Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction ❯ Not So Great Expectations ❯ Another Friday Night ( Chapter 2 )

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

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. The barest hint of LIME in this chapter. No spoilers that I'm aware of. A Standard Disclaimer follows the chapter.


Chapter 2 - Another Friday Night


The lights were bright on the vast estate. Cars lined the driveway, shining black and silver. The large number of vehicles and people coming and going made it seem like the event of the season. Perhaps it was.

But it was just another Friday night at the Hitachiin family mansion

A lone white limo drove up the driveway to the main house. It moved slowly behind several other vehicles, until it pulled up to the main entrance of the house. Two gentlemen immediately stepped up to open the door. A third came forward, offering a hand in aid to the person inside.

Haruhi Fujioka couldn't help but be in awe as she stepped from the limo. The glamorous sight of the mansion never ceased to amaze her, despite the many times she'd seen it. But tonight seemed to be different.

It was different.

Before the night was over, she'd be formally introduced as the girlfriend of Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin.

She may even call this place home. Eventually.

"Miss, the young masters are waiting for you."

"Thank you."

"This way, please."

Haruhi tried to keep her palms from getting sweaty. This day had been coming for three month. The twins mentioned it often. She'd met their parents before, and they seemed more than happy with her -- mostly for her effect on the boys.

"They're finally growing up," their mother had once said. "I'm so glad. Aren't you dear?"

"Yes," their father said. "Very much."

But she had not spoken with either of them since the trip to the mountains. And knowing that this meeting was much more formal only set her on edge. The people at this party were the highest of the upper class. The so called best of the best. Her first was impression was crucial.

"You'll do fine, Haru! We'll help you."

The Host Club had been gracious enough to go over every bit of etiquette that she would need: from the proper silverware, to the proper glass, to the proper greetings, to dancing lessons. It was a lot to take in. Trying to remember it all, even now, only added to the stress.

"Relax," Tamaki had said. "The Hitachiin's already love you. Remember that."

"And the twins won't care what others say anyway," Kyoya advised. "Just be yourself, and everything will be fine."

Walking into the grand foyer, Haruhi briefly closed her eyes and sighed. This was it. The moment of truth. She only wished she could relax more. Her body was so tense, nearly shaking.

"Good evening, Haruhi!" "You finally made it."

Her heart nearly stopped as she saw Kaoru and Hikaru coming towards her. There was nothing obvious about their differences tonight, she noted. While they had gone easy on her father a week ago, they were dressed in matching tuxedos tonight; black satin and crisp white cotton that suited their forms perfectly. Even their cummerbunds were the same brilliant blue color. One would have a tough time telling them apart.
And their smiles showed it.

"Hello," she said, reaching out for them. They bowed in unison, each kissing one of her gloved hands. Then she embraced them in turn, first Kaoru, and then Hikaru. "You both look amazing."

"So do you," Hikaru said, his hungry eyes raking her form.

"We knew that dress was perfect for you," Kaoru stated with a smile.

Haruhi blushed. The twins had designed the dress she wore this evening. Blue satin and chiffon that matched the color of their cummerbunds. The top was short sleeved, the neckline gracefully dipping not to low in the front. The material hugged her top half, accentuating tiny curves while the skirt jumped out from the waist and bobbed in the air all the way to her knees. Her hair had not been styled any differently from any other day, but she wore one piece of jewelry: a necklace with three tiny stones -- one black onyx for each of the boys, and a diamond in the center, for her.

"The party's getting underway," Kaoru stated, nodding towards the double doors to his left.

"But," Hikaru added, "We could wait to make an entrance."

At that, both boys closed in on her. It was overwhelming, as usual, but she welcomed it -- and their advances. Two sets of arms wrapped around her. Steadying her. Calming her. She kissed Hikaru first, feeling Kaoru nuzzling her neck. But the roles were quickly changed, all of them greedy to have an intimate moment.

"Our room's right upstairs," Hikaru muttered in her ear.

"What do you think," Kaoru whispered against her lips.

She appreciated their attempt to relieve her nervousness. And was rather disappointed in herself for not accepting their offer. But it was best to get this over with, she reasoned. Whatever happened afterwards would be more than welcomed.

Her stomach rumbled in agreement.

"I think we should head into dinner," she said with an embarrassed smile.

The boys straightened quickly, each offering her an arm. Disappointment was obvious in their smiles, but their eyes gleamed with seriousness. The moment would be so much sweeter once the introductions were over.

"Then shall we?"

"Yes."

The doors seemed to open of their own accord and the threesome entered the grand ballroom. It was a large room, specially decorated for the party. Large chandeliers lit every corner of the ballroom. Music flowed through the air like a breeze. Rounded tables had been set up for the feast, while the buffet itself seemed to stretch from one end of the room to the other.

And the people...so many people!

"We'll be sitting at the head table over there," Hikaru whispered.

"Mom and dad are already there," Kaoru said. "Let's go."

"Okay."

Out of the corner of her eye, Haruhi caught sight of Kyoya and his father. The young man simply nodded in her direction, offering a small smile before returning to the conversation before him.

Mori and Hunny were easy to spot as well. As always, Hunny munched on a snack as Mori watched over him. The two were accompanied by their brothers and two older gentlemen she assumed were their fathers. As the younger boys spotted her with the twins, they made a comment to their older brother. Mori looked up and smiled. Hunny waved happily before retrieving another snack from the table.

Tamaki rounded out the group. He was among a throng of young women, chatting away. Would he never stop? But he smiled at the threesome as they walked by, making a grand sweeping motion with his arms that made the girls "oooh" and "ahhh".

Haruhi found it in her to smile and relax. The twins were close by and the Host Club was there to support her. Even as they approached the main table, she was able to be genuinely happy.

"Mother." "Father."

Until the introductions were made.

"We'd like to introduce Haruhi Fujioka," Kaoru said.

"Our girlfriend," Hikaru said.

Her voice was slightly shaky as she said, "Hello. A pleasure to meet you."

Several friends and relatives offered happy, if not surprised greetings. A few questions were tossed out and answers given, by the boys of course. But once things quieted a bit Yuzuha Hitachiin stepped forward to give her greeting. It wasn't surprised in the least.

But it wasn't the happy greeting Haruhi had expected either.

"Good evening, Fujioka-san," she said. Her eyes were as piercing as ever. Even her smile seemed...cold. Was she just playing a role?

"Good evening," Haruhi replied, grasping the boys’ arms tighter to keep herself steady.

"It's good to see you again, Fujioka-san," the boys' father said. "Shall we begin the meal, dear?"

"Of course," their mother replied. With a clap of her hands, the music stopped and all conversation came to a halt. "Let's eat!"

Over a dozen servants lined up behind the buffet table as the guests began gathering their plates. The head table was first in line, followed by the two closest to them.

As Haruhi walked the buffet, she was amazed to see the different foods being showcased. Everything from traditional Japanese fare to European delicacies. She chose those foods she was familiar with, picking only a few foods she had no clue what they were -- at the twins' urging, of course.

And when she sat down at the table, she noticed that the twins had gotten nearly double the amount of food she did.

"Not hungry, Haruhi?"

"Well, yes, but...."

"We can share."

"All...all right."

"Here, try this first," Kaoru said.

"It tastes like giant tuna," Hikaru commented.

The meal was delicious and the conversation lighthearted. There were many questions tossed about, particularly about Yuzuha's new clothing line. The boys were happy to chime in when necessary, but there was one question they couldn't answer.

"Haruhi, do you plan to model any of the clothing?"

"I think she would look simply gorgeous in evening wear."

"I...ah...." She attempted to swallow her food and think of an answer simultaneously. How should she answer? What should she say?

"Haruhi hasn't done any modeling to date," Yuzuha replied, her smile more genuine and less cold than before. The younger woman was grateful. "She's very intellectual, and would best suit the business in other area." Her expression suddenly became devious. "Although, I'd love to have her model some day."

"Thank you," was all the girl could say. She was too stunned, confused, to say anything else.

It didn't help that the boys seconded the idea. They always did want to see her model. It wasn't as if the job was beneath her. She simply was more of a robot than most models, and uncoordinated.

Taking a sip of her water, Haruhi managed a small smile for everyone. She only hoped they didn't see her shaking as she did so. Especially Yuzuha, who was watching her like a hawk.

Dinner moved into dancing. And while she was uncomfortable, even on the dance floor, Haruhi was glad to spend time with each of the boys. Kaoru had asked her to dance first and was comforted by his warm embrace as the music took them away.

When Hikaru cut in, Haruhi was lost in the moment. Gone were her insecurities, her nervousness. Here she was just a young woman, spending time with those she loved. She enjoyed their presence, their love. And it showed. The boys had never seen her glow the way she did on the dance floor. It was like looking at a different person.

And they were happy she sparkled so, even as their mother pulled her away from them.

"Bring her back soon." "Or we'll come looking for you!"

Yuzuha chuckled, waving off her sons' concerns. "Don't worry! Haruhi's in good hands, ne?"

"Yes, of course."

She led Haruhi through a pair of open French doors and onto a balcony. The night air was chilly, but the sky was clear. Lights from the house helped illuminate a garden down below.

"Please, sit."

Haruhi did so with care, not wanting to ruin the dress. On one hand she was relieved. Speaking to their mother alone was something was accustomed to. However, the subject matter wasn't her latest fashion line or next runway show. Still she was more at ease, comfortable, and ready to answer any question she had.

"Which do you love more?"

"Excuse me?"

Yuzuha grasped Haruhi's hand as she sat next to her. Her smile was weak, but the first genuine smile she'd seen directed at her all night. "I want you to know that I'm very happy you're in my sons' life," momma Hitachiin said. "And you are welcome in this family, please don't doubt that."

Haruhi nodded. "Okay."

"But...."

Haruhi regarded her sad expression and became suddenly worried. This was a side she'd never seen before. "But?"

"I'm afraid," Yuzuha said. "That there will come a day when you have to choose between them. And I just don't want any of you to get hurt."

"Choose?"

"That is what's expected."

Haruhi was truly confused. "By whom?"

"By society, of course."

Haruhi suddenly felt out of place and disconnected. Just who was the woman she was talking to? Certainly NOT the one she had learned to love.

"I don't plan to choose between your sons," she stated confidently.

Yuzuha replied, “It's never been done before."

"There's a first time for everything," Haruhi replied astutely.

She shook her head. "This will be greatly frowned upon."

"I don't care. And neither do Hikaru or Kaoru." Haruhi sounded more confident than she felt with that statement.

"Really?" Momma Hitachiin was skeptical. "You mean that?"

Haruhi nodded. "Yes." But she wasn't so sure.

"I see." Yuzuha seemed deep in thought for a moment. Did she really disbelieve in Haruhi's feelings for her sons? Was she overreacting, or just trying to protect them?

Of course she'd try to protect them, Haruhi reasoned. She did say she didn't want any of them to get hurt.

"If that is indeed how you feel," she told Haruhi. I'd appreciate it if you would do something for me."

"Oh?" Haruhi blinked. Was that all? "Of...of course. What would you like me to do?"

"We'll discuss it later," momma Hitachiin replied. "Let's rejoin the party, shall we?"

Putting her arm around Haruhi, she stood from the bench. And as they stepped toward the French doors, the twins were coming towards them. Haruhi was so relieved, she nearly sighed aloud.

"Mother!" "Haruhi!"

Yuzuha waved happily to them as they escorted Haruhi away. And once they were out of sight in the crowd, she smiled to herself. She had every confidence that her sons had chosen wisely. Knew they would go far for her.

"But how far will you go them, Miss Fujioka?"

Momma was determined to find out.


~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.