's my father but...."
"We know."
Haruhi Fujioka looked seriously at the Hitachiin twins sitting in front of her. They had changed from their usual school uniforms into their respective Host Club costumes. Shortly they'd all be drowning in clients.
But Haruhi was more concerned about tomorrow's dinner.
She asked, "Are you sure?"
It was the first time the twins would eat a meal with her and her father.
"Are YOU sure?"
The first time she would introduce them as her boyfriends.
"We promised we wouldn't rush it."
There was truth to their words. They hadn't rushed anything more in their growing relationship. In the course of three months, they'd even backed off giving her gifts. And the gifts she did receive were things she could actually use. Like the school uniform she was currently wearing. It was too practical by the boys' standards, but she loved them all the more for it.
They hadn't pushed for future promises, either. It seemed like they would just naturally occur without incident. First, it was dinner with her father. Secondly, she would be introduced to their family in a more formal way.
Then, it would all be official.
"Haruhi?"
She saw the determined look in their eyes. Then she smiled. "I'm sure. Just nervous." She sighed. "Dad's already asked so many questions...."
"We'll handle papa," Kaoru promised.
"You just worry about making that pot roast," Hikaru said.
Haruhi nodded, "Deal."
"Haru! Hurry and change! It's almost time to start."
Hunny's announcement drew her away from the twins and into the character she needed to play as part of the Host Club. She excused herself and quickly moved to change into her costume for their spring event. The outfit was well-tailored as always, and quite neutral -- able to be worn by a member of either sex. Kyoya was very careful of that nowadays, she thought, fastening the last piece and reaching for the door.
In fact, the whole club was being careful.
Everyone seemed none too surprised when they returned from their ski vacation. Hunny and Mori were behind them 100%. Kyoya, as a gift, deleted one hundred thousand yen from her owed expense to the club (though she was certain the twins had paid him off). Even Tamaki had been upbeat, his "fatherly" remarks now being far more fatherly and less...well...like a bad pick up line.
"Haruhi! Father just loves that kimono! It looks beautiful--” BONK! WHACK! "OW, hey!"
Although sometimes, one had to wonder.
The school either didn't notice or paid little attention to the newly formed relationship. Haruhi still got looks from a few of the girls -- and one or two male classmates -- but other than that nothing had been said. Even her clients continued seeing her as if nothing had changed.
Honestly, nothing had.
The twins were still full of drama; it just wasn't always directed at her. It was a wonderful change of pace. Although she still hid in the library from time to time, but now even the twins knew where to find her.
Dinner had been the main topic of their discussions for the past month. Not just any dinner, but something special where the boys could be introduced formally to her father and vice versa. Granted they had only been dating a few months, Hikaru and Kaoru thought it important. Especially for their family. Dinner with her father was merely a formality.
"Just because you don't come from a wealthy family doesn't mean we should stray from our practices,” Kaoru had said.
"We want your father to feel welcome, too," Hikaru chimed in.
Haruhi tried to concentrate on her tasks for the club, but kept thinking about the upcoming introductions. Her father hadn't said much beyond giving her another lecture about the female body and how it should be cherished. Thankfully he didn't know they'd already dove in to the sexual pool.
Granted, nothing had taken place since their trip.
"Haru, you seem distant?"
"What's on your mind?"
"Well...." Without giving away too much, she briefly explained her dinner dilemma. The girls thought it was awesome someone was making her dinner, and went on telling her what they thought of a romantic meal. To her surprise, one girl came forward with her experience of introducing her boyfriend to her parents.
"It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. They were very open minded, and he was a perfect gentleman. Sure, there are a few kinks to work out, but it went over well." She leaned forward and whispered to Haruhi. "But honestly, I wouldn't want to go through it again. It was SO stressful. And I nearly fainted!"
This gave Haruhi a bit of hope. Just remain calm and let it flow, she told herself.
Oh yeah, and don't pass out.
Many of the host members were tired when the last client left. Haruhi and Mori had already begun cleaning up while the twins took care of rearranging the room back to normal. Kyoya gave the announcement that the event had been a great success, and they had gained several new clients.
"That's it," Tamaki said, putting away the costumes. "Until our next event."
"Hooray!"
"See you Monday!"
"Have a great weekend!"
"Good night, Haruhi," the twins said to her.
And as soon as the event had closed, Haruhi headed home to prepare for the next evening's meal.
"Dad, stop. Honestly."
Her father had checked on the pot roast more than she. More because he was close to starving. Working two back to back shifts not only meant less sleep, but less of his daughter's cooking.
"But it smells so good," Ranka whined. "Can't I just have a taste?"
"Not yet," she told him. "I'll make you a sandwich, and then you should take a nap. Hikaru and Kaoru will be here around five."
"Don't worry, I'll be ready," her father said.
"I'm sure you will."
While she continued to prepare, her worries grew. What if dad didn't like them? What if they said something aggravating, or worse, insulting? They promised to be good, but their first visit to her home had gone so badly. Sure, she could ignore them, but her father wouldn't. What a disaster!
'Remember, don't pass out,' she told herself.
She woke up her father half an hour until the boys were set to arrive. He groaned at first, and then mumbled his way to the bathroom where Haruhi had laid out his clothes. He emerged a new man. Literally. Usually dressed in drag, Ranka sported a dress shirt and tie. He looked more like the dad Haruhi remembered from her childhood, especially without the make-up. She kissed him on the cheek as he fidgeted with his tie.
After he dressed, he helped to set the table. He watched Haruhi out of the corner of his eye. She moved around the kitchen in a rush, carefully checking each of the dinner items. The pot roast recipe smelled like a success. The vegetable stir-fry she concocted could practically be tasted from the doorway. And if the lemon lime cake tasted as good as it looked, the meal wouldn't be a total loss.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"I'll get it," her father said.
"No!" Haruhi raced for the door. But it was too late. The door was opening.
And Hikaru and Kaoru were on the other side.
"Good evening, Mr. Fujioka." They bowed in greeting.
"Hello," the older man said carefully.
"Please come in," Haruhi said, pulling her father's hand from the door knob.
"Thank you," they answered in unison.
Kaoru entered first. His hair looked no different than usual, but his blue dress shirt and brown sports jacket made him look older than his years. He looked sharp, and a twinkle in his eye said he knew it.
Hikaru quickly followed. The green silk dress shirt he wore was complimented by a white silk tie. His jeans were dressed up with an expensive pair of Italian shoes. Though he rarely wore them, they were his favorite. He ran a hand through his hair as Haruhi closed the door.
"Dad, you remember Kaoru and Hikaru from the Host Club, right?"
"I do indeed." Ranka bowed slightly. "Welcome."
"We're honored to be here," the twins replied.
Ranka wasted no time getting to the point. "Both of you have intentions for my daughter?"
"Dad...."
"That's right," Hikaru answered.
"Both of us," Kaoru said.
"I see." He motioned towards the modest table all set for their meal. "Please have a seat. We can talk some more." He smiled at Haruhi, the motion a bit forced. "Can you bring in the tea, please?"
"Sure." Haruhi watched as the boys walked past her and into the apartment behind her father. They looked like they were walking to a death sentence. But they said they'd be able to handle her father.
She hoped they were right.
Ranka, Kaoru and Hikaru continued to talk, even after Haruhi had served tea. It was small talk really. Her father was trying to feel them out, no doubt hoping to reveal some plot by the two of them to corrupt his little girl. But they answered every question thoroughly, and without hesitation.
Even when they were asked how much their estate was worth.
Haruhi nearly choked on her tea. "Are you hungry? I can bring out the meal if you'd like."
Three very hungry eyes looked at her and smiled, although she liked to think two pairs were thinking of something other than food. She suppressed a shiver as she stood. She wasn't necessarily focused on food either. Her head fell as she began to blush.
Turning towards the kitchen, she said, "I'll get it now."
"Let me help you," Hikaru offered.
"Me, too," Kaoru chimed in.
"Please, sit," Ranka replied, standing. "I'll help."
The boys sank back down onto the floor. They looked first at each other, then at the table. They were still looking down as Ranka and Haruhi returned with their meal. Haruhi offered them a bright smile. There was no denying they were out of place there, but the fact that they were enduring made her love them more.
"Smells delicious," the boys said, inhaling the tantalizing scent of the food.
"Please, help yourself," Ranka said.
The boys didn't know where to start, until Haruhi handed Kaoru the bowl of stir-fry vegetables. He smiled, thanking her aloud before serving himself. Hikaru copied his brother, taking an extra spoonful in a small effort to outdo his twin. They looked at each other in challenge before tearing into the remaining platters.
All the while, Haruhi noticed her father watching them. Were they what he had expected? Better? Worse? She couldn't read his expression, but he was clearly deep in thought.
And remained that way through the entire meal.
'Say something,' she thought as the twins carried on something akin to their usual banter. Haruhi occasionally interjected, sending the conversation into a different direction. She even tried to get her father to join in, but he remained an observer.
After dessert, and more of the twins candid banter, Haruhi thought for sure her father was going to call this off. She waited for him to ask them anything...even to leave... But all he did was sigh instead. Then shook his head.
"Dad?"
"You deal with this regularly?"
She nodded. "It not that bad."
"And you can tell them apart?"
"Yes." Tonight they'd made their differences pretty obvious in Haruhi's opinion.
"It's just...." Ranka searched for the right words. He didn't want to hurt his daughter, or insult his guests. The twins had silenced themselves, waiting for his response. "Just...not right."
"Not right?" "How so?"
'Oh no.’ Haruhi cringed as the Hitachiins took the defensive.
Kaoru cleared his throat. "We understand that this is a bit untraditional, Mr. Fujioka."
"But we love Haruhi, and we have every intention of pursuing this relationship to its fullest," Hikaru added before sipping his tea.
Ranka stared at both boys. They certainly looked serious. Two pairs of eyes spoke millions of their love for Haruhi. And who was he to argue untraditional? He dressed like a woman 99 percent of the time! It wasn't what he had in mind for his wonderful daughter, but even she seemed determined to see it through.
"Dad?"
"Haruhi, you will finish high school."
She nodded, looking from him to the twins. "Yeah, okay."
"You will attend a university." The twins opened their mouths to speak but he held up a hand to stop them. "Which one is Haruhi's choice, but I insist she pursue a good education."
"Not a problem," Hikaru said. "We intend to pursue college as well."
"And what Haruhi pursues is her choice," Kaoru added. "Whether it's a law degree or running a pensione, we want her to be her own person."
"And as successful as she wishes," Hikaru added with a wink to Haruhi, who blushed. "She will not be forced to do anything she does not wish to do."
"Or be any where or with anyone she does not want to be with."
"There's no doubt we will ask for her hand in marriage," Hikaru said. It was his turn to blush. "But the formality will not take place until we've graduated high school."
"And the wedding would not take place until we've completed college," Kaoru said with a nod, and a light blush of his own. "That is, if Haruhi will still have us by then."
"It's her choice."
Ranka looked at the boys, a bit surprised. "You've...really given this some thought."
"Yes, sir," they replied in unison.
He looked at Haruhi, who was also stunned. "Is that what you want?"
"I haven't thought too far ahead," she said honestly. The twins looked surprised, and she smiled reassuringly. "But I do love them, dad. I want to see where our relationship goes."
Ranka crossed his arms, eyes closing in thought. He nodded several times, and then opened his eyes, looking at the twins.
The boys sat up straight. For the first time, they really saw Haruhi's father. They knew he would do anything for her, defend her to the end. It was the first time all evening his look made them fidget, but they didn't back down.
"We can discuss details later," he said. "And unless things change, I will expect the two of you after graduation." He extended his hand across the table. "Agreed?"
The boys lit up. "Agreed," they replied, shaking his hand in turn.
Haruhi sighed in relief before giving her father a hug. "Thank you," she whispered to him.
"Don't thank me just yet," he answered, kissing her forehead as she pulled away. "Just be happy."
Before long, the twins excused themselves. They needed to go home and begin preparations for their dinner with their parents. And Haruhi looked tired, so they didn't want to impose any longer.
"We'll see you on Monday," Kaoru said, kissing her cheek.
"Take care, and call if you need anything," Hikaru added, kissing her other cheek.
"I will," she assured them. "Good night."
"Good night."
As her father trotted off to get changed for bed, Haruhi washed the dishes, smiling as she did so. Things had been intense, but they had worked out. She was so relieved she couldn't stop smiling.
But it wasn't over yet, her mind reminded her as she went into the bathroom to change for bed.
Her father was onboard, albeit grudgingly. She should've been overjoyed. The first step had been taken.
And next Friday night would be step two.
That only left her feeling more overwhelmed.
Haruhi sighed as she laid down to sleep. "Someone please remind me what I've gotten myself 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.
An Ouran High School Host Club Fanfic
Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess
AUTHOR'S NOTES: A sequel to my story, "A Slanted Line". Thanks to Ezri-chan and everyone who supported it! I hope you'll enjoy this as well. ^_^ WARNING for LEMON content in later chapters. No spoilers that I'm aware of. A Standard Disclaimer follows the chapter.
Chapter 1 - The First Step
"Five o'clock." "Got it."
"Nothing too dressy either. I know it's my father but...."
"We know."
Haruhi Fujioka looked seriously at the Hitachiin twins sitting in front of her. They had changed from their usual school uniforms into their respective Host Club costumes. Shortly they'd all be drowning in clients.
But Haruhi was more concerned about tomorrow's dinner.
She asked, "Are you sure?"
It was the first time the twins would eat a meal with her and her father.
"Are YOU sure?"
The first time she would introduce them as her boyfriends.
"We promised we wouldn't rush it."
There was truth to their words. They hadn't rushed anything more in their growing relationship. In the course of three months, they'd even backed off giving her gifts. And the gifts she did receive were things she could actually use. Like the school uniform she was currently wearing. It was too practical by the boys' standards, but she loved them all the more for it.
They hadn't pushed for future promises, either. It seemed like they would just naturally occur without incident. First, it was dinner with her father. Secondly, she would be introduced to their family in a more formal way.
Then, it would all be official.
"Haruhi?"
She saw the determined look in their eyes. Then she smiled. "I'm sure. Just nervous." She sighed. "Dad's already asked so many questions...."
"We'll handle papa," Kaoru promised.
"You just worry about making that pot roast," Hikaru said.
Haruhi nodded, "Deal."
"Haru! Hurry and change! It's almost time to start."
Hunny's announcement drew her away from the twins and into the character she needed to play as part of the Host Club. She excused herself and quickly moved to change into her costume for their spring event. The outfit was well-tailored as always, and quite neutral -- able to be worn by a member of either sex. Kyoya was very careful of that nowadays, she thought, fastening the last piece and reaching for the door.
In fact, the whole club was being careful.
Everyone seemed none too surprised when they returned from their ski vacation. Hunny and Mori were behind them 100%. Kyoya, as a gift, deleted one hundred thousand yen from her owed expense to the club (though she was certain the twins had paid him off). Even Tamaki had been upbeat, his "fatherly" remarks now being far more fatherly and less...well...like a bad pick up line.
"Haruhi! Father just loves that kimono! It looks beautiful--” BONK! WHACK! "OW, hey!"
Although sometimes, one had to wonder.
The school either didn't notice or paid little attention to the newly formed relationship. Haruhi still got looks from a few of the girls -- and one or two male classmates -- but other than that nothing had been said. Even her clients continued seeing her as if nothing had changed.
Honestly, nothing had.
The twins were still full of drama; it just wasn't always directed at her. It was a wonderful change of pace. Although she still hid in the library from time to time, but now even the twins knew where to find her.
Dinner had been the main topic of their discussions for the past month. Not just any dinner, but something special where the boys could be introduced formally to her father and vice versa. Granted they had only been dating a few months, Hikaru and Kaoru thought it important. Especially for their family. Dinner with her father was merely a formality.
"Just because you don't come from a wealthy family doesn't mean we should stray from our practices,” Kaoru had said.
"We want your father to feel welcome, too," Hikaru chimed in.
Haruhi tried to concentrate on her tasks for the club, but kept thinking about the upcoming introductions. Her father hadn't said much beyond giving her another lecture about the female body and how it should be cherished. Thankfully he didn't know they'd already dove in to the sexual pool.
Granted, nothing had taken place since their trip.
"Haru, you seem distant?"
"What's on your mind?"
"Well...." Without giving away too much, she briefly explained her dinner dilemma. The girls thought it was awesome someone was making her dinner, and went on telling her what they thought of a romantic meal. To her surprise, one girl came forward with her experience of introducing her boyfriend to her parents.
"It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. They were very open minded, and he was a perfect gentleman. Sure, there are a few kinks to work out, but it went over well." She leaned forward and whispered to Haruhi. "But honestly, I wouldn't want to go through it again. It was SO stressful. And I nearly fainted!"
This gave Haruhi a bit of hope. Just remain calm and let it flow, she told herself.
Oh yeah, and don't pass out.
Many of the host members were tired when the last client left. Haruhi and Mori had already begun cleaning up while the twins took care of rearranging the room back to normal. Kyoya gave the announcement that the event had been a great success, and they had gained several new clients.
"That's it," Tamaki said, putting away the costumes. "Until our next event."
"Hooray!"
"See you Monday!"
"Have a great weekend!"
"Good night, Haruhi," the twins said to her.
And as soon as the event had closed, Haruhi headed home to prepare for the next evening's meal.
"Dad, stop. Honestly."
Her father had checked on the pot roast more than she. More because he was close to starving. Working two back to back shifts not only meant less sleep, but less of his daughter's cooking.
"But it smells so good," Ranka whined. "Can't I just have a taste?"
"Not yet," she told him. "I'll make you a sandwich, and then you should take a nap. Hikaru and Kaoru will be here around five."
"Don't worry, I'll be ready," her father said.
"I'm sure you will."
While she continued to prepare, her worries grew. What if dad didn't like them? What if they said something aggravating, or worse, insulting? They promised to be good, but their first visit to her home had gone so badly. Sure, she could ignore them, but her father wouldn't. What a disaster!
'Remember, don't pass out,' she told herself.
She woke up her father half an hour until the boys were set to arrive. He groaned at first, and then mumbled his way to the bathroom where Haruhi had laid out his clothes. He emerged a new man. Literally. Usually dressed in drag, Ranka sported a dress shirt and tie. He looked more like the dad Haruhi remembered from her childhood, especially without the make-up. She kissed him on the cheek as he fidgeted with his tie.
After he dressed, he helped to set the table. He watched Haruhi out of the corner of his eye. She moved around the kitchen in a rush, carefully checking each of the dinner items. The pot roast recipe smelled like a success. The vegetable stir-fry she concocted could practically be tasted from the doorway. And if the lemon lime cake tasted as good as it looked, the meal wouldn't be a total loss.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"I'll get it," her father said.
"No!" Haruhi raced for the door. But it was too late. The door was opening.
And Hikaru and Kaoru were on the other side.
"Good evening, Mr. Fujioka." They bowed in greeting.
"Hello," the older man said carefully.
"Please come in," Haruhi said, pulling her father's hand from the door knob.
"Thank you," they answered in unison.
Kaoru entered first. His hair looked no different than usual, but his blue dress shirt and brown sports jacket made him look older than his years. He looked sharp, and a twinkle in his eye said he knew it.
Hikaru quickly followed. The green silk dress shirt he wore was complimented by a white silk tie. His jeans were dressed up with an expensive pair of Italian shoes. Though he rarely wore them, they were his favorite. He ran a hand through his hair as Haruhi closed the door.
"Dad, you remember Kaoru and Hikaru from the Host Club, right?"
"I do indeed." Ranka bowed slightly. "Welcome."
"We're honored to be here," the twins replied.
Ranka wasted no time getting to the point. "Both of you have intentions for my daughter?"
"Dad...."
"That's right," Hikaru answered.
"Both of us," Kaoru said.
"I see." He motioned towards the modest table all set for their meal. "Please have a seat. We can talk some more." He smiled at Haruhi, the motion a bit forced. "Can you bring in the tea, please?"
"Sure." Haruhi watched as the boys walked past her and into the apartment behind her father. They looked like they were walking to a death sentence. But they said they'd be able to handle her father.
She hoped they were right.
Ranka, Kaoru and Hikaru continued to talk, even after Haruhi had served tea. It was small talk really. Her father was trying to feel them out, no doubt hoping to reveal some plot by the two of them to corrupt his little girl. But they answered every question thoroughly, and without hesitation.
Even when they were asked how much their estate was worth.
Haruhi nearly choked on her tea. "Are you hungry? I can bring out the meal if you'd like."
Three very hungry eyes looked at her and smiled, although she liked to think two pairs were thinking of something other than food. She suppressed a shiver as she stood. She wasn't necessarily focused on food either. Her head fell as she began to blush.
Turning towards the kitchen, she said, "I'll get it now."
"Let me help you," Hikaru offered.
"Me, too," Kaoru chimed in.
"Please, sit," Ranka replied, standing. "I'll help."
The boys sank back down onto the floor. They looked first at each other, then at the table. They were still looking down as Ranka and Haruhi returned with their meal. Haruhi offered them a bright smile. There was no denying they were out of place there, but the fact that they were enduring made her love them more.
"Smells delicious," the boys said, inhaling the tantalizing scent of the food.
"Please, help yourself," Ranka said.
The boys didn't know where to start, until Haruhi handed Kaoru the bowl of stir-fry vegetables. He smiled, thanking her aloud before serving himself. Hikaru copied his brother, taking an extra spoonful in a small effort to outdo his twin. They looked at each other in challenge before tearing into the remaining platters.
All the while, Haruhi noticed her father watching them. Were they what he had expected? Better? Worse? She couldn't read his expression, but he was clearly deep in thought.
And remained that way through the entire meal.
'Say something,' she thought as the twins carried on something akin to their usual banter. Haruhi occasionally interjected, sending the conversation into a different direction. She even tried to get her father to join in, but he remained an observer.
After dessert, and more of the twins candid banter, Haruhi thought for sure her father was going to call this off. She waited for him to ask them anything...even to leave... But all he did was sigh instead. Then shook his head.
"Dad?"
"You deal with this regularly?"
She nodded. "It not that bad."
"And you can tell them apart?"
"Yes." Tonight they'd made their differences pretty obvious in Haruhi's opinion.
"It's just...." Ranka searched for the right words. He didn't want to hurt his daughter, or insult his guests. The twins had silenced themselves, waiting for his response. "Just...not right."
"Not right?" "How so?"
'Oh no.’ Haruhi cringed as the Hitachiins took the defensive.
Kaoru cleared his throat. "We understand that this is a bit untraditional, Mr. Fujioka."
"But we love Haruhi, and we have every intention of pursuing this relationship to its fullest," Hikaru added before sipping his tea.
Ranka stared at both boys. They certainly looked serious. Two pairs of eyes spoke millions of their love for Haruhi. And who was he to argue untraditional? He dressed like a woman 99 percent of the time! It wasn't what he had in mind for his wonderful daughter, but even she seemed determined to see it through.
"Dad?"
"Haruhi, you will finish high school."
She nodded, looking from him to the twins. "Yeah, okay."
"You will attend a university." The twins opened their mouths to speak but he held up a hand to stop them. "Which one is Haruhi's choice, but I insist she pursue a good education."
"Not a problem," Hikaru said. "We intend to pursue college as well."
"And what Haruhi pursues is her choice," Kaoru added. "Whether it's a law degree or running a pensione, we want her to be her own person."
"And as successful as she wishes," Hikaru added with a wink to Haruhi, who blushed. "She will not be forced to do anything she does not wish to do."
"Or be any where or with anyone she does not want to be with."
"There's no doubt we will ask for her hand in marriage," Hikaru said. It was his turn to blush. "But the formality will not take place until we've graduated high school."
"And the wedding would not take place until we've completed college," Kaoru said with a nod, and a light blush of his own. "That is, if Haruhi will still have us by then."
"It's her choice."
Ranka looked at the boys, a bit surprised. "You've...really given this some thought."
"Yes, sir," they replied in unison.
He looked at Haruhi, who was also stunned. "Is that what you want?"
"I haven't thought too far ahead," she said honestly. The twins looked surprised, and she smiled reassuringly. "But I do love them, dad. I want to see where our relationship goes."
Ranka crossed his arms, eyes closing in thought. He nodded several times, and then opened his eyes, looking at the twins.
The boys sat up straight. For the first time, they really saw Haruhi's father. They knew he would do anything for her, defend her to the end. It was the first time all evening his look made them fidget, but they didn't back down.
"We can discuss details later," he said. "And unless things change, I will expect the two of you after graduation." He extended his hand across the table. "Agreed?"
The boys lit up. "Agreed," they replied, shaking his hand in turn.
Haruhi sighed in relief before giving her father a hug. "Thank you," she whispered to him.
"Don't thank me just yet," he answered, kissing her forehead as she pulled away. "Just be happy."
Before long, the twins excused themselves. They needed to go home and begin preparations for their dinner with their parents. And Haruhi looked tired, so they didn't want to impose any longer.
"We'll see you on Monday," Kaoru said, kissing her cheek.
"Take care, and call if you need anything," Hikaru added, kissing her other cheek.
"I will," she assured them. "Good night."
"Good night."
As her father trotted off to get changed for bed, Haruhi washed the dishes, smiling as she did so. Things had been intense, but they had worked out. She was so relieved she couldn't stop smiling.
But it wasn't over yet, her mind reminded her as she went into the bathroom to change for bed.
Her father was onboard, albeit grudgingly. She should've been overjoyed. The first step had been taken.
And next Friday night would be step two.
That only left her feeling more overwhelmed.
Haruhi sighed as she laid down to sleep. "Someone please remind me what I've gotten myself 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.