Chapter Text
The Ootori Mansion was breathtaking. Large floor to ceiling windows making up a majority of the front, accented by deep gray stones on alternating floors. It was modern but the touch of stone made it feel like part of the past was still respected within it. With the looming clouds behind it, it almost looked like the cover of a Better Homes magazine.
A black limousine pulled away from behind me, leaving me to trek up the monstrous stairs alone. Reaching my fingers up to press the rounded doorbell, the door opened before I had the chance to ring it.
“Good afternoon, Haruhi.” Kyoya’s voice was smooth, quite possibly one of his most dangerous assets. “I hope the drive was alright, I sent one of our best limousines and drivers.”
“Uh, yes.” I wrap my sweater around my chest and cross my arms. It sure was frigid today. “It was lovely, thank you.” I would have been fine with just taking a taxi but he insisted, with no ulterior motives for me to pay him back either.
“Please, do come in.” Moving out of the doorway, a large foyer waited for me. The warmth hit my cheeks, making me blush as the tip of my nose tingled from the sudden change in temperature. I quickly slipped off my shoes and placed them on the mat by the door, the hardwood floors shone from fresh polish.
“Your home is beautiful.” And I meant that, beautiful paintings, delicate hanging lights, not a speck of dust anywhere. Yet it still felt homey, not like one of those setup homes that people get to tour before deciding if they want to move in.
“Oh please, there are much more beautiful things than this.” A corner of his mouth flicked up, one of his gray eyes giving me a quick wink. This is him flirting, right? My heart begins to race at the thought. He’s been acting like this more and more in the past few months: touches that last a beat too long, side glances, small smiles, extra conversations about anything.
And I’ve honestly . . . liked it. It was nice. Something I wasn’t accustomed too. I mean, pleasing the ladies is one thing but they all think I’m a boy. Plus, do any of them really know me? Kyoya probably has all sorts of information on me. I’d bet he even knows my blood type. Maybe I’ll ask.
“So, what’s on the agenda today?” It was Saturday and normally I would spend it doing housework and getting groceries but since Dad is out of town for the weekend, I can always wait to do it later. There is plenty of food in the fridge already for me.
Without a response, Kyoya grabbed my hand and led me through various rooms and hallways. How do people even plan out houses this big? I would hate to have to clean this place. Let alone try to figure out how to navigate it. After a few more turns he led me into another room with equally high ceilings and a large fireplace. Above it hung a flat screen television on par with a movie theater with a sleek dark gray couch facing it.
“I thought we could have a sort of movie day; we have access to things that are still in theaters plus anything on a streaming service. There is also a collection of DVDs in the closet.” Kyoya motioned to part of the wall that I wouldn’t have even noticed was a closet with a nearly invisible seam and door handles that concave in.
Inside was every movie I could ever name and then some. Horror, mystery, comedy, science fiction, the Ootori’s had them all with release dates spanning a few decades.
“Are these all yours?” I inquired, running my fingers across the titles.
“Only some, others are my siblings’ or my mother’s. We enjoy collecting them, some are very rare with limited release.” Of course, something as normal as collecting movies had to have an edge to it. Damn these rich people. “What would you like to watch?” I shrugged. I really didn’t have a preference. Movies have never really been my thing.
“You pick. Just make it something I’ll like.” I winked in return resulting in Kyoya’s face flushing. Why did I do that? Shit. My own cheeks were getting hot. I surveyed the room once more as Kyoya started typing in something in the search bar of his smart TV. In the corner, there was a literal concession stand, popcorn maker, and all. There was even a glass display with rows of candy inside next to a soda fountain. The whooshing of a slushie machine spinning echoed through the room.
“Done.” A title card was queued up on the screen of something I’ve never heard of. “It’s a murder mystery, not even in theaters yet. Sit and get comfortable while I make some popcorn. Extra pillows and blankets are in the ottoman.”
A low chuckle escaped my lips as I made my way towards the couch.
“What?” Kyoya’s chin snapped towards my direction but his eyes stayed focused on measuring out oil for the machine.
“Oh, nothing, nothing. It’s just humorous to see you doing something borderline mundane. I figured you would have cooks and maids and stuff to take care of all your simple needs like this.”
His lips curled devilishly. “Ah yes, the help. Usually, we do have chefs and housekeepers but my family is gone for the week as well so I gave them this time off. It’s just us here. Do you doubt my capabilities?” It’s just us here. I’m sure he did this on purpose, his family gone and no one else to disturb us. To have some true alone time that never happens, especially at the Host Club.
“No, no. No doubt whatsoever.” I rolled my eyes but I don’t think he saw. “Just don’t burn my popcorn.”
It was his turn to laugh. “Yes, my lady.”
The blankets inside the ottoman were all plush and freshly washed, the soft scent of detergent wafting up. There wasn’t much variety in terms of color, patterns of blacks, and hues of gray mostly. At least this family is committed to its aesthetic. Grabbing the biggest one I could find, I curled up in the middle of the couch as the monotonous sound of popping kernels filled the air. In a few quick strides, Kyoya was in front of me, sitting down two large drinks and a package of licorice on the spotless glass coffee table. His eyes barely met mine, clearly focused on not spilling the glasses.
A few more strides and the whirl of the machine flicked off before he was by my side on the couch with a giant bowl of very buttery popcorn. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Kyoya in such a casual setting before. He was wearing black sweatpants that had elastic at the ankles and a pale blue cotton t-shirt that exposed the slight definition in his arms. He looked . . . good. More at ease than ever as he lifted the blanket and pulled himself under it with me.
“One more thing.” His voice was softer, almost a whisper, as he grabbed a second remote off the table and pressed one of the only two buttons on the small controller. In an instant the floor to ceiling windows had blackout curtains pulled closed, shutting out any leftover sunlight. “Now it’s like actually being at the movies.” Even in the muted room, I could still make out his smile. Pressing the triangular button, a soft ensemble began to play through the surround sound speakers before he pulled me into his chest.
I tensed at first, his arm draped around my shoulders. I could hear his heartbeat, it’s rhythm steady. Was he not nervous? If I move the wrong way, I’m certain my heart will break through my chest. It’s fine. Breathe. It’s just Kyoya. The tension in my body began to melt away as I got more comfortable, shifting to lay across the couch, most of my body fully on his chest. It was his turn to tense now, his heartbeat significantly faster than it once was. Ha. Now I’m not the only one out of my element.
Within moments he relaxed as well, idly tracing random designs on my arm, his chin propped up on his other hand. Turning my attention to the large screen I began forcing myself to focus on the cinematic mystery instead of the handsome man beside me.
*************
A gentle snore vibrated next to me. That’s weird, who would be snoring? Something hot blew across my neck then passed only to blow across me again. Someone breathing? Oh shit. Kyoya.
We must have fallen asleep at some point during the movie. When did that happen? I remember bantering about who the culprit obviously was and then . . . and then this I suppose. Slowly I peeled my eyes open, careful not to move and wake him yet. The room looked the same, still dark from the blackout curtains. The screen had long since displayed the credits and now showed the title once again. The popcorn bowl was empty, the same for the two drink glasses. A few stray pieces of popcorn littered the floor.
Kyoya groaned underneath me, shifting ever so slightly. There was a soft pressure against the back of my head. Reaching up to touch the source I gasped slightly, it was Kyoya’s long fingers deeply intertwined with my dark hair. His other hand rested on my hip to which I gently tried to push off. How did we end up in this position?
“Haruhi . . .” His voice was breathless, his lips moving against my neck as he spoke my name. Goosebumps rose across my skin, I guess we could lay like this a little longer. His arms felt safe wrapped around me, almost like I was at home. How long have we been asleep? An hour? Maybe two? Prying my phone out of my back pocket I clicked the screen awake.
We’ve been out a solid two hours. Idly I scrolled through my few notifications. Six missed calls from Dad and over ten texts from him. Well shit. Without thinking I quickly pried myself away from Kyoya, jolting him awake.
“Just ram your knee right up my crotch, that’s fine, I don’t mind.” His voice was gravely, still thick with sleep.
“Sorry, I just missed a lot of stuff from Dad, can you open the blinds please.” Kyoya nodded and rubbed his eyes before clicked the controller for the curtains. I paced up and down in front of the windows as the phone rang. C’mon Dad, pick up. His messages didn’t reveal anything to me, just to call him as soon as possible as well as asking where I was and if I was okay. He knows I was coming to see Kyoya today. Hell, he was ecstatic when I told him.
As the blinds parted muted oranges and reds pierced through the room. Normally I’d love such a beautiful sunset but what I saw before me was nothing like what I expected.
A thick layer of snow coated the yard and driveway, slight indentions showing where the driveway and sidewalk are. It was thick, too thick. Way too deep to shovel by hand or ever hope of driving through.
The call connected before I could signal for Kyoya to come look. My Dad’s voiced shrieked through the phone. “HARUHI! Are you all alright? Where are you? I tried calling but you weren’t answering, what were you doing?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I’m at Kyoya’s still. We were, uh,” I glanced over at Kyoya, still oblivious to the snowstorm as he picked up the popcorn on the floor. “We were just watching a movie and I turned my phone off while we were watching.”
Dad sighed on the other end. “Thank God I was getting really worried there for a while. Did you get hit with the storm too? I was going to try to drive back down but all the roads are closed.”
“It’s pretty bad here, too. There’s no way a car is getting through this anytime soon.” Hearing my words Kyoya joined me at the window, looking out over the frozen abyss. He pulled out his cell phone now, quickly displaying the Emergency Blizzard alert on his screen to me.
“I tried to get ahold of authorities but they are saying it’ll be a day or two before they get this all cleaned up. I don’t even know if I will be back Monday night anymore.” He paused; I could practically hear the gears grinding in his head. “You’re going to have to stay there until the roads clear. It’s not safe to be out right now.”
“But Dad—”
“Put him on the phone please.” I sighed, there’s no point in arguing with him. I reluctantly handed my cell to Kyoya who took it with a small smile.
“Good evening, Mr. Fujioka . . . yes, yes I am aware.” He rubbed his chin as my father ranted into his ear. “Of course, that is no issue with me . . . she can wear my sister’s clothes while she is here . . . no sir, no funny business.” He winked; the smirk clear on his face. “I’ll take great care of her, as soon as the roads clear I can arrange for her to have a ride back home . . . yes, I’ll take great care of her . . . you too, stay safe.” Passing the phone back to me, I held it up to my ear. Why do I feel like those two are always plotting something?
“Dad?”
“Kyoya has agreed to let you stay there until things clear out. I’m sure there is plenty of good food stored up in that mansion.” Dad laughed, deep and hearty, his mood completely changed. “Be good and stay safe. I’ll do my best to get home as soon as possible.”
“Take your time, I’m a big girl, I’ll be fine.”
“I know you are. I love you. Talk to you soon.”
“I love you, too.” With a click, he hung up, leaving me completely alone with Kyoya. Immediately my phone began buzzing again. Messages from Tamaki and Hikaru asking where I was and if I was safe from the snowstorm.
Kyoya cocked an eyebrow. “The other members of the Host Club asking about your wellbeing?”
“Yes, how’d you know?”
“They’re pretty predictable in times like these.” His dark eyes scanned over my face, trying to read me. “Are you going to tell them you’re here?” He cocked his head to the side, genuinely curious with my response. If I tell them I’m here they would probably take a helicopter and jump out of it or something.
“No, I don’t think I will. I’ll just tell them I’m okay.” In a few keystrokes, I sent out my slightly vague responses and put my phone back in my pocket.
“Well,” Kyoya’s voice was light, humorous. “It looks like you’re stuck with me. What would you like to do now?”