"Green tea, check... Three bowls of rice, check... Grilled fish, check... Some natto for the rice. Fried eggs... I think that's about it." I mumbled out, being satisfied with my piece of art.
I worked hard to make everything perfect. I even cleaned the house from top to bottom!
I grinned widely with a wink towards Etoile, who was lying under one of the chairs. "Hmmm... Did I forget something?" I pondered with my index-finger placed on my chin. Etoile was whining, making me look down at her in question. "What's wrong?"
She still kept whining desperately with a few low growls to follow.
"Ah!! That's right!! You must be hungry!!" I yelled out as I ran to get her some food. After everything was taken care of, I waited patiently for my family members to come down the stairs.
A sigh escaped my lips as I kept waiting... A frown formed on my grumbling expression as I tapped my fingernails against the table.
Finally, I heard the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. Mom, Dad and Hideki revealed themselves. "Good morning my dear family!" I yelled out happily. I ran up to them and pushed each person into a random chair.
Hideki's POV:
"What's going on?" Mom replied with a soft yawn. "Yeah... What's up with the food? You made breakfast?" I retorted as I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes.
"Of course I did! I can do things on my own." Haruhi retorted with a frown. "Dad... She really snapped. Can't I call the health department?" I whispered to Dad. Haruhi hissed at me.
She's always like this.
"Ignore your brother, Haru. I think this is wonderful! I can tell you worked hard to prepare all this. We’re proud of you." Dad messed up her hair, making her smile brightly at his compliment.
"I still think this is suspicious." I muttered out. "I have to agree with Hideki. This is too much. The house has never sparkled like this before. Everything is clean." Mom retorted, agreeing with me for once.
"Is there something you want to tell us?" She asked Haruhi. She can never hide anything from Mom. "Well... All of this does have a reason behind it." She spoke up with a hint of playfulness.
"I knew it! Your moving out!" I grinned widely in triumph. "No..." She replied blankly.
"Then... You robbed a bank?"
"No..." She retorted with a sigh.
"Your engaged?"
Haruhi smacked me upside the head with a wooden spoon. "Stop assuming the weirdest things!!" She yelled out as I rubbed the sore spot on my head. Mom and Dad just laughed softly at Haruhi's outburst.
She calmed down and faced them directly. "Mom... Dad..." She fiddled with her fingers, twirling her thumbs in a nervous way.
"What is it, sweetheart. You can ask us anything you want." Dad smiled at her in order to help her calm down a bit more. It sort of worked.
"C-can I... Go to a party today? I... I was invited, but I can't go if you don't want me to." She whispered out under her breath. Mom glanced over at Dad with a faint smile.
"That's it?" I muttered out as I took a few sips of my green tea. "This doesn't concern you." She hissed at me. I just rolled my eyes. "What kind of party is it? It doesn't involve any alcoh-" Dad began to say until Mom cut him off.
"Of course you can go, you silly girl!! Have fun while you’re still young!! Although that doesn't count for me. Even though I'm getting a tad older, I can still have fun!!" She laughed happily. I sweat-dropped at Mom's behavior.
"You're already 42 years old... Don't you think it's enough already? You should settle down, Mother." I retorted with a raised eyebrow. "Ha! I may come of age, but my youth will never end!" Again, Mom laughed in reply.
Dad coughed wildly, in which Mom and myself kept quiet. "Anyway... I still don't think it's a good idea. I don't even know most of your friends." Dad argued back.
"B-but Hatsuharu is related to my other friends. And he's a good guy." Haruhi whined softly. "He's the son of a freaking mafia boss. How can he be a good guy?" I asked her.
She kicked me in the shin from under the table in which I grunted in pain. Dad merely glanced over at me in confusion. "What the matter with you?"
"Nuthin'... This meal just doesn't suit my taste." I stuck out my tongue at her in a playful manner. She kicked me again, a little harder this time. Haruhi averted her attention back to Dad.
"So... I can't go?" "I'm sorry Haru. I just don't want for you to be in any danger." Dad answered with an apologetically smile.
"Come on. She won't be in any danger. You don't want for her to sneak out of the house and attend the party anyway." Mom defended her. "That's what you used to do." Dad sweat-dropped.
"There you have it! Like Mother like daughter!" Mom laughed as she smacked me on my back. "It hurts..." I spoke up, trying to escape from Mom's violent movements.
"Please Dad! Let me attend the party! This is the first party where I'm ever invited!" She pleaded as the tears threatened to spill over.
"That's not true. I always had to drop you off at a friend's birthday party... Or sumthin'." I began to say. She sighed deeply, feeling a little depressed. "That's only because I promised them." Haruhi began to say in a mere whisper.
"You promised them?"
She nodded her head upon hearing my question. "Those girls back then only invited me over... Because they knew I was related to you. They just wanted to see you." She whispered lowly.
"Huh? So they just invited you over, because they had a crush on me?" I piped up in disbelief. "Come on. You can't expect me to believe that. You were smiling. You were having fun. You were running around like a normal kid." I argued back.
It was true. I was glad for her back then. She finally made some friends, and got to play around like a normal kid.
She faced me with tears in her eyes. "That's because they told me to... I wanted to tell you everything when I got back home, but I couldn't. I was afraid they might find out somehow." She clenched her hands into fists.
"But most of all... I was afraid of what you might think of me." Her bangs covered up her eyes as she felt the emotions of that day resurface again. I sighed deeply at her answer.
"Idiot... I will never think, talk or yell anything bad about you. You should have realized that after you knew you had a brother." I smiled goofily at her.
"Wipe away your tears. You're stronger now, aren't you?" I walked over at her side, got down on my knees and brushed away some strands of hair that was blocking her view.
"Come on... You don't need them at all. Those kids were evil." I said in a playful manner. She just continued to sob quietly. I averted my attention to Dad, who seemed to be in deep thought.
"I think we should let her go. I'll drop her off and pick her up after the party's over." I suggested.
"Well..." Dad began to say. "I guess that works for me. But only if you keep an eye on her." Dad spoke up, making me nod in response. Haruhi looked up after hearing Dad's response.
"You mean it? I can go?"
"Only if you'll be back home around eight, okay?" He replied with a smile. Haruhi wiped away her tears after that. I opened up my arms in a playfull manner.
"Come now! Do not cry, my fair maiden! Press thyself upon my beating chest and let me embrace you, little princess!" I spoke up, knowing I'll piss her off again. But to my surprise, she actually leaped into my open arms, allowing for me to embrace her.
"Thank you..." She mumbled out softly, catching me off guard. I grinned widely after that, taking a hold of a cup filled with water. I poured it all over her, in which she let go of me.
"Aaah!! Hideki!! What did you do that for!! I'll kill you!!" She yelled out, but Dad managed to hold onto her.
"That's payback for kicking me in the shin, my darling sister." I smirked as I got up again. Haruhi just sighed deeply as she busted into tears. "There there... It's okay." Dad comforted her. "B-but Hideki's being mean!! Whaaa!!"
Jeez... She's still a kid.
Hatsuharu's POV:
The many decorations in Shigure-sensei's house was still going on. Everyone helped as good as they could. "Ne! Ne! Tohru!! Where should I place this wonderful cake!!" Momiji asked Honda-san, in which she walked over to him.
"Just put it over there, next to the many snacks." She answered happily. "Got it!! Out of the way!! Out of the way!!" Momiji briefly made contact with the ladder, which was being occupied by Kyo. He was hanging some of the decorations on the wall.
"Oi!! Momiji, you little brat!! Watch where you’re going!!" Kyo snapped at him. "You’re supposed to hold onto the ladder, you idiot!!" He yelled at Yuki. Yuki just shrugged it off. "My hands were preoccupied..." He retorted with a smirk.
"You're just eating cake!!"
Kyo argued back, in which he leaned forward, only to end up losing his balance. Yuki moved aside, letting Kyo crash down several inches away from him. "I give up..." Kyo muttered out as he lied there, not even trying to get back up again.
"What are you doing down there?" Hiro showed up, along with Kisa by his side. He smirked widely upon seeing Kyo lying there.
"Well, it's not like it matters anyway. The position you’re in really suits you, Cat." He chuckled out as he walked off. Kyo got back on his feet as a large vein popped up on his forehead.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean, you arrogant little kid!! Damn troublemaking brat!!" He hissed out in anger. "He's already gone, you know." Yuki muttered out as he finished his cake. "Shut up!!"
I leaned against the wall with my arms crossed over my chest. Just then, I felt someone poking me in the ribs. I glanced over at the person, only to see Kagura smiling widely. I sighed deeply as Kagura seemed to stop smiling.
"Ne Haru-chan... You don't look so happy." She pointed out.
I felt a little bad. This is supposed to be a fun day for all of us, but somehow, I'm the only one with a gloomy expression. "It's nothing. Sorry for the trouble." I smiled faintly.
"I see. Haru-chan's just nervous, aren't you?" Kagura asked me. I just raised an eyebrow at her statement.
"Nervous? For what?"
Kagura punched me on the shoulder, making me stare at her happy expression. "Snap out of it, Haru-chan! I'm talking about your friend! She's coming over right? I'll give her a proper welcome!!" Kagura roared loudly as she ran off. I just sweat-dropped at her enthusiasm.
"I guess everyone knows about it."
With another sigh, I walked over to Yuki's side. "Hey Yuki." I raised my hand to greet him. "Just great. What do you want?! I hate it when everyone’s under one roof like this! There’s always one idiot after another who keeps bothering me!" Kyo grumbled loudly.
"Umm... He was talking to me though. So I don't think your involved in any way." Yuki spoke up as he stared at Kyo. "Shut up! I didn't ask you ani-" "Kyyooo-kuuun? My darling?... WHERE ARE YOU?!!" Kagura's voice could be heard. Kyo's face turned pale at the sound of her voice.
"He's here beside me!" Yuki responded to Kagura, making Kyo glare at him. "I'll get you back for this!!" Just then, Kagura showed up again. She spotted her target, and she was determined not to let him get away this time. "Kyooo-kuuun!! There you are!!"
"Crap!! Leave me alone!!" Kyo yelled out as he sat down near the table. Kagura followed close behind as she took a hold of his arm.
"I thought I told you to leave me alone!!" Kyo's voice boomed loudly. Kagura just placed her head on his shoulder, enjoying his warmth while squeezing Kyo's arm in contentment.
"I-itaii!!"
I sighed at their little quarrel. They never stop. "So, Haru? Is there something you wanted to ask me?" I regained my focus on the situation and faced Yuki.
"Ah, yeah...Did you request for Haru-tan to be invited to the party?" I asked him. "It was Shigure. He really wanted for her to be here. I thought I told you that already." Was Yuki's answer.
"You did? I guess I forgot." I replied with a blank expression. Yuki sighed at my attitude. Just then, Shigure-sensei came walking through the front door, along with Tori-san. Ayame-san followed close behind.
"Sorry we're late, everyone!" He replied to all of us. "Ah! Shigure-san! It's nothing! We prepared everything for the party!" Honda-san replied happily as she walked over with Hiro and Kisa.
"Yeah! We fixed everything!!" Momiji came bouncing out ofthe kitchen. "Ritsu even helped out!!" Ritsu came walking out of the kitchen with a look of embarrassment. He didn't wear the usual kimono he always wore, which was a surprise.
"I'M SORRY!! I'M SORRY!! I SHOULDN'T HAVE HELPED OUT!! I'M SUCH A DISGRACE!!"
Although... His attitude might still be the same.
"Ano... It's quite alright Ritsu. As long as you didn't break anything, it's fine." Shigure-sensei replied with a sweat-drop. Ritsu smiled happily. The tray that he happened to hold in his hands crashed down into tiny pieces. He hardly noticed this. But once he did...
"I'M SO SORRY!! I'M SO SORRY!! I DIDN'T MEAN TO DROP SHIGURE-SAN'S PRECIOUS PLATE!! I'M NOT ALLOWED TO ATTEND THIS PARTY!! I'M SO SORRY!!"
He chanted over and over again. He attempted to pick up the broken pieces, but Honda-san stopped him. "It's alright, Ritsu-san! I'll clean it up!" She replied happily.
"B-but It's my fault!! I should do it!!" Everyone was gathered around by now. "Jeez... And I thought he would be quiet this time." Kyo muttered out.
"We'll clean it up together." Honda-san piped up. Ritsu agreed with the decision that was made. "The two of you can clean it up later." Sensei replied with a slight nod towards the two of them.
"It's okay for you to come in now, if you'd like. We don't want for you to catch a cold." Sensei finished off, making me wonder who he's talking to. Tori-san and Ayame-san stepped aside.
Everyone grew curious as to who was going to walk in. As soon as the person stepped into the hallway, the pieces fell into place.
So he's the one who's behind all this. I should of known. A few of the zodiac members gasped, as others just stared in shock. I, on the other hand grew offended by his little tricks.
"Akito..." I heard Yuki say in a mere whisper.
"Hello everyone. I'm sorry I arrived so late. My deepest apologies." He glanced over at Honda-san. She just waved it off.
"No! Not at all! Please sit down!" She gestured to the empty seat in the living room. He ignored Honda-san completely, but she barely noticed this. Akito averted his gaze to me, looking me over in the progress.
He smirked darkly as I just frowned. The air between the two of us got even heavier after Akito's cold reply.
"Well... It seems that your friend is late. Maybe... Something unfortunate happened to her?" My eyes widened at that piece of information. Without a second thought, I took a hold of my white coat and ran out the door.
"Ah! Hatsuharu-san!" Honda-san called out to me. "Ha-kun... What is he up to?" Sensei asked himself in wonder.
"Leave him be. He's responsible for his own actions." Akito sneered. Yuki stared him down, not liking where this is going.
Your POV:
"So? How do I look?"
I asked my parents and older brother. I stood before them, wearing a simple red dress which ends to my knees. The straps were also a red color, which crossed over on the back. A white ribbon was tied around my waist.
I decided to untie my black hair, allowing for it to fall down gracefully. To finish it all off, I also wore a pair of red ballerina's with straps.
I twirled around, allowing for them to see everything in detail. A flash of light caused for me to gain temporary blindness.
"Mom..." I muttered out as I noticed the camera in her hands. "You look so cute!! Strike a pose, honey!!" I sweat dropped at her demand. "Why red?" Was all that Dad could say at the moment, while Hideki had a scary look on his face.
"Un loop dans l'habillement de mouton..." (A wolf in sheep's clothing)"Don't mind them. You look adorable!" Mom spoke up as she pinched my cheek. She kept taking pictures, still telling me to strike a pose.
"Okay! Put your hand on your hip and look very mad! Yes!! Just like that!!" Hideki busted out in laughter, not being able to hold it in anymore.
"What's the problem?!! If you don't like it, just say so!!" I grumbled loudly. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry. It's just..." He couldn't finish his sentence as he busted out in laughter again. "I don't care what you think anymore!" I spat out in anger.
"At any rate, have fun at the party." Dad replied as he readjusted his coat. Come to think of it... Why are the two of them dressed for a formal date?
"Where are the two of you going?" I asked them. Mom stopped taking pictures of me as Dad placed his arm around her shoulder. "Were going out on a date!!" They said in unison. I sighed softly.
Sure... Whenever they have the chance to go out, they waste no time in doing so. Speaking of chances... Mom took another quick picture of me as she smiled brightly.
"It can't be helped."
I made my way over to Hideki who was still laughing, by the way. He faced me and wiped away the tears of laughter from the corner of his eyes. "You look pretty." He finally said.
"Thanks." I replied back with a smile.
Suddenly, Hideki placed his arm around my shoulder, pulling all kinds of funny faces and weird poses while Mom took random pictures of us. He even did the peace sign, not feeling the least bit embarrassed about it.
"Awww... You guys look so cool together!" Mom spoke up proudly. "Have fun at the party." Dad said to me. "And we need to get going." He continued to say as he pushed Mom towards the door.
"B-but the pictures!" "Yes, the pictures." Dad retorted plainly. "Wait! What about Etoile!" I forgot all about her. She'll be left here all alone. "Don't worry. She's in my room with lots of food and toys to play with. She'll be fine." Hideki piped up with his thumbs up.
"I don't know..." I continued to say. "Come on! She'll be fine! She's a big girl!" Hideki opened the door. Mom and Dad made their way to the car as I took one final glance up the stairs. "I guess your right..."
Etoile's POV:
I found myself in the alpha male's room. I knew I was right, because I picked up his funky scent. It seems that he dumped some food and toys I chewed on earlier next to his bed. Which means...
"I'm trapped!!"
I barked loudly. I ran up to the door and started to scratch wildly like a possessed poodle would. "If only the alpha female could hear me!!" I growled in dismay.
Your POV:
The sounds of random scratching could be heard upstairs. I turned around and faced Hideki. "Yeah... It sounds like she's having fun." I piped up as I took a hold of my coat while walking out the door with Hideki following me.
"See? I'm always right."
Shortly after that, we were on our way to Shigure-san's house. I wonder how he's doing? "So... How do your friends look like, anyway?" Hideki asked me as we kept walking.
"Well... To be honest. Their appearance kind of startled me at first. But then, I got used to it." I answered as I thought of the first time I met Momiji and Hatsuharu. Kyo and Yuki seemed kind of distant at the time. Unlike Tohru.
"Great. I'm about to meet a bunch of freaks." Hideki retorted as he didn't look too happy about it. I pinched him softly, making him reconsider his words.
"Owww... Alright. I'll be good." He spoke up with a small chuckle to follow. I looked up at Hideki, laughing along with him as I hooked my arm with his.
Hideki's facial expression turned into one of confusion as he stopped abruptly. I frowned softly at this weird display of actions. "Onii-chan?" I spoke up to him, but he kept his eyes focused in front of him.
I decided to follow his lead, wanting to know what the big fuss was about. As I faced the road before me, I saw a figure leaning against one of the building walls. The person was a bit far away, so I couldn't see who it was.
"Stay back." Hideki whispered out to me, in which I nodded softly. As the person seemed to be out of breath, he kept taking a step forward. After a while, the person lifted his head, still out of breath.
His white coat was damaged. Tiny cuts were placed upon the sleeves and chest area. As the person spotted us, I could make out his facial expression clearly.
"Hatsuharu!"
I gasped softly in wonder. I ran from Hideki's side to see if he was alright. "Hatsuharu! What happened to you? You’re a wreck!" I began to panic as I placed my hands onto his shoulders. Hatsuharu got down on his knees, feeling tired.
"I found you." He began to say in a mere whisper. Did he ran across town just to look for me? Why would he do something like that?! I got down on my knees as well, not really caring about my dress.
I took out my handkerchief and attempted to wipe away the dirt on his face. He probably searched in the bushes too... No wonder his coat is in this state. Hideki walked up to us with a sigh to follow.
"What's going on here? Why do you look like crap?" Hideki blurted out. I glared at him in an instant. He kept quiet after that.
"Hatsuharu... What are you doing here by yourself? Aren't you supposed to be at the party?" I asked him softly. His grey eyes clouded over at my statement. Hatsuharu stared into my eyes, letting me see his clearly.
"Don't go..." He spoke up in a whisper.
"D-don't go? What are you talking about?" I retorted in confusion. Hatsuharu placed his hands onto the concrete floor and bowed down before me. "Don't go to the party!! Just don't go!!" Came his muffled reply. I looked up to Hideki to see him frown deeply.
"I don't know what's going on here. But you need to make a decision, Haruhi." He was serious about this. I nodded and turned my attention back to the kneeling Hatsuharu. I was really looking forward to this party... But Hatsuharu... If he came all the way here just to tell me this, then I guess...
"Alright... I won't go." I whispered out as Hatsuharu faced me again. His eyes seemed to soften up at my answer. I just smiled brightly in response.
"I won't go..."
