for savagestime: Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy
for the song drabble meme
I can dim the lights and sing you songs full of sad things
We can do the tango just for two
I can serenade and gently play on your heart strings
Be your valentino just for you
On Monday afternoon Princess Keiko had made a generous donation of table linens and curtains to the Host Club. Her father was the nation's largest importer of fabrics and textiles. As a courtesy to her for her kindness and as a show of the Host Club's continued appreciation of her patronage she was allowed to designate one Host for the entire afternoon. Tamaki wasn't surprised when she had chosen him. She was one of his regulars and the Twins had been teasing him mercilessly that she might drop him for Haruhi at the last minute. Fortunately this didn't come to pass.
The Third Music Room was empty except for the two of them. The rest of the Hosts were entertaining their guests in the gardens outside. Despite the fact that they were outside, he could still hear squeals and laughter. He was glad to hear everyone was having so much fun.
"Ah, Tamaki-sama?"
Tamaki looked up from the tea he was making.
"Yes, Princess?"
She blushed and looked away shyly. A small smile could be seen from a certain angle. She looked very cute when she was smiled that way.
"Princess, your smile is so sweet, I'm not sure the teas and cakes I have to serve today will be able to compete."
"Ta-Tamaki-sama," she stuttered.
Tamaki merely put a finger under her chin, lifting her face up so he could see her eyes.
"Yes, Princess?"
Her blushing grew. The youthful glow and innocence in a young girl's blush was a wonderful sight and Tamaki felt proud that he could produce that kind of reaction.
"I was wondering..."
She tried to look away, but he kept his hand under her chin. His other hand reached out for her hand, holding onto it. Her skin was very soft just like her heart.
"Yes, Princess?"
"...could, could you play the piano for me?"
He was startled by that request. He blinked, honestly surprised. He could see her pale slightly, and then another kind of blush come across her features.
"Ah, Tamaki-sama, I'm sorry," she said quickly, her face easily pulling away this time, "I didn't mean to ask, I -"
Tamaki took her hand and smiled again.
"I would be happy to Princess. I was just surprised, but I would be very happy to get the chance to play for you."
He kept a hold of her hand and brought her over to the piano. He sat her down on the piano bench and then took a seat beside her and began playing. He wasn't sure how long they had been like that, his Hosting duties seemed to be forgotten. There were the occassional words of encouragement from her or question about this piece or that which he gladly answered, but he had forgotten about being a proper Host right then.
In fact he had lost track of time until Kyouya had come back up to lock the room up. The rest of the Club had all ready left for the day and had assumed Tamaki had gone as well. His afternoon duties had ended almost an hour ago according to Kyouya. Tamaki hadn't even noticed that the sun had gone down or that the room had grown so dark.
"Tamaki-sama, I'm sorry for keeping you so long," Princess Keiko said quickly grabbing her bag and offering a small apology to Kyouya before exiting the room.
Tamaki looked at the door Princess Keiko had just exited before turning to Kyouya. He wasn't sure how much trouble he would be in now. He was meant to Host for the entire afternoon, and instead he had let himself get distracted.
"Ah, Kyouya, I'll give Princess Keiko another afternoon on my own time if you like."
Kyouya looked up from his laptop. "Why would you do that?"
"Because I was meant to entertain her for an entire afternoon."
Kyouya stared at Tamaki for a moment, completely dumbfounded.
"Idiot," Kyouya replied finally, before returning his attention to the laptop. Tamaki frowned, still very confused. His attention wasn't on her at all, surely she had to be disappointed. He hated the thought of leaving a Princess feeling ignored. He would talk to her tomorrow between classes. Maybe he could have lunch with her. The thought never occurred to him that she might have been completely entertained while his attention was on the piano.
He looked towards the door one last time before he started playing again from where he left off.
Ooh love - ooh loverboy
What're you doin' tonight, hey boy
Set my alarm, turn on my charm
That's because I'm a good old-fashioned lover boy
Ooh let me feel your heartbeat (Grow faster, faster)
Ooh ooh can you feel my love heat
Come on and sit on my hot-seat of love
And tell me how do you feel right after-all
I'd like for you and I to go romancing
Say the word - your wish is my command
On Tuesday the Host Club had a Cowboy themed event. Tamaki was very excited. They even brought in horses for the event. They were still in the preparations that occurred before any event. Tamaki studied his reflection in the mirror. He enjoyed the way the spurs sounded when he walked. He liked the way the vest fit. What he liked most of all was the cowboy hat he got to wear. The cowboy hat that was just yanked from his head. The cowboy hat that those devilish twins were now tossing back and forth between them. They were in bandits costumes, and Tamaki couldn't help thinking they were completely appropriate.
"Give that back right now, you doppelgangers!"
Tamaki flailed and then dived for the hat, but Kaoru just threw it to Hikaru.
"Don't you know, Tono," Kaoru said forcing Tamaki to turn around to look at him.
"About monkey in the middle?" Hikaru finished, causing Tamaki to turn around again. Just as he did turn around Hikaru threw the hat back to Kaoru. Tamaki tried to leap up to catch it but it went past him into Haruhi's arms. Haruhi looked confused as she stared down at the new object that had floated into her hands.
"See Tono," Hikaru said as he rushed over to one side of Haruhi.
"Haruhi wants to play with us, don't you Haruhi? The twins linked themselves around Haruhi. Tamaki's face turned bright red, his vision turned red, everything turned red.
"Unhand my daughter, you deviants!" Tamaki shouted trying to pry them off of Haruhi. He pulled Kaoru back with all his might. Kaoru flew back and Hikaru went to rescue his brother.
"Haruhi," Tamaki said, taking her face into his hands and examining her face for any signs they might have done any damage to his delicate daughter.
"Sempai."
"Haruhi."
"Please stop forcing yourself on me."
Tamaki stared, and then began flailing again.
"Forcing myself!?!? But those two..."
Tamaki swung around to throw a glare at the twins as he heard their laughter.
"You two..."
Tamaki was cut off by the sound of Kyouya clapping his hands together.
"Tamaki, please calm yourself," Kyouya said. Tamaki was about to protest, but then he continued. "Five minutes until guests arrive."
The Host Club began getting themselves prepared for the guests. Everyone moved into place, and Tamaki felt himself calm as he began thinking about all the Princesses who would grace him with their company today. How fortunate he was that so many fair maidens felt inclined to be entertained by him. The only thing that he was missing was his hat. Where had it gone? The guests would be here any minute and...
Tamaki stopped as he felt something drop on his head. He looked up at Honey-sempai sitting on Mori-sempai's shoulder.
"Thank you," he said.
Honey looked like he was about to say something else, but then the sound of the doors of the Third Music Room opening interrupted. Whatever Honey had to say could be said later. Right now was about the girls. Charm and smiles were turned on as they greeted the princesses.
The music room had been converted into an Old West Saloon, and they even had a horse and carriage to drive the princesses around. It was a set up that Tamaki was hoping they could use again once the Ouran Festival arrived. Tamaki invited some of the princesses out individually for carriage rides, and the other hosts invited some of their Princesses out as well. Overall it was a very good day and Tamaki had gotten a nice hat and boots. He would have to wear them around the Second Mansion. He was sure Antoinette would be excited about the sound of the spurs echoing throughout the house.
Ooh love - ooh loverboy
What're you doin' tonight, hey boy
Write my letter
Feel much better
And use my fancy patter on the telephone
When I'm not with you
I think of you always
(I miss those long hot summer nights)
I miss you
When I'm not with you
Think of me always
Love you - love you
On Wednesday, Haruhi received a letter from a secret admirer. She wouldn't let any of the Hosts see it, although all of them seemed to have an interest in knowing either a) the contents; b) the sender or c)both.
Tamaki found it hard to focus on his guests, which he immediately tried to remedy everytime he found his focus drifting. He couldn't help paying attention to Haruhi as she entertained her guests, wondering if the one she was serving tea to this time was the one who sent the note. Or perhaps it was the one she was assisting with a rather difficult math problem. Or maybe it was the guest Haruhi was asking about her sister.
It was impossible to tell and that was even more frustrating.
"Tamaki-kun?"
Tamaki turned to his princess, an apologetic smile on his face.
"Ah, I'm sorry."
"Are you well?"
"Of course, of course," Tamaki smiled. She had so much concern in her eyes for his well-being right now. He was very lucky that all their guests were so kind and caring. "Actually, maybe I'm not."
"Tamaki-kun!" Princess Natsumi exclaimed, a hand going out to hold his in concern.
"You see, your beauty has completely overwhelmed me. I had to look away before I lost control of all my senses."
"Ta-Ta-Tamaki-kun," Princess Natsumi said in a hushed voice, leaning in closer.
"Princess," Tamaki said, cupping her face.
"But, but what if the others..."
"Shhh," Tamaki said putting a finger to her lips, "there are no others right now. There's no one else in this room that I can see except for you."
And so that disaster was averted. Tamaki made sure not to think about Haruhi or her secret note for the rest of the afternoon.
Tamaki only remembered it later that evening when he was getting ready for bed. What could that note have said? Who could have sent it? He wasn't sure. An idea occurred to him. Maybe what was necessary was to attempt to write a letter himself. That way he might get into the mindset of a secret admirer and figure out who sent it and why. It was a method approach and he was sure it would work.
Tamaki sat down to write a letter. An exercise he thought would only take a few minutes ended up taking far longer than he expected. When he looked at the clock it was nearly midnight. Well past his ten o'clock bedtime. Tamaki stared down at the three or so pages he had written in a confused state of shock. He had written so much yet it seemed a blur to him.
It was all a method approach though, nothing more. He stared at the pages in front of him, daring himself to read them. He finally picked them up and he hesitated for a split second before he took them into one of the rooms with a fireplace and burned them. Fathers writing love notes to their daughters, even in the name of research, that had to be perverted. Anyway, he was sure many girls must get crushes on Haruhi.
It would be best to forget this entire episode.
Hey boy where do you get it from
Hey boy where did you go ?
I learned my passion in the good old
Fashioned school of loverboys
Dining at the Ritz we'll meet at nine precisely
One two three four five six seven eight nine o' clock
I will pay the bill, you taste the wine
Driving back in style, in my saloon will do quite nicely
Just take me back to yours that will be fine (Come on and get it)
Thursday night the Host Club sponsored an evening dance for all their princesses. They were allowed to invite boyfriends and male classmates if they liked, but few did. Most enjoyed socializing with friends and filling up the Hosts dance cards.
Due to the fact that they were holding this dance, there wasn't the usual Host Club activities at three PM. The princesses spent this time getting dresses and preparing themselves for the evening and the hosts did much the same.
That night there was music and food and dancing and a lot of fun. The Hosts had even put together a special surprise for Haruhi. Their guests had contributed too, when they found out about Haruhi's terrible plight.
"Haruhi, Haruhi," Tamaki said, grabbing Haruhi away from one of her guests.
"Sempai, I -"
"Haruhi," Tamaki continued, "Daddy has a surprise for you."
"Sempai, you're not -"
Haruhi was cut off however as Tamaki spun on his heels so he was behind her and placed a hand over her eyes.
"Sempai."
Tamaki pushed Haruhi forward, leading her along, hands still covering her eyes. The room had fallen into a hush, everyone excited to see Haruhi's reaction.
"Sempai, I -"
Haruhi stopped however as Tamaki uncovered her eyes, and sitting in front of her was an entire table filled with -
"Is that ootoro?"
The Hitachiin's and Honey nodded enthusiastically. Mori gave a small silent nod. Kyouya smirked almost imperceptibly. Tamaki however swung around in front of Haruhi, arms swinging, dramaticly posing as was necessary for this momentous occasion. Cameras began flashing as the gathered Princesses tried to capture Haruhi's reaction. Kyouya quickly raised a hand, stepping in front of Haruhi.
"I know you all want to capture this special moment, but rest assured a photobook will be released of tonight's activities. So please refrain from taking any photos."
All the cameras went away contritely, except for Renge-kun, who was wearing a specially designed press pass. It came from an anime she had just received a sneak-peek at, although Tamaki couldn't remember for the life of him what the name of it was. He remembered Haruhi again though, and restarted his preening and posing.
"Yes, this is indeed ootoro! The pleasures of ootoro are finally yours to enjoy and indulge in. Isn't Haruhi happy, isn't Haruhi -"
Tamaki stopped short however, as he felt himself lose his balance and before he knew it he had gone crashing into the table holding the ootoro. The plate went flying into the air and crashing down...right on Haruhi.
Tamaki saw the responsible party, damn banana peels.
He timidly peeked up at Haruhi, but as soon as he did he regretted it instantly. The look she shot him was enough to send him into a corner of woe for the entire evening.
Ooh love, (There he goes again just like a good old-fashioned lover boy)
Ooh loverboy
What're you doin' tonight, hey boy
Everything's all right
Just hold on tight
That's because I'm a good old-fashioned fashioned lover boy
Friday proved to be a relatively calm and quiet day for the Host Club. Tea and instant coffee were served along with cakes. There were no special events. There weren't any cosplays. There was relatively little drama. Haruhi shot Tamaki the occasional glare, still upset about the previous night. Tamaki had attempted to apologize, but everything he said seemed to make matters worse. His Princesses spent most of the afternoon trying to comfort him. He felt grateful once again he had such kind and attentive guests. He was truly fortunate that everyone was so generous. He would be sure to do something extra kind for them next week.
Tamaki got an idea halfway through the afternoon. He knew what he would do to make amends.
As the day ended and the guests piled out, Tamaki dug through his bag, finally producing the box he was looking for.
"Haruhi!"
"What, sempai?"
Tamaki reeled back a little, still scared of the coldness.
"You can have this!"
He hoisted the box of pocky on her and smiled proudly.
"Sempai, it's pocky."
She looked so deadpan and non-receptive. She must not understand.
"Yes! I had to travel specially into the city last weekend to get it. It's a commoner's culinary delight! I thought you might like it."
Haruhi looked as if she was ready to say something, but then she looked down at the box. She looked back up at him with a tired smile.
"Thank you, sempai."
Tamaki beamed and then crushed Haruhi in a hug.
"Haruhi forgives Daddy!"
"I never said that."
"Haruhi, you don't?"
Haruhi stared at him.
"Haruhi, please forgive Daddy."
She still said nothing.
"Haru-"
"Fine. Fine I forgive you!"
Tamaki pulled Haruhi into another hug.
"It's too troublesome to stay mad at you," he heard Haruhi grumble, but he didn't care.
Tamaki released her and happily went about helping to clean up the room. He informed all the other hosts that Haruhi had forgiven him and this news was received with different degrees of indifference. Honey seemed happy for him at least.
As the hour drifted on, all the Hosts left one by one, wishing each other a good weekend in their own ways, until Tamaki was the last one left. He looked around the room, which was so alive with activity mere hours ago. Everything was in it's place and would be ready to go when the week began again. But for now it was time to rest and relax.
Tamaki shut off the lights, locking the door behind him as he left. All ready he couldn't wait for Monday to come again.