Took Long Enough
Ouran High School Host Club chp. 5 or "AEOFW"
Kyoya/Haruhi
Clearly, the world was determined to make her as miserable as possible that day. She groaned quietly.
"Haru-chan!" Hunny rushed over to her. "Are you okay?"
He looked so concerned that it seemed a very little bit of her burden was lifted. "Ahh... yes, Hunny-sempai. I'm okay. It's just been a rather long day and I'm really in no mood for any of this..." She surveyed the third music room with an expression of clear disdain. "Silliness."
Tamaki flew into a whirlwind of condolence and coercion. "Oh my darling daughter! Let your dearest family make it all better! We shall lift your spirits high, high, high. You must join us in our fantasy of - "
"No." Though she spoke bluntly, her refusal was as sharp as a razor's edge. "I will NOT take part in your ridiculous schemes today."
Tamaki's lip quivered pathetically, and he looked to Kyoya for help.
"Well Haruhi," the two Hitachiins said slyly, gliding up to her like a pair of cats about to catch their mouse, "if you don't play with us now, Kyoya-sempai will have to charge you. We did already rent your costume, after all."
While normally Tamaki would have rejoiced at any opportunity to spend time with Haruhi, the look of utter dejection and defeat she wore due to the twins' underhanded ploy struck a chord in his large, sentimental heart. "Wait!" he bellowed loudly, commanding the attention of the entire host club. "My dearest daughter shouldn't be subjected to such treatment; she's our princess!" He threw his arms around Haruhi and said, "If you do not wish to - "
"Tamaki-sempai, please get off me." Her eyes narrowed. "Now."
She stepped out of his suddenly slack embrace. "...to participate..." He sniffled and whimpered rather pathetically, his arms like noodles at his sides.
"Does this mean you will make up the money we lose?" Kyoya asked his friend. "Our customers are fond of Haruhi, and they may be disappointed if their favorite host is not here. If disappointment means less spending..." He looked over at Haruhi, a rather wicked smile playing at his lips. She squirmed uncomfortably.
"Of course I shall help my most wonderful, beautiful, marvelous daughter! Send the charge to me, Kyoya - add nothing to Haruhi's debt." She looked positively jubiliant until he added, "If she'll do me one small favor."
Haruhi groaned. "What?"
He smiled nervously. "Allow me to enjoy another lovely commoner's dinner at your quaint home."
"Us, too! Us, too!" the twins said eagerly.
"Yah!" Hunny said, leaping up merrily. "Dinner at Haru-chan's!"
The host club was all in an excited uproar, ignoring Haruhi's feeble protests. Kyoya smirked and walked up to her. "Looks like you're stuck," he said quietly, placing his hand on the small of her back for a moment as he passed by. "Expect us tomorrow." He smiled enigmatically and walked off.
Somehow, Haruhi could already sense that the following evening would be a complete disaster.
***
-written 25 July 2007
-ILB
***