[IC] Welcome to the Host Club!

[FernStone]

It was early spring, a time before the flowers in trees and on the ground truly began to blossom. Of course this was not something that you would be able to tell in music room three, the location of the famous Ouran Highschool Host Club. As they often did they conducting a themed host event and the climate of the room was somewhat more humid than it would be outside.

Kyoko was not sure why she continued to attend this club as a guest. She could merely say no to her friend, Amaya, and she could deal with the disappointment from her parent's that she wasn't making more of an effort to be ladylike has her current rank dictated she should be. And the whole dressing up nonsense was a bit over the top. She didn't understand how it made the place any different.

"Come on, Ky, look a little happier!" Amaya huffed slightly, grabbing her friend's arm. "There's no point in coming if you aren't going to enjoy yourself! You should really make an appointment with one of the hosts."

"I think I'll pass," Ky responded with a slight roll of her eyes. Turning up was more than enough to keep Amaya, and her parents, slightly happy.

"Oh come on, at least make a group appointment with me!"

Ky knew how this went. It was always the same. "No, Ammy, and that's final." She was here, and that was pretty much enough. She observed. She didn't want to participate, not at all. So she didn't.

~~~

"We decided on a tropical theme so that our guests can experience summer when it is cold outside," Kaoru smiled to the two ladies that sat opposite him and his twin, answering their question regarding their theme.

"The flowers are lovely," one of the girls responded softly. "Don't you think so?"

"They most certainly are."

"It is rather hot, though is it not? Just like the tropics." The girl smiled. The heat was undoubtedly Tamaki's doing. He liked going a bit over the top with things, which the twins teased him about quite viciously.

Kaoru nodded in response. "It makes me wish I was not wearing so many layers."

Hikari turned and moved so that his hands brushed his twins face. "Do not worry, Kaoru, I will help you with that."

"Oh, Hikaru, do not say such things in public," Kaoru looked to the side, purposefully blushing. It was, of course, mostly an act but one that the twins were more than happy to put on. And the ladies absolutely loved it.

[Tokara]

((Please excuse my bad posts until the 11th; on mobile (ew). Also not in a good place tonight.))

Tamaki had been waiting for more guests to step through his door. He always loved being at the forefront of things, darting about when he wasn't busy entertaining his guests. It was one of those days where his first appointment had not shown - which was such a shame, considering how dashing he looked in his unbuttoned floral shirt.

And so, the blond was lounging on the couch that faced the front door. Two lovely young ladies entered, and he turned his head to gaze at them with excited blue-violet eyes. Ah, it seemed one was reluctant! He'd better fix that; no guest of the Host Club would leave unhappy. Rising elegantly, he walked toward them.

"Good afternoon, my lovelies," Tamaki sighed as he bowed, holding out two roses. "How may I serve you today? We have many delicious treats awaiting you - although, of course, none so delicious as you~"

~~~

Mimori giggled politely behind her hand as the twins began their brotherly love act. Whether it was an act or not was unsure, but it was certainly something to behold. While her friend was enraptured by the moment, she didn't feel quite so enthralled by it. She liked the twins, she really did. But this was a Host Club, and how was she meant to fantasize when they were so truly entwined?

She watched them still. She was shy about boys, and her eyes darted away every now and then. To be honest, she really did find them attractive. Mimori had come here five times before, and had been completely befuddled about telling the two apart. But now, she was picking up the differences in their voices, and small personality traits too. They were extremely slight, probably because they didn't want to be told apart - but there was the way in which Hikaru was more needy, and Kaoru was more caring. If she had them the right way around when noticing, anyway.

Picking up her cup of pineapple juice, Mimori blushed as she spoke. It was rather unladylike, but she had to come out of her shell a bit. "Maybe that's a good idea," she mumbled quietly, eyes darting to Kaoru's and then back to her juice.

[Tokara]

-double post-

[Tokara]

-triple post-

[FernStone]

Amaya practically swooned as the two of them were approached by Tamaki, the famous king of the club, blushing and taking the rose with a stammered thanks.

Ky had to resist rolling her eyes once again. Sure, Tamaki was quite attractive. But it was not to the point that she would fan over him quite to the extent that many of the other girls would. Maybe it was some trait she had missed out on by not being born rich. She wasn't sure and she didn't entirely understand it.

Still, she politely accepted the rose. "Thank you. However, I am not sure it is good that you believe we are delicious. I hardly want to be viewed like I am food." She spoke reasonably calmly, ignoring Amaya as she murmured something about being fine with it. "You should maybe find some better compliments."

~~~

Hikaru eventually moved away from his twin so the two were once again lounging in their chairs, posture somewhat lazy.

"You have a problem with me caring for my brother?" Hikaru asked, only slightly confrontational, earning a somewhat withering look from Kaoru.

"Be nice, Hikaru," Kaoru responded, flashing an apologetic smile at Mimori. Deciding that it was probably best to move onto something else, especially to prevent Hikaru from playing some kind of trick, he continued to speak. "So, ladies, how would you like to play a game?"

[Tokara]

((oooops. I meant for her to say that it was a good idea for them to take off some layers |'D oh well, it works too~))

Tamaki straightened, mildly confused by the girl's behaviour. He couldn't quite understand why a fine young lady wouldn't appreciate the compliment. It had been one of his better ones. But his expression only faded for a moment, before he was back and bouncing again. "I cannot help my words; they come from my heart," he declared dramatically, a hand over the aforementioned organ.

Tamaki just about glided to come to the side of the more excitable young lady, offering her his arm. He wasn't going to force her friend to come close to him; although he might force her to like him. No-one could dislike the King and his princely charms! "Would you both like to join me for afternoon tea?" His good-natured smile was light as he looked at them both, ready to escort the pair to his table.

~~~

Mimori flushed slightly at the one's words - Hikaru, who always seemed a little more possessive. Oops. She'd phrased that wrongly. A little flustered, she lowered the cup from her lips, shaking her head. Her voice was low and small, embarrassed by her mistake. She was meant to be improving her confidence amongst boys, not destroying it! "No, what I meant was..."

Her voice trailed as Kaoru spoke again, smoothing over the rough patch. Thank god, that would have been embarrassing to explain. At the mention of a game, her blue eyes lit up. Placing her cup of cool juice back down, she nodded with a grin and then glanced at her friend. "A game would certainly be fun," Mimori said, a small feeling of excitement in her chest.

[FernStone]

(Oh sorry! Ahaha I didn't realise that)

Ky raised an eyebrow. She was quite sure that most words came from the mind - after all your heart could hardly think for you. She decided not to say anything against it, however. She could somehow tell that she wouldn't get the point across to him. If he wanted to think what he said came from the heart let him think that.

"Oh it would be an honour!" Amaya responded, blushing and taking Tamaki's arm. Even as she did she went to grab Ky's before the other girl could protest. "We would love to have afternoon tea, wouldn't we." Her words were slightly forceful as she looked at Ky.

Well great. Ammy wouldn't let her hear the end of it if she didn't come along. "Yes, of course, I'm sure it will delightful," Ky responded, trying to remain polite. Well, she might somehow enjoy it.

~~~

Though he was not always the best at noticing things, Kaoru had noticed that Mimori certainly wasn't the most confident and what Hikaru had responded hadn't exactly helped there. It was why he had decided it was the best to move onto different topics. Hikaru could be something of a force of nature, and Kaoru recognised that about his twin. Well, they both could really.

"Then let's play... the which on is Hikaru game!" The both said at the exact same time, somehow managing to produce identical hats to put over their hair and cover the way they parted their hair, wide grins on their faces. "So, which one of us is Hikaru and which one is Kaoru?"

"Oh, I don't know, you're both so identical!" Mimori's friend looked thoughtful before glancing at Mimori. "Do you have any idea?"

[Tokara]

((nonono that was totally my fault, I do these sort of things all the time x'D))

Tamaki felt a small sense of relief when his invitation was accepted - he didn't like being without guests. It made him feel unwanted - which, of course was never the case, but he wss cursed with a vivid imagination... Although the one still seemed reluctant. He glided with Amaya over to his table, having known her name from previous visits. He drew out two chairs for them, before sitting back on his couch.

"I'm afraid that I do not know my lady's name; it is a tragedy," Tamaki sighed, gesturing toward the reluctant girl. Then, he began pouring tea for each of them, glancing at her for her response.

~~~

Mimori was slightly surprised by the game; it was different from what she had been expecting. But it was extremely interesting. The twins looked completely alike, and had their performance down pat. And yet... Her eyes narrowed slightly, although she still smiled at the challenge. Their voices were ever so slightly different, and she'd heard the higher pitch coming from one. Her friend hadn't been able to even guess, but...

Slightly unsure, but determined to at least try, she looked to the one on the left and nodded to him. "Are you Hikaru?" she asked with a soft laugh, hands curling around her cold glass.

[FernStone]

(okay dokay xD)

Ky slowly sat down, raising an eyebrow as Tamaki spoke again. A tragedy? Now that was just a bit melodramatic. Many people didn't know her name and they didn't tend to think that it was a tragedy. He really was... dramatic? That was probably the best way to describe that. "It's Kyoko Oshiro. I prefer just Ky, however."

"Ky hasn't been coming along for long," Amaya put in from where she sat. "She's never even made an appointment!"

"Ammy," Ky frowned slightly at her friend. "I, uh, haven't attended long enough to decided something like that." It was a good enough excuse. It had just never appealed going and talking to one of the hosts every week. She'd never found any of them appealing enough.

~~~

The twins took quite a while to respond, turning to look at each other in a rather shocked manner. Someone had guessed? Someone could tell them apart? Maybe it had just been a lucky guess, but people's guesses always seemed to turn out to be wrong. This was certainly unexpected for them. They played the game as a sort of joke because it was always entertaining when people got it wrong.

"Yes, I am Hikaru," Hikaru eventually responded.

"How did you know? Was it just a guess?" Kaoru put in, looking at Mimori curiously. "People don't normally get this right, you see."

[Tokara]

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ky," Tamaki replied politely, handing them each a cup of tea. There was also a pitcher of pineapple juice and another with water, both with copious amounts of ice. He always preferred his tea however. Many small sweets and cakes were dotted around the table, stacked high and glowing with vivid colours.

He listened to the girls interestedly, genuinely invested in what they had to say. Nodding at Amaya, he chuckled at Ky's response. Ah, how he loved having multiple guests - even more girls for him to make happy. "Of course; you must find yoyr favourite Host." Tamaki took a leisurely sip from his tea, looking at Ky over the rim. "However, I do hope that you'll choose me~"

~~~

As Mimori realised that she'd guessed correctly, she also realised that she'd taken away the fun for the game. Feeling a little guilty, she glanced at her friend. Oops. But it also seemed that her answer was unusual - and for that, she was just as intrigued as they were. Did other people really not notice their differences? Twins they may be, but they were different people. Her fingers' grip around the glass became slightly tighter; she felt a little nervous under their stares. She dipped her head before looking back up at them, blue eyes sliding across to Kaoru.

"You speak differently," Mimori explained, voice quiet again. "You have different tones to your voices. And there's something to your eyes."

[FernStone]

"Thank you," Ky responded, taking the tea. Tea was nice enough, although it felt slightly odd drinking it in the tropical atmosphere that the club had created. This stuff was especially high quality. As to be expected in the host club, of course.

"You definitely must find one, Ky!" Amaya put in, smiling cheerfully at her friend. Ky wasn't sure how to respond. Did Amaya even have a favourite? She wasn't sure.

"I am unsure how I am supposed to go about doing that," Ky eventually spoke in a neutral tone, glancing over at Tamaki. He seemed quite genuinly interested in what they were saying which wasn't exactly what she had expected. He must get many guests. "Oh really? I would have though there were plenty of other girls who choose you." She tilted her head, looking slightly curious.

~~~

"That's interesting, nobody's said that before," Kaoru glanced at Hikaru.

"Well you do sound more like a girl, Kaoru, so of course you wouldn't want to think about that," Hikaru grinned teasingly at his twin.

"That's not nice, Hikaru!" Kaoru pouted jokingly before looking at Mimori again. "This is something you noticed after only coming here a few times? That is quite impressive." He did seem genuine in what he was saying. Most people just saw the twins as one entity, and not as the individuals they also were.

[Tokara]

Tamaki acknowledged Ky's comment with a nod. He placed his teacup back down on the saucer, extending his pinky to prevent any clinking. It was true indeed that he had many young ladies who enjoyed his company, and that his schedule was quite full. Still... "I always have space for one more lady, especially one as lovely as yourself," he said gallantly, leaning toward her slightly.

"Alas, if you do not like me... I understand. There is a reason why we have many Hosts to choose from." Tamaki leaned back in his seat, a hand laid across his forehead. Of course he wanted her to be happy no matter her choice - the very goal of the Host Club was this.

~~~

Mimori was still blushing slightly at the attention that they were paying to her. She wasn't used to this, and it didn't make it any easier that they were so handsome and charming... Although, she did prefer Kaoru slightly. She hoped that she hadn't offended them with her comment.

Not sure if Kaoru's comment was condescending or not, Mimori took another nervous sip of her pineapple juice, grip still tight around the glass. "Yeah, I noticed in my third session or so," she admitted. She still wasn't entirely sure if this was a trick or not. But this was Kaoru, and they'd looked too shocked for it to be a plan. She shrugged to herself, then smiled at them for the first time since their game ended. "Hasn't anyone told you apart before?"

((ehh. I'm assuming Haruhi isn't in this RP? Seeing as Tamaki is falling in lurve))

[FernStone]

Blushing every so slightly at the compliment, Ky glanced away. Tamaki was slightly overwhelming and even though she didn't attend the host club entirely by choice she couldn't help but react to his rather charming words. It was somewhat embarrassing, all of this blushing. Amaya would tease her to no end later.

"I am glad to know there is a space," Ky murmured quietly, before regaining her composure slightly. "What are the other members of the host club like? I apologise, I haven't really talked to any of them."

~~~

"How interesting," they both responded at the same time, glancing at each other with a slight shrug. Kaoru seemed more okay with this outcome than Hikaru. If anything Hikaru looked a bit put out by it.

"And no, nobody has," Kaoru responded to her question. That wasn't entirely true, they're father often could, but within school none could as far as they were aware. Tamaki tried his hardest but had never managed. He was a bit too dim witted for that. "We're often viewed as one and the same, you see."

"Not that we mind," Hikaru put in with a delicate shrug. It was true, they felt like they were in an entirely separate world to other people. They didn't need them to know who was who.

(Yeah no Haruhi becauuuseee if there was Haruhi I'd be like 'NOPE HARUHI AND TAMAKI ARE THE THING GO AWAY MY OC' because I ship it too much xD Blame the manga for that)

[Tokara]

Tamaki's hand, which had come down to pinch the bridge of his nose with delicate fingers, came away from his face with a flourish. Aha, so the girl was interested! Blushing too. He still had it. As he spoke, he gestured toward various parts of the room - where each Host was sitting.

"Kyoya is the cool type. He's also our vice president. Mori, over there, is our stoic type. He's tall and calm, but he isn't scary due to his cute object - Honey. Honey loves sweets and cute things; he's our boy Lolita type. Then we have the twins, Hikaru and Kaoru. There's plenty of brotherly love between those two, and they're the little devil type." Tamaki returned to the girls again. "And then there's myself, the princely type," he sighed, a hand over his chest again. "You're welcome to book an appointment with any of them... Or me."

~~~

She seemed to have taken away Hikaru's fun especially, it seemed. Mimori never could win with him, could she? He was too sensitive, strangely enough, despite how he treated other people. On top of that, she could feel some jealousy and disappointment coming off her friend beside her. "I-I'm sorry if I ruined the game for you," she suddenly apologized, feeling very awkward saying those words. At least Kaoru looked okay with it.

[FernStone]

Ky wasn't entirely sure what he meant with all of the various 'types' that he came up with, but she nodded as he spoke anyway. Amaya seemed enraptured, nodding vigorously in agreement. She probably knew a lot more than her about this kind of thing.

"And what exactly does this princely type entail?" She raised an eyebrow curiously, tilted her head and trying not the laugh at the hand that he had placed over his chest. Loathe as she was to admit it, she was beginning to enjoy herself. Tamaki was entertaining, though that was unlikely what he was going for. "All of these types are a bit vague."

~~~

"Don't worry about it, we're just a bit shocked, that's all," Kaoru responded, finding him surprised that his words were genuine. Normally he wouldn't mind too much if a girl seemed to feel guilty or awkward. Of course it was their job to keep girls happy, and Tamaki would have their heads if they didn't, but in the end the twins were here for their own entertainment. "So, what are you ladies looking forward to most about spring?" He decided it was best to once again move to a new topic.

[Tokara]

"Ah, my mistake! I had quite forgotten how complicated our jargon can be." Tamaki had been a part of the Host Club for so long, such words were a common part of his vocabulary. He sat up straighter, excited to be introducing a new lady to the wonders of his club. "Why, for me, it is simply in the name. My personality and manners are that of a prince. Or so I hope, my lady," he said, reaching to hold one of her hands between two of his own. He looked at her with slightly concerned blue-violet eyes, as if him not being princely was the worst thing in the world. And to him, it was certainly close to that.

~~~

Mimori was once again relieved by Kaoru's actions. He certainly was being kind toward her, instead of teasing or mischievous. She had been worried for a moment that she might have to switch Hosts. She really did enjoy the twins; they were funny and entertaining. Although Hikaru might be slightly confrontational, it was just another learning experience for her about being more confident around guys.

"Oh, I absolutely love the outdoor balls that begin at this time of year," Mimori sighed, a slightly starry look coming to her eyes. "I adore ballroom dancing..."

[FernStone]

"I wouldn't say complicated, more unusual," Ky responded. She smiled as Tamaki sat up straighter, seeming to be quite excited about explaining this. She couldn't help but blush again a bit as he went hold one of her hands, though she didn't stop him. What was getting into her?! She guessed this was the host club's job, so she shouldn't be too annoyed at herself. "I guess that you are close to a prince, yes." A somewhat idiotic one. "You certainly have the... richness down." She looked thoughtful again. "And maybe some of the other things." She didn't necessarily mean to offend him, it was more that she was forgetting to think before she spoke.

~~~

"Well the host club will certainly be hosting a ball during this time," Kaoru smiled as Mimori spoke. "So you will get a chance to dance if you attend that."

"A ball will certainly be fun when it happens," Hikaru put in, a slightly devilish glint in his eyes. Kaoru laughed. Those kinds of things could always be fun for the twins and they found a way to play prank in most settings.

[Tokara]

Tamaki smiled back at Ky, raising her hand to his lips to quickly peck it. Of course, her friend would not be forgotten - but Ky had simply been lucky enough to be picked first! And, perhaps he wanted to show that he was much more than his father's wealth. He let her go again, proceeding to offer the pair cold water and snacks before pouring a glass of cold water for himself. The heat wasn't overpowering, but cold water was so refreshing. Like himself.

Fanning himself with either side of his unbuttoned shirt, Tamaki looked toward the friend - he wouldn't want her to feel completely neglected. It was an open question to both of them, however. There was something about Ky that he liked rather much, but he couldn't put his finger on it. "What do you think of the Host Club's choice of theme for today? Is there anything you two would like to see in the future?"

~~~

Mimori nodded excitedly. It was one of her favourite things to do. Although she might be shy around boys, it was one situation where she could be close to one and feel like a princess as they danced. It was such a wonderful feeling. She stirred the umbrella in her juice thoughtfully, a daring action coming to mind. Should she...?

"Um, Kaoru..." She dipped her head, blushing already. It was a scary thing to ask. But what if she didn't? Besides, the worst thing he could say was, 'no.' "I was wondering if you- do you dance?"

[Tokara]

((UGH DOUBLE POST))

[FernStone]

Ky blushed again as Tamaki raised her hand to his lips, glancing away. It definitely wasn't something that she was used to and she felt slightly embarrassed that she was blushing so much. It certainly wasn't how she would normally react. She was grateful when he let go of her hand, placing it back in her lap and accepting the offer of water. It was quite warm.

"Oh it's absolutely delightful!" Amaya responded with a wide smile, eyes fixed on Tamaki. Ky couldn't really fault her friend, she had been the one blushing just a moment ago. "I love the tropical weather. And in the future? A beach theme! I would love to see you all in swimming gear." Amaya's look at turned dreamy just at the thought.

"Why not just go to a normal beach," Ky commented, mostly in response to what her friend had said.

"It's not the same!"

Ky didn't understand why not, but she wasn't going to argue.

~~~

Kaoru raised an eyebrow slightly as Mimori began to speak, blushing somewhat. He didn't quite understand why she was struggling to ask such a simple question. Maybe it was more difficult for other people?

"Of course I dance," he responded smoothly, with a smile. "I like to think that I am quite good at it."

"You are, Kaoru... almost as good as I am," Hikaru responded teasingly. "Of course that is why I am always the lead..."