[IC] Welcome to the Host Club!

[Tokara]

Ah, a beach theme... They hadn't really done one before. Although, he had an even better idea than that. Tamaki clapped his hands together, an excited light kindling within him. "That is a fantastic suggestion, from both of you!" He beamed across from one to the other. "A beach theme would be wonderful indeed, and I'm sure you ladies would look beautiful in swimwear," he sighed dreamily.

"Perhaps the Host Club should organise a beach trip when summer arrives? I am sure that we can secure a private beach."

~~~

Then, came the real part why she was so shy about her question. Mimori tucked her hair behind her ear, nervous for her next question. "I would love to see you dance," she commented softly, eyes casted downward. But then she dared herself, made herself, look up and make eye contact with Kaoru. She smiled nervously, before her true smile came through. Okay, this was sort of goofy and silly, but she had to ask!

"I would love to dance with you at a ball, Kaoru... If Hikaru wouldn't mind..."

[FernStone]

(Now we have to do the beach trip :P)

"Oh, thank you, Tamaki," Amaya squeaked, looking absolutely delighted at the compliment. She also looked quite excited at the idea of going to the idea. "Oh yes, it would be wonderful to go to a beach!"

Well, Ky hadn't really expected that. She hadn't been suggested that the Host Club had a trip there. She wondered what they would be like, though. Would it still be done by appointments? "Going to the beach is quite lovely... It's always so peaceful." She had gone a few times when she was younger, before her parents had got a lot of money and thus stopped having time for her. "Especially the ocean."

~~~

Kaoru smiled slightly in response. "Of course you may dance with me at a ball. I am sure that Hikaru will survive just one dance." At most balls it was required of them to dance with others. And Kaoru thought that Mimori was quite nice, if a bit shy, and would be quite happy to dance with her over some other ladies.

"As long as I get the last dance with you," Hikaru responded rather dramatic, turning to look at his twin.

"Well of course, Hikaru."

[Tokara]

(( ;) Gives us something to do later! First, spring ball? What's the plan for us to do next?))

Tamaki was made very glad when he saw that they both were accepting of the idea. It seemed that he'd made a most excellent discovery of his guests' tastes! Two such different girls, yet they both liked the idea. "I shall ask Kyoya about organising a trip, then!" he exclaimed. He took notice of Ky's words; was that a hint of wistfulness? Perhaps a reminder of when she was younger - so many had good memories at the beach...

"I shall find a peaceful beach then, just for you ladies. And then, the whole Host Club and some guests can come to the beach, and it'll be like a long session of the Club! What do you think?"

~~~

Mimori's heart beated uneasily in her chest as Kaoru answered. But then, relief flooded through her. She giggled at Hikaru's statement. Was that even a bit of innuendo present there? She wasn't sure, and she wasn't going to ask.

"Thank you, Kaoru. it's very kind of you," she replied with a smile. "Do you have any plans for a ball yet?" This time, the question was addressed to both of them. She might prefer Kaoru, but she knew that the two were unquestionably intertwined. A fact that made her wonder why she even spent her time with them... It made her a little more confident, she supposed, that she knew nothing could happen between them.

[FernStone]

(It definitely does! Yes, spring ball. Hmm, I think when we should maybe do something with Ky actually making an appointment with Tamaki (alone, ooo) and I dunno twin wise I feel I need to, at some point, make them play some crap tricks.

Though they'd normally play them on Tamaki aha)

"Doesn't sound like it will be so peaceful if there is the entire Host Club there," Ky responded drily. If there was one thing she had noticed about the Host Club was that it was never, ever peaceful. She doubted a beach would change that. But she would hopefully be able to find somewhere quiet if she went on a trip such as that. "Though it could certainly be a good idea."

"Oh that'd be absolutely delightful... And extra long would be wonderful!" Amaya was clearly more into the idea of the host club on the beach rather than Ky, who was into the beach itself.

~~~

"It is my pleasure," Kaoru responded with a grin, before glancing at Hikaru and shrugging. "I'm sure that Kyoya has something up his sleeve, but he is yet to tell us anything. I'm sure we'll know soon enough."

"We'll probably have one, though, Tamaki will certainly push for it," Hikaru continued. "I am sure the guests will all be delighted if it happened."

"And we'll enjoy it," the both said in unison, before smiling. It was a somewhat devilish smile, suggesting they had more plans for the ball than just dancing.

[Tokara]

Ah, true. It seemed that Tamaki's plan of an even balance had a fault in it! He looked at Ky for a moment, an idea brimming to the top of his thoughts. He was determined for her to join the Host Club, and to enjoy it! And most of all, he wanted her to be happy. The blond was a Host who truly did care about his guests, but couldn't help being drawn to some particular cases.

"We will see what happens," he declared mysteriously.

((I think that's a good point to stop both of them there?
The prank could be intended for Tamaki, but backfires on Mimori. Perhaps Kaoru feels bad, while Hikaru doesn't care (or pretends not to, due to feeling jealous. whatever suits him best :p).))

[FernStone]

(Sounds like a good idea - so shall we do a time skip to another day then?

That sounds like a good plan! I should be able to come up with a prank like that >:) )

[Tokara]

((Yes please! We can say that it's Friday ;) And perhaps they've organised a Spring Ball for the next week? Time doesn't have to be realistic here lol))

[FernStone]

(Okayyy dokay let's go with that :D And yes makes sense, we don't need that realistic time haha. The actual anime/manga had no realistic time xD They skipped everyone going up a here when they should've in the manga)

Ky didn't like the fact that she felt slightly nervous. She was normally quite a confident person, and tended not to really care what other people thought of her (thus the general lack of conformity to how she should act now that her parents were rich). Yet she was nervous today. She had properly made an appointment with Tamaki, and it was the first one she had ever made.

She hadn't even told Amaya because she knew just how her close friend would react.

At least it was a Friday, she thought as she reached the host club. If she managed to completely embarrass herself she didn't have to face anyone in school for another two days.

~~~

There was a certain extra excitement and devilishness about the twins that day. With the decision of the Spring Ball being the next week, something for everyone to look forward, they had began to think up all sorts of devious plans. After all they couldn't have a spring ball without them playing a trick on someone (probably Tamaki).

"How are we going to make sure the tea gets to Tamaki?" Kaoru whispered quietly to his twin, looking thoughtful.

Hikaru shrugged. "Somehow." They're plan for the day was a simple enough trick - to put extremely hot chilli powder into Tamaki's tea. Neither could wait to see how he reacted. He was always the mostly entertaining person to prank. "It's not that easy to mess up."

[Tokara]

Tamaki had found himself even more excited than usual for the Host Club, when he saw who had booked him for a private appointment today. His charms had won over the reluctant lady! Both proud of himself and determined to serve her well, he had made sure to prepare things properly for her. Today was just a normal Host Club day - Kyoya couldn't organise something for every day of the week, of course.

He was sat on his couch, resting his chin in one hand as he looked toward the door. As Ky came around the corner, he rose elegantly and moved toward her. Tamaki drew a rose out of seemingly nowhere. "Good day, Miss Ky," he greeted her, bowing as he offered Ky the flower.

~~~

Mimori had come in to the Host Club today, feeling a little tired. But she was determined not to miss a single appointment unless she had to. She'd arrived early, and Tamaki had most kindly offered her a seat at his regular place; he could take a table instead of a couch for now, as he had only one guest. The couch was surprisingly comfortable. Kyoya had headed over to her, seeing that she was alone, and had offered to bring her some tea. He was always determined that their guests had high satisfaction.

Kyoya strode over to the side room where their china and tea was kept - and saw the twins inside. He raised an eyebrow, but didn't ask. The ladies usually found their pranks funny, or fawned over Tamaki (the usual victim). Most of the time, it was a win-win situation.

The room was organised for each table, as he liked to keep things in order. Tamaki's table's tea wasn't in its usual place. He sighed, adjusting his glasses with one finger. "Where is Tamaki's tea? I just need one cup."

((Meh, that's how I figured to work it? x'D They can come out when she's sipping? lololol))

[FernStone]

Ky raised an eyebrow slightly as Tamaki approachable her, pulling out a rose out of nowhere. She accepted it with a slight smile. "Thank you. Good day to you too." As she spoke she glanced around the room. It was only just beginning to get busy, it seemed. That was good. And thankfully Amaya had been required to head straight home today so her friend wouldn't be there watching her.

"I suppose it is quite a nice day today," Ky continued to speak. "Considering it is practically the weekend, which is always a welcome break." Not that she got much of a break at the weekend. When home her parents pushed her into extra lessons to learn manners, and if she escaped she spent the time out with friends from her old school.

~~~

"Oh hello Kyoya," the twins responded, not particularly trying to hide what they were doing. It wasn't like anyone was going to stop what they were doing anyway. Tamaki had tried, and failed to put an end to their pranks. And this would make it easier to make sure it worked. "It's right here."

As they both spoke it was Hikaru who handed it over to Kyoya. This way they didn't have to worry about Tamaki not drinking it. If they had been the ones to serve him tea, he would have been suspicious. If it was Kyoya it was all fine.

(Yeahhh that definitely works! And yes xD Because they think it's just going to Tamaki cause they obviously don't know that he's not the one sitting at his table)

[Tokara]

((phone about to die))

Tamaki nodded graciously, leading her to his new table for the day. He pulled out a chair for her, then sat down opposite Ky. The table, as always, was laden with tea and sweets and cake. "I must admit; I'm very glad that you came around," he said with a smile. "I'm looking forward to the weekend too!"

~~~

Mimori accepted the tea from Kyoya with a polite thank you, appreciating the thought. He was charming, albeit in a different way. She didn't feel completely comfortable in Tamaki's princely manner. Raising the cup to her lips, she took a small sip. It was... a bit funny tasting. For a moment, it was fine. Then her face began going red as her mouth just about imploded on her. There was a reason why she didn't eat wasabi - she couldn't deal with any spice! Starting to pant slightly, tears started running from her eyes.

((sorry, 2% in thunderstorm no electricity!!))

[Tokara]

((phone about to die))

Tamaki nodded graciously, leading her to his new table for the day. He pulled out a chair for her, then sat down opposite Ky. The table, as always, was laden with tea and sweets and cake. "I must admit; I'm very glad that you came around," he said with a smile. "I'm looking forward to the weekend too!"

~~~

Mimori accepted the tea from Kyoya with a polite thank you, appreciating the thought. He was charming, albeit in a different way. She didn't feel completely comfortable in Tamaki's princely manner. Raising the cup to her lips, she took a small sip. It was... a bit funny tasting. For a moment, it was fine. Then her face began going red as her mouth just about imploded on her. There was a reason why she didn't eat wasabi - she couldn't deal with any spice! Starting to pant slightly, tears started running from her eyes.

((sorry, 2% in thunderstorm no electricity!!))

[FernStone]

(It's fine don't worry about it!)

Ky sat down carefully in the chair, carefully not to mess up the skirts of her school uniform too much. She disliked the uniform quite a lot but there was hardly anything she could do about this. "Oh really?" Ky looked slightly suspicious. Was it something he said to every girl? After all he must talk to many over the course of a session. "What about the weekend are you looking forward to?" She smiled slightly.

~~~

The twins have peered the corner from the side room, both grinning mischievously. This was going to be great!

"Wait a minute, Kyoya didn't give the tea to Tamaki," Kaoru was the first to notice. That definitely wasn't what they wanted. Tamaki was the funny one to prank. It took him a bit longer to recognise the person who had drank the tea.

"So? It'll still work."

Kaoru just shook his head, moving quickly to grab a glass of water and rushing off towards where Mimori was sitting. Hikaru followed with a friend.

"Here, drink this," Kaoru put the glass down in front of Mimori, looking slightly concerned. "I'm very sorry, that wasn't meant for you."

[Tokara]

"This weekend, I will be preparing for the Spring Ball next week." Tamaki rested his elbows on the table, interlacing his fingers underneath his chin as he smiled at her. "I'll be practising my dancing and picking out my suit," he explained. Some might think it not 'manly,' to be interested in fashion and presentation, but he considered it part of being a gentleman to be well-groomed and skilled.

"Are you coming to the ball on Friday?" He straightened in his seat, a light of excitement in his features.

~~~

Mimori was gasping for air, fanning her mouth with her hand as if it would help. This was absolutely terrible! Tears were still streaming down her face as Kaoru gave her a glass of cold water. Taking it in hand, she gulped it down eagerly. When it was finished, the spice was still strong in her mouth. She was panting slightly, trying to cool down the fire, soft whimpers escaping her mouth.

That wasn't any normal spiced tea. That was... Behind Kaoru, she saw Hikaru, something present in his expression that wasn't entirely apologetic. This had happened before to her, although not with spice. Was this bullying all over again, because she wasn't 'properly,' Japanese? Was this some sick trick of theirs? Of course she wasn't accepted by them - or, at least, Hikaru. Maybe she was just speculating. She didn't know what to think of this. He hadn't ever seemed to really like her.

Mimori would probably feel the burn for a couple of days, if her mouth was any sign. The tears now were starting to stop, although now they were more from pain than anything. "W-why?"

[FernStone]

Oh, Ky had completely forgotten about the ball this Friday. Perhaps she had done it on purpose, because she didn't want to tell her parents and for them to instantly jump on that as an excuse to educate in yet more upper class things. They would be delighted for her to go, though. And now that she thought about it Amaya may have mentioned it a few times.

"I'm not very good at dancing, I'm afraid, so I don't think that it would be very good for me to be there," she responded, somewhat apologetically. "I would just embarrass myself and whoever I am dancing with." Though she was actually relatively sporty she had never enjoyed things like dancing, even though her parents had made sure to give her lessons for balls such as these.

~~~

When Mimori had finished the first glass Kaoru ran to fill it again so she could drink more if she wanted to. When he returned to the table Hikaru had come to stand lazily behind him, unsure why his brother was making such a fuss. It was just a prank and they did these kinds of things all the time. The worst that came out of it was Tamaki, and possibley Kyoya, being annoyed at them.

"We put chilli in the tea expecting it to go to Tamaki, but we didn't realise Kyoya did it by tables and Tamaki wasn't sitting there," Kaoru frowned slightly, looking genuinely sorry. "It was not in anyway meant for you. We wouldn't purposefully prank you." Kaoru's words were more genuine than they might normally be. He quite like Mimori, especially since she had been able to tell them apart. For most other guests they merely didn't to avoid the wrath of Tamaki or, more scarily, Kyoya.

[Tokara]

Tamaki shook his head vigorously, a soft tut escaping his lips. No lady should ever feel unwelcome at a ball, especially a guest of his own! "You would never embarrass me," he declared confidently. He was the princely type for a reason, and part of that was confidence and another dancing. "I will take you to dance at the ball, if you attend. I hope you do; it will be a beautiful affair."

Tamaki really did wish for her to be there. She was almost like a project of his - although not so wooden as the word might suggest. He cared for Ky, and in his rose-tinted spectacles, saw that she would be happier if she did things like this. Or so he thought.

~~~

Mimori listened to Kaoru, resisting the instinct to flee from the room. She could feel eyes on her, and Kyoya watching from afar. Kaoru's words seemed genuine, as did the regret in his expression. Hikaru still said nothing. Perhaps he didn't really care at all. She nodded at Kaoru's explanation, drinking again. It was damn hot. She never had dealt well with spicy foods.

But she was a lady, born and bred. Mimori would not get angry or break down into hysterics. She simply rose, biting her tongue to keep herself from making any sort of pained sound. "Thank you, Kaoru." She bowed her head slightly, turning around to find Kyoya trying to offer her something as compensation. She waved him away with polite words, declining whatever he had. She doubted she'd be coming back; mostly because of Hikaru's attitude. They really didn't care, did they? Except for Kaoru, it seemed. It was a shame.

She started toward the door, head held high despite her red face and the pain inside her mouth and heart. There went her dance. There went the Host Club.

[Tokara]

- double oops -

[FernStone]

"I'm not sure you will still have that opinion afterwards," Ky laughed slightly with a shrug. She really was quite awful, and would undoubtedly end up falling over or standing on the toes of whoever she was dancing with. "I guess I can try to attend... My parents would certainly like that."

After a pause she frowned. "Though I will have to cancel on my, uh, other friends that I had plans with." Though she was quite sure that would be fine and they would be somewhat understanding. She saw them regularly enough.

~~~

"Wait, Mimori, don't go," Kaoru took a step towards her as she started towards the door, looking as if he wanted to grab her hand but deciding against it. It didn't seem like the best thing to do. Not that he was the mostly socially adept. "We really are sorry, please don't leave because of this." He glanced over at Hikaru. After a few moments of the twins staring at each other the slightly older one spoke.

"Yes, we are sorry," his words were not reluctant, but they weren't entirely genuine. They were said more for the benefit of Kaoru - Hikaru did not want to do something that might possibly upset his twin.

"I was looking forward to dancing with you at the ball," Kaoru added.

[Tokara]

Tamaki stayed quiet - what was the saying? That the one who stayed silent the longest, won? Something like that. And she agreed. He clapped his hands together excitedly, paying absolutely no attention to the other commotion in the room. He was too invested in the guest sitting across from him. "Fantastic!" he exclaimed.

Then, after a moment - "Why don't you invite your friends as well? If they're also from Ouran, they're quite welcome." He flicked his hair with a quick movement of his head, just about bouncing in his seat.

~~~

Mimori paused as she reached the door, sensing Kaoru's closeness behind her. He'd... come after her? She stayed in place until Hikaru spoke, then slowly turned to face them. He hadn't sounded forced. Maybe not entirely genuine, but quite willing. When Kaoru said that he'd looked forward to dancing with her... She hesitated for a moment. Of course. She had been the one to notice the difference between them; she should have stayed calm and separated her disappointment too.

"Really?" Mimori fiddled with her yellow skirts, glancing down at them nervously. A boy, admitting to wanting to dance with her? A boy from the Host Club? Despite the pain, an ever so tiny smile tilted her lips, and she nodded. "Okay. I... I'll see you there." And then quietly, discreetly, she exited the Host Club for the week.

[FernStone]

Ky couldn't help but laugh at his suggestion. It wasn't laughing at him, rather at the idea of what he had said. "I'm afraid that they're not from Ouran, so that's not quite possible," she tilted her head and ran a hand through her hair as she spoke. "They wouldn't fit into an event such as that." She couldn't imagine her friends from her old school enjoying something like that.

~~~

"See you then," Kaoru smiled slightly as she left.

"You like her," Hikaru stated bluntly as Kaoru went back over to him. Kaoru shook his head.

"Not yet, I just think it would be nice to be friends with someone who can tell us apart. Someone who sees us as individuals, not just the same people."