Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It rained on the day of Mom's funeral, like the sky was crying. I was seven. It was the saddest day of my life. Dad cried. Really cried. I'd seen Dad cry before, but that was the hardest I'd ever seen him cry.

We watched her casket be lowered slowly into the ground.

I held Haruhi's hand in mine, squeezing her fingers. I held her hand the drive home too.

I tried not to cry. I wanted to be strong for my sister. But I just couldn't. When we got home, I ran to the bathroom and cried on the floor for an hour.

Haruhi came in, shutting the door quietly behind her. She came and sat beside me. Then she hugged me. She didn't cry. She was strong for me.

I would spend the rest of my life, trying to be strong for an independent, stubborn little sister who simply doesn't need me.

Fumi woke up before her dad and sister every morning to make breakfast. It wasn't that neither of them couldn't cook, it was just that Fumi had to wake up early for her job. She figured she might as well wake up early enough to make breakfast. She liked to cook anyway.

"Smells good," said a voice.

Haruhi was in the doorway, already dressed up for school and her hair clearly combed. She was usually up only five or ten minutes after Fumi.

"Thanks," Fumi replied.

Haruhi started setting the table.

"How's school?" Fumi asked.

"Good. I'm studying hard," Haruhi answered.

"Well, don't study too hard."

"I know."

Haruhi was smart and she wanted to be a lawyer, like their mom. Fumi thought it was admirable. When she was younger, she used to ask Fumi to help her study for tests, saying she needed to get good grades to become a lawyer. Eventually, she stopped asking. She'd discovered that she worked better alone.

Fumi had to be at work and Haruhi had to be at school before their dad would wake up, so Fumi always left his plate on the table with a 'good morning' note. He was usually at work when Fumi got back. He left an 'I love you' note for her on the counter, telling her what time he'd be back.

"You sure you don't want a ride?" Fumi asked, getting on her motorbike.

Haruhi smiled. "You can't. You'll be late for your shift at the pool," she said.

"So?" Fumi put on her helmet. She offered Haruhi the spare one.

"No thanks, sis," Haruhi told her, like she did everyday.

"Suit yourself. Guess you'll never be cool," Fumi teased.

Haruhi laughed. "I'll see you after school."

"Have a good day," Fumi said and waved. Then she revved away on her bike down the street. She saw Haruhi start walking the opposite way down the sidewalk in her rear-view mirror.

Fumi got back home after a long, boring day. "I'm back!" she called. With a sigh, she made her way where her sister probably was, reading or studying. "Man, I wish someone would drown. It's boring watching everyone play in the water," she said. She was a lifeguard, yet she never even got to perform any of her training.

Haruhi, surprisingly, wasn't studying or reading. She was laying on the floor, looking dead to the world.

"Why do you look so exhausted?" Fumi asked. She'd never seen Haruhi like this.

Haruhi slowly turned her gaze to her. It was like simply turning her head took all of her life force to do.

"I broke a very expensive vase and now I have to work as a Host to pay for it," she croaked in response.

Fumi raised an eyebrow. "What's a 'Host'?"

"A nightmare."

Fumi later learned what a Host really was and that it wasn't as bad as Haruhi claimed. She laughed her head off, while Haruhi pouted at her for laughing at her misery.

For the first few weeks or so, Fumi came home to a half-dead Haruhi. But after awhile, she started coming home to a Haruhi who was happy and just wouldn't admit it. Fumi thought, in fact, this was the happiest she'd ever seen her since Mom died.

She eventually started talking about the Host Club at supper too. They drove her crazy, but they also made her laugh. She didn't say it, but Fumi heard it; they were her best friends. Fumi could hardly remember the last time Haruhi had any real friends.

Seeing a smile on her sister's face brought joy to Fumi's heart. She wondered what it was about this Host Club.

She really wondered what it was about this Host Club.

Fumi came home to find Haruhi had company over. Two brothers named Hikaru and Kaoru. They were twins.

"Who's this, Haruhi?" they asked in harmony.

It was kind of creepy.

Haruhi, who clearly was not having a good time, sighed. "This is my older sister. Fumi, this is Hikaru and Kaoru."

Fumi looked them over. She couldn't tell them apart. Haruhi seemed to know who was who. She'd always been observant like that.

"You two have the same eyes," Kaoru commented, looking between the two of them.

An amused smile graced Haruhi's face. "Well, we're sisters," she said.

"You hair is different though."

Fumi jumped at the voice that suddenly came from behind her. Hikaru was playing with her hair bun.

"Hey!" She swatted him away. She fixed her bun. "Do you always play with people's hair when meeting them for the first time?"

"But you're not a people, you're Haruhi's sister," the twins protested.

Fumi scowled. She looked at Haruhi.

"They're always like this," Haruhi said.

Fumi huffed. "Well, they're still guests," she said. She didn't like the way they grinned at that. "I'll make some tea." That way, she wouldn't have to be in the same room as them.

"Thanks, sis," said Haruhi, while Fumi headed toward the kitchen.

"Thanks, sis!" echoed the twins.

Fumi rolled her eyes. What an annoying pair. She got some cups and teabags, then began making green tea.

That wasn't the end of the twins' tomfoolery. A moment later, they snuck up on her and went in for the kill.

"Play dress up with us, Haruhi .2!" they exclaimed.

Fumi chased them out of the kitchen with a broom. From the living room, she heard Haruhi tell them,

"I wouldn't try that again. She'll throw the hot tea at you."

Fumi would. And she'd have no regrets.

They didn't try anything again, until after she set down the tea. She wasn't sure how, but somehow within seconds, she found herself with a luxurious hairstyle.

One-on-one, the Hitachiin twins actually weren't that bad.

Kaoru helped her clean up the dishes, leaving Hikaru and Haruhi alone. Fumi had seen him wink at Hikaru before he left the room.

"Thanks for your help," Fumi said. She'd been on her guard at first, but after he hadn't tried to prank her every five seconds, she relaxed.

"Well, it's not really for you," Kaoru said.

"He likes her?" asked Fumi. She looked over her shoulder, peeking into the living room to see them talking. Haruhi laughed at something Hikaru said and Hikaru grinned.

"Yes. But he doesn't realize it yet," replied Kaoru.

Fumi hummed. A boyfriend... could be a good thing for Haruhi.

"Say, don't you have a maid to do the dishes?" Kaoru asked, "Or can commoners not afford a maid?"

Fumi blinked up at him. "You have a maid?"

"Twenty."

Fumi balked. Then she shook her head. "I don't understand you rich people."

"I don't really understand you either," Kaoru said. He looked around. "Isn't this place too small for you?"

"There's three bedrooms for me, my sister and my dad. It's good enough for us."

Kaoru stared at her. "You're very simple."

Fumi might've been offended if Kaoru wasn't so genuine. She laughed instead. "I guess I am."

They fell silent, a friendly air around them.

A curl from Fumi's fancy hair fell in her eyes. She blew at it. It fell back in her face.

Kaoru chuckled. "Here," he said. He dried his hands on his pants, then let her hair down. He put it back in a bun the same way she'd had it before.

"Thanks," Fumi said.

Kaoru's smile was sweet.

Hikaru thought her bike was the coolest thing in the world. He plopped in front of it, admiring it in awe. He touched it with a finger oh so softly, like he was afraid to put his whole hand on it.

Fumi snickered. "You act like you've never seen a motorbike before."

Hikaru looked at her.

Fumi stopped snickering. "You've never seen a motorbike before."

Hikaru shook his head.

Fumi would not stand for this. Rich people were underprivileged in the most ordinary ways. She grabbed her helmet and tossed the spare one to Hikaru. She got on her bike.

Hikaru gawked at her.

"Well?" Fumi arched an eyebrow at him. "Hop on."

He looked like she'd just given him the moon. He put his helmet on, not doing it right in his haste to get on the bike with her. She gave him a smile and fixed his helmet for him properly. Then she gripped the handles of her bike.

"Hold on," she said. They wouldn't be long. She'd take him for a ten-minute spin or something like that and be back before Haruhi and Kaoru could notice.

Hikaru hesitantly put his hands on her hips. When the engine revved and they zoomed forward, he quickly squeezed his arms around her.

When they left, they gave Haruhi a kiss on either cheek and ran away before she could hit them.

"Bye, Haruhi! Bye, sis!"  they said in unison.

Haruhi groaned, "Those two!"

Fumi watched them walk down the sidewalk. What an interesting pair.

A week later, she met the rest of the Host Club.

Sundays were her half-days. She got home before lunch. When she got back from the pool, she was surprised to find six other pairs of shoes on the mat. She heard voices coming from the other room.

She opened the screen. Around the low table, was Haruhi and a group of teenage boys. She recognized Hikaru and Kaoru among the group.

"Oh sis, I didn't hear you come in," said Haruhi, "Welcome back."

"Sis?! As in sister?!!" blurted the tall blond one.

"Hi, Haruhi's sister," greeted the twins in perfect sync.

The tall blond boy grabbed them. "You two knew about this?!"

"Haru-chan, you have a sister? Why didn't you tell us?" asked the shortest of the bunch. He had a pink bunny.

He had to be an elementary schooler.

"Oh, I guess it never crossed my mind," Haruhi told him. Then she cleared her throat. "Everyone, this is my older sister Fumi. Fumi, you know Hikaru and Kaoru. That's Tamaki-senpai, Kyoya-senpai, Honey-senpai, and Mori-senpai," she said, pointing at each individual respectively.

Tamaki was suddenly in her face. "It's so good to meet you! Haruhi is like my daughter, so that makes you like my daughter too! I feel such a fatherly love for you already!" he exclaimed, sparkles dancing in his eyes.

Fumi scowled in disgust. "Creepy," she said and Tamaki stumbled back like she'd stabbed him. "Also," she went on, "I'm pretty sure I'm older than you, so that's impossible."

He clutched at his heart.

"And who says something like that to someone they've just met? What are you, an idiot?"

Tamaki's legs seemed to give out from beneath him and he fell with a hard thud on the floor.

"Sis!" Hikaru and Kaoru draped themselves on top of her. "Did you miss us, did you miss us?" they chorused, poking her cheek and prodding her hair.

She shooed them away from her with a broom.

Suddenly, Honey grabbed her hand.

"Hey Fu-chan, do you like sweets?" he asked, a bright grin on his face.

"Um, not really," Fumi answered.

"Oh..." he muttered sadly.

Haruhi snorted, "Yes she does."

Fumi gave her sister a look. "I do not."

"You're crazy about cookies! Don't believe her, Honey-senpai."

"I have a healthy love for cookies!"

Honey's happy smile returned. "You like cookies then, Fu-chan! I'll bring some for you the next time I come over!" he said.

Fumi looked between him and her sister. She sighed in defeat. "Alright."

Honey giggled.

Fumi blinked then. "Fu-chan?"

"Uh-huh!" Honey nodded. "Cute, huh? Almost as cute as my Usa-chan!" He held up his pink bunny.

What an adorable kid, thought Fumi. "Oh, I should make some tea," she realized.

"I already made some actually," said Haruhi, gesturing to the tray of empty cups on the low table.

"I can clean up then," Fumi said, picking the tray up.

"I can help you," Mori said, standing.

"Thank-" Fumi's eyes bulged as he rose to his full height. Holy, was he tall. "Um, watch your head!" she told him.

He nodded.

He started following her toward the kitchen. Fumi sensed something devious getting closer to her. She whipped around.

"Stay!" she shouted at Hikaru and Kaoru.

They pouted, "You're so mean, sis!"

Fumi grabbed the broom, just in case, then went into the kitchen with Mori in tow.

"Can you pass me that?"

"Mm."

Thank you."

"Mm."

Fumi paused and looked up. "You're quiet, huh?"

Mori nodded at her.

"I see." He seemed like a nice guy. He was helping her with the dishes. He struck her as a wallflower, silently observing the people around him. Maybe he could tell her the answer to what she'd been wondering lately. "Do you mind if I ask you something?" she questioned.

"...What?" replied Mori after a moment.

Fumi looked up at him again. "What's Haruhi like at school?"

Mori took another moment to answer. "...Kind," he said.

Fumi smiled. "Yeah?"

"Mm."

"Does she have fun?"

Mori thought. "...I think so."

Fumi's smile softened, her heart warm. "Good. I'm glad," she murmured. "Thank you."

"Mm."

Tamaki and the twins were complaining about being hungry when Fumi and Mori were done in the kitchen.

"Sis, make us something!" said... Hikaru... possibly.

"Hika-chan, ask her nicely!" scolded Honey, huffing adorably.

Fumi kneeled down to him. "Honey, I can make you a snack if you're hungry," she offered.

Honey lit up. "Really?"

"Uh-huh. We have juice boxes too if you'd like."

"What about us?" whined Kaoru... possibly.

"Feed yourselves," Fumi told them promptly.

They draped themselves on top of Haruhi. "Make us something, Haruhi!"

"Stop it, you two!" Tamaki demanded, yanking them off of her. "You should be ashamed of yourselves! What if they don't have enough food to feed us all? They're poor, remember! Be more considerate!"

Poor? Fumi turned to him. "Who are you calling poor?" she asked lowly.

The colour in Tamaki's face drained and he started to sweat. "Uh, I-"

Fumi wasn't listening to his stammering, lost in thought. There was a word for people like him. What was it again? It was on the tip of her tongue. She watched him flail around frantically. She was pretty sure she caught the word 'commoner'. There was something. What was it...

Oh yeah.

"Obnoxious," she said.

Tamaki fell over with a yell. He laid motionless on the floor, soul floating out of his body.

Mori's stomach suddenly grumbled. He looked down at it in betrayal.

Honey giggled at him. "Takashi's hungry too!"

Fumi looked between the two of them. They seemed to know each other very well. "Are you brothers?" she asked them.

Mori shook his head and Honey answered for them,

"Nope! But Takashi's my little cousin."

"Oh," said Fumi. So that was why they were so close. Wait... She blinked, turning to Honey. "Little?"

Honey nodded with a big smile.

"Just how old are you?"

"Seventeen."

"You're my age?!" Fumi was shocked.

"Hey, we're still hungry!" proclaimed the twins, "Somebody make us something, somebody make us something!" They rolled around on the floor.

Kyoya stood up. "If we're going to eat here, we might as well pay for it. Haruhi, why don't you buy your favourite sushi or something?" he said, pulling out his wallet from his pocket.

Fumi looked up at him. That was a nice gesture. But knowing Haruhi-

"Oh no, that's okay, Senapi. I'll feel bad if it's on you," Haruhi said.

She'd turn it down.

"It's no problem. It's from your photos' profits anyway," Kyoya told her.

Haruhi's shoulders slumped. "So technically, it's on me."

"But I really want to try Fu-chan's cooking!" Honey protested.

"I could make you something, Honey-senpai," Haruhi said.

"It's okay, I can do it," Fumi spoke up. She had offered, after all.

"But you already cleaned up the dishes," her sister argued.

"So?"

Honey grabbed the girls' hands. "I'd love to try both your cooking!" he said brightly.

Fumi and Haruhi looked at each other. It wasn't exactly what either of them wanted, but it was a good compromise.

"I guess we could make something together," Fumi said.

"Yeah," Haruhi agreed, nodding. "I'll need to go shopping again though."

"Oh, I can do that."

"No, it's fine. I can."

"Haru-"

Honey cried out joyfully, clapping his hands together. "Let's all go!" he exclaimed. "I want to see the supermarket! Don't you, Takashi?"

"Mm."

"We wanna go too!" said Hikaru and Kaoru.

Kyoya pushed up his glasses. "It could be an interesting experience."

Tamaki, coming back from the dead, slowly raised a shaky hand. "I-I want to go too..."

Haruhi sighed, setting her hands on her hips. "Guess we're all going."

They began to head out. Fumi lead everyone outside, but they stopped because Tamaki and Haruhi were still inside.

Fumi crossed her arms and scowled. "What's that idiot doing?"

Kyoya pushed up his glasses beside her. "I believe I saw him paying respects to your mother," he said.

Fumi uncrossed her arms. "Oh." That was nice of him. Very nice of him.

"Oh Fumi!" called a familiar voice from the sidewalk.

Fumi looked down. "Oh, hi Dad," she said. She waited for him to come up the stairs. "How was work?" she asked. Sundays were usually easy for him too.

"Splendid!" he responded. He looked around. "Oh, you have company."

"Haruhi does, actually. We were just on our way to the store."

"Where is she?"

"Inside."

"I'll go say hi to her before you go," Dad said, then went in.

...

BANG!!

They all quickly ran back inside to see what that sound was.

Dad thought Tamaki was an idiot. Fumi wasn't too surprised.

They all ended up around the low table again. Dad introduced himself. The Host Club had apparently never seen a transvestite before. Except for Kyoya. Dad and Kyoya had been talking to each other regularly on the phone.

"Oh, so you're the one Dad chats with every week!" Fumi said.

Kyoya nodded at her.

"Since when have you been in contact with Kyoya-senpai, Dad?!" demanded Haruhi.

Dad whined, "But Haruhi, you never tell me anything about school. I just want to know if you're alright."

"But that's an invasion of my privacy - Senpai, quit growing sad mushrooms in my closet!" Haruhi shouted.

Fumi looked over at Tamaki. He really was growing sad mushrooms with his gloom.

"Oh Haruhi, you're so cute even when you're angry!" Dad exclaimed, nuzzling Haruhi, much to her annoyance. He fell over when she got up and started walking away. "Hey, where are you going?"

Haruhi stopped in the doorway. "To the store."

"Oh, wait for me," Fumi said, starting to get up as well.

"By myself!" Haruhi exclaimed, leaving.

"But we wanna go to the store too...!" protested Kaoru, but it was too late.

The door closed behind Haruhi.

Fumi awkwardly sat back down, dropping her chin in her hand. In the end, her little sister didn't need her help. She'd probably insist on doing the cooking without Fumi too.

"When that girl says something, there's no changing her mind," said Dad. "She's been like that since forever. She even enrolled at Ouran all by herself. I'd like to respect her spirit of independence, but sometimes I wish she'd depend on me more."

Fumi... knew the feeling.

Dad sighed. Then he smiled. "Anyways, why don't we all have a little fun?"

By 'fun', Dad meant following Haruhi to the supermarket. Of course, Fumi knew that wasn't his only reason. She wasn't blind; she knew those boys were attractive, especially that Kyoya. She knew her dad wanted to be seen with a bunch of cute boys.

They arrived at the supermarket. The boys wandered around, treating the place like a museum or a historical site.

In the isle behind Haruhi's, Fumi hid behind a grocery stand with Tamaki, watching her pick up some veggies.

"Is it really okay to be spying on her like this?" Tamaki asked, "Is your father worried about her?"

"He's been doing this ever since she was a little girl. He used to do this to me too when I was little," Fumi explained. She always used to catch him and he'd make up some excuse about wanting to carry the basket for her. She'd be annoyed with him, which was probably why he eventually stopped when she got older. Looking back though, it was a funny memory.

"A tad overprotective, is he?" Tamaki said.

Fumi chuckled under her breath and smiled at him. "He is," she replied. She looked over at her dad, who was hiding in a different grocery stand, poking his head around the corner. "But I guess I can't blame him," she began, "After all, he's a single father with two daughters. And I think he gets lonely without us sometimes. Losing Mom was hard on him too."

Tamaki nodded sympathetically.

"And you know, with Haruhi..." Fumi shook her head, thinking about her stubborn little sister. "She always does everything by herself. She's just so strong, I don't know if she doesn't know how to depend on others or refuses to."

"She is like that, isn't she?" said Tamaki, smiling at Haruhi fondly. "But that's what makes her so charming."

Charming, eh? Fumi examined the look on his face. The utter adoration in his eyes. Ooh, he liked her sister, didn't he? And probably didn't even know it.

She got an idea, a smirk growing on her face. She kicked him into Haruhi's isle and watched the scene unfold. Haruhi noticed him and asked why he was here. He babbled, making up some dumb excuse.

Then Haruhi grinned, genuinely amused. "You're so weird!" she laughed. It was fond.

Haruhi did insist on making lunch by herself. Fumi argued with her about it, until Honey reminded them that he wanted to try both of their cooking. So they made a stewpot together.

"What do you think of Tamaki?" Fumi questioned.

Haruhi blinked at her. "Why do you ask?"

Fumi held back a snicker and shrugged. "Just curious."

Haruhi hummed in thought. "He's a handful," she said, "but he's a good person on the inside."

Fumi nodded. She smiled into her hand.

Dad tortured Tamaki while they ate lunch.

Chapter Text

(9 Years Ago)

Dad was running late from work. It was dark and it was storming outside. Fumi watched lightning flash in the sky through the window. Thunder boomed seconds after. The rain sure was coming down hard. She hoped Dad was okay. Another clap of thunder roared.

She heard Haruhi scream from her bedroom. She jumped to her feet and ran as fast as she could to her room.

"Haruhi! Are you okay?" she called, looking around frantically for her little sister. She didn't see her anywhere.

She looked in the closet, under Haruhi's desk, and in Haruhi's toy box. She wasn't in any of those places.

There was another boom of thunder. A whimper sounded from Haruhi's bed.

Fumi got to her hands and knees and looked under the bed. There was Haruhi, tangled up in her blankets, trembling.

"Come out, Haruhi," Fumi said.

Haruhi shook her head.

So Fumi crawled in next to her, laying on her side and hugging her little sister close. "It's okay," she soothed, "I'm here." She began to pet Haruhi's hair, rubbing her other hand on Haruhi's back. "There's nothing to be scared of."

Haruhi clung to her. Fumi held her tighter. They stayed like that until the storm was over.

Fumi watched the sky through her window. Grey clouds were rolling in. Looked like it'd storm tonight. Maybe the pool would be closed tomorrow if it rained into morning. She liked to go swimming when she didn't have to work and getting the whole pool to herself was nice. She always got sick the next day and Haruhi scolded her, but thankfully never told on her to Dad. It was a small price to pay. Besides, she got better the day after.

There was a low rumble of thunder.

Fumi wondered if Haruhi was alright. She'd stopped coming to her to sleep in her bed on stormy nights years ago, but Fumi still worried. She decided to go check on her.

When she was in front of her sister's door, it had started pouring outside.

"Haruhi," she called, turning the knob.

There was a weight against the door, preventing her from opening it.

"Haruhi?"

Thunder boomed.

"Ah, sis! What do you need?" came Haruhi's voice, pinched.

She was scared, wasn't she?

"Are you okay?" Fumi asked.

"I'm fine! You didn't need to check on me," Haruhi responded.

Fumi wished she wouldn't lie to her like that. She put her back to the door and slid to the floor. She could almost feel Haruhi's back to hers.

"Sis, I'm fine. You can go now."

Fumi thought about what she could do to help her sister, even just a little, without her realizing. Getting her mind off of the storm seemed like the best idea.

"Hey Haruhi, tell me a story," she said, speaking over a groan of thunder.

"A story?"

"Yeah. I'm bored."

"...Okay."

Fumi waited while Haruhi thought.

"Well, I had this weird dream earlier," she said.

"You slept at school?" Fumi teased.

"Not in class! I was studying in the library."

"Sure."

"I was!"

"What kind of dream was it?" Fumi asked.

Haruhi huffed. "It was weird," she told her, "I was Alice."

Fumi frowned. "Like Alice from Wonderland?"

"Yeah. Well, sort of. Tamaki-senpai and everyone was there. You were there. Dad was there. And... so was Mom."

That took Fumi by surprise. "You dreamed about Mom?"

Haruhi didn't say anything for a moment, but her voice hadn't sounded pinched for the last few minutes, so Fumi figured the thunder wasn't bothering her anymore. "This is gonna sound crazy," she then said, "but I think it was actually her. It just... sounded so much like her."

Fumi thought. She smiled. "Maybe it was her, visiting you in your dream."

"...I think it was."

Fumi gazed at the picture of her mother on the wall. She hoped Mom would visit her in a dream sometime too.

The sisters talked and reminisced well into the night, even after the storm had stopped.

Chapter Text

It was a Saturday. Haruhi was out. She'd left a note for Fumi, but hadn't told her where she'd went. Fumi hated it when she did that. Dad was at work. It was Fumi's day off. Wednesdays and Saturdays were her non-shift days.

She was starting to get bored when there was a knock on the door. She was surprised to see who it was when she opened it.

"Honey? Mori?"

Honey jumped at her, hugging his arms around her waist. "Hi, Fu-chan!"

Mori gave her a nod.

"Uh, hello," Fumi stammered, uncertainly hugging Honey back. When he released her, she stepped aside. "Please come in."

They did.

"Haruhi isn't here," she told them.

"That's okay. We're here to see you!" said Honey.

Fumi blinked. "You are?"

"Yup! I brought cookies!" Honey held up a cute pink package. Fumi wasn't sure where he'd been keeping it, but it smelled delicious.

"Oh, how thoughtful!" Fumi exclaimed, grinning wide. Their appearance had just made her day. "I can make us some tea."

"Hey, you work at a pool, right Fu-chan?" Honey asked, he and Mori following her to the kitchen area. "Can we go there? I brought my swimsuit!"

Swimming... The way into Fumi's heart.

"Sure!" she replied happily. This day wouldn't be boring after all.

"Yay!" cheered Honey. "But first, let's have cookies! Can we have some milk, instead of tea?"

"Sure. I'll get it ready. Make yourselves comfortable."

"I'll help you," Mori spoke for the first time.

"Ah, thank you."

"Mm."

Honey's energy took her by surprise. Haruhi always said nobody had more energy than her when it came to swimming. As it turned out, she was wrong.

Honey was still swimming when Fumi got out of the water to take a break. She sat down beside Mori with a content sigh, letting the sun dry her.

"Is he really seventeen?" she asked, watching Honey play.

"Mm. He's older than me by some months," replied Mori.

"Wow." It was so hard to believe. She looked between the two of them. "How come are you so much taller than him?" she asked Mori.

He shrugged.

"Oh, you don't know," Fumi laughed. "Have you guys always been together?"

"Mm." Mori nodded.

"He's your best friend then?"

Mori's smile was small. "...Mm." He looked over to where Honey was, a soft gleam in his eyes.

"That's nice," murmured Fumi. The utter devotion inside his eyes was so sweet. "I can tell you two really support each other. It kind of makes me wish I had a cousin," she said, lulling her head back to see the sky.

Mori turned to her, confused. "...You have Haruhi."

Fumi felt her heart sink. "Haruhi..." Her smile faded, "doesn't really need me. She'd be just fine without me."

Mori put his hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure that's not true."

Fumi was touched by his kindness. "Thank you, but it is..."

The air got heavy.

"Hey, Takashi! Fu-chan!" Honey's voice cut through the air. "Watch me, watch me!"

They watched him jump off the diving board and flip in the air before landing in the water. He swam up, shaking his hair out.

Fumi stood up, applauding. "That's incredible, Honey!"

Honey gave them a bright grin, then went back to playing.

Fumi sat back down, turning to Mori again. "Sorry if I depressed you," she apologized.

"Not at all," he said. "...I'll tell Mitsukuni to bring cookies again next time."

Next time, huh?

Fumi smiled. "I'd like that."

Haruhi got home later that evening. Fumi had waited to make dinner until she got back.

"You're taking a part-time job over summer break?" Fumi asked, while they ate.

"Yeah," responded Haruhi. "Remember Dad's friend?"

"You're going to work there?"

"Uh-huh."

Fumi hummed. She thought. Then considered. Finally, she came to a conclusion.

"I'll go with you."

"Huh?" Haruhi sat upright in surprise. "But what about your job?"

Fumi waved her concern off. "I'll take some time off," she said simply. She could tell Haruhi was about to protest. "Besides, it's been awhile since we've taken a trip together," she added.

Haruhi's disapproving frown vanished and she thought. "I guess you're right."

Victory! 

"But can we take the subway?" Haruhi asked.

"Eh? What's wrong with my bike?" Fumi blinked. They'd get there a lot faster with her motorcycle.

"It's an accident just waiting to happen," her sister told her.

Fumi was offended. Her bike was her baby. She saved up for a long time to buy it.

"I'm a good driver. We'll be fine."

Haruhi crossed her arms. "If we die, I'll kill you."

"Don't worry! We'll be fine. Sheesh, you're so lame."

Chapter Text

Fumi and Haruhi were hanging up bedsheets to dry outside in front of Misuzu-san's lovely pension. They'd been in Karuizawa for the last few days, working together. Misuzu-san had been surprised Fumi had come alone, apologizing that he couldn't afford to pay her and Haruhi both. Fumi helped out anyway. It wasn't like she needed extra money. She was just there to spend time with Haruhi.

"I was a little anxious about not telling the Host Club I was coming here, but I doubt they'll miss bothering me that much," said Haruhi.

"What about that idiot?" Fumi asked her. "Don't you think he'll worry?"

"You mean Tamaki-senpai?" Haruhi waved off her concern. "I'm sure he'll be fine."

Fumi shrugged. "If you say so." She could totally see him ripping out his hair and drowning himself in his own tears, but whatever.

Haruhi turned toward the sky, smiling as the breeze blew past her. "It's so nice and peaceful here. I'm sure to get done a lot of studying," she said.

"Studying? But I wanna go to the beach!" Fumi complained.

Haruhi gave her an odd look. "Well then go. You don't have to force yourself to be around me," she said, like she thought it was ridiculous Fumi didn't know that.

Fumi sighed, turning away. "I thought we could spent a little time together not working," she mumbled to herself.

They finished hanging up all the sheets.

Haruhi smiled at their work, hands on her hips. "This year, my summer vacation..."

Suddenly, the wind picked up immensely and away flew their sheets.

"HARUHI!!!" screamed a familiar voice.

Fumi looked up. There was the Host Club, Tamaki at the front with a microphone, in a helicopter.

She stared. "What the actual-"

"Is going to be the worst vacation ever," Haruhi said, looking extremely done with life.

Misuzu-san was ecstatic to meet the Host Club. "Oh my!!! Are you cute boys all Haruhi and Fumi's friends? You can call me Misuzu!"

"This is an old friend of Ranka-san. They used to work in the same bar together, way back," Kyoya said.

Fumi frowned at him. "How do you know that?"

"Yeah, seriously," agreed Haruhi, her tone bland.

Misuzu-san twirled around. "I started this business here two years ago. It was always my dream to open up this adorable bed and breakfast!" he explained.

Twirling. That reminded Haruhi of a certain someone.

"Haru-chan, Fu-chan, how come are you working here?" asked Honey.

"I wanted to. I thought it would be a good experience," Haruhi responded.

"And I'm not actually employed here, I just wanted to come with Haruhi," said Fumi, "but I'm helping out anyway."

Misuzu-san abruptly pulled them both in, swinging them around like ragdolls. "Having these girls here have been a tremendous help, since I still can't afford my own employees," he babbled, "Haruhi is such a hard worker, I almost feel bad her wages are so low. And I'm almost sorry about putting Fumi to work too, since I'm not paying her anything. Oh, these girls are lifesavers!" He let them go, gesturing at them like they were a grand product to show off. "And aren't they so cute in these aprons? I made them myself!"

Tamaki, Honey and Mori gave them thumbs up.

Later, they gathered around two tables on the deck.

"So you're both working here?" Kaoru said.

"That's why you turned down our invitation to come with us to Bali, huh?" Hikaru chimed in.

"And why they couldn't come with us to Switzerland!" added Honey, Mori humming in agreement behind him.

Haruhi sighed, "It's not like we have passports anyway."

Kyoya pushed up his glasses. "Which is why I had suggested we use one of my domestic resorts, at a discount."

Tamaki suddenly staggered out of the bushes, covered in dirt and leaves. Why had he been in the bushes? Oh, he was talking, Fumi realized. It was probably just nonsense, so she didn't listen.

"You guys turned off your cellphones!" Hikaru accused.

"You can't do that," Kaoru said.

"I forgot mine at home," Fumi told them. She'd probably have a bunch of notifications on it, all of them most likely memes from the twins. Honey sometimes sent her pictures of cake. Mori was surprisingly chatty over text.

"It's such a pain," Haruhi groaned, "Besides, it stays in my room all day. I don't use it."

Tamaki looked up. "Cellphone?" he squeaked. "Haruhi has a cellphone?'

A vein throbbed in Fumi's forehead. Did that rich boy really think they were that poor?

"Of course she does, you idiot!" she exclaimed with a glare. "I bought her one."

Tamaki recoiled like a wounded animal.

Granted, it had taken Fumi nearly a year to save up for it.

Haruhi slammed her hands on the table. "Look everyone, would you go home?" She kept her voice as polite as possible, but her tone held a demanding edge. "We'll see each other at the end of the break, so can't we spend our summer vacations alone?"

Kyoya pushed up his glasses, the sun casting a glint over them. "School Rule #9. Part-time work is prohibited."

Haruhi paled. "I-is that so?"

"That's kind of strict," commented Fumi.

"Ooh, Haruhi, you little rebel!" sang the twins, "It'd be bad if someone told the school, wouldn't it?"

Kyoya, Honey and Mori huddled around a Karuizawa magazine.

"It's nice to come to Karuizawa to get out of the heat!" Honey said cheerfully.

"Mm," said Mori, flipping through the magazine.

"I have gotten quite bored of travelling overseas." Kyoya pushed up his glasses.

Haruhi's face was almost blue now.

Tamaki smiled smugly, posing. "You can spend your vacation however you want to, Haruhi. And so can we." He turned to the boys. "Hosts, how about we all stay here at the pension?"

They cheered.

Haruhi collapsed to her knees.

Unfortunately, it wasn't that simple.

"I'm sorry," Misuzu-san apologized, "I'd love to have you all here, but I only have one guest room available."

"Only one?" asked Tamaki. He thought. Then smiled. "Well then, as president, I will represent the whole club!"

"Tama-chan, that's not fair!" protested Honey.

"Yeah, sir," taunted Hikaru and Kaoru, "what about togetherness and all that? You're the one who was complaining about it earlier."

Oh, is that was he was blabbering on about before? Fumi wondered.

Tamaki looked horrified at himself, while Honey patted his arm.

The twins suddenly huddled together, muttering something. They were clearly crafting a plan. Fumi hoped they would behave themselves, but she wasn't expecting them to. When they were done, they turned to Tamaki with matching smirks.

"Oh sir, we just came up with a game to solve this problem," they lilted together.

Tamaki perked up.

Fumi had to admit she was curious.

"We call it," they announced, "The Guest Room Refreshing Job Contest In Karuizawa!"

"That's long," said Fumi.

"We'll work all day here and whoever impresses Misuzu-san the most," explained the devious twins, "gets to stay the night."

Misuzu-san clapped, stars dancing in his eyes. "Sounds fantastic! I love this plan!" He started twirling again, dress billowing around him. "Yes, and if the most refreshing boy stays here, then my pension will become more popular for sure!"

Haruhi fell against her sister, Fumi catching her before she could fall to the ground on her face.

"Can I die now?" she groaned.

"Now, now." Fumi smiled, petting her hair. "I kind of wanna see how this goes." It had the potential to be very amusing.

While the girls carried baskets of clean bedsheets to take inside, Fumi was laughing her head off. The boys' contest had been going on for awhile now, and it was even funnier than Fumi thought it'd be.

"Tamaki's making an idiot of himself!" she cried in between gales of laughter.

Haruhi was more annoyed than amused. "Don't you already think he's an idiot?" she questioned.

Fumi wiped a happy tear from her eye, grin as big as the sun. "Yeah, but he's reached a whole new level. I didn't think it was possible for someone to be so idiotic!" She burst into laughter again.

"Well, I'm glad you're having fun," said Haruhi, monotone.

She noticed Kyoya sitting at a table on the deck. He looked up at her.

"Oh, Kyoya-senpai." She approached him.

"What are you doing? Aren't you taking part in the contest?" Fumi asked, setting her basket on the tabletop and sitting.

"No. I'm not particularly interested." He pushed up his glasses. "Besides, I've got a cottage I can stay the night in nearby."

Fumi blinked. "Really?"

"Yes. Everyone does."

Haruhi dropped her face in her basket, sulking.

"So, who do you two think is going to win?" Kyoya asked then.

"Huh?" Haruhi took her face out of the basket. "Oh. I don't really know."

Fumi put her chin in her hands. "Hmm, the way things are going, Mori seems to be in the lead," she said thoughtfully. "Although if you were participating, Kyoya, I think you'd probably win."

Haruhi and Kyoya cleared their throats.

A hot blush filled Fumi's cheeks. "Uh, sorry! That was a weird thing to say."

Kyoya pushed his glasses up. "It's not a problem," he said softly. Then he continued, tone normal, "I believe Mori-senpai is going to win as well. Though, he's only in this because of Honey-senpai. If Honey-senpai drops out, he will too."

"Which means..."

"That certainly cinches it for us, alright."

The twins were sitting together at the table beside theirs.

"Oh yeah," remembered Haruhi, "the room is only a single, so if you guys win, only one of you can stay."

Hikaru waved her off. "That's okay, we'll just bring a bed over from our cottage. Or we'll share the bed."

Fumi frowned, unable to help the pinch of jealously in her chest. "Haruhi used to sleep in my bed with me. But she stopped when she was six."

Haruhi gave her an exasperated look. "I snore, sis. I didn't want to disturb you anymore."

Fumi crossed her arms, gazing sadly at the ground. "You don't disturb me," she mumbled to herself. It'd actually taken her a long time to sleep properly without Haruhi's snoring.

"You two are really admirable though," Haruhi said, smiling at the twins. "You get along really well, for brothers."

Kaoru shrugged. "We're twins, we were in the womb at the same time, so I think it's different for us," he said, "It was 'us against the world' for the longest time. Until His Highness and the others came along. And then you and Fumi."

"It's not bad, having other people around," said Hikaru. Then he gave Haruhi a bright smile, adoration practically pouring off of his tongue, "Say Haruhi, you want to join us? We could make room in our bed for you."

Kaoru gazed toward the hills silently, and Fumi tried not to fidget. She and Haruhi were sleeping in the same room, something they hadn't done since they were little.

"Uh no, I'll pass," Haruhi replied, to Fumi's relief.

"You two haven't won yet," Kyoya spoke up, "There's still many ways to make this game more interesting."

"Oh, are you planning on helping His Highness, Kyoya-senpai?" Hikaru asked, smirking. "Even if you do, we don't intend to lose."

Kyoya smiled.

Fumi was dusting upstairs when she heard music coming from the lobby. Curious, she went downstairs. Tamaki was playing the piano.

"I didn't know he could play." She sat on the bottom step to listen. It sounded good.

"He isn't just an idiot," said Kyoya from above her, coming down the stairs.

Fumi smiled up at him. So he had helped him. "He's your best friend, isn't he?" she asked.

Kyoya pushed up his glasses. "...I suppose you could say that."

Fumi turned back to Tamaki and listened. She recognized the song, but didn't know what it was called. It really did sound beautiful.

Crash!!

The sound of glass smashing came from outside the window. Fumi quickly stood up to see what it was. On the deck, was a shattered flower pot and Haruhi and Kaoru next to it, clearly shaken up. Fumi sprinted outside as fast as she could.

Misuzu-san was on the roof somehow for some reason, twirling and shouting something, but Fumi was too focused on getting to her little sister.

"Haruhi!" she called when she saw her sister. She ran up to her and grabbed her arm, looking her over. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, sis," Haruhi reasurred, giving her hand on her arm a pat. "Kaoru saved me."

The fear in Fumi's heart dissipated. She turned to Kaoru, who had a cut on his cheek.

He rubbed the back of his head bashfully. "It was no big-" His eyes widened.

Fumi was bowing to him. "Thank you so much," she said. If he hadn't been there, Haruhi could've gotten...

"Sis, calm down! I'm okay!" Haruhi was saying, but Fumi ignored her.

"Hey, it was really no big deal! You don't have to bow," proclaimed Kaoru, unsure of what to do.

Fumi rose slowly and gazed up at him. Kaoru faltered at the sheer emotion in her eyes. She lunged forward and embraced him, much to his surprise.

"Fumi..." He looked down at her.

Fumi squeezed her arms around him. "Thank you." Because of him, her baby sister wasn't hurt. Because of Kaoru...

Haruhi sighed, an embarrassed pink on her cheeks.

Kaoru hugged Fumi back.

That night, the moon shone full and bright into Fumi and Haruhi's room. Fumi turned her head to Haruhi's bed.

"Are you sure you're okay?" She'd probably asked about forty times, but she didn't care.

"I told you I was fine already, sis!" Haruhi exclaimed. "Seriously, you don't have to worry about me so much." She huffed and rolled over, her back facing Fumi.

But that's all I ever do. Fumi turned over as well, facing the wall. And this time, you really scared me.

She didn't get much sleep that night.

She was still awake by the time the sun was rising, so she went downstairs and swept the lobby just for something to do. She was startled by the doors being thrown open.

"Haruhi!!! Daddy's back!!!"

Fumi hit Tamaki over the head with the broom. "Not so loud, you idiot! You'll wake the guests up!" she scolded.

Tamaki rubbed the bump on his head. "Sorry."

Fumi huffed at him. Then she went back to sweeping.

"Where is Haruhi?" Tamaki asked.

"Still asleep."

"Oh. Why are you up?"

"Couldn't sleep."

"Oh."

Fumi stopped sweeping. "You just gonna stand there until she's up?" She arched her eyebrow.

Tamaki nodded. He reminded her of a puppy.

She sighed. "Why don't you make yourself useful then?" she suggested. "Come. I'll show you how to work the stove."

Chapter Text

Later that day, a boy from Haruhi's old school came to the pension, delivering something for Misuzu-san.

"Finally done cleaning up," Fumi was muttering while she was coming out of the kitchen. She found Tamaki and the twins looking between Haruhi and a familiar boy. "Oh hey, you're Haruhi's old friend."

"Fumi-san," Arai-kun said in greeting, "Good to see you. Where are you going to school now?"

"Oh, uh, actually-"

"Arai-kun, why don't you sit with me? We can catch up," Haruhi suggested.

"Oh, sure! Sounds good," said Arai-kun.

Haruhi picked out a table for them.

Fumi turned to Tamaki, Kaoru and an annoyed Hikaru. "You three can sit with me. I'll get some refreshments."

The rest of the Host Club arrived at the pension and sat at Fumi's table, watching Haruhi.

"So that's an old friend, huh?" Kyoya asked.

Fumi nodded. "Yeah. They haven't talked for a long time."

Hikaru grunted, "Seems to be more of a former classmate to me." He looked over at Haruhi's table with a scowl. "Hey Haruhi, shouldn't you be working? I want another drink!"

Haruhi glanced at him. "I'm on my break."

Hikaru grumbled.

Fumi got up and grabbed his cup. "I'm right here, you know? You could've asked me," she said with a roll of her eyes, and went into the kitchen.

When she got back, Hikaru was speaking,

"He's obviously flirting with her. It's kind of gross."

Haruhi stood up, a scolding on her tongue, "Hikaru!"

Arai-kun raised a placating hand. "Ah no, it's okay. He's right. I do have a thing for you."

Everyone was surprised, Fumi, so much so, she dropped Hikaru's cup of water.

Arai-kun laughed weakly, "But you turned me down, so..."

Haruhi's jaw dropped. "I did? When?"

Apparently, he'd told her a year ago, but she hadn't understood.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!" Haruhi bowed in apology.

Fumi couldn't help it. She started laughing at her sister.

Hikaru stole Kaoru's cup and sipped on the straw with a humph.

Soon, they were all listening to Arai-kun tell stories about Haruhi from middle school. Except for Kaoru and Hikaru. Tamaki called them over to join them.

"Sorry, but not interested!" said Hikaru.

"Eh? Why?" Tamaki questioned.

Hikaru started ranting, "I'm just not interested in talking to people Haruhi's not friends with anymore. Why is he still hanging around anyway? Was getting turned down once not enough for him?"

He probably would've continued spewing venom if Haruhi hadn't gotten up and slapped him.

She gave him a hard glare. "You don't get to decide who I'm not friends with. You say something rude again, you'll have me to deal with!"

The air grew very tense.

Hikaru gritted his teeth. "...Why is he so important to you?" He stood. "Aren't we your friends?!"

Haruhi's glare slipped off her face.

Hikaru sprinted upstairs, red in the face, with Kaoru going after him.

Fumi blinked. "What on earth was that about?"

Tamaki sighed, "Their world is still so small, huh?"

After talking awhile longer, Arai-kun eventually had to get back to his family's store. They were saying goodbye to him outside the pension. Hikaru came out and apologized to him. Then they all said goodbye once more and Arai-kun rode away on his bicycle.

"Kaoru," Haruhi said when Arai-kun was gone, "why are you pretending to be Hikaru?"

Fumi and the others were surprised. None of them would've ever guessed.

Haruhi grabbed Kaoru's cheek between her fingers and pinched. "How'd you get rid of your scratch so fast?"

"There's just no fooling you, Haruhi," Kaoru said, wincing. He held up a tube. "I covered it with some stick concealer."

Haruhi let go his cheek.

"Hikaru is still mad. There was no way I could get him to apologize himself."

"I see." Haruhi sighed.

Then Kaoru's demeanour changed. "Hey Haruhi, I've got a favour to ask you."

Haruhi blinked up at him in curiosity. "What is it?"

Kaoru smiled. "Tomorrow, would you go on a date with me?"

Fumi's eyes widened.

"Eh?!!"

Her voice blended in with the rest of the shocked Host Club.

That evening, Fumi dragged Kaoru in his pj bottoms out of the guest room and into the hallway. She ignored his protests, only stopping once they were at the end of the hall. Then she turned to him with a business-like expression.

"To date my sister," she cut off his complaints, "you must adhere to these rules." She pulled up a scroll, dropping the bottom of it. It rolled all the way to the other side of the hallway.

Kaoru gawked. "H-how many rules do you have?!"

"One hundred and eighty two. They're all important, so listen up." Fumi was about to begin.

Kaoru grabbed her wrist. "Fumi, I'm not actually going out with Haruhi."

She frowned in confusion. "What do you mean? You asked her on a date."

Kaoru glanced around, even though they were the only ones in the hall. Then he leaned in toward her ear. "Hikaru is going out with her," he whispered.

Fumi realized his plan. "Oh, I get it." She smiled at him. "You're a good brother."

Kaoru's grin was pleased. "I try-"

Fumi shoved the scroll into his chest. "But in that case, Hikaru needs to follow these rules. Please read them to him."

Kaoru stared down at it. "All of them?" he squeaked.

"All of them," Fumi nodded. She patted his arm, as she passed him, headed for her room. "Make sure he dresses nice!" she called.

"Okay," sighed Kaoru.

After Haruhi and Hikaru left, Tamaki sobbed for hours in Kyoya's lap on the couch.

So her nerves didn't fray, Fumi distracted herself, playing ping-pong with Mori. She lost every game.

It was her seventy-fourth loss and Fumi could not understand how she could be so bad at ping-pong. There was a twinkle in Mori's eyes.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Mori didn't say anything, but he didn't have to.

Fumi sighed, preparing herself to lose again.

Then thunder boomed.

She gasped, abandoning the game. She ran up to the window, where Kyoya and Honey were.

"It's storming?!"

Indeed, it was. Lightning flashed in the sky, followed by another loud roar of thunder.

"I hope they're staying out of the rain," said Honey, squeezing his bunny to his chest.

"Why aren't they back yet?!"

"Calm down, Fumi," said Mori, laying a hand on her shoulder. "They're probably just running late."

"But it's storming!" Or more specifically, it was thundering. She whipped toward Kaoru, sitting on the couch. "Doesn't Hikaru know Rule #120?!"

"Sorry, sis, but he was asleep by Rule #65," said Kaoru.

Fumi huffed. She started pacing anxiously with Tamaki.

The phone rang and Misuzu-san answered it. Fumi and Tamaki didn't stop pacing until they heard Haruhi's name.

Tamaki ran up to the counter. "Misuzu-san, what-"

Fumi shoved him out of her way. "What is it, Misuzu-san? Where's Haruhi?"

Misuzu-san had a hand to his cheek. "It sounds like Hikaru left Haruhi in front of Arai-kun's store and headed back here on his own."

Fumi balked. "What?! In the rain?!" Her frantic hands messed up her bun. "That's strictly against Rule #43!"

"Fumi..."

She turned to Kaoru, dropping her hands at the sight of him. He looked like he'd just lost all hope in the world.

"I'm sorry," he murmured.

Fumi took a deep breath to calm her anxiety. "It's not your fault," she said. Then she turned to Misuzu-san. "What else did Arai-kun say?"

"He said that Haruhi went after him, but then the storm started."

Tamaki, a deadly look on his face, pulled out his cellphone. He dialled, then pressed it to his ear.

They gathered around him and waited.

Hikaru picked up.

"You stupid idiot! Turn around right now and find Haruhi!" Tamaki yelled into his cell. "She's afraid of thunder! Right now, she's probably so scared she can't move! You-"

"Tamaki," Fumi said. She held out her hand. "Give me the phone."

Tamaki nodded and did just that. Fumi put the phone to her ear. "Hikaru."

"Fumi?"

"Hikaru, go find my sister and bring her back safe and sound," she said. "If you don't, I will run you over with my motorbike. Got it?"

She waited.

"...Yes."

"Good," Fumi said simply. Then she hung up and gave Tamaki back his cell.

"What now?" asked Honey.

Kyoya pushed up his glasses. "We wait."

The following silence was heavy with worry and nerves.

"...Fumi, would you like to play more ping-pong?" Mori asked gently.

Fumi nodded.

Two hours later, the storm had stopped and everyone was on the sofas in the lobby, all staring at their feet.

Then two figures came into the pension.

"We're back!" called Hikaru with Haruhi in tow.

Tamaki stood, lighting up. Fumi threw him out of her way.

"Haruhi!" She ran up to her little sister, grabbing her in a tight hug. She let go and leaned back to see her face. "Are you okay?"

Haruhi smiled. "I'm okay." This time, she hugged Fumi.

Fumi hugged back. She was still a little wet.

"Why don't you go dry off?" Fumi suggested.

Haruhi nodded, still smiling, and went off in search of towels. Tamaki followed her. Fumi noticed she was wearing Hikaru's sweater and his headphones.

Right. Hikaru.

Fumi turned to him.

He pushed his hands in his jeans' pockets, not looking her in the eye. "...I'm sorry," he mumbled.

Fumi gazed at him for a moment. He truly felt guilty.

"...You found her," she said, tone soft. "Thank you." She smiled.

Chapter Text

It was Fumi's day off and she was laying in the living room on the floor, bored. Haruhi came out of her room, dressed up nicely.

Fumi turned her head to her. "What's with the getup?"

"I'm off to the department store," Haruhi told her.

"...I'm coming too."

Haruhi smiled at her, a hand on her hip. "What about your day off?" she asked, even though she already knew the answer.

"...I'm bored."

"Well, you'll have to change out of your pajamas first. And do your hair. You're a mess."

"Gee, thanks."

They walked through the store.

"I'm bored," Fumi complained.

"You're always bored," said Haruhi.

"...That was mean."

"How was that-"

Fumi stopped when she suddenly saw a familiar face in front of a bench. "Hey, isn't that Kyoya?" she asked.

Haruhi looked. She blinked. It was. They approached.

"Kyoya-senpai," said Haruhi.

Kyoya looked at them, clearly not having expected to see them either.

"What are you doing here?" Haruhi asked.

Kyoya stared at them. "...How much money do you have in your wallets?" he asked abruptly.

They stared back. "Huh?"

Kyoya had explained that Tamaki and the rest of the club had dragged him here for some reason. He'd been sleeping on Tamaki's back, but he must've put him down and forgot him. He also didn't have his phone or wallet on him. And he was hungry.

So now they were standing in a food line.

"Are you sure you're fine with the food here? There is a restaurant upstairs," said Haruhi.

"It can't be helped, since you two don't have very much money," Kyoya said. "Oh, and keep the receipt." His face darkened. "I'm going to make Tamaki repay you tenfold."

Fumi leaned in toward Haruhi. "He sure is grumpy today. Have you ever seen him like this?" she whispered.

Haruhi whispered back, "No. Honestly, why'd we have to run into him? I just wanted to take a look at the products expo."

"How do you place an order here?" Kyoya asked. They were at the front of the line.

"Oh, I can do that," Fumi said.

"Use my money then, sis," said Haruhi.

"Nah, it's no big deal."

"Then just use my money. You can pay me back."

"You know I never pay you back. Just let me do it."

"Really, I want to do it."

"Haruhi."

"Sis-"

Kyoya's lightning glare struck terror in them. "I'd like to eat sometime this century," he growled.

Haruhi and Fumi saluted. "Yes, sir! We'll pay together!"

After getting their food, they sat down at a table. Kyoya chomped on his burger.

"Wow, you must've really been hungry," Fumi commented.

Kyoya hummed at her. "Why do you wonder?"

"Well, uh..." She faltered. "Never mind."

He stared. Then realized. "There's no need for me to be refined here. There's nobody to impress, least of all you two."

"Of course not," Haruhi muttered blandly.

Fumi laid her chin in her hand.

Haruhi nudged her, bringing her back to reality. "What's with that look, sis?"

"Oh. Well, I was just thinking," she began, turning to Kyoya. "I find it surprising you and Tamaki are best friends." She'd actually been wondering how their friendship worked for awhile. They were polar opposites, yet they got along quite well.

Kyoya pushed up his glasses. "Do you?"

Haruhi tapped a finger to her chin in thought. "It is, actually," she agreed, "I mean, you guys are completely different. In looks, personality, hobbies. How did you and Tamaki-senpai become friends?"

Kyoya pushed his glasses up (he really did that a lot). "That's not really any of your business, is it?" he said.

Haruhi frowned. "Ah, I guess not..."

Fumi made a face. "That's boring. I wanted to know."

"That's too bad because it's not in any of my interest to tell you," retorted Kyoya.

"Yeah, we got that," said Haruhi.

When they finished eating, they browsed through the store together.

"Kyoya-senpai, you're not taking a taxi home?" Haruhi asked. She thought he'd wanted to leave as soon as he could.

"I could drive you home on my bike if you want," Fumi offered.

"No, that's alright," Kyoya replied, "I think motorcycles are rather appalling."

Fumi gasped. "You take that back!"

"While I'm here," Kyoya continued, ignoring her, "I figured I'd take a look around."

"Oh. I see," Haruhi said.

They walked down an isle. Fumi huffed and crossed her arms. Motorcycles were cool.

Kyoya stopped at a jewelry stand. "Black pearls from Ishigaki Island, huh? Those are high quality."

"Wow." Haruhi took a closer look. They were pretty. "You can tell?"

Kyoya pushed up his glasses. "Such is the education I've received."

They continued on.

"You know," Haruhi began, deciding to make conversation, "I don't know much about your family, Kyoya-senpai."

Oh. Fumi perked up. This could be interesting.

"I don't believe I'm obliged to tell you about them," Kyoya said.

Man, he was being a party pooper.

Haruhi suddenly stopped. "That's unfair."

Kyoya stopped too, turning to her in surprise. "What do you mean by that?"

Haruhi explained, "You know my entire family, from my dad and sister to my dad's friends. So it's unfair you won't tell me anything about your family."

Kyoya thought about that for a moment. Then he hummed and pushed up his glasses. "I suppose you're right."

Haruhi smiled. "You have two older brothers, don't you? What are they like?"

"Oh really? So you're the baby, Kyoya," Fumi said.

"I suppose I am," he responded, "And they are... very exceptional. My father expects me to be as great as them."

Haruhi frowned sympathetically.

"That must be rough," Fumi voiced for both of them.

"You think so?" He smirked. "To me, it's a rather fun game."

Fumi arched a confused eyebrow. Haruhi sighed at him.

"Oh my, pieces by Komatsu Shion."

There was an old lady in a kimono admiring a vase at an old salesman's stand. Kyoya tensed. Then he walked over to her. The girls followed, frowning at each other.

"Those are fake pieces, madam," Kyoya said to the old lady.

She gazed up at him in surprise.

The salesman blanched. "W-what did you say, kid? Are you accusing me of something?!"

Kyoya picked up a blue pot, examining it. In just a few simple words, he proved that the pot was indeed fake. He really knew his stuff. The salesman was arrested. And the old lady bowed to him, thanking him for his help.

"That was awfully nice of you. You must be over your bad mood," said Haruhi, as they continued through another section of the store.

Kyoya kept looking ahead. "I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about."

Fumi smiled. He pretends he's not, but he's actually a pretty nice guy on the inside.

Kyoya paused next to a candy stand.

Haruhi looked up at him. "What is it?" she questioned.

He picked up one of the candy boxes on the table. "These are melon-flavoured," he said, quite seriously.

Haruhi raised a curious eyebrow. "So?"

"How unusual," Kyoya muttered, fascinated, "Giving a corn snack melon flavouring..." He put a hand to his jaw, like the candy box was a particularly tricky jigsaw puzzle. "I wonder if that tastes good."

Fumi and Haruhi blinked at each other. They burst into giggles.

Kyoya frowned at them. "What's so funny?"

"Just now," laughed Haruhi, "you sounded exactly like Tamaki-senpai."

Something sparkled in her eyes when she said the idiot's name. Fumi stopped laughed and observed her sister's face. Fond grin, shimmering eyes, and dilated pupils. All because she'd just said that moron's name. Oh, what an interesting discovery.

Haruhi snorted, "I guess there are some similarities between you two!"

Kyoya looked extremely surprised.

Fumi smiled and grabbed out her wallet. "I can buy that for you if you want," she said.

Kyoya averted his gaze, under the guise of clearing his throat. Fumi was pretty sure there was a bit of pink on his cheeks.

"...Thank you, I'd appreciate that," he said quietly.

Fumi's smile grew.

They ate the snack together on the bench they'd found Kyoya at. Fumi was laying in the middle with her head on Haruhi's lap, facing Kyoya. The candy tasted good. Really fruity.

Haruhi stared thoughtfully at the wall across from them. "You know, Kyoya-senpai..."

He hummed and Fumi looked up at her.

"I actually think you're a lot like Tamaki-senpai. Maybe he's rubbed off on you." There was that shimmer in her eyes again.

Fumi tapped a thinking finger to her chin. "I don't think he's rubbed off on him," she said. She thought for a moment. "I think that a small part of Tamaki has just become apart of him. I'm sure Tamaki has a small part of Kyoya inside him too."

Haruhi mirrored her older sister, tapping her opposite finger to her chin. "Hmm. Yeah, that makes sense," she agreed.

"Is that... what you really think?" asked Kyoya.

Fumi smiled and nudged his knee with her foot. "Don't you?"

Kyoya gazed at her. Fumi gazed back, but she couldn't read the look on his face.

This is an announcement for a little lost boy. Kyoya Ootori. I repeat, Kyoya Ootori. Your guardian, Tamaki Suoh, is waiting for you at the second floor counter. I repeat, the second floor counter.

Kyoya pushed up his glasses. "...I'm going to kill that idiot!"

Fumi started laughing, while Haruhi sighed in exasperation.

"Kyoya, you're okay!" Tamaki cried in relief when he saw him. He blinked when Fumi and Haruhi came up beside him. "Huh? Why are they with you?"

Honey sprinted up to them. "Haru-chan, Fu-chan, let's play!"

"Let's play, let's play!" chorused the twins.

"Sorry," Haruhi apologized, "but we're actually going home."

"Dad will be home tonight. We're gonna make supper for him," Fumi said. Their dad liked it when they cooked together. He could always tell when they'd made something together. He always said individually, their flavours tasted good, but combined, the 'Perfect Flavour' was invented.

"I suppose we'll be saying goodbye then?" asked Kyoya.

Haruhi gave him a friendly smile. "I'll see you at school, senpai," she said. She turned.

Fumi waved, then began to follow her.

"Oh, Fumi," Kyoya suddenly said.

She turned to him.

He pushed up his glasses. "I do think so." He smiled.

Fumi smiled back. Then followed after her sister.

Later that evening, they were working on supper together. Fumi decided to see if what she'd discovered today was really true.

"What do you think of Tamaki?" she asked.

Haruhi gave her an odd look. "You've asked me that before, sis."

"Well yeah, but people's opinions can change over time."

Haruhi frowned suspiciously. "What are you getting at?"

Fumi grinned at her. "Haruhi... do you like Tamaki?"

Haruhi blushed and turned her nose up. "O-of course not!"

"Oh really?"

"R-really! Honestly, sis. You and your dumb imagination."

"Mm. I guess you're right." Fumi turned her head, grinning widely at the wall. Her discovery was true, after all.

Chapter Text

Fumi was bored at work and jealous of all the little kids playing and swimming. She wanted to swim too. She never got to swim.

Her cellphone rang. She answered it. "Hello?"

"FUMI!!" screamed her dad, prompting her to hold the phone away from her ear. "Your sister's been kidnapped by the Lobelia girls! We have to go save her!"

Fumi cautiously pressed her cell back to her ear. "Who are the 'Lobelia girls'?"

"There's no time to explain! Haruhi's in trouble!"

"Okay, Dad. I'm on my way." She hung up, closing her phone. She turned to the other lifeguard on duty with her. "Kana, can you fill in for me? There's an emergency at home."

The second Fumi came in through the door, her dad grabbed her and then suddenly, they were in front of a huge, fancy academy. The Host Club were with them too.

"Okay," she began, "So... Does anyone want to tell me what's going on?!"

"Haruhi was kidnapped by the Zuka Club!" everyone replied.

Like that helped clear Fumi's confusion and didn't just add to it. "Lobelia girls? Zuka Club? Who are they?"

"The ones who took Haruhi," spoke Mori, tone lower than usual, "We must save her."

Fumi examined his expression. She sighed. "If Mori says so, this must be serious."

Tamaki sobbed, "It is! My precious little girl-"

Dad punched him. "You mean my precious little girl." He put his hands on his hips. "Listen up, everyone! The Zuka Club is like a fiendish flower's nectar that once you're caught up in, you want to get out of it, even if it bankrupts you."

Fumi raised a brow. "What kind of description is that?"

"How do you know so much about them?" asked Honey.

"I doubt Haruhi is the type to get caught up in anything bad," said Kyoya.

Dad grunted. "You're right. She takes after Kotoko so much."

"Kotoko?" asked Hikaru and Kaoru.

Fumi began to answer. "My-"

"Haruhi and Fumi's late mother," Kyoya spoke, "Haruhi seems to have inherited her mother's blood in many ways. Being like her mother is also something that Haruhi aspires to."

Fumi stared up at him. "...How do you find out these things?"

"For a short time after we were married," Dad suddenly went on, "I was so elated, I didn't notice... but then one day, while I was cleaning, I found it."

"Found what?" Fumi asked.

"Your mother's vast Zuka Club collection!"

The Host Club gasped in horror.

Fumi blinked up at the academy. "You mean... this is where Mom went to school?" she breathed. She turned back to them and the Host Club was panicking and close to tears.

Tamaki grabbed Kyoya's shoulders. "Kyoya, order us some Lobelia uniforms immediately! We have to disguise ourselves and sneak in!"

"Overruled!" Dad kicked Tamaki and he flopped on the ground like a noddle. Dad stepped on his head. "Men who dress up like women without pursuing that way of life are just sickening. Are you making fun of my profession? Is that what you're trying to do?!"

Tamaki whimpered.

"Listen!" Dad looked up at everyone. "If we're doing this, we're doing this right. I have a plan."

If Fumi were watching this, she probably would've found it funny. But being involved was completely different.

They were pressed up against the window, watching Haruhi... rehearsing a play?

Fumi winced. "Sheesh. I think she's gotten even worse at acting." Once, her old high school had put on a play and Haruhi had helped her rehearse for her role. She was as robotic as she had been then.

"Why isn't anyone telling her?" Hikaru wondered.

"That must be the only line she's been given," said Tamaki.

"Oh, but it looks like she's going to sing," pointed out Kaoru.

Dad yelped in panic. "No!! Her grades in music have always been awful!"

"You're being generous, Dad," Fumi said, "They've always been heinous."

They were taken by surprise, however, when Haruhi began to sing and sounded like an angel.

Fumi blinked. What the heck?

The music stopped when someone accidentally kicked the record player's plug-in out of the wall.

"Oh. She's lip-syncing," Fumi realized. That made more sense. Her timing was also horribly off.

Then the Zuka 'Fan' Club, or whatever, appeared behind them. The coach(?) yelled at them to practice on someone they called 'Benibara-sama'. The Host Club got into position and started shouting encouraging phrases with the fangirls.

Fumi immediately turned on her heel and walked away. She wasn't getting dragged into that. She was a lifeguard, not a cheerleader, or whatever you wanted to call that. She'd go find Kyoya instead. Wherever he was.

"You!" a girl, dressed in all black and a clipboard, barked at her.

"Me?" Fumi asked.

The girl stormed up to her. "Where have you been?! We need your help backstage!" she exclaimed and grabbed Fumi by the wrist.

"But I'm not-"

"No excuses!"

Fumi found herself being dragged away.

She spent the next hour or so, helping set up stage for the performance. Apparently, it was a tragedy. Those were always fun.

From the hallway, she heard a familiar voice. She snuck away to go see if it was who she thought it was.

It was.

She found her sister in the frilliest dress she'd ever seen. "Haruhi, there you are." The others would be relieved. Wherever they were.

Haruhi blinked, surprised to see her. "Sis, what are you doing here?"

"Uh, long story," Fumi said. "Why are you here?"

"I'm helping some acquaintances with this play. Their heroine was in an accident and can't perform today," Haruhi explained.

So, she was here willingly.

"You didn't turned them down?" Fumi asked. Haruhi hated acting.

"Well..." Haruhi's eyes glistened. "It's really important to this girl. Through the play, she wants to make her late mom proud."

Empathy washed over Fumi's heart. "...I see. That certainly changes things."

"Changes what?"

Fumi smiled at her sister. "I'll help out in any way I can."

It wasn't long before the play began. Fumi watched from the side of the stage, only really paying attention to Haruhi. She didn't care to learn any of the other characters' names or roles.

It was by the end of the play, that a spotlight suddenly fell on the Host Club and Dad. Fumi wasn't sure what was going on. This wasn't part of the play, right?

The girl who was playing... the Prince, or whatever - Fumi really hadn't cared to learn any of the characters - grabbed Haruhi. "I will steal your first kiss right in front of his eyes! That is my revenge!"

Kiss? What?

Fumi ran up on stage. "Hey, hands off my little-" She tripped on a random banana peel with a shriek, falling.

A platform in the stage suddenly rose with Haruhi and the Prince on it. What the heck? And then, the background screen suddenly turned on and Haruhi, dressed as a guy, kissing a girl, appeared on it.

Haruhi's face turned blue.

Fumi stared. "...I'm so confused right now."

"Looks like you can't get your revenge," the twins said to the Prince, "Haruhi's already had her first kiss."

Judging by Dad's expression, he wasn't too pleased by that information. "Ha-ru-hi!!" he punctuated the syllables in her name. He came running onto the stage. "Explain that photo right-" He tripped on a random banana peel.

"This...!" the Prince stammered, gazing wide-eyed at the screen.

Haruhi ripped her arm away from her and ran to the edge of the platform.

"Haruhi!" called Tamaki, standing under her. "Jump! Don't worry, I'll catch you!" He held his arms out wide.

So Haruhi jumped. And landed on top of him.

"Sorry, senpai!" she said.

Fumi ran over to help her up. "Are you okay?" she asked, looking her sister over for injuries.

"Yeah," Haruhi replied, "but I'm concerned I might've broke Tamaki-senpai's spleen."

Fumi frowned. "Who?" Oh yeah, Tamaki. "Never mind him, he's not important."

Tamaki sobbed.

"Ha-ru-hi!" Dad stormed up to her. "What is that photo?!"

Haruhi gulped and tried to run from her father. Some random girls blocked her exit.

"Don't let her escape!"

Fumi watched everyone chase Haruhi back and fourth on the stage, until they all tripped on random banana peels.

On the drive home, Dad didn't let go of Haruhi. It took reminding him that he had to work tonight to get him to go back to bed. He squeezed Haruhi and gave her a big, sloppy kiss, then went to sleep.

Fumi sat with her in the living room, plopping down on a cushion with an exhausted sigh. "I feel like I could sleep too," she yawned.

Haruhi didn't say anything. There was an upset look on her face.

"What's wrong?" asked Fumi.

Haruhi startled. "Huh? Oh, nothing's wrong," she said.

Since she'd seen that picture of Haruhi kissing a girl, she'd been wondering...

Fumi took her little sister's hand. "I support you if you're gay," she said. She could've swore Haruhi had a crush on Tamaki (for whatever reason), but maybe she'd actually been wrong.

Haruhi blinked. "What are you talking about?"

Oh. "Are you not gay?" Fumi questioned.

"No."

"Bi?" Guess she did have a crush on Tamaki.

"N-" Haruhi hesitated, "Well, I don't know. But that's not it!" She huffed and crossed her arms, glaring at the wall.

"Then what is it?" Fumi asked gently.

Haruhi sighed. "I just can't believe... someone would lie about their mom like that."

So that was it. Yeah. Fumi could understand why Haruhi was bothered by that. It wasn't cool to lie that your mom was... had passed away.

"Want me to go back and run her over with my bike?"

"No. But if you ever run into her, you have my permission to punch her in the face."

"You got it."

Chapter Text

It was a Saturday evening. Haruhi was out and Dad was at work. Fumi was home by herself, cleaning and trying not to get bored. Maybe when she was done, she could sneak to the pool and swim under the stars. That was always nice.

The doorbell rang. One of the twins was at the door.

"Hey, sis! It's Kaoru."

Fumi stared at him. "Why are you here?"

"You're so mean, sis! Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Well, it's just, Haruhi isn't here."

Kaoru grinned. "I'm here to see you."

Fumi blinked. She stepped aside. "Come in. I'll make some tea."

"Thanks!" Kaoru skipped inside.

His smile wasn't reaching his eyes.

"So, what are you really doing here?" Fumi asked him again over tea.

Kaoru gasped at her dramatically, "I'm offended, sis! You think lil', innocent me has an ulterior motive for wanting to see one of my dear friends?"

Fumi took a sip of her tea, giving him a bland stare. "You're saying you're really here to just hang out with me?"

"Of course I am!" Kaoru gulped his own tea. He slammed his teacup on the low table when he burned his tongue.

Fumi could see the sadness clouded in his eyes. He was like Haruhi in that sense; their eyes revealed how they were feeling inside.

She sighed, "Alright then."

"Let 's stay up all night and watch movies!" Kaoru exclaimed. It wasn't as enthusiastic as he thought it was.

Fumi paused the movie they were watching when they were halfway through it. She turned to Kaoru. He had his arms wrapped around his legs, chin resting on his knees, gazing sombrely at the floor. He couldn't pretend nothing was wrong even if he wanted to.

"Kaoru, what's the matter?" Fumi asked.

He didn't say anything.

"You can talk to me," Fumi told him gently.

"...How do you and Haruhi do it?"

She frowned. "Do what?"

Kaoru sighed. "Be apart."

Fumi understood why he was here now. "You miss Hikaru," she said.

Kaoru squeezed his arms around his legs. "It's just... he's spending more and more time with Haruhi, and I'm happy for him. I really am, but... I feel like I'm being left behind," he explained, "And I've never felt that way with him before."

Fumi knitted her thoughts carefully. She put a hand on his shoulder. "He's not trying to leave you behind. I'm sure he still wants to spend time with you, but now there's other people he wants to spend time with too," she told him.

Kaoru didn't look like he believed her. "It doesn't feel that way," he mumbled.

Fumi shifted closer to him, putting her arm around him and pulling him in. (It was a little awkward, since he was so much taller than her). "You're not his whole world," she said, rubbing her hand along his arm.

"But I was," Kaoru protested, "For a long time."

"He's growing up."

Kaoru's face fell. "And I'm not."

Fumi gave him a reassuring squeeze. "Yes, you are. You're just growing at different rates. You may be twins, but you're still different people," she said.

Kaoru leaned into her, laying his ear to her shoulder.

"If it makes you feel any better," Fumi started, "Haruhi isn't going to steal him from you."

Kaoru shot up. "I wasn't trying to say that! I like Haruhi too-"

"No, that's not what I meant," Fumi calmed him down, tugging on his shoulder. "Haruhi likes someone else."

Kaoru blinked. Then sighed in relief. Then gasped. "Oh no, poor Hikaru!"

Fumi shook her head. "Don't pity him. Heartbreak makes us stronger."

"But still..." Kaoru said sadly.

"I know," murmured Fumi. She gazed at Kaoru. "And for the record," she said, "even though you feel lonely, you're not alone. You've got all your friends." She smiled. "You've got me."

Kaoru leaned forward and rested his cheek on her shoulder again, gripping the back of her shirt. "Thanks, Fumi."

Chapter Text

(1 Year Ago)

It had been a typical Monday morning. The weather was average and birds were chirping outside. Fumi was making breakfast, as she did every morning, still dressed in her underclothes and her hair down, uncombed.

Haruhi came into the kitchen a few moments later, in her school uniform and bag on her shoulder. She took in her sister's appearance and her gaze saddened.

"You're really dropping out?" she asked, as she began to set the table.

Fumi looked at her over her shoulder. "You know that place isn't for me," she answered.

"But you'll graduate in a few years," Haruhi protested, "And it's so hard to find a job without a high school diploma."

Fumi smiled. "Not if you look hard enough."

Haruhi didn't smile back.

Fumi's expression fell. She turned back to the eggs in the pan. "Look, I'm just not school material," she muttered.

"Fumi..."  Haruhi said. Her tone was pleading.

Fumi shook her head. "I'm not going. No matter what you say. There's nothing there for me."

Haruhi hung her head, her frame slumping in defeat.

Fumi sighed. "C'mon, cheer up. I've got swimming," she said, hating to see her little sister so crestfallen. She hadn't thought she'd be so sad about this.

Haruhi gazed straight into her eyes. "Mom wouldn't approve of this."

Fumi swallowed, a lump rising painfully in her throat. She looked down. "I know."

She didn't look up. If she looked up, she knew she'd see Mom in her sister's gaze.

The Host Club had popped over unannounced sometime in the afternoon and had hung around until evening. Since it was close to supper, and Hikaru and Kaoru were complaining about being hungry, Fumi and Haruhi made a meal. Haruhi pretended to be annoyed about it, but there was no mistaking the fond glint in her eyes.

"Fumi, I've been wondering," Tamaki said over supper, "Where do you go to school?"

Haruhi gave him a glare. "Senpai!"

Tamaki jumped at her tone, having no idea what he'd done wrong.

Fumi waved a hand at her sister. "It's okay, Haruhi."

Haruhi gazed at her worriedly, but Fumi didn't look at her. She didn't look at anybody, keeping her eyes trained on the table.

"Actually, I dropped out of school," she said. Then she waited for the snide remarks, the disapproval, the stares.

But none of it came.

"We don't judge you, Fu-chan," Honey said. There was an empathetic expression on his face. "It hurts to feel judged. We all know what it's like to be judged for something, so we don't judge you."

Fumi looked up. None of her friends were looking at her any differently. Warmth blossomed in her chest and she quickly blinked away the oncoming wetness in her eyes.

"Thank you," she said.

The atmosphere was broken when Tamaki suddenly stood up and exclaimed,

"We didn't just come here to eat your food, we also came here to tell you we're taking you to the beach!"

The rest of the Host Club groaned at him.

"That was awful timing, sir," said Hikaru.

Haruhi sighed. "Another weekend of studying, lost."

Fumi laughed.

By beach, Tamaki had meant Kyoya's family's private beach in Okinawa. The ocean was beautiful. The beach was always better than the pool. The sand under your feet. There was nothing that could replace that feeling!

The entire day was spent playing in the water. Fumi swam out as far as she could, until Haruhi yelled at her to come back. Hikaru and Kaoru played tag. Mori and Honey played volleyball. Tamaki floated around in the water, trying to convince Kyoya to join him.

It was really fun.

At dinner - Kyoya's dining room was huge - they talked and laughed.

"Man, this is a lot better than the last time we were at the beach!" Hikaru said.

Fumi turned to him. "Last time?"

"Last time, Haruhi-"

"Hikaru!" Haruhi exclaimed.

Hikaru stopped. The room went silent.

Fumi gazed at Hikaru seriously. "Haruhi what?" she asked.

Hikaru looked helplessly between the two of them. Both of them hardened their eyes at him. He gulped. He was damned if he did and damned if he didn't.

But Haruhi didn't have a bike she could run him over with.

So he told Fumi how her sister had nearly drowned the last time they came here.

"You what?" Fumi whipped toward Haruhi.

"It was no big deal," Haruhi said.

"No big-" Fumi couldn't believe her ears. "You drowning is no big deal?"

"I learned my lesson, okay!" Haruhi shouted at her.

"Why didn't you tell me?!" Fumi shouted back angrily.

"There was no need to!"

"I'm your family! You don't think I want to know when you get hurt?!"

"I didn't get hurt!"

"But you could've!"

"I didn't! I hate it when you get like this!"

"I hate it when you don't tell me things!"

They growled at each other. Then at the same time, they stood from the table and stormed off in different directions, leaving their friends unsure of what to do.

They didn't talk to each other for the rest of the evening.

Chapter Text

The next day, they still refused to talk to each other.

"I tried to get Haru-chan to apologize," Honey told Fumi, sitting beside her on her beach towel. "But she won't," he pouted.

Fumi gave him a small smile. "Thank you, Honey," she said gratefully, "You didn't have to do that."

"But you two are fighting!" Honey protested, "I don't like it when people I love fight!"

Guilt welled up in Fumi's gut. She patted Honey's head. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin your good time."

"How come are you so mad at Haru-chan anyway?" he asked.

Fumi leaned forward, putting her chin on her knee. "Well, how would you feel if you found out Mori had almost gotten hurt and didn't tell you?" she asked back.

Honey was confused. "But that would never happen because Takashi is tough," he said.

Fumi fell quiet. Then she sighed. "Haruhi is tough too..." she mumbled, dropping her forehead to her knee. "So tough, she doesn't need me at all."

Honey's eyes blew wide. He jumped to his feet in front of Fumi. "That's not true!" he proclaimed fiercely. "Haru-chan does too need you!"

Fumi shook her head. "No, she doesn't-"

"She does!" Honey insisted, eyebrows narrowed. "You're her big sister! Of course she needs you!"

There was no arguing with him, so Fumi didn't say anything.

It was cold that night and Fumi couldn't sleep. She got out of her bed, rubbing at her arms, and opened the closet to see if there were any spare blankets. There wasn't, but there was an old heater.

She lugged it beside her bed and plugged it into the wall, turning it up to the highest number. She felt the heat wash over her instantly and sighed in relief.

Then she got comfortable in her bed again and drifted back to sleep.

She woke up later to the smell of smoke. Sitting up, she looked around for the source of it. The heater was on fire and flames were catching onto the end of her bed.

She screamed.

Get away! Get away!! Her mind wailed at her, but her body wouldn't listen.

Suddenly, there was a voice other than her own. She saw a flash of black through the orange of the fire. Then there were arms around her and she was flying.

She only realized what had happened when she felt the breeze on her skin. Kyoya had rescued her and jumped out of her bedroom window. It was a good thing they'd been on the first floor and landed in some bushes behind the estate.

"Are you okay?"

Fumi stopped seeing orange and there was Kyoya's face above hers, pinched in worry. She'd never seen such an expression on his face before.

She breathed rapidly. Apparently, she'd stopped. Her chest was burning.

"I'm okay," she managed.

Kyoya nodded. "Good."

He put her down, quickly wrapping a steadying arm around her when she wobbled.

"Where's Haruhi? And the others?" Fumi asked, squeezing at his hand.

"They're fine. They're just on the other side, waiting for the fire department," Kyoya reassured her. "Come. We'll join them."

When Kyoya took her to the front of the estate, everyone was waiting there, safe and sound, just like he'd told her. Relief covered their features at the sight of them. Haruhi sprinted up to her sister, taking her from Kyoya.

"Fumi, I was so worried!" she said, checking her over, hands flying about her fretfully.

Fumi mustered a weak laugh. "I'm alright. No need to worry." Her intention was to reassure, but instead Haruhi scowled at her.

"You could've been hurt!" she shouted, her voice rising to a roar as she continued, "'No need to worry'?! Do you have any idea how I felt?!"

Fumi gawked at her in disbelief. "How you felt?" She glared. "How do you think I felt?! How I always feel when you get hurt and don't let me worry about you?!" she demanded, feeling her heart go wild. "I know you don't need me, but you could at least let me have that!"

Haruhi's anger slipped right off of her frame. She stared, her jaw hanging open, at Fumi for a solid minute.

Then her face cracked. "Not need you?" her voice trembled.

Fumi watched in shock as Haruhi's eyes turned glossy and her nose turned red.

"I do need you," she sobbed, tears rolling down her cheeks. "You're m-my big sister, o-of course I n-need you." And then she was crying in earnest, something Fumi hadn't seen her do since before their mom passed away.

Fumi threw her arms around her, holding Haruhi to her tight. Haruhi held her back tighter, crying into her shoulder.

"I'm sorry I made y-you feel l-like I don't n-need you!"

Fumi held a hand to the back of her baby sister's head. "I'm sorry we didn't talk about this sooner," she murmured in Haruhi's ear. Happiness was blossoming inside her chest. She smiled against Haruhi's shoulder. "I'm so glad you need me. I need you too."

Haruhi cried louder.

Beside them, Tamaki, the twins and Honey were all crying as well. They started clapping. "What a beautiful sisterly bond!"

Fumi laughed at them, and hugged Haruhi even tighter.

Chapter Text

After the fire department had said it was safe to go back inside, everyone retreated back to bed. Kyoya showed Fumi to a different room.

"Whoa. It's huge," she said. It was even bigger than the other room. The bed looked bigger too.

"It's actually one of the smaller rooms," Kyoya explained. "But I figured you wouldn't mind."

"I don't. Thank you." Fumi turned to him with a shy smile. "Um, and thanks for saving me. If it weren't for you, I would've been toast. Literally."

Kyoya gave her an unimpressed gaze.

Fumi chuckled. "Sorry. Tamaki joke."

Kyoya shook his head, but his eyes were fond. "That idiot thinks he's funny."

"He has his moments," Fumi chuckled again.

"Well then... Goodnight." Kyoya turned to leave.

Panic spiked in Fumi's chest. She lunged, grabbing his sleeve.

He stopped and turned back to her questioningly.

Fumi bit her lip. "Uh, sorry, but, uh... Stay?"

Kyoya observed her for a moment. Then he nodded.

They sat together on the bed.

Kyoya pushed up his glasses. "You're afraid." It was more of a statement than a question.

Fumi smiled wryly at the floor. "Yeah. You see... a few years ago..."

It was an accident, but it was an accident that would forever scar her. She was four years old and her mother was still alive. It was before she'd gotten sick.

Two-year-old Haruhi was at home with Dad. Mom had taken her to the circus. It was fun at first. Fumi didn't really remember much, but she remembered she'd gotten cotton candy, and she'd loved the acrobats, and she'd loved the silly clown.

Then there was the fire dancers. One of them messed up and fire went flying. A flame scorched Fumi's leg.

She'd screamed in terror. To this day, Fumi hadn't felt anything nearly as painful.

Mom never took her to another circus.

Fumi pulled up the leg of her pj bottoms, showing off the large scar on her shin. "It's kind of ugly, huh?" she said.

Kyoya gazed at it. Then, slowly, he touched his hand to it, his fingers splaying across her leg. It tickled a little, but Fumi didn't say anything. His hand was cold from being outside, but soft.

"There's nothing ugly about you," he murmured.

Fumi looked up, surprised to find him gazing directly at her face. Her cheeks warmed.

"T-thanks."

Kyoya took his hand off her leg, clearing his throat. "How long would you like me to stay with you?" he asked. His face was a light pink.

"Just... until I'm not scared anymore," Fumi responded.

"...Alright."

They chatted -albeit a little awkwardly - their hearts fuzzy, until Fumi ended up falling asleep.

Chapter Text

When Fumi got home from work, Haruhi was making supper.

"Hey. How was the fair?" she asked, stepping out of her shoes.

Haruhi didn't answer.

Fumi looked up. There was an angry scowl etched on her face.

"What's wrong?" Fumi asked hesitantly, hoping Haruhi wouldn't just tell her not to worry.

She didn't.

She turned to Fumi. "Tamaki-senpai disbanded the Host Club."

Fumi blinked slowly. "He what?"

Haruhi's nose scrunched. "Not only that... but he got engaged to some French girl he just met!"

What? How...? What?

Fumi jumped when Haruhi kicked the fridge. She growled and started pacing the kitchen.

"Sis, you remember when you asked me what I thought of Tamaki-senpai?" she asked all of a sudden.

"Uh, yeah," Fumi responded.

Haruhi stopped pacing. Her whole face turned pink, but she said it out loud, "Well, I do like him. I like so much, it scares the crap out of me!"

Wow... So, she'd had a bad day. Really bad day.

Haruhi huffed, turning back to the pot on the stove. "And now he's engaged, and disbanding the Host Club, and going back to France, and I'll never see him again-"

Fumi grasped Haruhi's shoulder. "Hey, calm down. C'mon, deep breaths."

Haruhi pinched the bridge of her nose, inhaling and exhaling deeply.

Fumi rubbed her back. "I don't understand what's going on, but we'll fix this," she said.

"Damn right we will," Haruhi agreed, fire in her eyes.

Fumi nodded severely. "I'm coming to school with you tomorrow."

Chapter Text

"Alright!" proclaimed Fumi, her motorcycle rumbling under her. "Let's go to school!" She threw a fist in the air. Her grin faltered and she let her arm fall. "Never thought I'd say that again."

Haruhi walked past her. "We're not taking your bike," she said.

"Eh?? But Haruhi!"

"No."

Fumi pouted.

At Ouran Academy - which was huge - the fair was still going on, so their friends were technically still working as a club. Fumi helped serve food to students and parents, feeling extremely out of place in a plain shirt and jeans. Girls asked her a lot of questions about what her brother was like at home.

She refilled her food tray beside Haruhi.

"So, where's this Éclair girl?" she asked.

Haruhi gestured to a table. "Over there."

Fumi looked at the girl. "She sure is pretty. Shame to punch her in the face."

"We're not punching her!" Haruhi scolded.

Fumi arched a brow. "You don't want to punch her?"

"...Well, I do, but-"

"Haruhi," called Kyoya, "You've been requested."

Éclair was looking at her.

Haruhi frowned. She put her tray down and went to Éclair's table, sitting with her.

Fumi watched them with the rest of the Host Club, but none of them could hear anything.

Honey squeezed at his tie. He probably would've squeezed his bunny if it was on him. "I wonder where Tama-chan is," he said worriedly.

Hikaru crossed his arms, gritting his teeth. "I can't believe he said we were disbanding..."

The silence was tense.

Kyoya clapped his hands. "Okay, enough idle chatter. We've got guests to serve."

Kaoru humphed. "How cool of you, Kyoya-senpai."

"Right now, our guests are of utmost importance. We can't keep ignoring them." Kyoya pushed up his glasses.

He was keeping his composure, but this must've been killing him on the inside.

"He's right," said Honey. He grabbed Kaoru. "Let's go, Kao-chan!"

"C'mon, Hikaru," said Mori, grabbing the other one.

They dragged the twins away, whining and struggling.

Fumi turned to Kyoya. "You have a plan, right?" she asked. He had to have a plan.

Kyoya didn't say anything.

When he saw Éclair leave the table, he went up to Haruhi.

"Thank you for all your hard work, Haruhi," he began, monotone, making Haruhi blink. "You've just met your quota. You've repaid your debt to us," he explained, "You're free to stop working as a Host anytime you want."

Haruhi fell back in her chair, processing those words.

Kyoya turned to leave.

"You don't have a plan," Fumi said.

He didn't say anything. Then he left.

Fumi sighed. This was going to be harder than she thought.

In the music room, the Hosts were all dressed in their new costumes. Haruhi was wearing a long wig and a poofy dress, and was definitely not happy about it. Kyoya was trying to call Tamaki, but he wouldn't answer.

Fumi grinned at her sister. "Look at you."

She groaned. "I hate this."

"Too bad. You've gotta put up with it for the parade!" goaded Hikaru.

Fumi looked the guys over, wincing. "I feel so out of place."

Haruhi looked up at her. "You're welcome to put my costume on."

"On second thought, I'm good."

Then Haruhi sighed, her eyes drooping sadly. "Tamaki-senpai didn't show up to the fair... How are we supposed to fix this if we don't see him?"

They all fell into a sombre silence.

Kyoya called someone else. "Hello? Yes... What?..." he talked with the person on the other side quietly. "That idiot!" he suddenly exclaimed.

"Who are you talking to?" Mori asked.

Kyoya turned to them. "Shima. She says Tamaki is marrying Éclair because if he does, his grandmother will let him see his mother," he said, "But... who's to say she even means that?" He gritted his teeth. He was angry. "Nobody knows where his mother even is."

Fumi's heart ached for the idiot. His mom was missing? She... she had no words for that. That was just awful.

"When is he leaving?" Kyoya asked into his cell, turning back to the window. "Tonight?!"

The Host Club gasped.

A red car zoomed by the academy outside the window. It had Tamaki in it.

"I see him!" Kyoya shouted.

They all ran up to the window.

"We have to stop him!" Kaoru said.

"My family's car should be in the parking lot," Kyoya said, "Let's go!"

They ran to Kyoya's car.

Kyoya stuck his head in the window. "We're in a hurry. Head out at once," he ordered.

The driver stammered, "I-I'm sorry, but I can't."

Kyoya frowned. "What are you talking about?"

The Ootori family's private police appeared and started surrounding them. Fumi recognized them from some of Haruhi's stories. There was so many of them, all of them armed.

"Dammit!" swore Kyoya, slamming his fist on the hood of the car with a bang.

"We're terribly sorry," one of the police said, "but we've been ordered to not let you leave. Even if we must do so by force."

Hikaru pulled Haruhi and Fumi behind him.

A horse-drawn carriage suddenly came whizzing through the parkade, blocking them off from the police. Honey jumped out of it.

Fumi... would wonder where the heck they got a carriage later.

"If you take the back hills bypass, you can cut them off," Mori instructed, then jumped out after Honey.

Hikaru and Kaoru climbed onto the carriage, Kaoru helping Fumi up. Then Fumi held her hand out to her sister.

"C'mon, Haruhi!"

Kyoya grabbed her shoulders. "Haruhi, go get that idiot for us!" he said and threw her on.

Fumi caught her, falling back against Kaoru.

"Let's go!" Kaoru shouted.

Hikaru snapped the reigns and the horses galloped away. There were shrieks behind them, none of them sounding like Mori or Honey. Haruhi had told Fumi the two of them were martial arts masters, but she'd had her doubts. Guess she was wrong.

They rode through the hills, the sun going down in the west. Hikaru kept snapping the reigns. Fumi clung to Kaoru's right, Haruhi clinging onto his left.

"Hikaru, you're going too fast!" Fumi yelled.

"We're bringing His Highness back!" shouted Hikaru, "No matter what!"

The carriage hit a rock. Then they were levitating in the air and screaming, the horses squealing. Hikaru went flying toward a pumpkin patch.

When the carriage landed, Fumi almost thought it was going to tip over. To her relief, it didn't.

"Haruhi!" Fumi grabbed her sister's shoulder. "Are you okay?!"

Other than being shaken up, Haruhi seemed fine. "I'm okay, sis," she said.

"Hikaru!" Kaoru cried, jumping out of the carriage and running as fast as he could to his brother.

He was laying in the pumpkin patch.

Fumi ran after Kaoru. They both skidded to their knees, Kaoru helping his brother sit up. He cried out, clutching his arm.

"Crap! Is it broken?" Fumi asked, hovering her hands over him. She wasn't sure if touching him would hurt him.

"This can't be it," Hikaru grunted, squeezing his eyes shut, trembling from the pain in his arm. "This can't be the end of the Host Club, of our... family. This can't be it!"

Kaoru bit his lip, eyes watering.

Fumi bit her own lip, then sighed and slumped. "Curse us for loving that idiot, huh?” she murmured, unable to even muster a wry smile.

Haruhi's wig and big dress went flying into the pumpkin patch. She hopped into the front seat of the carriage in her underclothes, grabbing the reigns. She snapped them and the horses took off.

Hikaru and Kaoru blinked, jaws dropping.

Fumi grinned. "It's not over yet." She threw her fist over her head and yelled as loud as she could, "GO, HARUHI!"

About an hour or so later, a car drove up next to the pumpkin patch. Kyoya, Honey and Mori got out.

"Fu-chan!" Honey cried happily, jumping into Fumi's arms.

Mori kneeled next to Hikaru. "You're hurt," he said simply.

"It's nothing-" The pain that shot up Hikaru's arm and made him yelp proved his words wrong.

Mori patted his head. "Reckless."

Kyoya walked up to Fumi. "Where's Haruhi?"

Fumi was about to answer.

"There!" Kaoru cried abruptly.

Walking down the path with the setting sun behind, were Haruhi and Tamaki, sopping wet for whatever reason.

Fumi, Honey and the twins ran at them. The boys all jumped on Tamaki. Fumi wrapped her sister up in her arms, Haruhi hugging her back.

"You okay?" Fumi asked, pulling back.

Haruhi was grinning and her eyes were sparkling. "I'm fine."

The twins and Honey jumped on her then, so Fumi turned to Tamaki.

"You idiot!" She punched his arm, hard.

Everyone laughed fondly.

Tamaki grinned down at her sheepishly, rubbing where she'd punched him. "Sorry-"

Fumi hugged him, squeezing gently. "You're a real idiot."

Tamaki hugged her back. "Yeah," he murmured.

Then she got an idea and smirked. She pushed Tamaki into Kyoya with a surprised yelp. He started blubbering an apology to him, squawking again in surprise when Kyoya squeezed him a tight hug.

Back at the fair, Fumi danced with Mori, who was as stiff as a board, flushing when she chuckled at him. She danced with Honey too, who spun her around until she was dizzy. Dancing with Hikaru was okay, but he was a little uncoordinated with his arm in a sling. Kaoru was very good, and Tamaki was graceful as royalty.

After Tamaki, Fumi danced with her sister.

"Hey, how's it going?" she asked with a laugh.

Haruhi smiled up at her. "Good. I'm glad everything worked out."

"Me too." Fumi twirled her, then brought her back in. She smirked. "So?"

Haruhi frowned. "So?"

Fumi scoffed and rolled her eyes. "You're going to tell Tamaki you like him, right?"

Haruhi twirled her and pulled her back in. "Right now?" She blushed.

"Now's the perfect time, you dummy," Fumi said, "Don't be a coward and just do it."

Haruhi scowled, dipping her. "Then you have to tell Kyoya-senpai you like him."

Fumi's face warmed. "How did you know that?"

Haruhi smirked. "It was obvious, sis."

Fumi resented that. She dipped Haruhi. "If I tell Kyoya how I feel, you'll tell Tamaki how you feel?" she asked.

Haruhi nodded.

"Deal."

Fumi twirled her to Tamaki, while Haruhi spun her into Kyoya.

Kyoya caught her with grace and they started dancing together. "Fancy running into you here," he teased, smiling down at her.

Fumi laughed nervously, her cheeks pink. "I'm not really dressed for the occasion."

Kyoya's smile turned soft, eyes twinkling. "I beg to differ. I think you're the most beautiful girl with the most beautiful heart here."

Her chest skipped a beat. "Careful," she murmured, "I might fall in love with you."

"Now, now. This is no game, fun as it may be," Kyoya said, "But I do look forward to seeing if I can do just that."

Fumi breathed, "You're halfway there already, you flirt."

Kyoya's smile grew. "It's not my fault. You've charmed me. You, and your strangeness-"

"I'm strange-"

"And your appalling motorcycle-"

"You fiend-"

"And all your scars," Kyoya finished warmly, stopping. He leaned down to her. "I demand you take responsibility," he lilted.

Fumi grinned at him. "Trust me, I will."

She met him halfway in a sweet kiss, and in the corner of her eye, she saw Haruhi and Tamaki kissing too.

The fireworks started. Honey, Mori, Hikaru and Kaoru joined them, and they all watched the fireworks together, talking, teasing and laughing.