Protect this house... (Ouran Host Club fanfic)

Chapter Twenty One - Wish U were here

I stretched and sat patiently outside of the career office waiting for my results. I'd just challenged every singe exam that I could; so that I wouldn't have to attend school anymore. It was a grind but I knew that it would make life easier on my part. I won't have to see the others anymore (except for Kyoya who sometimes gets let into the house) and I can concentrate more on the Suoh business. Grandmother didn't say anything too harsh to me after the whole Mr. Ootori hitting me incident; but she said that I mustn't do it again. I have a feeling she is growing wary of being the bad guy. "Miss Suoh?" I looked up at the teacher and she handed me an envelope. "You have completely passes all your mandatory courses with 100%. Inside the envelope is your certificate of graduation and scholarships for Ouran's University. I wish you the best." She told me. "Thank you." I said as I bowed and turned to head home. While I was sitting out in the hall I heard a few whispers that the Host club is on an indefinite suspension. . . and that Haruhi had gone back to the way she was. I have no idea what that means but the club suspension makes a lot of sense. I heard Tamaki arguing with Headmaster Suoh this morning and when I'd asked Tamaki about it he told me not to worry about anything. "Hey Aki." Tamaki called. I turned and smiled at him. "You're smiling a lot more now." Kyoya noted as he took my hand. "It's the drugs." I told him and I wasn't at all kidding about that either. They changed the dose to three pills a day and the prescription. . . "How did the testing go?" Tamaki asked. "Passed with flying colours." I replied. He clapped me on the back lightly and said "We'll have to celebrate later." I nodded and came to a halt as Tamaki suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Those clothes. . ." I peered around him and looked to find. . . I think it is Haruhi because the twins are standing beside her. This must be what she used to look like before she joined the Host club. She spotted us and strode over to Tamaki, Kyoya and I. The twins protested but she continued anyways. "You want to understand your Grandmother right? The club's activities have been banned to please your Grandmother and until you can overcome her will, you aren't free to do as you please. Therefore from now on, take all the time you need to get to know her." Haruhi said to Tamaki. "Club activities aren't all that important, but your Grandmother is precious family. For that reason I can't be around you. So I have returned to the Haruhi that existed before we accidentally met. So don't worry about me and go do what you need to do." She smiled a bit then and then shifted over to look at me. "I've figured out what you are doing too. . . You're protecting Tamaki - Sempai from the pain that your Grandmother is handing out. I respect that a lot and I promise that I will try and keep the twins in line for you. They are hurting you know and I know that is the last thing you would ever want but right now your priority is keeping Tamaki - Sempai safe. So I'll be here when you need me okay?" She'd told me this quietly so that the twins and Tamaki couldn't hear but I knew that Kyoya had caught everything that she said. "Yes. Thank you Haruhi." I said as I pulled on Kyoya's hand and passed the twins. "Things are changing quite rapidly aren't they." Kyoya said to me as Tamaki struggled to catch up with us. "I suppose they are, but I am happy to know that Haruhi is on our side. She understands. . ." I told him quietly. Kyoya nodded thoughtfully and opened the car door for me. "See you later." He said as he closed the door behind me. I waved at him looked out the window; wishing to be anywhere but here.


"Grandmother, over here! Go under the arch!" Tamaki said happily. It's been a few days and this is the first time I've taken a break from working in the Suoh buisness building. I haven't told Headmaster Suoh that I am no longer attending school but I am sure he knows anyways. "You've been making racket all morning. Couldn't anyone have come with you for a walk in the garden?" Grandmother asked. I hate how she talks like I'm not there. . . I guess Tamaki could have but he's been trying really hard lately to get to know Grandmother. better while I on the other hand couldn't care less. "I got permission from Punshichi and Yashiro. The two have glandly accepted me! That's why I invited you Grandmother!" I rolled my eyes; those Dobermen have been barking at Tamaki non stop. They nearly bit him when he went close to them this morning. "What dogs are you talking about?" She asked as if she didn't know. "Where? Where is it?" He asked completly ignoring her question. "I'm sorry, give me a minute please. I'm sure it's somewhere around here." Grandmother and I both spotted it before he did. She pulled on the rope tamaki was looking for and hundreds of petals fell down from the arch. "You brought me here to bury me alive?" Grandmother asked. "No! It's a flower shower, Grandmother! I did use the proper flowers!" "Was I supposed to enjoy that?" "Uh, well I guess it was a little too powerful." "A little?" "But 'failure is the beginning of sucess' Grandmother. Next time it will be better." Tamaki said as he flashed a peace sign. "You're more like an audacious hack." She complained. "Formost, permitting failure is for those of low standing. When my husband died, Yuzure was still in High School and the only people who surrounded us were those who were looking for an opportunity to seize Souh's power. If I had not sucessfully done all the work my husband left behind, Souh wouln't have gained as much as it has now." I nodded thoughtfully; that explains a lot more to me than she knows. No wonder she's bitter and mean to everyone. People have constantly tried to manipulate her into giving them the Suoh's buisness. It must have been hard on her. "Hmmm. Audacious hack. That's an interesting saying. Some time ago, a friend of mine also said something like that about me. Oh it suddenly came to me! The endless abyss known as Tamaki!" He exclaimed. "Thoses aren't exactly words of praise." Grandmother said. "How are those even remotely similar?" I asked quietly. She called him someone imcompetent and that their rush to great achevement results in failure. . . "Did you know that the name Tamaki, father bestowed upon me, his desire to establish a connection in every way. Although I do not share a blood connection with my club mates, being with them taught me the value of coming together in a bond of deep trust. That is why, a this time, I want to forge a connection with my family; my whole family. Grandmother." Tamaki said as stopped and waited for me to catch up. I've been very sore for the past few days; I've been beaten twice this past week. Grandmother turned to look at us then and I could see the picture clearly in my head. Tamaki holding the hand of a frail young girl. Dark circles are painted under her eyes and her face is sullen and sad. Her hair is straightned and she looks as if she could disspear in this mass garden of flowers. I knew what her problem with me was now. . . She more or less accepted Tamaki but the person she was having problems with was me. "I'm sorry." I whispered. "What is that?" I heard Grandmother ask. "I am sorry that I am not the grandaughter you dreamed of." I said a bit louder this time. "It must have been a shock to you. To figure out that I was a Suoh child, that your son had created another child with Anne - Marie. . . I know I have a big mouth and I speak out when I shouldn't, but that's just who I am. . . I am not from a high class family. I am dirty, poor and don't have the delicacy that everyone thinks I have. All I want is for Tamaki to have the family that he deserves. I was born from a high society family and raised in a poor one. All I want to do is please you! Why can't you see that!" I sunk down to my knees and ran my fingers though my hair. "I can't take this anymore! You've won okay!? Please, stop! Just stop it!" I screamed as I tore at my bandages. "Aki!" Tamaki exclaimed as he got down on his knees beside me and crouched low over me. "I DON'T WANT THIS ANYMORE! I DON'T WANT TO BE BEATEN! I DON'T WANT TO BE HURT ANYMORE! STOP TAKING EVERYTHING I HAVE!" I screeched. I listened to her footsteps come closer and she bent down, grabbing my chin in her fingers. "Get yourself together. You have a concert tonight. Stop taking the drugs and this will stop." She said sternly. "YOU CHANGED THEM DIDN'T YOU! TO FOOL THE OTHERS INTO THINKING I AM HAPPY! YOU ARE A DIRTY SWINE!" I spat. My whole body shook and my fingers twitched uncontrollably. She didn't say anything but walked away. "Aki. . . Those pills how many have you taken today?" Tamaki asked me as he gently shook me so that I would hear him. "Four! The dosage went up again." I sobbed. "Shh. Let's get you inside. You need to calm down; she's right you know. You've been looking forwards to performing your song." I nodded and let him lift me up. I closed my eyes and rested my head against his chest. I am done with coping, I am done with pretending that what she is doing to me isn't affecting me. I can feel myself going into mourning and I don't think I can stop it. . .


"Are you ready?" Tamaki asked me as he rubbed my shoulders. I took a deep breath and nodded. "I don't feel as sick anymore. The effects of the pills haven't totally worn off but I'll sleep them off when I get home." I told him with a small smile. Tamaki had sat with me all day today, gently stroking my hair or whispering quiet things to me. I felt more loved than I ever had and it is thanks to him that I got here okay. "Are you ready?" A member of the staff asked me. "Yes. I am ready." I told him as I waved to Tamaki and walked out on stage. This is an event also hosted by Suoh; it's a music festival where all procedes go to the hospital that the Ootori's own. I waved out at the large crowd and all the children that I'd met at our last event who have come to support me. "Good evening. I have never sung in front of this many people and never one of my own songs." I gave a nervous laugh and spotted Grandmother along with Headmaster Suoh, Mr. Ootori, his three sons (including Kyoya) and this hooded woman. . . "This is for my Nii - San, the Host club, my dads and my little brother Rikan, who I miss so much." I said as I looked back stage and gave a nod of my head to tell them to commence the music. I recorded all the music a few days ago; sobbing might I add. "Lately I got this feeling. I don't know what's the meaning but I know it's strong and it's all for you. All I want is to be home with you. Ohh, I'm coming right back, ho -ome. Livin' without you is a no, no. I'm coming right back ho-ome. I wish you were here! Yeah I wish you were here! Music is better and lights are brighter when you are near, am I making it clear? Music is better and right now I just wish you were. Oh, oh right now I just wish you were here, oh, oh, right now I just wish you were here. Every night, different city. Bright lights, should be pretty but they can't compare, no to the light from you. All I want right now is to be home with you. Oh, oh I'm coming right back ho - ome. Livin' without you is a no, no. I'm coming right back ho -ome. I wish you were here! Yeah I wish you were here! Music is better and lights are brighter when you are near, am I making it clear? The music is better and right now I just wish you were here, oh, oh right now I just wish you were here, oh , oh, right now I just wish you were here, oh oh, right now I just wish you were here, oh, oh, right now I just wish you were here. I can't wait 'till you come back home. I know it's late, hoped you were by the phone. It so hard gettin' by all alone, so call me back, leave a message at the tone. I know, you know, I know we can make it by. It's been too long since I've looked into your eyes. And I'm waitin' so hurry back. Bring the shine boys, you better follow the path. Car, bus, train go and get a cab or just fly here Jet pack. Roger that, do you copy? I was a puzzle piece but you solved me. Our future, I see it so clear and right now. . . I wish you were here! Yeah I wish you were here! Music is better and lights are brighter when you are near, am I making it clear? The music is better and right now I just wish you were here." The crowd went wild as they cheered and pumped their fists in the air. I brought my pointer finger and middle fingers to my lips and then held them out to everyone. They all returned the gesture and I smiled broadly at them. I caught Rikan in the crowd. . . standing with the twins and the rest of the host club. His eyes are full of tears and my heart ached to bring him to me. I stepped back and took a bow then strode off stage; so I wouldn't have to look anymore.


"What is it Tamaki - Nii?" Asked the next morning. He is looking intently at a newspaper article. "Come read this." He said as he pushed back a bit in his chair so that I could take a look. I read though it and my eyes widened. "Grandmother. . . is being ousted?" The Gratenieux company. . . Anne Sophie's family company. . . annouced a new drug development. Curing a diasease that would usually be uncurable. . . Systemic lupus erythematosus. The Ootori's were involved with this, Heamaster Suoh as well I presume. The rest of the article talks about Grandmother's 'retirement'. "This is not how it was supposed to play out." I said angrily as I stormed out of Tamaki's room and down the hall. Tamaki silently followed behind me as I strode into the large room with a piano and then straight to her door that connected to this room. I banged on it and tried to open the door. "Grandmother. Open the door." I said as I slammed my body against the door. "Damn it. Headmaster Suoh has ruined everything. Taking the buisness from her serves us nothing! I will not be held accountable for taking something precious from someone else." I growled. Tamaki put his hand on my shoulder and gave me this look and I knew exactly what we had to do. "I'll go get it." I told him as I rushed back into the hall and to my room. I ducked down and pulled my guitar out from under my bed and headed back to Tamaki. I nearly ran head into Headmaster Suoh who was giving me a happy look. "Hello there Aki -Chan!" I gave him a glare which took him by surprise. "How could you do that to Grandmother. You took away what was most precious to her. Why would you do that?!" I yelled. He gave me a gentle smile and said "I did it for us. Now you no longer have to get hurt or watch Tamaki suffer. We can be a family now." "I never asked for this, NEVER! Tamaki wants a whole family; that means everyone. You've just torn everything and left it to fly in the wind." "How can you stand here and protect her? She's taken everything from you; your home, family, friends, voice. How can you not be pleased?" "I would never do something so horrible to someone else because I have lived that life. I know what it feels like to lose everything. I have lost everything. That is why I don't ever want anyone else to have that feeling. Grandmother Suoh may have done some awful things to me, but I would never wish for her to fall victim to the same pain Ive felt. I've been though enough. I am not going to stand here and do nothing. If you will not fix this then I will." I said as I strode away from him and back to Tamaki where he had already begun to play the piano.




Ten full days and she has not yet left her room. We have played all day for those days only stopping to take a bathroom break or eat something. Headmaster Suoh had come and talked to us on the fitth day; to tell us that our Mother was here. . . in Japan. We'd both refused to go until we had Grandmother's permission. Of course I really wanted to meet the mother I've never had the chance to see, but this prioritises over everything else; I can wait. I strummed my guitar and sang along to My heart will go on. Tamaki and I easily followed eachother's melodies; me sitting on top of the grand piano with my legs crossed. "Near, far. Wherever you are. I believe that the heart does go on. Once more, you open the door and you're in my heart and my heart will go on and on. . ." I broke off as the doors to our right suddenly opened. "Grandmother?" Tamaki asked. "That song. . . continue." Grandmother said. "It's the song of a moive I used to watch often with my husband." I gave her a smile and held my hand out for her to take it. She moved fowards hesitantly but did take it. I squeezed it tightly and let a few tears escape. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath "You're here, there's nothing to fear. And I know that my heart will go on. We'll stay forever this way; you are safe in my heart and my heart will go on and on." She actually did give me a smile then and for the first time I felt accepted by her. "Did you learn to play the piano from your mother?" She asked Tamaki as he finished off the melody. "Yes. When I was a child in the days when she was well, my mother used to teach me. And with time it became a pleasure and when my mother was not checking on my, i had fun by playing songs I liked and heard on TV or in movies." She nodded then looked at me and placed her free hand onto my acoustic guitar. "Who taught you?" She asked. "Chi did. . . my mom. She taught me when I was little and then my father took over when she was unable to teach me anymore. She did teach me to completely play the piano and the violin as well." I told her. I looked up into her eyes and said "I am sorry about the mean things I have said to you in the past." She shook her head and squeezed my hand "I should be apologizing to you. I was angry at Yuzuru for not telling me about you. . . I was trying to fix you because I thought you needed fixing; but I was blind and did not see that you are a perfectly amazing girl on your own." I laughed and swivled my guitar around to my back and jumped fowards to give her a hug. "Girl let me love you and I will love you, until you learn to love yourself. Girl let me love you, I know your troubles, don't be afraid girl let me help." I sang quietly as she hugged me back. "Singing, Kimono's, vases you two really do like these things. . ." Grandmother said as she pulled back and Tamaki came to join us. "Yuzuru was never interested in any of it." "Dad was the one who told me all about these things and then taught them to Aki when she joined our family." I nodded enthusiastically and said "I have learned a lot from Headmaster Suoh and I hope that we can all become friends. That is my only wish for our family." I told her. "I think something can be done." She told me with hope in her voice. I believed her because I think that all along, she was searching for someone to love her too.


"Your mother returns to france today." Grandmother said as Tamaki and I both sat on the piano bench. We woke up this morning and Grandmother wanted our presence. Things have changed and I can feel that things are easing up. "Yes she does." Tamaki said. "But we're with you today." I finished. I pulled on my white long sleeved sweater and flattened out my blue skirt. My depression has faded away over the last few hours and I can feel myself more at peace. I jumped as a huge crash sounded. I looked over and saw. . ."Takashi - Sempai!" I exclaimed as I got up and tiptoed around the shards of glass. He's just broken right through the window! "Uh. Haruhi are you okay?" Kaoru asked. "Dang it! My glasses broke. I'm blad I took them off earlier. Thank god Hikaru gave me some contacts." Haruhi said. "Haruhi?" Tamaki exclaimed. "Tamaki - Sempai! Let's go!" Haruhi said as she held out her hand to him. I looked at Kaoru who had a serious look on his face. "Your mother is waiting." He said as he held out his hand to me as well. "We. . . We can't go." I stuttered. "We don't intend to see our mother now. " "Are you going to lie to me with this mouth?" Haruhi asked as she held onto Tamaki's cheeks. He struggled agaisnt her and I could tell that it hurt. "If you want to go see her then you should say you want to. If you are sad then say so. If you are hurting so bad on the inside that you are falling apart then say so." Kaoru said to me as Haruhi went on a similar rant to Tamaki. "I have in these last there years wanted to see her more than anything." Tamaki said. "I haven't seen the woman since I was three. I want to see her too." I wispered. "Tamaki. Aki. Go. Go and meet your mother. To make up for my impoliteness up until now please go and when you come back will you play the piano again for me?" I let out a small laugh sob thing and collapsed into Kaoru's arms. "I missed you so much." I sobbed. He wrapped his arms tightly around me and kissed the top of my head. "We have forever to talk about this but your mother will not wait but an hour." Kaoru whispered in my ear. "Grandmother. . .but there isn't enough time." Tamaki said. "MILORD!" I rocked back on my heels to see a giant helicopter with Hikaru standing on the inside. "I'm lowering a latter to the roof. We will fly to Chiba from here!" He yelled. "You better get going then." Grandmother said to us. "Kyoya has a car waiting at Sakura heliport. Travel time to Narita is thirty minutes. We'll definately make it in time." I shot up and grabbed Kaoru's hand. "Come one Tamaki - Nii!" I yelled as we rushed out of the room and towards the stairs. "Be careful everyone!" Honey said as he helped Haruhi and I up into the helicopter first. "You two aren't coming?" Tamaki asked as he and Kaoru piled in after us. "This helicopter can carry only the five of you. We'll be waiting fo rgood news!" He yelled after us as the helicopter lifted into the air. I closed my eyes tightly and held onto Kaoru's waist. I hated planes. . . anything that flies. "It's okay." Hikaru said as he took my hand. "Hikaru. . ." I murmered. "It's okay. Kyoya already told us who you chose. So don't worry Aki, we don't want you to worry anymore." He said as the helicopter made some more vigerous moves. "We're landing. We have to take an alternative route." Haruhi told me as she placed her hand on my knee. I nodded as the plane decended. "Kasugazaki - San! Regne - Chan!" Tamaki exclaimed as I felt the helicopter rock. "Okay here we go. I'll help you out." Hikaru said as he got out and Kaoru led me over to them. I opened my eyes once I was on the ground and was surprised to see so many of our classmates here. "Hey Keiko!" Taro exclaimed as he and Kaito rushed over. "You two!" I said happily as I gave them each a hug. "We're rooting for you." Kaito said. "Please do your best!" Taro said. "I'll try." I replied as Tamaki motioned for us to quickly get into the boat. I did as told and sat down once in the boat. I brushed off my feet as they were bare and waited for the ride to be over. This is a lot more exercise than I've done in a while. "Get a move on you guys!" I heard Kyoya yell. "We can't all go into the car. So I'll wait behind." Hikaru said. "Thank you so much." I said as I hugged him tightly. "Now go! Or you'll be late princess." I smiled and got lifted out of the boat by Kyoya's body guards. I slid right to the far side of the car, piling on top of Kaoru while Haruhi sat on Tamaki's lap. "Haruhi, I don't know what I'd do without you." I said to her. "You are the one who inspired me to do this crazy stuff Aki. I'm just happy your back with us." She replied. "Okay we can get to the hugs and stuff after. When you get to the airport head to terminal gate W15" Kyoya ordered. "The flight started boarding long ago, so if the worst case arises and you have to board the plane my staff will bick you back up." "Kyoya. . ." I said but was cut off. "I will be waiting in the car. I wonder will this reunion be as grand as the reunions usually portrayed in movies?Frankly though. I'm not good at being deeply moved." "Thank you." Tamaki said as he gave Kyoya a fist pump. I leaned fowards and kissed his cheek. He blush a little and said "You are very welcome." "What about me. . . Should I stay in the car too?" Haruhi asked. I smiled at her kindly and said "Stay with us until the very end. The both of you." "We're going to see our mom. Me for the first time in three years and Aki for the first time in thirteen and my hands are shaking." Tamaki told her. "Here we go." Kaoru said as he opened the door while the car was still moving and hopped out before me. "Run you guys!" Kyoya yelled. I got out right after and stumbled, taking Kaoru's hand. We burst though the airport at a speed in which I knew Haruhi was struggling to keep pace with. But I could see her now, many people there to protect her. "Maman!" Tamaki yelled as I plowed through security guards that tried to keep us back. I brought my left fist up and knocked one up the side of the jaw. "Mom!" I yelled as she turned to look at us struggling. Kaoru shoved someone who had their arm on me and growled as another went to touch me. Anne - Marie's face twisted in joy as tears flowed freely down her face. "My babies." I heard her say faintly as she dropped her purse and ran towards us. . .