punkish furball – Hiya, guys! I'm back, baby! X3

Words to Ponder:

I've been gone for a while, but no explanations, no excuses, only apologies and thanks to you all for sticking with me for so long. I have some new projects in the works, so get ready and enjoy! Each and every reader gives me a reason to keep going! XD

To address what most of y'all are most curious about, InuYasha and the others will be making their debut in this story when they do so. They haven't been forgotten (neither has this story) so enjoy the ride until we get there.

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Also, I plug with no shame my newest crossover, Dropping a Kite!, an InuYasha and Nanbaka joint. Check it out if you have the time; I'd really appreciate it! XD

Chapter 17: Harbinger of Things to Come

Kagome groaned as she fell flat on her bottom for what seemed to be the 50th time within the last half hour.

"You know better than to exaggerate, Go-chan!" Honey lightly admonished as he stood over his cousin with his hand held out to her, "By my count, it was only the 16th time."

Kagome huffed as she took Honey's hand and picked herself off the ground.

"Thanks for keeping track, but that doesn't make me feel any better," she wryly remarked. She was immensely grateful for the cushion the traditional styled dojo's tatami floors provided or she'd have far more bruises than she already had.

"Sorry, Nee-chan, but we can't go easy on you," Satoshi said with an impish grin, "The only way to truly learn our fighting style is to get knocked down by it!"

"I'm aware of that, but can we a breather? I need a little break," Kagome suggested.

For both my body's and my pride's sake, she thought. She honestly didn't expect to master their style in a few days, but she at least hoped she would remain on her feet for more than a few minutes at a time.

"You got it, Go-chan!" Honey exclaimed with one hand clutching his Usa-chan and other forming a fist in the air, "Let's get some cake!"

Without waiting for an answer, the diminutive senior took Kagome's hand and pulled her away from the dojo with a happy skip in his step.

Chika snorted, rolling his eyes at his brother's antics. "The only person who could return to training after eating such a heavy meal is Mitsukuni." Knowing his older brother, one slice would not slate his ravenous appetite for sweets, and their training would be stalled longer than necessary.

"Lighten up!" Satoshi told him with a playful smack on Chika's back that sent his cousin doubling over, "Nee-chan deserves to be spoiled after all the hard work she put into her training. As the saying goes, let them eat cake!"

"Indulging her like this is counterproductive to her training," he retorted, "Proper discipline is absolutely necessary for martial arts."

"You're just too uptight! Nee-chan is doing very well. Right, Taka?"

Mori nodded, pleased with Kagome's progress. He could tell that she did not fully appreciate her performance in the dojo, but she had enough drive to progress through their training regimen at an adequate pace. Her previous instructors ensured Kagome had a good grasp of the basic practices and fundamental procedures, so they were able to catch her up quickly. She then steadily progressed through the training with relative success. He was proud.

"And, on top of all that," Satoshi continued, "our training sessions allow us to occupy Nee-chan's free time outside of the academy. Now Suoh and Ootori won't be able to monopolize her attention outside of their club activities!"

Chika's eyebrow twitched when Satoshi let out a devious snicker. "Why do I feel as though that is the real reason you wanted to train Higurashi?"

"I've said it before! Protecting Nee-chan's virtue is our solemn duty!" Satoshi insisted, "I'm only performing my duty as her brother."

"Sounds more like you have an older sister complex," Chika muttered under his breath, "I pity the man Higurashi will marry."

-O0o0O-

Honey hummed as he shoveled another forkful of devil's food into his waiting mouth. His favorite flavor, strawberry shortcake, was devoured only a few minutes before.

"Are you sure you wouldn't prefer to have cake with me, Go-chan?" he inquired in between bites.

Kagome nodded her head and continued to sip her herbal tea. "I'm fine with having tea. I want to get back to the dojo, and eating cake right now would make me feel too sluggish to continue training."

"But that's okay, isn't it? You don't have to push yourself so hard. No one can master martial arts in only a few sessions. You have to pace yourself or over train or you'll end up hurting yourself."

"Thanks, Mitsu-kun," Kagome replied with a smile, "I understand and promise I won't overdo it, but I still want to get in as much practice as I can before the day is out. I'm just sorry I didn't take you up on your offer sooner. I don't want to waste all of your help."

"Don't worry about that, Go-chan! You have the full force of the Morinozuka and Haninozuka behind you. There's no way you can fail!"

"Indeed, but there's more to it than that. You possess the blood of the Morinozuka. That is the truth behind your inevitable success."

Kagome blinked owlishly at the sound of the newcomer's voice and looked to the entrance of the dining room to see an older man standing in the doorway. Though his age was evident in the gray of his hair and wrinkles in the corners of his eyes, his stature was tall and proud and his features sharp and distinguished. Kagome realized with a start that she had his eyes.

Beside her, Honey pushed himself out of his chair and onto his feet before bowing respectfully to the newcomer.

"Masao-jii-san, hello!" he greeted him cheerfully.

Grandfather? Kagome thought, But he can't be a Haninozuka. Mitsu-kun didn't engage him in combat when he walked in, and his features are completely different. Then he must be—

"Mitsukuni, it is good to see you, but there's no need to waste our time with formalities. Not when we have such a lovely young lady in our presence," Masao stated.

Kagome snapped to attention and hurried to stand next to Honey.

"Sorry!" she blurted out, bowing as low at the waist as she could without falling over.

Masao chuckled. "No need to apologize, my dear. I should have introduced myself before I spoke. I am Morinozuka Masao, patriarch of the Morinozuka family, and, more importantly, your grandfather. I've wanted to meet you for a while now, but I'm afraid my son selfishly wanted to keep you to himself."

Honey grinned. "It's because Go-chan is so cute! He loves her a lot. And I love her too!"

Kagome smiled, grateful that Honey was able to ease some of the tension. She felt understandably awkward before such an imposing man who called himself her grandfather. She squeaked slightly when Masao placed his hand on top of her head and playfully mussed her hair, an endearing gesture done by both Akira and Mori. However, the familiar gesture somehow felt less comforting than usual. She chalked it up to her mounting nerves.

"I'm glad to hear that, Mitsukuni," Masao said, "I'm sure everyone else is just as smitten."

"They sure are! Takashi, Sato-chan, and Chika-chan are actually waiting for us in the dojo. Go-chan and I were taking a break from training."

Masao nodded and the newly formed trio headed toward the dojo. The trip was silent but not wholly uncomfortable. Kagome had no idea what she could say, and Masao and Honey didn't initiate any conversation.

I wonder why I haven't met him before now.

Her life since moving into the Morinozuka household was hectic in more ways than one, but, if Masao really wanted to see her, he or Akira could have easily made arrangements that would fit into everyone's schedules.

I'm probably overthinking this! Being the head of the family must require a lot of time and work. Masao-san can't just drop everything because I happen to pop up out of nowhere.

Kagome grunted as quietly as she could. I'm beginning to sound like Kyoya.

Still, despite her mental reassurances, Kagome felt uneasy. In some subtle ways, Masao reminded her of Kyoya's father, the type of man who could completely evaluate someone as soon as they met then determine just how much he could gain from their continued association.

By the time Kagome became more aware of her surroundings, they already reached the dojo. Mori and Satoshi were just ahead of her speaking to Masao in reserved tones.

"It's good to see you all, but I have a schedule to keep," Masao stated.

"You're leaving so soon, Ojii-san?" Satoshi asked.

Masao chuckled. "You needn't worry. I will be remaining here to speak with Yorihisa and your father. I only wanted to sneak away and meet your sister before we started."

"Understandable!" Satoshi quipped with a wide grin, "Nee-chan is pretty amazing!"

Kagome blushed and ducked her head. Masao laughed again as he approached the sliding doors. Satoshi was quick to notice.

"I'll see you again once we finish up. Try not to tease her too badly."

Kagome waited for Masao to leave before letting out a deep breath.

"Are you alright, Nee-chan? You don't have to be so nervous around Ojii-san. He's your grandfather too!"

"It's not like that. He just caught me off guard," Kagome insisted before she turned her attention to Mori.

"But, Nii-chama, how come I've never met Masao-san before now?" she asked, "I always assumed Tou-san was the head of the family."

"That is correct," Mori answered, succinct as always, "Tou-san is responsible for managing all of our family's assets, but Ojii-san is the active patriarch of our family serving in an advisory position to Tou-san. He normally resides at his own estate in the country."

"The Haninozuka family employs a similar system," Honey interjected, "And if Masao-jii-san is here, then Osamu-jii-san must be too!"

Kagome nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. I guess both the Morinozuka and Haninozuka families have more traditional values than I first suspected.

"If that's the case, do you think they'll be staying for dinner?" she asked, "They might appreciate a good, home-cooked meal."

Mori grinned. "I think they will too."

"Great!" Kagome exclaimed, clapping her hands together, "You guys clean up here and met me in the kitchen. I need someone to do the heavy lifting for me!"

Chika sighed, aggravated. "Of course she puts all of us to work again. Why do we even keep our staff employed if she just barges in whenever she pleases?"

"Chika chop!"

Kagome chuckled as Chika leaned forward and held the back of his head.

"Why the hell are you always doing this to me!?" he shouted.

"If you have to ask me that, then you haven't learned anything at all!" Satoshi retorted with his shinai resting on his shoulders, "I have no choice but to keep disciplining you until you improve no matter how long it takes."

"Don't injure him too badly, Satoshi. We still need him in the kitchen."

Chika grumbled when Satoshi practically melted at his sister's words and threw himself at her, toppling both of them to the ground as he nuzzled his cheek against hers. Mori was quick to stand over them and pull Satoshi away by the collar of his karategi. He then helped Kagome to her feet and playfully ruffled her hair. He couldn't understand how siblings could be so different and raised apart but so close to each other.

Definitely a sister complex.

-O0o0O-

Tamaki frowned as he checked his cell for the 16th time in the span of a few minutes. Just like before, the notification light was not blinking or any new messages displayed on the screen.

It's just not fair!

Today was supposed to go according to his perfect planning! He and Kagome had another French lesson scheduled after club hours in a secluded study room he reserved in the library. Call him selfish, but he wanted to have some precious alone time with his princess.

In the beginning of her lesson, his cricket repeated her letter combinations and recited her numbers and colors flawlessly. The remainder of their time was spent learning simple phrases and the names of common locations. Each movement of her pert, pink lips called attention to his eager gaze and begged for him to kiss them, but Tamaki restrained himself.

Just as their session ended and before Tamaki could invite Kagome to a more intimate setting, Satoshi showed up dragging a reluctant Chika with him by the straps of his school bag. Clearly delighted by his arrival, Kagome gathered her things and stood to greet him. Still shell-shocked by the sudden intrusion, Tamaki only caught snippets of their excited banter. Evidently, Kagome was set to join her relatives to begin combat training at the Haninozuka private dojo on the family's estate.

After sparing a quick goodbye, Kagome hurried off to Satoshi's side and placed her hand in his offered arm—which Tamaki was absolutely sure prompted the younger boy to smirk at him when Kagome's head was turned—and headed toward the exit. Tamaki was only able to leave when Kagome broke away from her little brother long enough to dash back to him and peck him on the cheek with a whispered promise that she would contact him later.

Although their abrupt parting was far sweeter than Tamaki expected, it still happened far earlier than he hoped. Competing with Kagome's own brother for her attentions was not a battle he wanted to take on. He could scarcely make a move toward Kagome during club hours after that debacle was the Nekozawa siblings. After that, Mori and Honey kept him and Kyoya under their eagle-eyed watch but never resorted to violence or underhanded meddling to directly interfere with their relationship with Kagome. If the older and younger brothers began acting in concert—

"I'll never get close to her again!"

"Having trouble, are we?"

Tamaki opened his eyes, staring blankly at Kyoya.

"When in the world did you get here?" he asked.

"Don't be too surprised. You did give me a key after all," Kyoya replied, "I hoped to see Kagome after her lesson, but it seems you were unable to persuade her to join you for the remainder of the evening."

"It's not my fault!" Tamaki shouted, "That devious little brother of hers interrupted me before I could ask her and stole her away!"

Kyoya hummed thoughtfully. "I suspected as much. Satoshi has been getting bolder lately. I would have joined you sooner, but I was tied up at the printer's."

Tamaki was confused. Kyoya didn't mention this before now, and he always kept him informed about club activities. "You were at the print shop? Are you publishing another photo collection?"

"Indeed," Kyoya answered with a quick nod, "and the photographs are of much better quality than before. I believe they will sell very well."

"I'm sure they will. Our guests were very pleased with the results of the last photo books despite their condition. I'm actually glad we can provide them with a better product," Tamaki said wearing a gentle smile.

"Kagome's fans will be especially pleased."

The host king's interest was instantly piqued. Granted, he—and the other members of the host club excluding Mori, Honey, and Haruhi—did not have the best record when it came to candid shots of the that particular female host, but he couldn't help his curiosity. He might as well enjoy her company in print of he couldn't do so in person.

"Really? In that case, do you have any copies on you," Tamaki said as casually as he could manage, "I'd like to see them for myself before we distribute them. Quality control and all that."

Kyoya smiled knowingly before handing Tamaki a brown paper envelope.

"Here. I had a feeling you would say something like that."

After all, the host king was Kagome's biggest fan.

-O0o0O-

Kagome hummed as she leisurely walked to the host club room late from her last class. She wasn't in a hurry considering there was no cosplay scheduled for the day, and her muscles were sore from yesterday's training. Kyoya would simply have to deal with it.

After heading to the kitchen with the Morinozuka and Haninozuka siblings behind her, she prepared dinner, a simple yet hearty meal of beef curry and rice with a side of steamed veggies and baked bread while her brothers and cousins set the table and give their assistance as needed. Akira, Masao, Yorihisa, and the Haninozuka family patriarch, Osamu, a man even larger and more imposing than his son, soon joined them to eat. Honey gleefully grabbed Kagome's wrist and pulled her toward his grandfather, eagerly boasting his cousin's prowess in the kitchen. Osamu grinned and praised her putting her male relatives to work.

During the meal, Osamu and Masao carried on most of the conversation between the adults while Akira and Yorihisa were more subdued. Kagome thought it was somewhat irregular behavior for them but chalked it up to whatever business they were discussing.

When Kagome opened the door to the club, she was only able to take a few steps inside before she was confronted by her three regular customers.

"Kagome, I'm so glad you're finally here," Rei exclaimed, beaming from ear to ear, "I just bought mine!"

"Me too!"

"I brought five sets!"

Kagome blinked, puzzled. She wasn't sure if she really wanted to know what they were talking about buying. As far as she could tell, none of her belongings had gone missing, so it couldn't be a repeat of the hair wrapper auction incident. Then again, she had long since learned the host club was not to be underestimated under any circumstances.

"Okay, I'll bite," she relented, placing her hands on her waist, "What did the three of you buy?"

The trio in front of her giggled before they took Kagome's hand and led her to their usual spot. Once they were seated on their favorite couch, each girl reached into their school bags and held up a magazine that absently reminded Kagome of those photo books filled with snapshots of celebrities and idols. Something that normally wouldn't incite any sort of reaction from her…until now.

"Kagome, are you alright?" Rei asked, concerned. That was not the reaction she and the others expected.

Kagome took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm fine. Do you mind if I borrow one of your sets, Tsukiyo? I promise to return it to you when I'm done."

"Of course!" the bubbly raven answered as she handed Kagome a complete set of three magazines. The host had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from shredding the offending publications into gloss covered confetti. Why Tsukiyo needed five copies of each book was something Kagome did not—or wanted to—understand.

Kagome opened the book on the top of the stack, the one that infuriated her the most, to a random page and scanned each image. Her eyes grew wide as her eyebrows shot up to her hairline. With a loud huff, she slammed the book shut, refusing to open the other two.

"Kyoya!" she bellowed, and it wasn't long before the bespectacled teen appeared before her wearing that sick, insufferable grin.

"You called for me, my dear?" he asked.

"Don't give me that crap!" Kagome hissed, thrusting the magazines in front of his face. "What the hell are these supposed to be?"

Kyoya took a step back and carefully pressed his glasses on his nose. "Photo collections. Can't you read the covers?"

"Don't act smart with me!" Kagome shouted, "I'm well aware of what the titles say. What I want to know is why I'm on the cover of every single one?"

The covers and contents of two of the photo books were considerably tame, nothing that would warrant Kagome's anger under normal circumstances. One was full of candid shots of her around the academy with Mori, Honey, Satoshi, Chika, or any combination of the four. There were even some pictures she clearly remembered posing for with her male relatives.

The cover of this photo book was a shot Kagome took herself using Satoshi's cellphone on the day they all visited the Higurashi Shrine. After they finished their soccer game, he insisted that they all take a group selfie. Kagome was in the center of the picture stretching her arms as far in front of her as she could to capture them all in the shot. Before they game started, she changed into a loose fitting T-shirt and bound her hair in a low hanging ponytail, so she appeared as sexually ambiguous as she always did. Satoshi was on her right with one arm around her shoulders and the other hooked around Chika's neck, holding the other teen in place. Honey and Sota were standing on her left pressed against Kagome's arm as they stood cheek to cheek. As the tallest, Mori stood behind them all, ducking down so that his slightly smiling face was visible.

The second book featured photos of Kagome interacting with Ouran's staff and students. Most of them were of her with Haruhi and the twins with a handful of photographs of her with Nekozawa. A picture of Kagome and Haruhi was on the cover of this collection depicting them in library at a table covered in opened textbooks and handwritten notes, both girls covering their mouths with their hands as their shoulders shook with laughter.

Other than the blatant violation of her privacy to make a profit, these photo collections didn't bother Kagome at all. In fact, she would have appreciated having personal copies of several shots for her own purposes.

But this one…

The cover of the final photo book told Kagome everything she needed to know about its contents. It was the snapshot Kyoya took with his phone after her first French lesson with Tamaki when he leaned toward her to correct her pronunciation of those tricky letter combinations. The proximity of his lips to hers, Tamaki's hand gently cupping her cheek, and the shade of pink highlighting Kagome's cheeks made it appear as though he were going to kiss her. Beyond the cover each and every glossy image showed Kagome in increasingly more intimate situations—actual or otherwise—with Tamaki, Kyoya, or both.

"You are the most recent addition to our club," Kyoya reminded her, "Tamaki and I believed that warranted the official release of your own collection. We acquired so many images of you and yours that we decided to produce three separate volumes: the family set, the friends set, and, my personal favorite, the lovers set."

"Mine too, Kyoya-senpai!" Rei exclaimed from her seat before Kagome could reply.

"Seeing a rebel type so vulnerable is positively exhilarating!" Satako added, "In fact, we could be witnessing an evolution in Kagome's persona. The perfect example of a tsundere character!"

"It's not like that!" Kagome shouted, "I didn't consent to any of this!"

"You really should calm down unless you really want to be seen as a tsundere," Kaoru quipped as he appeared behind the rebel host, leaning over the edge of the couch. Kagome growled as she looked up at him.

"Shut up! You were in on this too, right?"

"It's not as though it was some underhanded operation"—Kagome interjected with a snort—"If you're looking at someone to blame—"

"—try your younger brother," Hikaru continued, settling into place beside his brother, "He posts anything and everything to that comes to his mind."

"Honey-senpai is the same when it comes to cute pictures of you. So you really can't blame the two of us~!" Kaoru finished.

Kagome cringed. Though she wasn't a fan or critic of social media, both Satoshi and Honey, like many popular, outgoing teens, were very active online with several accounts on any platform you could think of. They regularly posted photos of her every chance they got, making sure her gender wasn't exposed.

"That doesn't make any of this okay!" Kagome cried.

"What I want to know is why we're only included in the friends set. Talk about staking a claim," Hikaru said with a snort.

"Sorry, cricket!" Tamaki cried as he appeared and threw his arms around Kagome's neck from behind, burying his face in her hair.

"I only wanted to show everyone how much we all love you! Père even has a set of his own, and we personally delivered copies to Akira-san!"

"What the hell!? Suoh-sensei and Tou-san are in on this too!?"

Wait a minute, Kagome thought and scanned the room for another likely conspirator involved in this exploit. A lot of cash was being doled out on these magazines, and there was one and only one Ouran Academy student in desperate need of it.

Kagome shook her head when she spotted the guilty brunette trying to slink away from the main room, trying to conceal herself behind a serving tray. The sound of Kagome's voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Et tu, Haruhi?"

-O0o0O-

Haruhi groaned as she dropped her head on top of the kitchen table. It was too early on a Sunday for her to be awake.

"Haruhi, mind your manners! It may be the morning, but we do have a guest. Show some couth!" Ranka scolded.

Kagome grinned as she gingerly placed down her cup of coffee. "It's alright, Ranka-san. I'm sure she'll perk up once we get into the kitchen!"

Haruhi shuddered at the sugary sweet tone of Kagome's voice. She knew the raven haired host would likely be upset with the club for producing those magazines without her consent. Haruhi's first reaction after she found out was to tell Kagome about it outright, but, before she could act, Kyoya dangled a very tantalizing proposition before her in exchange for her silence. After production costs were recouped, five percent of the proceeds from the photo collection sales would go directly toward her debt. Thinking only of her financial future at Ouran Academy, Haruhi accepted the deal without further hesitation at the expense of her friend. Of course, when Kagome ultimately discovered the betrayal, Haruhi vehemently apologized and said the first thing that came to mind.

"Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"

That phrase was the one to seal her fate. On the surface, Kagome's request seemed completely innocent. All Kagome wanted was homemade udon noodle soup, one of her favorite dishes. Haruhi quickly agreed to the condition without hearing all the details. However, as it became apparent when the miko began listing ingredients, she very expensive and lavishly prepared udon in outrageously large quantities. Udon that would require a lot of time and money to make. Kagome cheekily told Haruhi that she would provide the funds but nothing more than that. All of the work would fall to her.

Haruhi groaned. Kagome can be surprisingly vindictive.

"In that case, you two should get going to the supermarket. Be safe, girls!" Ranka said as he wished the two girls goodbye. Having an idea of the situation Haruhi put herself in, he couldn't help but feel bad for his precious daughter. However, Kyoya already sent him copies of Kagome's photobook with pictures of her and Haruhi, and he wasn't about to give himself up! He couldn't wait to show off his adorable Haruhi and her cute friend at work. Kyoya was even considerate enough to send Ranka his favorite photos as individual prints he was more than ready to set up around the apartment.

Haruhi grumbled a quick goodbye and stood to leave the apartment with Kagome tagging along behind her.

"Don't make that face!" Kagome sang as the two stepped outside, "You're the one who offered to make amends. If it was only a hollow gesture, you shouldn't have asked~!"

"Forgive me for assuming you'd be reasonable about this. You're acting more like Tamaki-senpai and Kyoya-senpai every day."

Haruhi smirked when Kagome's steps faltered and she nearly tripped. Normally, she wouldn't bring up the relationship between those three, but she was tired and irritable.

"In that case, should I expect to be acting more like Nii-chama?" Kagome retorted, "Maybe I should invite him and the rest of the host club to join us. The more the merrier!"

"Don't even joke about that! Let's just get to the mar—"

Haruhi stopped speaking when she was suddenly grabbed from behind by strong, slender limbs hooking her under the arms. From the corner of her eye, she saw Kagome in a similar situation.

"What the hell is going on?" Kagome shouted as she squirmed in place, but the person who held her captive was surprisingly strong. She balked when she realized who the perpetrators were.

"What are you two doing here?"

Like déjà vu, the two girls watched as a black limo pulled up alongside them and came to a stop. The rear window rolled down reveling Benibara seated on the leather seat closest to the window, smirking at the captured girls.

"Targets—" Suzuran began to say.

"—captured!" Hinagiku finished with a giggle.

"Good work," she remarked coyly, "Take them with you, and I'll meet you at the front gates."

"Understood, Benio!" the Lobelia girls replied in unison and ushered their subdued captives to another waiting vehicle to whisk them away.

-O0o0O-

Benibara grinned as she walked down the corridors of St. Lobelia Academy lined with her fans and schoolmates. They were even rowdier than usual, but, given how important today was, she understood completely. With a smile and wave that would make royalty envious, she greeted her public.

"Lady Benibara, good morning to you!"

"Why good morning, my dears. You all look ravishing," she pronounced.

Shyly stepping around the barricade, a girl approached her directly and said, "I took it upon myself to prepare lunch for you today, Lady Benibara. It's your favorite, little octopus-shaped cocktail wienies!"

"Thank you," Benibara said as she accepted the bento, "But, the irony. My dear, you are just as red and adorable as the octopus. Could it be you wish for me to feast on you?"

The response Benibara expected due to her racy comment occurred more quickly than she hoped. Like a perfectly timed reaction, her fans were rendered wanton and red-faced.

"Lady Benibara, I volunteer to be eaten!"

"Please eat me! Eat me!"

"Simmer down, people!" one of Benibara's fan club moderators shouted as she joined a group of others rushing to maintain order in the hallways.

"Keep your places in line!"

"Please remain calm, everyone! We will all get the opportunity to greet Benibara-sama!"

"Those in front, crouch down!"

Suzuran chuckled behind her hand as she watched. "Your fan club executives certainly run a tight ship. They must be exhausted."

"I don't envy them one bit!" Hinagiku quipped, "It seems like everyone is in rare form today."

"It's to be expected all things considered," Benibara remarked, "Chizuru, where are our guests?"

Suzuran grinned when the trio reached a set of double doors at the end of the hall. "The both of them are changing, of course."

"Excellent," Benibara said as the trio of girls entered the room and continued walking until they reached a curtained off partition in the rear.

"Maidens," she called out, "are you alright? How is the size?"

Both Haruhi and Kagome stepped from behind the curtain St. Lobelia Academy's uniform with stark white stockings and matching heeled shoes. Despite the circumstances of their arrival here, the uniforms were tailored and fit them well.

"You're gorgeous, maidens. I mean, Haruhi and Kagome."

"Absolutely beautiful!"

"You look like princesses ripped from the pages of a fairytale!"

Haruhi and Kagome barely had any time to react before they were surrounded by the Zuka Club trio, being fondled and caressed on all sides. They were definitely reminded

"Hey, will you wait a minute!?"

"Stop it! Get off of us!"

When Kagome and Haruhi finally managed to free themselves, they pushed the Zuka Club away and smoothed out the wrinkles of their borrowed uniforms.

"Could someone explain to us what's going on here?" Haruhi asked, exasperated, "One minute, Kagome and I were on our way to the supermarket, then, all of a sudden, we end up here."

Kagome grunted as she recalled their earlier abduction. "Honestly, kidnapping us in broad daylight? The three of you have about as much subtlety as the Host Club."

"How dare you, maidens!" Benibara shouted in outrage, "We are nothing like those idiots!"

"Somehow I doubt that," Kagome interjected with a deadpanned look.

"Oh, forgive my outburst!" Benibara said as she composed herself, "After all, it's only natural for you to be upset with us! In our haste, we whisked you away this morning dressed in your night shirts."

"For your information, those weren't my pajamas. That happens to be the way I usually dress," Haruhi grumbled. Her clothes may not have been fashionable, but she preferred to dress for comfort especially when she didn't have to go to school.

"Does rudeness just come with a territory when you're rich?" she muttered.

Kagome shrugged her shoulders and remarked, "Honestly, it's beginning to look that way. I don't understand what the big deal is about dressing down on a Sunday morning?"

Before their conversation could continue, Benibara cleared her throat and began to speak.

"All theatrics aside, maidens"—Kagome snorted—"we've brought you here today because we have a small favor to ask. As you both know, one of our responsibilities in the Zuka Club is to arrange regular performances of musical numbers and original plays."

"Today is called the Pink Carnation Day when we celebrate the birth of the White Lily League by putting on the most glorious production of the entire school year," Suzuran continued, "We've been rehearsing non-stop in preparation for today's performance, but, tragically, the actress cast as the heroine in our play a terrible accident and is currently in the hospital.

"But even so, without her, you know what they say, the show must go on despite these hardships. This means..."

"This is your big opportunity to be a part of the theater!" they all declared in unison and pointed at Haruhi.

Kagome snickered as the color drained from Haruhi's face. She couldn't resist teasing her.

"They have a point, Haruhi," she sang, "The host club gives us the opportunity to cosplay but never a chance to act."

"Forget it. This sounds like it's gonna take all day, and I don't want to get involved," Haruhi announced, "Besides, if we don't get to the store before it closes, I won't be able to make your udon, ya know."

Kagome momentarily faltered, making an odd strangled noise in the back of her throat. As much as she liked messing with Haruhi, she liked her favorite dish exponentially more. She wasn't exactly sure where Lobelia Academy was or how far it was from Haruhi's apartment, but a quick call to her father would get them out of here and back on track with today's agenda.

"When you're right, you're right," Kagome grumbled under her breath before turning her attention the Lobelia Trio.

"Sorry, but we just don't have the time to play with you today. If you don't mind, we'll just let ourselves out, okay?"

"But it really won't be that time consuming!" Benibara insisted, "There is a single performance scheduled today, and Haruhi only has to memorize a handful of lines. For most of the play, the character she'll be portraying is completely silent."

"The role is actually more symbolic than anything," Suzuran added, "She just stands there looking beautiful."

"You can manage that now, can't you?" Hinagiku inquired with a smile in Haruhi's direction, "We promise it'll be the easiest thing ever, and we'll be finished just after noon!"

So all Haruhi has to do stand around stage and repeat a few lines? Kagome thought, incredulous, You would think given their strong feminist ideals and animosity toward the host club's antics, they wouldn't perform a play with such a hollow heroine.

"Thanks, but no thanks," Haruhi said as she marched toward the exit with Kagome following behind her, "Like we already said, we'll let ourselves out."

Benibara panicked when the two girls began to leave. She didn't want to resort to such base tactics, but there was no choice.

"Oh! Forgive me!" Benibara cried as she looked toward the heavens, "I will forever fall short of your legacy! You must be so ashamed! Oh, mother!"

"Benio!"

"Don't talk like that!"

"So then, your mother…is she supposed to watch today's performance?" Haruhi asked as she and Kagome paused at the exit, unsure of what to make of the entire scene.

"Not exactly," Suzuran said as she began to explain, "Benio's late mother was a distinguished graduate of St. Lobelia Academy and a founding member of the White Lily League. To this day it's said no woman looks lovelier in men's clothing!"

With a cheerful lilt in her voice, Hinagiku picked up where her senior left off. "To honor her distinguished service to the academy, we celebrate Pink Carnation Day with the same flare for pageantry that made the woman's name so enormous with the Zuka Club. Her whole life, Benio has dreamed of nothing more than to follow in her mother's footsteps!"

"And if today's performance is canceled, that dream will be dashed against the craggy shores of fate," Benibara bemoaned, burying her face in her hands to sob, "Everything will be for naught!"

Give me a break, lady! Kagome thought, exasperated. For a member of a club devoted to the theater, Benibara certainly put on display that was far too dramatic to be believable. She snorted when she caught the senior student sneaking a peak at her and Haruhi from the corner of her eye. Trying to trick them like this was absolutely despicable even if her mother was deceased.

She's so full of it! There's no way Haru—

Kagome blanched when Haruhi stilled at her side, and her gaze dropped to the ground. The brunette was clearly in thought.

Don't tell me…

"Your mother, huh? Letting her down sounds just awful," Haruhi remarked.

…she's actually buying this mess!?

"If this performance is really that important to you and you don't have another option, I'll do it," Haruhi announced with an air of finality.

Benibara was quick to rush to Haruhi's side, tightly gripping her hands in hers as she dropped to her knees before her. Regret was already etching onto Haruhi's face.

"Thank you, Haruhi! Surely my mother in heaven weeps with joy at your acceptance."

"No problem," Haruhi uttered her face painfully deadpanned.

Kagome groaned and crossed her arms over her chest. "I guess there's no help for it. If Haruhi's really going through with this, there's no point in me leaving without her."

"There's no need to be so submissive about it, Kagome-chan~!" Suzuran hummed as she approached Kagome and placed her hand on her shoulder.

"That's right!" Hinagiku added, "You may not be taking the stage alongside Benio and Haruhi, but we do have a very important role that only you can fill."

"And what role is that?" Kagome questioned, feeling progressively on edge. All she wanted was to pester Haruhi and gorge herself on homemade udon. She did not sign up for any of this!

"We were able to obtain your middle school records from Ouran Academy's files. You sang in your previous school's choir, correct?"

Kagome's face grew flushed with embarrassment as she tried to back away from the two girls. "How the hell did you even find out about that!? I only did that for my middle school's cultural festival! I wasn't a regular member!"

The predatory looks on Suzuran's and Hinagiku's faces gave Kagome the impression that fact didn't matter at all.

-O0o0O-

"Haruhi, Kagome, please come out and play!" the host club sang as they stood outside the door to Haruhi's apartment. A quick message from Mori confirmed that Kagome left the manor this morning to visit the other female host. Naturally, they took this opportunity to see them both. They even brought sweets to entice them to let them join their fun.

When a man they didn't recognize appeared in the doorway, they weren't sure what to make of it.

"Sorry we have the wrong apartment!"

"Hey, hey, wait a second!" Ranka cried as he left the apartment and pushed the boys inside, "Don't act so traumatized cause you've seen me without my make up on. Even trannies get stubble first thing in the morning, which is more than I can say for any of you."

"Are Go-chan and Haru-chan here?" Honey asked once he and the others were settled at the kitchen table with Ranka helping himself the treats they brought.

"Kagome-chan did stop by for an early visit," Ranka said as he sampled a piece of cake from the box, "but I'm afraid she and Haruhi decided to go out with the girls after she arrived. They picked them up them up in front of the apartment, and, you know women, heaven only knows when they'll be back."

"So the two of them went out together?" Honey remarked before he turned to his cousin, "Did Go-chan mention that, Takashi?"

Mori shook his head. This was the first he heard about Kagome and Haruhi spending the day with other friends.

Tamaki pouted. He really wanted to see both his girls today considering it was Sunday. On top of that, Kagome was nearing the end of her "cooling down" period. By now, she was ready to forgive him and Kyoya for upsetting her with host club business.

"Well, I guess there's nothing wrong with Haruhi and Kagome spending time with Haruhi's friends from middle school," he stated with a shrug of his shoulders, "It's good for them to hang out with other girls especially since Kagome's old classmates live so far way."

"Still, I can't believe Haruhi has other friends," Hikaru commented, "Those she and Kagome are together so much that it's hard to picture them with other girls."

Kyoya sighed and pulled out his phone. "This is why I was against a surprise visit."

"Actually, I'm not sure that I recognized any of these girls," Ranka interjected, "But then again, you never can tell, can you? Haruhi always has made friends easily when she isn't focused on her studies." Ranka paused to grin.

"I was happy enough when Kagome-chan started coming around! Just imagine it, my little girl out and about with students from Lobelia Academy."

The sudden rise in tension was immediately detectable.

"Did you say...?"

"Lo—"

"—be—"

"—li—"

"—AAH!"

Ranka's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Yes. What's wrong?"

"The Zuka Club tricked you!" Tamaki proclaimed, his voice full of validated fear, "They must have kidnapped Kagome and Haruhi to take them to Lobelia Academy. Ever since our school's cultural festival, their club has been trying get them both to transfer there!"

"Transfer?" Ranka repeated, slamming his fists down on the table. Surprisingly, he was just as fired up as Tamaki.

"If my daughter and her best girlfriend are being held captive at that school, I'm not going to sit back and do nothing!" he declared, "But, if we're going to infiltrate Lobelia, we have to play it cool. The whole academy is ruthless, and the Zuka Club is the worst of the worst! Once you become tangled in their web of lies, you can go bankrupt trying to get yourself out again."

"I agree with you, Ranka-san, but aren't you overacting?" Hikaru asked. It was surprising considering how much his current behavior emulated someone he despised.

"Haruhi and Kagome aren't like the type that would get involved with their kind," Kaoru said.

"You're right about that," Ranka relented, "But, neither did my Kotoko. She'd always seem like she was such a strong woman."

"Kotoko?" Tamaki, Hikaru, and Kaoru said in unison.

"Haruhi's late mother," Kyoya dutifully answered, "Someone Haruhi has always looked up to very much and unconsciously attempts to imitate. There may be some connection between her and the infamous Zuka Club."

Woefully, Ranka nodded. "I was so blind then. We were newlyweds, and I was head-over-heels in love! It wasn't until one day while cleaning the apartment, I discovered my wife's dirty little secret."

"What secret!?"

"Her collection of Zuka Club memorabilia!" Ranka bellowed, "My wife, Kotoko, was a distinguished alumnus of Lobelia Academy and active member of the Zuka Club's fan club!"

"Are you serious?" Tamaki cried, feeling as though an arrow was shot directly through his heart, "What if Haruhi wants to join the Zuka Club so she can be more like her mother?"

"If that happens, would Kagome want to do so with her, right?" Hikaru speculated.

His brother nodded in agreement. "If anything, the two of them are much closer than they were during the cultural festival."

Tamaki was quickly on his feet, looking down at his fellow club members. "Kyoya, order us some Lobelia uniforms right now! We're going undercov—!"

"Overruled!" Ranka hollered as he sent the host king crashing to the ground with one foot planted on his back and the other on his cheek, "Men who only dress in women's clothing recreationally are an insult to us professionals. You don't want to insult me, do you? Do you?"

"Of course…not…Ranka-san!" Tamaki rasped, unable to properly breath, "I wouldn't…dream…of it."

"Now, listen up!" Ranka shouted, rallying the host club to act, "To infiltrate Lobelia, you'll have to do exactly as I tell you!"

Tamaki squirmed under the weight of Ranka's foot pressing against his face. No matter how many times his muscles twitched, he could not free himself.

"Umm…Ranka-san? I appreciate your help, but could you possibly let me up now?"

-O0o0O-

"Oh, Marianne!" Benibara proclaimed, lost in her role as the lead actor with Haruhi by her side, "How many lonely nights have I prayed that we'd be together again? Moreover, how many times are the powers that be demanded that we remained apart? That our love is forbidden..."

"Oh, my Lord Frederick," Haruhi stated, reciting her line immediately after Benibara spoke.

"Oh!" Benibara cried and fell to the floor on her back, "I'm slain by this fatal gunshot wound! Alas, I'm to draw breath no more."

"My Lord Frederick," Haruhi repeated as she knelt down beside her and coaxed her head into her lap.

"Marianne, with your arms holding me close, all this pain becomes not," Benibara declared, a relieved look on her face, "I am overwhelmed with peace. Lovely angel, your gaze is my paradise, and you are the very image of my beloved mother."

Haruhi remained indifferent as she watched Benibara perform her monologue. I don't fully understand the point of this story. I mean, this guy sure is talking a lot when he's supposed to be dying. With how long he's been able to hold out so far, there should be time to get him a doctor or something before he croaks.

"My Lord Frederick."

Unbeknownst the Zuka Club, Ranka and the host club—minus Kyoya who left the group as soon as they entered the gates of Lobelia Academy—was just outside the large paned windows of their dance studio, searching for their missing members.

"Can you see them?" Honey asked as he tried to look beyond the bushes framing the window. He pouted until Mori knelt down and placed the shorter boy on his shoulders.

"Just Haruhi," Tamaki answered, "No sign of Kagome yet."

"What is she doing?"

"It looks as though she's playing the heroine of some sentimental tragedy. But..."

"My Lord Frederick," Haruhi repeated the same line without any change in tone or inflection.

"She sounds like a robot! A boring daikon radish!"

"Even as a father, I can't stand this!"

"Someone, please make her stop."

"How many times is she going to repeat that line? Is that really the only one they gave her?"

Kaoru squinted his eyes as Haruhi began to stand and looked in the direction where the audience would be.

"I think she's about to start singing," he stated.

"No!" Ranka bellowed in response, "There's just no way! Haruhi's grades in music have always been absolutely awful!"

Then it happened. As soon as Haruhi opened her mouth, a beautiful melody echoed throughout the rehearsal room and seeped through the windows for the host club to hear.

"Here, in this moment, I am loosing nothing.

Even if you leave me, I won't be alone.

Because love has taught me that this life is still worth living and the skies above can't stop me..."

"I thought you said Haruhi couldn't sing?" Hikaru asked Ranka. The father was in obvious shock.

"This is impossible!" he howled in disbelief, "I'm telling you she's never been this good at singing! She's never gotten a passing mark in Music as far as I know."

"Then she must have improved on her own without you noticing," Kaoru suggested.

Without warning as the song continued, the singing voice faltered and was replaced with a furious fit of coughs. All the while, Haruhi's lips continued to move without making a sound.

"Huh?"

"She's been lip synching!?"

"Then whose voice was that?"

"Sorry!" Kagome sputtered as she stepped into view of the window with her hand pressed to her throat. Before now, she was standing out of range, obscured by the curtains.

"That was Go-chan singing? So pretty!" Honey gushed.

"So one of them can actually sing?" Kaoru remarked, "If she wasn't in the host club, Kagome could have easily joined the school chorus."

"But why put Haruhi in the acting role when Kagome-chan is clearly the superior vocalist?" Ranka questioned, "Makes no sense."

"It proves they have something planned for her especially with Benibara in the lead role opposite Haruhi," Hikaru deduced, "She's definitely their main target."

Ignoring his fellow club members, Tamaki stilled as his heart threatened to burst in his chest. Hearing Kagome's sweet song embodying the fragile heart of a heroine captivated him completely. He always loved to hear the sound of her voice whether she was teasing or scolding him or practicing her French. He also caught her humming to herself while in thought or performing menial tasks for the club often, but he never dreamed she could sing so beautifully. Her enchanting mezzo soprano washed over him, a soothing balm engulfing his entire being. Where ever Kyoya was, he was certainly missing a treat!

Will she sing for me if I ask? Perhaps I can play piano when she does. We'd make a perfect duet!

Tamaki yelped when Ranka lashed out with a quick sweep of his leg to knock him off his feet.

"Such an airheaded prince!" he shouted, "Pay attention to reality instead of your daydreams!"

The okama huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. So he's interested in Kagome, eh?

Ranka had his suspicions about the host club king regarding his intentions toward his daughter, but it seemed his heart was ensnared by another. He wasn't particularly disappointed by that fact, but he was still certain one of the host club members had tender feelings for his sweet child, someone who easily used their flamboyant king for misdirection. Ranka would have to work a little harder to sniff out the true culprit!

"Here you are, Kagome," Suzuran said as she offered Kagome a bottle of water.

Kagome nodded in thanks as she accepted it and drank. Suzuran remained by her side with one hand pressed the small of her back and the other resting on her shoulder. Tamaki's eyebrow twitched, the Lobelia girl clearly had no intention of moving away. It was completely unacceptable. Looking after his princess was his job! Those Lobelia girls have no right to be so close to her!

"Thanks," Kagome said as she lowered the bottle and cleared her throat one final time.

"No problem!" Suzuran chimed, "but we need to get back to rehearsal."

A sudden harsh call from behind started Ranka and the host club members, distracting them from the ongoing action beyond the window.

"Hey newbies! If you want to be a part of the Benibara fan club, you have to follow the rules! Now up on your feet!" an authoritative girl said as she marched between them and the established fan club members. Their Spartan-like ways were alarming.

"To be a full-fledged member, your contact must be on approach at all times! Now all together! With enthusiasm! Let me hear those fan club mantras!"

"Lady Benibara, please hang in there for your adoring fans today! Lady Benibara, you look extremely beautiful! Lady Benibara, please hang in there for your adoring fans today!"

As the group continued chanting, Tamaki held his hand over his mouth to speak to Ranka without drawing unnecessary attention.

"Okay, now that we're in, what's the rest of your plan?" he asked.

"Blend in!" Ranka pressed, "If you want to get close to the Zuka Club, you got to prove you're a diehard fan. And watch yourself. These girls are far more competitive than you could imagine. Let your guard down even once, and Haruhi and Kagome are done for!"

"Right, let's give a rest," the club moderator announced as she walked between the two groups again, "Save your energy for today's performance. Lady Benibara needs the support of all us club members!"

As soon as they were given the go ahead, Honey, Hikaru and Kaoru collapsed against each other leaving Tamaki, Ranka, and Mori to the mercy of the Benibara Fan Club.

"Glad to have you, newbies," one of the club members said as they approached the host club.

"What do you like most about Lady Benibara?"

Ranka pushed Tamaki and Mori aside before they could answer and said, "Oh ho! Only everything! The way she walks and sings and the way she looks in coattails! Why even the shape of her head!"

Tamaki, Hikaru, and Kaoru were in awe as Ranka successfully mingled with the Zuka Club fans, never letting on that he was an outsider.

He's a professional. He's got blending in with the ladies down to in an art!

"I'm just so excited to see the play!" the fans continued to gush, "It's supposed to be a tragedy."

"It's called Senorita's Love. Lord Frederick fakes his own suicide as revenge against his father for coming between he and his lover, Marianne, but the gun he uses is supposedly filled with blanks is actually filled with live rounds!"

"Oh, that's so terrible!"

"Although, I must admit," one girl stated, her tone much less excited than it was before, "I have my suspicions about the girl playing Marianne."

"I'll have to agree with you. She isn't a regular member of the White Lily League. She can't even sing her own solo!"

One of the club moderators approached the group of gossiping girls, chuckling as she pushed her glasses onto her nose. "It doesn't matter who she is! If she ruins Lady Benibara's play, our very own maiden warriors will be waiting patiently in the wing to critique her performance."

The host club cringed. There was no doubt about it. If Haruhi made even one mistake during her performance, she was done for. Those Lobelia Academy thugs were going to beat her to a pulp.

"What are we gonna do about Haru-chan?" Honey lamented.

"Don't worry, boys!" Ranka assured them though his resolve was also shaken, "We're going to get both of our girls out of this place. The curtain's rising is nearly upon us, so we better sneak into the auditorium before we're noticed."

"Right!"

Benibara grinned as she watched the vulgar, incompetent host club scurry away. Everything was occurring according to plan, and, this time, she would have the last laugh.

And the first kiss.

"My dears, it's almost time!" Benibara announced as she clapped her hands together, "Now, I'm counting on you all to make today's performance a success. I want us to think of today as our audition for the Crimson Goddesses!"

Haruhi and Kagome remained indifferent as the girls around them began to cheer.

"Huh?" Haruhi uttered.

"What the hell is that?" Kagome asked.

"Don't worry about it, my lovelies," Benibara told them with a jaunty wink, "It's time for the two of you to get into hair and makeup!"

Haruhi cringed. It was a stage play so wearing a costume was something she expected to do. Still, she did not intend for cosplay to be on the agenda for today. She scowled when Kagome snickered under her breath.

"What are you laughing at? She said the two of us, right?" she remarked.

Kagome quickly composed herself and said, "What are you talking about? I'm only providing Marianne's singing voice. All I need is a microphone and to stand out of view of the audience."

Benibara smirked. "Nonsense, dear maiden. Unlike the host club, the Zuka Club would never hide beauty like yours so needlessly. We're going to polish and shine like the precious stone you are."

"But I'm just providing the vocals!" Kagome protested, "There's no need for me to dress up when I'm not the one in the spotlight."

"Unacceptable! The White Lily League would never allow such feminine beauty to be let to languish."

"You'll both look absolutely stunning!"

Kagome glanced at Haruhi from the corner of her eye and said, "I'll have you know I blame you for this, Haruhi. That Benibara girl has a real thing for you."

"Don't look at me. We left the house to go shopping for your udon."

-O0o0O-

"Watch where going!"

"You're stepping on my foot!"

"Then pick up the pace!"

"Will you all clam up?" Tamaki hissed, "We still need to get the stage before the audience gets seated."

"Yeah, yeah," Hikaru remarked, "By the way, where did Kyoya get to?"

Tamaki frowned as he looked around the auditorium for the bespectacled teen. They still didn't reconnect after separating at the academy gates.

"Hey look! He's up there!" Honey said as he pointed to the control room at the rear of the theater. Kyoya was inside with an older woman displaying the equipment inside. He was clearly using his charm to his advantage if her lightly flushed and pleased expression

"That jackass," Tamaki remarked, "What is he doing at a time like this?"

"Not sure, but he isn't going to do us much help from up there," Ranka surmised, "Our only option now is to wait and rescue Haruhi and Kagome in the middle show."

When the doors opened, the boys pasted themselves against the wall closest to the stage as the aisles were flooded with eager patrons rushing for their seats. The lights dimmed and the curtain rose to signal the beginning of the performance. The play progressed without a hitch until it finally came to the scene were Haruhi appeared.

"It looks like this is her entrance," Tamaki whispered, "Keep focus, men! We'll only have one chance to act."

The color drained from the host club's face as Haruhi stepped into the spotlight. Her costume definitely embodied the extravagance and flamboyance the Zuka Club was known for. The sight of her dressed that way was more than alarming.

"Heavy!" Tamaki gasped, "Your makeup is too heavy, Haruhi."

"And what's with the outfit!? It's so constricting!" Kaoru commented.

Hikaru nodded in agreement. "She's even stiffer than she was in rehearsal."

"That's it! I'm getting her out of here right—" Tamaki began to declare, but Ranka cut him off.

"Wait a minute," he said, "Just look at her up there. She's so much more radiant than she was in rehearsal. She looked like she's actually enjoying it."

"Radiant?" Hikaru repeated, his eyebrow twitching, "Her makeup is so thick you can hardly see her expression."

"And the intense lighting is making her sweat," Kaoru added, "I wouldn't call that radiant."

"Even so," Tamaki began, "We can't interfere in the middle of the performance without drawing too much attention. We can sneak Haruhi and Kagome out of here after lights are cut out."

"Oh, my Lord Frederick!" Haruhi declared on stage, breaking the host club from their thoughts. Benibara was quick to follow with her lines.

"I am slain by this fatal gunshot wound! Alas, I am to draw breath no more..."

"My Lord Frederick!"

"Dear Marianne," Benibara said as she smiled and rested her head in Haruhi's lap, "with your arms holding me close, all this pain becomes not. My soul is overwhelmed with peace."

When Benibara finished speaking, Haruhi stood. At the same time, Kagome appeared at the in the far right corner of the stage illuminated by a single spotlight. Like Haruhi, her face was painted with excess blush, eye shadow, and lipstick, and she wore a large, elaborate gown as her costume. Just as the music began to play, she opened her mouth and began to sing as Haruhi mouthed the words with her lips. Tamaki inwardly swooned. She sang beautifully, even more so than she did in rehearsal. From the corner of his eye, he caught Honey sitting on top of Mori's shoulders as he took several snapshots with his mobile.

"Alright," one of the spectators seated close to the host club stated to her peers, "The kiss scene is coming up as soon as this song is over."

"A kissing scene?"

"In Senorita's Love, Lord Frederick fakes suicide to take revenge against his father for coming between him and his lover, Marianne."

"Right, but the scene falls just short of their embrace, right?"

"Of course it does! Lady Benibara would never actually kiss her."

"A kiss scene? Revenge?" Tamaki repeated as his face paled.

Honey shrugged his shoulders. "They didn't discuss any kissing scene in rehearsal, did they?" He looked down and saw his cousin shake his head.

"The scene ended here," Mori answered.

"Ah, and yet, the love I bare for you and the desire I have for revenge are not things which can so simply be forgotten," Benibara said and the host club was singled out in the dark theater by a harshly bright spotlight.

"You guys?" Haruhi asked, bewildered by their appearance, "And dad too? What are you doing here?"

Benibara smirked as she stood and took hold of Haruhi's wrist, pulling the younger girl toward her. As soon as she did, the two girls were lifted several stories into the air by a motorized platform.

"Right before his eyes, I'll steal your first kiss all for the sake of revenge," Benibara proudly proclaimed as she held Haruhi even closer than before despite her earnest efforts to get away from her arms.

"No, Lady Benibara!" the crowd shouted, "You can't really kiss her!"

"Victory is mine, you poor incompetent buffoons!" Benibara announced, "Now behold while we embrace."

"You're crazy, lady!" Haruhi cried, frantic, "Get off me! I'm not going to kiss you!"

"What are we gonna do now?" Kaoru asked, "We aren't in any position to stop her."

Hikaru tapped his twin's shoulders and gestured to the rear of the auditorium. Kyoya was still in the control room.

"I think our shadow king has a plan," he said. Soon after he spoke, the background behind Haruhi and Benibara began to shift through different images until it stopped on a very familiar photograph.

Haruhi's eyes widened and her cheeks flushed beneath thick layers of stage makeup as she recognized the picture.

"It's a picture is from the dance party..." she muttered under her breath. She almost forgot about that incident.

"So, as you see—" Kaoru began to say.

"—Haruhi's already had her first kiss," Hikaru finished.

"Haruhi!" Ranka shouted, nearly foaming at the mouth with parental rage, "How could you hide this from me!? Is this what goes on in that amoral host club!?"

"Hearing that from her transvestite father—"

"—seems kind of ironic."

"You're going to explain this photograph to me right this instant, young lady!" he insisted with his arms folded over his chest.

"Maiden, you mean to tell me...!?" Benibara cried in disbelief. It appeared her plans were all for naught.

"Well, I…" Haruhi began as she took several steps backward while being mindful of the edge of the platform.

"Haruhi."

Despite the ongoing chaos, Haruhi heard Mori's voice pierce through it all as he called out to her. She looked over the edge of the platform to see the Ouran Academy senior standing at its base with his arms held out to catch her.

Is he…being serious?

Before any rational thought could stop her from acting, Haruhi gathered the hem of her dress in her hands and jumped, ignoring Benibara as she reached for her. She collided with Mori with enough force to make him stagger but he held his ground. Haruhi was certain that if he had been any other member of the host club, she would have made him crumble onto the floor.

"Mori-senpai?" she asked as he adjusted his grip.

Mori didn't have time to reply as Ranka reached out and grabbed him by the shoulder.

"Haruhi…" Ranka hissed.

"Umm…Otou-san…" Haruhi stammered, "About that photo…"

"How could you do this to your adoring father!?" he shouted, "Just what are you up to in that degenerate host club!?'

Haruhi gulped and leaned as far away from her father as she could.

"Mori-senpai, I think we should run."

Mori nodded before he took off and ran across the stage, avoiding Ranka and the Zuka Club.

"Don't let her get away!" Benibara yelled as she gave chase, "This is not over yet! I don't care how many kisses she's had. The next one will be mine!"

Haruhi groaned and hid her face in Mori's neck.

All I had to do today was go shopping!

-O0o0O-

Kagome groaned as she trudged forward holding up the hem of her gown. While the act did help her walk more easily, it did nothing to keep the garment from getting dirty. That didn't stop her from getting as far away from the auditorium as she could. The distraction the others provided ensured she made a clean break from the rest of the cast. Part of her felt badly for leaving Haruhi behind, but she was the injured party! All she wanted was some udon.

Those Lobelia girls are nuts! I'd rather be in the host club than deal with them every single day!

Kagome thought she had seen the pinnacle of bizarre behavior influenced by female hormones in the host club, but the Zuka Club groupies surpassed them with ease. It was almost frightening. The miko winced when she felt the dress snag.

Dammit! This is gonna need more than dry cleaning before I can return it, she inwardly lamented. The last thing she needed was to be in debt to Lobelia Academy.

On top of all that, Kagome couldn't believe the host club actually showered up, saw her in this ridiculous getup, and heard her sing. She thought she and Haruhi could keep today's events a secret from them, but it couldn't be helped now. The twins were going to have a field day with them in class tomorrow.

"Fair Maiden, you appear to be in need of assistance. Perhaps you will allow me to assist you?"

Kagome grinned but refrained from turning in the direction of Tamaki's voice. "Help from you? I think I'll be better on my own. Besides, I'm still mad at you."

Instead of pouting, Tamaki smiled and reached out to take Kagome's hand in his. She still didn't face him, but her actions were not due to anger.

"Really? What if I had assistance?"

"From Kyoya, right?" Kagome guessed, "I don't think I could cover the cost of that."

"Don't worry. You have enough credit."

Kyoya stepped forward and took Kagome's free hand, pressing kiss to her opened palm.

"But if you didn't," he continued, "even I can make an exception for a lady as beautiful as you."

Kagome snorted but did not withdraw her hand from either boy as she continued walking. "Yeah right. I'm covered in muck, my dress is torn, my feet are swelling in these heels, and my face is caked in makeup. I am not beautiful."

Tamaki stilled causing the other two to stop advancing.

"It doesn't matter to me," he admitted. The blond stepped in front of Kagome and placed one hand on her cheek and the other on the small of her back to pull her closer to him.

"You'll always be gorgeous to me. Never doubt that."

He leaned closer and placed a gentle kiss on Kagome's lips. Feeling all of the day's tension leave her form at his gentle touch, she instantly melted against Tamaki and deepened the kiss, reaching up to place her hands on his shoulders. The blond, emboldened by her, tangled his hands in her hair. Just as Tamaki's tongue brushed against her lips, Kagome felt a second set of hands firmly placed on her hips. She jumped as Kyoya chuckled behind her.

"Relax," he whispered in her ear then nipped the lobe, "We won't go any further than you're comfortable with."

Tamaki pulled away from the kiss to softly peck Kagome on the forehead. "We mean it, princess. We'd like you to be our princess if you'll have us. If we go too far, let us know."

"You don't have to make a decision now, Cricket. For now, enjoy."

Kagome didn't wait long before giving the two boys her consent to continue. Tamaki smiled and kissed Kagome again. At the same time, Kyoya lowered his lips to the junction of the miko's neck and shoulder. Although she did not get her udon, this treat was far better.

-O0o0O-

Kagome hummed as she happily slurped her noodles, the tail ends lightly smacking the corners of her lips. She definitely made sure she was on time for club hours knowing what was waiting for her today.

So good! This academy really does only serve the best!

"If you keep eating so much, you're going to get a stomachache."

"Get bent," Kagome quipped as she picked up the bowl to drink the broth. Hikaru rolled his eyes as he waited to collect the empty bowl. Kaoru was already prepared to supply the replacement.

"Why are we the ones serving you—?"

"—when you clearly asked Haruhi to do it?"

"That may be, but, after all the trouble we went through yesterday, I decided to let her off the hook," Kagome explained.

That and Nii-chama insisted, Kagome thought with a mischievous glint in her eye. Only two tables away, Haruhi sat in between Honey and Mori with the former trying desperately to get her to try a piece of his baked bounty. She only relented when Mori used a fork to pluck the fresh strawberries from the cake and placed them on a plate before her.

"Don't you two ruin this treat for Kagome!" Tamaki scolded the twins. He turned from them and beamed when Kagome used her chopsticks to partake from her newest serving.

"I simply love that content face! I could watch it forever. So cute~!"

Hikaru and Kaoru grumbled in unison. "Between you and Kyoya-senpai, Kagome's completely spoiled."

Before anyone else could comment, there was a gentle knock at the door just as a lithe, fair-haired figure made her way inside.

"Excuse me?"

As soon as he saw her, Tamaki was immediately on guard and protectively clutched the arm Kagome used to hold her chopsticks.

"It's a Zuka Club member!" he cried, "You're not taking my daughters away again!"

The host king grunted when Kagome elbowed him in the stomach and pushed him away from her.

"What was that for!?" he cried, "I was only trying to protect you!"

"Oh hush and stop freaking out!" she told Tamaki with a quick flick the forehead, "Kyoya called and arranged for someone from Lobelia Academy to pick up the costumes Haruhi and I wore after he had them cleaned and mended."

Kagome wiped her mouth and stood to greet Suzuran in the middle of the room.

"Hello, Chizuru. I'll get the costumes from the back. Everything should be in good condition, and sorry about the inconvenience."

"It's quite alright," she replied, "but there is another reason I came today."

"I knew it!" Tamaki roared in the background, "I knew she had an ulterior motive!"

"Yes?" Kagome asked, ignoring Tamaki's theatrics. Suzuran took a deep breath before she reached out and took one of Kagome's hands in both of hers.

"I've made a decision," she stated, "No more games, no more gimmicks. I'm going to be forthright and proudly let my feelings be known." Suzuran paused and took a deep breath.

"So, Kagome, I'm not going to give up. As long as there's hope, I won't stop trying."

Whispers broke out amongst the host club guests instantaneously.

"Is that a confession?"

"No way!"

"Is Kagome going to reciprocate her feelings!?"

"He can't!"

Kagome couldn't help but smile even though a confession was the last thing she expected. Unlike Benibara, Suzuran was incredibly sweet with a girl she liked.

"I appreciate your feelings," Kagome replied, "You are a very lovely person, Chizuru."

"You think so?" Suzuran asked with a blush spreading across her nose.

"Of course!"

With is lips pursed into a thin line, Tamaki leaned toward Kyoya and asked, "Should we really be letting this happen? She's not acting suspicious, but I'm still edgy about this."

"It'll be fine," Kyoya responded with a slight shrug, "We know where Kagome's affections lie. This is ultimately harmless."

Tamaki sighed. "I still don't like it, but I suppose you're right."

The blond then yelped when Suzuran took a more aggressive approach and pulled Kagome forward to press a gentle kiss to Kagome's lips.

"A kiss!"

"She really kissed Kagome!"

"It's not fair!"

"Then again I could be wrong."

-O0o0O-

punkish furball – That's a wrap! I hope you enjoyed and will continue to do so. Also, for those who are interested, I set up a Tumblr account, punballchan, where I plan to post excerpts from upcoming and ongoing fanfics I'm working on and maybe open up requests for scenarios and head cannons. Just something to keep the creative juices flowing!

Until next time, TCB! (^_^)(^o^)

(edited 7.16.2018)