Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction ❯ Not So Great Expectations ❯ Reds and Blues ( Chapter 4 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: vampyremiyu 
Haruhi's task is revealed. But is it too late to save her relationship with the twins?
Anime/Manga: Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama / Comedy / Angst | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 04.23.2008 | Updated On: 05.02.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 603 | Status: Completed
Haruhi's task is revealed. But is it too late to save her relationship with the twins?
Anime/Manga: Ouran High School Host Club Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama / Comedy / Angst | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 04.23.2008 | Updated On: 05.02.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 603 | 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. ^_^ No lemon in this chapter, but may appear in later chapters. No spoilers that I'm aware of. A Standard Disclaimer follows the chapter.
Chapter 4 - Reds and Blues
"Something's not right."
"Are you sure?"
Tamaki Suoh had a frightful look on his face. A pitiable, sad look, as he watched Haruhi struggle through the afternoon's events. Thankfully, only one other could see it.
Kyoya Ohtori readjusted his glasses, sighing deeply. The third time in as many minutes. He, too, was watching Haruhi. She was going through the motions almost perfectly. Almost. While she smiled big, and was simply herself, the signs were there. Tired eyes. Pale complexion. Her weary walk.
"Definitely."
"Something is wrong here," Tamaki said seriously. His attention transferred to two other members of the Host Club.
Kyoya could only nod as he looked where Tamaki was observing. The twins fared only a little better, he noted. They were clearly exhausted. But they managed to cover it up with a bit of make up and spinning their usual drama.
"Should we ask," Tamaki wondered aloud.
"Not yet," Kyoya replied.
"Are you sure?" The question came from a new voice. Kyoya and Tamaki looked down to see their fellow club member, Hunny, staring as well. Their oldest member was indeed brilliant, despite his small stature.
"Give it a little longer." That advice from yet another senior member. Mori towered over Hunny, but was fiercely protective. Many assumed it was his duty. Some believed it was something else entirely. But there was one truth, you never found one without the other.
"Okay. But not much longer." Hunny was quick to acquiesce, although his brow furrowed in worry. "Let's get back to work Mori."
The taller man nodded, following Hunny as he moved away.
"Father is deeply concerned for Haruhi," Tamaki said. "The twins are probably working on a fashion project, but Haruhi...."
"Two more days," Kyoya stated. "Then we can interfere."
"Two days." Tamaki sighed, but picked right back up as he approached his customers. Hiding his worry on his face would be easy. Just smile big, he told himself. But his eyes kept wandering over to Haruhi.
The young girl had just finished with a semi-private sitting and was quickly joined by several more customers. She smiled in her natural way, but as the meeting was progressing, she could feel her aches and pains more acutely.
Her visit to Yuzuha Hitachiin two weeks ago had been less stressful than she expected. The woman greeted her with open arms. Treated her to tea and snacks.
"I suppose you're anxious to know the details," she said after a sizeable silence.
Haruhi nodded, sitting her teacup down. "Yes, please."
"All right. It's for an upcoming show of mine. And I think you'd be perfect."
"Oh...all right." Haruhi fidgeted a bit. "What do you want me to do?"
What transpired for two weeks were nightly visits, lasting two or three hours a piece. The work wasn't difficult per se, but she just wasn't grasping all of it. Her feet and legs were hurting as much as her head. Even after she agreed to the task, she didn't realize how arduous the task would be. There was so much to learn, and only a short time to learn it.
Add that to class work and housework, and Haruhi found herself wanting to climb into bed and never wake up.
It wasn't her. The work wasn't something she would consider doing. Ever. Even now she had a hard time wrapping her mind around her actions. It was a simple favor. But there had to be more to it. Especially for her to just accept it. Yet she could not come up with a logical explanation.
Was it really so important to prove something to Momma Hitachiin? If so, what exactly was she proving?
And the twins were sadly absent in her time of need.
She was sure they were busy. On many of her visits they had been elsewhere in house or at their mother's office. They were helping with her project as well. "Such hard workers," Yuzuha said of her sons. Her smile was bright and huge. Haruhi's heart had swelled with pride and was more determined work hard.
But she missed their nearness. Their laughter. Their touch. And gods help her, she missed their bickering.
Yet, she was too unsure about keeping her aide a secret that she tried to avoid them. It was hurting them. She could see it plainly in their faces.
Especially after what happened several days ago.
Kaoru watched Haruhi out of the corner of his eye. He knew his brother was doing the same. She sat across the room, forcing a smile on her face. Their physical distance wasn't nearly as traumatizing as their emotional gap.
And all because of a chance meeting three days ago.
They had been in the work room for hours, skipping dinner in favor of making progress on their new project. Momma had been very detailed in her instructions, but they had a hard time agreeing on anything. From materials to colors. Even the design was a toss up. They'd been at it for almost two weeks and they were losing their patience with their work.
"I still say it should be red."
"Blue is perfect. Especially with this pattern."
And each other.
"Don't think so."
"You have a better idea?"
"Yeah, it should be red," Hikaru stated.
"No," Kaoru replied. "Blue!"
"Ugh...." Hikaru began pacing in his frustration. "Maybe we should take a break."
Kaoru nodded. "Agreed."
DING! DING! DONG!
"Door!"
Hikaru was the first downstairs. Kaoru was barely down the staircase before the door opened. They were both surprised to see Haruhi standing on the other side. She, too, was surprised to see them.
But they were quick to ask, "What are you doing here?"
"She came to see me, boys. Hello, Haruhi!"
A still surprised Haruhi managed to answer, "Uh, yes. Hello."
"This way, dear," Yuzuha said, putting her arm protectively around the young woman. She saw the confusion and hurt in her sons' eyes, but she smiled as she ushered their lover away. "You boys have your own work to do. Busy, busy!"
The boys were left to stare after them, watching them as they disappeared into the garden room. Hikaru closed the door, still staring at the spot where Haruhi had been.
"Was it me, or did Haruhi look scared?"
"That's not like her," Hikaru said, turning to his brother. His hurt was obvious, but his curiosity had been piqued.
"Momma's up to something," Kaoru stated.
Hikaru nodded. "We need to find out what."
"And why."
But even after three days, the boys were still clueless.
And loosing their love in the process.
Two whole weeks without being able to spend time with Haruhi outside of school. Even in school was difficult. She wasn't around during lunch and found another hiding place besides the library. The other Host Club members had searched high and low, but to no avail. It was a doozy of a spot wherever she was.
It was as much their fault as hers, they reasoned. Momma was keeping them all very busy. But why was she avoiding them? Was Momma being so cruel? The boys didn't want to believe it. But this distance was killing them.
"I can't take this anymore, Hikaru," Kaoru stated for the customers.
"Just hold on, Kaoru," his brother replied.
They looked over at Haruhi, and caught her eyes looking back. She looked lost, worried and worst of all, as exhausted as they felt. It was enough to sink their hearts. Even her smile was bland.
They wanted to hold her. To kiss and caress her. To help her. They had to find out what their mother was up to. Their relationship depended on it.
Maybe after their mother's show they'd be able to spend more time together.
'We miss you.' 'We love you.'
Maybe.
The supermarket never ceased to amaze him. The cheaper foods and small selection confused and astounded him. And so many people flocked here.
Tamaki Suoh kept searching the crowd of Friday night shoppers until he saw her. She was inspecting fresh vegetables. And very closely too. The basket she carried already held a plentiful bounty of fruits, meats and other goods. Looked like she was going to make a delicious dinner.
"Haruhi!"
The young woman was surprised to say the least. And unable to argue as Tamaki moved toward her quickly. He grabbed the vegetable from her hand, as well as two more from the stand. Without inspecting them, he placed them in her basket. Then he took the basket from her, holding it effortlessly.
"What are you doing here, Tamaki?"
He smiled at her confused look. "Shopping."
"Shopping?"
"Of course."
She shook her head, smiling. "Liar."
He followed Haruhi as she moved further down the aisle before picking up a tomato. "Okay, okay." He shrugged. "I'm avoiding homework."
Her smile grew. "That...still sounds like bull. But it's more believable."
"What are you going to make," he asked, motioning to the basket he carried. "It's a lot of stuff."
"I'm making a stew that Misuzu sent me a recipe for," she replied. "Should have enough left over for some bentos."
Tamaki opened his mouth then snapped it shut. Haruhi watched him out of the corner of her eye as she picked up a pepper and placed it in the basket. He tried to avoid her eyes, but failed miserably. She held back laughter. He looked like a pouting child. Finally she said:
"I'll make sure there's one for you."
"Really?"
"Really."
He perked up immediately, continuing to follow her around the store. A few other customers whispered about them to each other, smiling and giggling. Haruhi said nothing while Tamaki smiled and nodded in their direction. Maybe the chino pants and Ralph Lauren shirt he wore had been a bad choice.
They left the store after picking up a few more items. Haruhi insisted she pay for the groceries, even though Tamaki offered.
"I'll pay for ice cream then," he suggested.
"All right."
Sitting down outside of an ice cream stand, Haruhi gave Tamaki the once over. He was being himself. Nothing odd there. But she noticed a question in his eyes. His wore his emotions, it was easy to tell. However, she had no idea what the question was. As he sat beside her, ice cream cone in hand, she asked, "What do you want to ask?"
Tamaki frowned. "Why would you ask that?"
"Because you look like you want to know something, but aren't saying it."
He sighed. "That obvious?"
"Yep."
Tamaki ran a hand through his hair. "It's just...you've been so quiet. At school and during club. And you look exhausted, even now," he explained. "I want to make sure everything's all right."
It was Haruhi's turn to sigh. "It's fine. I'm...working with Yuzuha on a project. It keeps me busy, and I feel as if there isn't enough time in a day." She paused, sighing again. Soon, it would all be over. She just hoped her relationship wouldn't end when the task did. Her mouth tried to frown, but there was still hope. "After tomorrow, though, it won't be a problem."
"Yuzuha's fashion show?"
"Yes."
"Oh," Tamaki said, eating his ice cream cone. What could Haruhi possibly be doing for the fashion designer. The woman loved to use her as a model, but Haruhi was hardly skilled for that. Still, it ended a bit of his worry. "Well then, no harm I guess. As long as you get some rest."
"I will," she said with a smile. "Believe me."
But the smile didn't reach her eyes like it usually did. Tamaki wondered if she was telling the whole truth. "The twins should be happy. They've been helping their mom out, too."
"Yeah." The frown finally appeared.
"Do they know you're helping?"
"Yes, but...." Haruhi wasn't sure how much more she could divulge. "They're doing something different then I am. I think she has them designing something for the show."
"But once it's over the three of you can spend all the time in the world together."
"True. I...just want it all to be over."
"Is it...that bad?"
"No."
Yet Haruhi wasn't convinced. What if the twins wouldn't talk to her after the show. What if they were so angry they never spoke to her again. The young woman immediately felt defeated. She didn't even know why their mother had asked this favor of her. It no longer seemed a small price to pay. It felt much larger.
"I see." Tamaki realized Haruhi was pulling away from him, deep in thought. As he finished his ice cream, he said, "If you're ready, I'll walk you home."
Haruhi blinked and smiled again. This time, the smile did reach her eyes and Tamaki smiled back. "Sure."
They walked back to the apartment, making small talk along the way. Well, Tamaki did most of the talking. Haruhi lost herself in the conversation because she didn't want to think past tomorrow. It was something she'd have to deal with when it happened. No sense in worrying now, she told herself.
But when she wished Tamaki good night and closed the apartment door behind her, all she could was worry. She didn't want to lose the twins, and feared the worst.
'When did you start being so worrisome,' she asked herself. 'Everything will go well. You'll see.'
"I hope so," she muttered aloud, unloading the groceries and preparing for the stew her father was to eat while she was away. And she still had to pack. Haruhi organized it all in her mind as she cooked, giving her troubles little thought.
And as she lay down to sleep, she thought of the twins, happily laughing and smiling.
'I love you,' she thought as she drifted into darkness.
Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin paced back and forth as the models around them finished getting ready for the big show. Their mother was running around shouting orders and barking at the models to line up.
They wanted Haruhi to come with them. To see the big show, but she’s had other plans. It was a bummer, but after tonight was over, they knew they could see her anytime they wanted. It was a small price to pay, they told themselves.
Yuzuha sighed as she leaned on her sons, one arm around each one. “I think it’s all ready. You boys should head on out a while. Your friends are waiting.”
“Are you sure everything’s good to go.” Hikaru asked.
“As ready as it can be. Travis! Not that one, the other one. Who’s in charge of the lighting? And why isn’t the music playing?” She sighed again, releasing her boys. “I’ll be out shortly.”
“Okay,” Kaoru replied.
They watched as she moved away. She stopped briefly at a dressing room and knocked loudly. There was a muttered reply before she moved on to talk to the tech crew.
As the boys approached their seat, they noticed their friends all sitting in a row behind them. Tamaki was buzzing with excitement, practically bouncing in his seat. Kyoya sat stoic, but observant. Hunny was talking to someone in the row behind them. And Mori was quiet, as always.
The lights flickered, signaling for everyone to take their seats. The twins hurried towards theirs, greeting several other designers before they sat. There were many business owners and designers in the audience. Their mother was ever popular. It made them proud that one of their own creations would be highlighted in this show.
They just wished they could share it with Haruhi.
Yuzuha smiled at them as she took her seat. She saw the look of disappointment in their eyes and wondered if they’d be happy with her surprise. Her eyes concentrated on the platform as the music soared and the models began their walk down the runway.
The evening wear was first. Beautiful gowns and suits came down the runway before disappearing back stage. That was followed by sportswear, featuring new fall looks and a darker color palette than Yuzuha was generally known for. And last but not least was the summer swimwear. Bikinis in bright pastels and bold prints strutted down the runway.
But one in particular caught the attention of everyone. A completely mismatched suit combining reds and blues.
And the person wearing it, was no ordinary model.
“Oh wow,” Hunny said.
“Father is so happy!”
“Seems impossible,” Kyoya speculated.
"Tell me...." "That's not...."
But it was.
Haruhi was strutting down the runway.
And in a two piece bathing suit.
~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. ^_^ No lemon in this chapter, but may appear in later chapters. No spoilers that I'm aware of. A Standard Disclaimer follows the chapter.
Chapter 4 - Reds and Blues
"Something's not right."
"Are you sure?"
Tamaki Suoh had a frightful look on his face. A pitiable, sad look, as he watched Haruhi struggle through the afternoon's events. Thankfully, only one other could see it.
Kyoya Ohtori readjusted his glasses, sighing deeply. The third time in as many minutes. He, too, was watching Haruhi. She was going through the motions almost perfectly. Almost. While she smiled big, and was simply herself, the signs were there. Tired eyes. Pale complexion. Her weary walk.
"Definitely."
"Something is wrong here," Tamaki said seriously. His attention transferred to two other members of the Host Club.
Kyoya could only nod as he looked where Tamaki was observing. The twins fared only a little better, he noted. They were clearly exhausted. But they managed to cover it up with a bit of make up and spinning their usual drama.
"Should we ask," Tamaki wondered aloud.
"Not yet," Kyoya replied.
"Are you sure?" The question came from a new voice. Kyoya and Tamaki looked down to see their fellow club member, Hunny, staring as well. Their oldest member was indeed brilliant, despite his small stature.
"Give it a little longer." That advice from yet another senior member. Mori towered over Hunny, but was fiercely protective. Many assumed it was his duty. Some believed it was something else entirely. But there was one truth, you never found one without the other.
"Okay. But not much longer." Hunny was quick to acquiesce, although his brow furrowed in worry. "Let's get back to work Mori."
The taller man nodded, following Hunny as he moved away.
"Father is deeply concerned for Haruhi," Tamaki said. "The twins are probably working on a fashion project, but Haruhi...."
"Two more days," Kyoya stated. "Then we can interfere."
"Two days." Tamaki sighed, but picked right back up as he approached his customers. Hiding his worry on his face would be easy. Just smile big, he told himself. But his eyes kept wandering over to Haruhi.
The young girl had just finished with a semi-private sitting and was quickly joined by several more customers. She smiled in her natural way, but as the meeting was progressing, she could feel her aches and pains more acutely.
Her visit to Yuzuha Hitachiin two weeks ago had been less stressful than she expected. The woman greeted her with open arms. Treated her to tea and snacks.
"I suppose you're anxious to know the details," she said after a sizeable silence.
Haruhi nodded, sitting her teacup down. "Yes, please."
"All right. It's for an upcoming show of mine. And I think you'd be perfect."
"Oh...all right." Haruhi fidgeted a bit. "What do you want me to do?"
What transpired for two weeks were nightly visits, lasting two or three hours a piece. The work wasn't difficult per se, but she just wasn't grasping all of it. Her feet and legs were hurting as much as her head. Even after she agreed to the task, she didn't realize how arduous the task would be. There was so much to learn, and only a short time to learn it.
Add that to class work and housework, and Haruhi found herself wanting to climb into bed and never wake up.
It wasn't her. The work wasn't something she would consider doing. Ever. Even now she had a hard time wrapping her mind around her actions. It was a simple favor. But there had to be more to it. Especially for her to just accept it. Yet she could not come up with a logical explanation.
Was it really so important to prove something to Momma Hitachiin? If so, what exactly was she proving?
And the twins were sadly absent in her time of need.
She was sure they were busy. On many of her visits they had been elsewhere in house or at their mother's office. They were helping with her project as well. "Such hard workers," Yuzuha said of her sons. Her smile was bright and huge. Haruhi's heart had swelled with pride and was more determined work hard.
But she missed their nearness. Their laughter. Their touch. And gods help her, she missed their bickering.
Yet, she was too unsure about keeping her aide a secret that she tried to avoid them. It was hurting them. She could see it plainly in their faces.
Especially after what happened several days ago.
Kaoru watched Haruhi out of the corner of his eye. He knew his brother was doing the same. She sat across the room, forcing a smile on her face. Their physical distance wasn't nearly as traumatizing as their emotional gap.
And all because of a chance meeting three days ago.
They had been in the work room for hours, skipping dinner in favor of making progress on their new project. Momma had been very detailed in her instructions, but they had a hard time agreeing on anything. From materials to colors. Even the design was a toss up. They'd been at it for almost two weeks and they were losing their patience with their work.
"I still say it should be red."
"Blue is perfect. Especially with this pattern."
And each other.
"Don't think so."
"You have a better idea?"
"Yeah, it should be red," Hikaru stated.
"No," Kaoru replied. "Blue!"
"Ugh...." Hikaru began pacing in his frustration. "Maybe we should take a break."
Kaoru nodded. "Agreed."
DING! DING! DONG!
"Door!"
Hikaru was the first downstairs. Kaoru was barely down the staircase before the door opened. They were both surprised to see Haruhi standing on the other side. She, too, was surprised to see them.
But they were quick to ask, "What are you doing here?"
"She came to see me, boys. Hello, Haruhi!"
A still surprised Haruhi managed to answer, "Uh, yes. Hello."
"This way, dear," Yuzuha said, putting her arm protectively around the young woman. She saw the confusion and hurt in her sons' eyes, but she smiled as she ushered their lover away. "You boys have your own work to do. Busy, busy!"
The boys were left to stare after them, watching them as they disappeared into the garden room. Hikaru closed the door, still staring at the spot where Haruhi had been.
"Was it me, or did Haruhi look scared?"
"That's not like her," Hikaru said, turning to his brother. His hurt was obvious, but his curiosity had been piqued.
"Momma's up to something," Kaoru stated.
Hikaru nodded. "We need to find out what."
"And why."
But even after three days, the boys were still clueless.
And loosing their love in the process.
Two whole weeks without being able to spend time with Haruhi outside of school. Even in school was difficult. She wasn't around during lunch and found another hiding place besides the library. The other Host Club members had searched high and low, but to no avail. It was a doozy of a spot wherever she was.
It was as much their fault as hers, they reasoned. Momma was keeping them all very busy. But why was she avoiding them? Was Momma being so cruel? The boys didn't want to believe it. But this distance was killing them.
"I can't take this anymore, Hikaru," Kaoru stated for the customers.
"Just hold on, Kaoru," his brother replied.
They looked over at Haruhi, and caught her eyes looking back. She looked lost, worried and worst of all, as exhausted as they felt. It was enough to sink their hearts. Even her smile was bland.
They wanted to hold her. To kiss and caress her. To help her. They had to find out what their mother was up to. Their relationship depended on it.
Maybe after their mother's show they'd be able to spend more time together.
'We miss you.' 'We love you.'
Maybe.
The supermarket never ceased to amaze him. The cheaper foods and small selection confused and astounded him. And so many people flocked here.
Tamaki Suoh kept searching the crowd of Friday night shoppers until he saw her. She was inspecting fresh vegetables. And very closely too. The basket she carried already held a plentiful bounty of fruits, meats and other goods. Looked like she was going to make a delicious dinner.
"Haruhi!"
The young woman was surprised to say the least. And unable to argue as Tamaki moved toward her quickly. He grabbed the vegetable from her hand, as well as two more from the stand. Without inspecting them, he placed them in her basket. Then he took the basket from her, holding it effortlessly.
"What are you doing here, Tamaki?"
He smiled at her confused look. "Shopping."
"Shopping?"
"Of course."
She shook her head, smiling. "Liar."
He followed Haruhi as she moved further down the aisle before picking up a tomato. "Okay, okay." He shrugged. "I'm avoiding homework."
Her smile grew. "That...still sounds like bull. But it's more believable."
"What are you going to make," he asked, motioning to the basket he carried. "It's a lot of stuff."
"I'm making a stew that Misuzu sent me a recipe for," she replied. "Should have enough left over for some bentos."
Tamaki opened his mouth then snapped it shut. Haruhi watched him out of the corner of her eye as she picked up a pepper and placed it in the basket. He tried to avoid her eyes, but failed miserably. She held back laughter. He looked like a pouting child. Finally she said:
"I'll make sure there's one for you."
"Really?"
"Really."
He perked up immediately, continuing to follow her around the store. A few other customers whispered about them to each other, smiling and giggling. Haruhi said nothing while Tamaki smiled and nodded in their direction. Maybe the chino pants and Ralph Lauren shirt he wore had been a bad choice.
They left the store after picking up a few more items. Haruhi insisted she pay for the groceries, even though Tamaki offered.
"I'll pay for ice cream then," he suggested.
"All right."
Sitting down outside of an ice cream stand, Haruhi gave Tamaki the once over. He was being himself. Nothing odd there. But she noticed a question in his eyes. His wore his emotions, it was easy to tell. However, she had no idea what the question was. As he sat beside her, ice cream cone in hand, she asked, "What do you want to ask?"
Tamaki frowned. "Why would you ask that?"
"Because you look like you want to know something, but aren't saying it."
He sighed. "That obvious?"
"Yep."
Tamaki ran a hand through his hair. "It's just...you've been so quiet. At school and during club. And you look exhausted, even now," he explained. "I want to make sure everything's all right."
It was Haruhi's turn to sigh. "It's fine. I'm...working with Yuzuha on a project. It keeps me busy, and I feel as if there isn't enough time in a day." She paused, sighing again. Soon, it would all be over. She just hoped her relationship wouldn't end when the task did. Her mouth tried to frown, but there was still hope. "After tomorrow, though, it won't be a problem."
"Yuzuha's fashion show?"
"Yes."
"Oh," Tamaki said, eating his ice cream cone. What could Haruhi possibly be doing for the fashion designer. The woman loved to use her as a model, but Haruhi was hardly skilled for that. Still, it ended a bit of his worry. "Well then, no harm I guess. As long as you get some rest."
"I will," she said with a smile. "Believe me."
But the smile didn't reach her eyes like it usually did. Tamaki wondered if she was telling the whole truth. "The twins should be happy. They've been helping their mom out, too."
"Yeah." The frown finally appeared.
"Do they know you're helping?"
"Yes, but...." Haruhi wasn't sure how much more she could divulge. "They're doing something different then I am. I think she has them designing something for the show."
"But once it's over the three of you can spend all the time in the world together."
"True. I...just want it all to be over."
"Is it...that bad?"
"No."
Yet Haruhi wasn't convinced. What if the twins wouldn't talk to her after the show. What if they were so angry they never spoke to her again. The young woman immediately felt defeated. She didn't even know why their mother had asked this favor of her. It no longer seemed a small price to pay. It felt much larger.
"I see." Tamaki realized Haruhi was pulling away from him, deep in thought. As he finished his ice cream, he said, "If you're ready, I'll walk you home."
Haruhi blinked and smiled again. This time, the smile did reach her eyes and Tamaki smiled back. "Sure."
They walked back to the apartment, making small talk along the way. Well, Tamaki did most of the talking. Haruhi lost herself in the conversation because she didn't want to think past tomorrow. It was something she'd have to deal with when it happened. No sense in worrying now, she told herself.
But when she wished Tamaki good night and closed the apartment door behind her, all she could was worry. She didn't want to lose the twins, and feared the worst.
'When did you start being so worrisome,' she asked herself. 'Everything will go well. You'll see.'
"I hope so," she muttered aloud, unloading the groceries and preparing for the stew her father was to eat while she was away. And she still had to pack. Haruhi organized it all in her mind as she cooked, giving her troubles little thought.
And as she lay down to sleep, she thought of the twins, happily laughing and smiling.
'I love you,' she thought as she drifted into darkness.
Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin paced back and forth as the models around them finished getting ready for the big show. Their mother was running around shouting orders and barking at the models to line up.
They wanted Haruhi to come with them. To see the big show, but she’s had other plans. It was a bummer, but after tonight was over, they knew they could see her anytime they wanted. It was a small price to pay, they told themselves.
Yuzuha sighed as she leaned on her sons, one arm around each one. “I think it’s all ready. You boys should head on out a while. Your friends are waiting.”
“Are you sure everything’s good to go.” Hikaru asked.
“As ready as it can be. Travis! Not that one, the other one. Who’s in charge of the lighting? And why isn’t the music playing?” She sighed again, releasing her boys. “I’ll be out shortly.”
“Okay,” Kaoru replied.
They watched as she moved away. She stopped briefly at a dressing room and knocked loudly. There was a muttered reply before she moved on to talk to the tech crew.
As the boys approached their seat, they noticed their friends all sitting in a row behind them. Tamaki was buzzing with excitement, practically bouncing in his seat. Kyoya sat stoic, but observant. Hunny was talking to someone in the row behind them. And Mori was quiet, as always.
The lights flickered, signaling for everyone to take their seats. The twins hurried towards theirs, greeting several other designers before they sat. There were many business owners and designers in the audience. Their mother was ever popular. It made them proud that one of their own creations would be highlighted in this show.
They just wished they could share it with Haruhi.
Yuzuha smiled at them as she took her seat. She saw the look of disappointment in their eyes and wondered if they’d be happy with her surprise. Her eyes concentrated on the platform as the music soared and the models began their walk down the runway.
The evening wear was first. Beautiful gowns and suits came down the runway before disappearing back stage. That was followed by sportswear, featuring new fall looks and a darker color palette than Yuzuha was generally known for. And last but not least was the summer swimwear. Bikinis in bright pastels and bold prints strutted down the runway.
But one in particular caught the attention of everyone. A completely mismatched suit combining reds and blues.
And the person wearing it, was no ordinary model.
“Oh wow,” Hunny said.
“Father is so happy!”
“Seems impossible,” Kyoya speculated.
"Tell me...." "That's not...."
But it was.
Haruhi was strutting down the runway.
And in a two piece bathing suit.
~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.