Italic words are either thoughts, flashbacks or spoken in Spanish
Haruhi sweatdropped. One moment, they were in the clubroom worrying about the disappearance of their production designer, the next moment they were not only skipping school for the day but sitting on a private jet on their way to Madrid, Spain with Kyoya's bodyguards in charge of bringing their bags. All because a butler showed up at their door. Worst of all, she seems to be the only one exceptionally baffled by these extreme developments. She peered out the window with a deadpanned expression as they jetted across the clouds beneath them. She then turned back into the vehicle. Full leather-cushioned seats, all-inclusive food and drinks, enough room for each of them to lay down and take a nap. She had never been on a plane, much less out of the country before, however, she was pretty sure it wasn't this luxurious and extravagant.
"Worry not, Miss Fujioka." Arden comforted the brunette with a gleam in his emerald eyes. "You wouldn't require a passport to enter the country as we are travelling via a private jet. Nevertheless, if the situation were to arise, I will have you covered." He explained with a serious expression as he held up a fake passport, already printed with Haruhi's name and photo.
"No, I'm pretty sure that is illegal..." Haruhi averted her eyes, already finding this butler as intolerable as the host club.
"So, Ar-chan." Honey sat in his seat next to the butler with a head tilt. "Why did you want us to fly all the way out to Madrid?"
"Yeah, what did you mean by rescue 'milady'?" The twins chimed, each sipping on a cup of ice tea as they sat comfortably in their leather seats. "Who are you to begin with?"
"I suppose I should formally introduce myself, shouldn't I?" Closing his eyes, Arden spoke slowly. "Though I am sure a few of you are already aware of my status."
"If memory serves me, you are Miki's butler, correct?" Kyoya glanced over from the seat across the aisle. Tamaki was originally sitting next to him, but he was currently at the back of the plane on the phone with presumably the chairman. "She speaks very highly of you."
"I am honoured, it is a pleasure to finally meet you all." A small smile formed on the young man's face as he nodded his head. "My name is Arden Mederos; I come from a long line of servants that served the Fernández family for generations."
"Fernández family?" Haruhi repeated, a little puzzled by all this information. "I'm sorry, I never meant to pry, but I'd really like to know what is going on here. Just how are Tamaki-senpai and Miki-senpai related anyway?" She averted her eyes. "This feels like a real-life soap opera unfolding..."
"Soap Opera?" The hosts' tilted their heads.
"I believe those are the sappy romance dramas aired midday for common housewives to watch," Kyoya explained.
"Oh, their family is a drama alright." Hikaru agreed as his eyes flickered up to the ceiling.
Nodding in agreement, Kaoru began to elaborate to Haruhi who had been kept in the dark about the Suoh family's elaborate past. "Twenty-something years ago, the previous head of the Suoh family died young; the chairman immediately married the first daughter of the Fernández family, a woman his mother chose for political reasons to assume the role of the head of the family."
"However, a few years later, he fell in love with the daughter of a French aristocrat while on a business trip to France," Honey followed up as he began eating away at a piece of cake one of the private jet staff had brought him. "That was how Tama-chan was born."
"The chairman divorced his lawful wife, and both families announced to the world that there was no fruit of their wedlock." Kaoru continued as he placed his cup down onto the table. "However, there was, and that was Miki-senpai."
"Why did they have to keep her a secret like that?" Haruhi's brows knitted together in confusion.
"The Fernández family has a high social standing worldwide, being known as one of the most prestigious in Spain," Kyoya replied. "Their house leads and maintains International Trade relations between Spain and Asia, Japan to be specific. Meaning they have ties to the Spanish Royal Family for generations. They are well known for their spotless ancestry, so having a sudden child born out a divorced marriage was unacceptable on their lineage."
"Milady was born after the divorce had happened, giving the Fernández family full custody over her. " Arden's jewel-like eyes flickered down to his white-gloved hands as he continued to explain. "Once she was at the age of three, they sent her to Japan to decrease the chanced of the public eye finding her. And left strict instructions that she was to be raised in complete secrecy." He closed his eyes with a pained expression. "So Milady was locked up, for thirteen years, confined in an inaccessible room in the Suoh Main Estate."
"That's cruel!" Haruhi immediately protested.
"The Fernández family holds high power," The butler sighed. "If they wanted something to be hidden, it would be lost in history forever."
Hearing that definitive answer, Haruhi's large brown eyes widened. She suddenly remembered all of Miki's actions. From her straightforward attitude to her recklessness. Her claims of going to even the most basic of places for the first time, they all resembled one of a child's first experiences.
Because they were.
"So..." Honey piped up; his silver fork lingered in his mouth as he listened to the story. "Why would Miki-chan be heading back to Spain right now? Did they want to accept her back into the family?" He asked, tilting his head.
"I'm afraid it's not that easy, is it?" Lifting his glasses, Kyoya pointed out. "From my understanding, the Fernández went bankrupt."
Arden swallowed hard.
At the back of the plane, Tamaki paced in circles impatiently in the cramped space, his finger tapping his forearm as he mumbled into the phone that continued to ring on the other end. It was cold, freezing in that narrow space. However, he could feel none of the chilling breeze thanks to the blood pumping through his veins at an alarming rate. There was a muffled sound, followed by his father's voice. The adrenaline level in the blond spiked to new levels as he heard the playful 'Hello?'.
"Dad!"
"Tamaki! I was just about to call you, I will be heading to an emergency business trip to Spain tomorrow, you and your friends are to accompany-"
"Dad! Forget about that!" Holding the phone with both hands, Tamaki shouted desperately. His eyes widened as he realized his mannerism was off and becoming ungentlemanly. Clearing his throat, he composed himself quickly. "Father, Miki has been taken to Spain, did you know of this?" He asked calmly.
There was an agonizing silence on the opposite end as time ticked away. After what seemed like years, Tamaki broke the worrying stillness. "Dad!" He pled. "Please tell me what is going on."
After a few more moments, Yuzuru spoke again. "That is what I was planning to talk to you about." His voice was stern, yet laced with a hint of sadness and regret. "I want you and your friends to accompany me to Spain, as we will be attending Miki's wedding on Sunday."
"Wedding?!" The twins, Haruhi and Honey all jolted out of their comfortable leather seats as they heard that estranged word. Kyoya's eyes flickered over while Mori's expression turned attentive.
"It was foolish of me to believe that the Master would leave things like this," Arden lowered his head once again as if he were apologizing to the hosts. Clearly, the guilt of making a wrong estimation had been eating away at him, as he had rushed over from Spain right after hearing the news of the engagement. "The conditions of milady's deal with Master Yuzuru was that I had to stay in Spain as she attended Ouran Academy, to scout out and prevent any information on her activities from leaking to the Fernández family ." He explained. "However, I found that they intended to marry milady off to another powerful duke in Spain, under the guise of an adopted heiress in an attempt to save their family fortune and honour."
"That's just downright ruthless!" Hikaru protested. "They want to use Miki-senpai just to save their own butts?"
"And not just that, but they still refuse to announce her true identity and make her marry the guy under an adoption disguise?"Kaoru snapped. "What the hell is wrong with them?"
"Settle down," Kyoya, on the other hand, was relatively calm compared to the tense atmosphere that lingered in the plane.
"Kyoya-senpai, are you not riled up about this?" Hikaru accused.
"They are taking advantage of Miki-senpai!" Kaoru agreed.
Ignoring the two, Kyoya's brownish-green eyes turned to the butler. "Arden-san, I understand your intentions. However, I doubt there will be anything we can do." He spoke without a hint of hesitation in his voice. "As you should know, arrange marriages such as these are not uncommon among wealthy families. How would you like us to 'rescue her'?"
"While I say that, I merely would like you all to speak with her," Arden confessed. "I apologize, but I had selfishly entered you all as guests of Master Yuzuru's as he was present on the guest list." His emerald eyes glued to the ground, Arden begged. "Please prevent her from going through with this marriage as I do not believe this union will be beneficial towards milady's mental health or physical health." As he spoke, he head lowered further and further until his stomach was practically pressed against his legs. "If you cannot do that, please at the very least attend the wedding. I'm sure milady will be more than glad to have her friends with her for the last time."
"Don't say last time," Hikaru replied as he propped an arm up against the armrest of the seat. "We will definitely get her back." He declared with a wide grin.
"So Ar-chan, don't worry too much about it." Honey beamed, tilting his head at the butler who slowly rose his head.
"Mhm." Mori nodded.
Should we be making such irresponsible promises? Haruhi wondered as her eyes stayed glued to the young man. It is an arranged marriage, after all, it's not something that we can just take her out of that easily.
However, before she could think too much about it, Arden's voice spoke. "Thank you all very much." He bowed his head once again before remembering something and glancing up. "There is something I'd like to remind you all of," His emerald eyes swept across the hosts. "While we are present as guests, please remember not to act too familiar with milady. Her appearance in Ouran Academy has yet to reach the Fernández family ear. I will do everything within my power to give you all opportunities to speak with her, however, please remain on guard of your mannerisms." When the host club nodded back in understanding, the young man's lips finally curled into a satisfied smile. "Well then, we will be landing in Madrid in an estimation of six hours. Milady is currently riding a public aircraft, so hopefully, we will arrive around the same time as she does. As it will be around midday, I suggest you all get some rest."
"That is great..." Letting out a small yawn, Hikaru threw his arms up behind his head as his body slumped over. "I was getting pretty sleepy anyways."
"Why are you so tired, Hika-chan?" Honey blinked as he finished up the last bit of his strawberry cake.
"Because," Kaoru waved his hand with narrowed eyes in an aloof manner. "We were too shaken up last night from the Test of Courage to actually sleep."
"With that, good night." They chided.
As the twins began to doze off, Honey's caramel brown eyes darted towards Kyoya who gazed out the other end of the window with slightly dazed eyes. The lolita and the silent giant got off their seats and approached the second-year.
"Kyo-chan, are you alright?" He asked as he tilted his body into his peripheral vision.
"Of course I am," Not missing a beat, Kyoya quickly whipped his head around and he had his usual unbalanced smile curled upon his lips. "Is something the matter, Honey-senpai?"
"Are you worried about Miki-chan?"
There was a small moment of silence as Kyoya's eyes seemed to haze up for a moment, but he swiftly masked it with a close-eyed laugh and a push on his glasses. "In some aspects, yes." He admitted. "After all, if she quits the host club we will have to rebalance our budget and once again hire professional productions designers. And that will be a huge deplete in our profits."
Hearing his response, Honey and Mori exchanged a concerned glance.
Not long after the twins have decided to doze off, Tamaki returned to his seat looking slightly dejected and worn out. Though he whole-heartedly agreed with going to Spain and see Miki, Haruhi noticed he seemed a little, out of it.
Currently, the blinds of the jet were closed, making the space much dimmer. Honey, clutching his pink stuffed rabbit, was leaned up against Mori's arm wrapped in one of the provided blankets each as the lolita snoozed away. Hikaru and Kaoru, true to their words were as still as rocks as they leaned against each other. Tamaki was flipping through a few magazines of Madrid, while Kyoya sat next to him, reading.
Haruhi was curled up in a blanket of her own, trying to stay warm in the air-conditioned private jet. The high altitude and lightning speed probably didn't help with the temperature either. She tried falling asleep, but couldn't find it in herself. Instead, she glanced up, noticing the butler was still awake across from her. He had an arm leaned against the armrest, staring at the blinds absently. He looked rather troubled.
"Arden-san, it'll be alright." Haruhi comforted him. "Miki-senpai is the type of person to fight for what she wants; if she doesn't want this marriage, I'm sure she'll hold out until we get there."
"Miss Fujioka..." Arden muttered as he snapped out of his train of thought. He huffed out a small breath before picking up the already cold tea on the bolted-in table. "You know, milady always spoke of you in high regards." He commented as he wiped the base of the teacup on its plate before taking a sip.
"Huh?"
"She and I remained in contact via letters." As he informed the brunette, his gloved hand reached into the inner pocket of his coat, and he began fishing for something. "She has written many regarding this 'Host Club,' she and Master Tamaki were apart of, and how she managed to get close to him through it." Pulling out a white envelope, he handed them to Haruhi with crinkled eyes. "This is one of the most detailed letters about the host club. I brought it with me to aid in my search for you all. You may read it if you'd like."
"Would that be okay?" Taking the letter with both hands, Haruhi looked to him for confirmation.
"Of course, please do."
"Pardon me, then." Reluctantly, Haruhi reopened the seal and pulled out the three-page letter.
--------------------
Dear Arden,
In this past two weeks, I began my adventures in Ouran Academy. While at first, it was quite overwhelming to be in the presence of so many others at a time, I found myself adapting rather quickly. My classmates are all very kind people who have helped me navigate in my journey so far.
I was originally quite troubled with my strategy to locate and get close to Tamaki-kun. However, the opportunity arose on the very first day. You see, Tamaki-kun is the president of this very peculiar club located at the end of the northern hallway and on the top floor of the south wing. It is a club called the 'Host Club' where he describes as a playground for the rich, though I am still quite confused by that description as there are no slides, swings or any other contraptions I'd imagine I would find at a proper park's playground. Instead, it is more of a club where the boys entertain the girls of the school with tea and their words. And I have been invited to join as their very own production designer! I accepted their request in a heartbeat, of course as it would bring me even closer to Tamaki-kun. And together, we have already been on so many strange yet exciting adventures. Some including a water park, as well as a real beach!
The members of the host club include First-years Hitachiin Hikaru and Kaoru and Fujioka Haruhi, Third-years Haninozuka Mitsukuni whom we call Honey-senpai and Morinozuka Takeshi whom we call Mori-senpai, a fellow second-year Ootori Kyoya as well as Tamaki-kun.
Hikaru and Kaoru are actually twins. I was super excited to meet them as it was my first time actually meeting twin siblings. Many people, including me, are unable to tell them apart. The only thing that helps me differentiate them is their voices. However, when they speak together, as they often do, it becomes quite impossible. They look so much alike; I wonder if they ever feel like they are staring into a mirror when they look at each other? They are both very mischevious and enjoy teasing Tamaki-kun as far as I can tell, I believe they could make wonderful friends. Though I cannot tell them apart through their appearances and vibes just yet, I hope to one day be able to understand them to a point where I can achieve that!
Haruhi is an honour roll student. Can you believe it, Arden? The first month hasn't even passed and I have already met an honour roll student! I wonder if she is the same one in the photo? If that is the case, then our meeting here much be fate. Believe it or not, she is actually a girl. Apparently, due to some circumstances, she is now hiding her gender and working in the host club to pay off a huge debt. I wasn't actually supposed to figure out her true gender, rather it was an accident I stumbled upon quite literally. Haruhi is a very smart and straightforward person. However, she can be quite stubborn and overly-independent in certain situations. Like when we went to the beach, she caused us quite the hassle and worry by getting herself pushed into the ocean by a few men. No matter what though, she is empathetic and a very sweet girl. The aura around her is almost as captivating as Tamaki's in a very different way. I believe we could make wonderful friends.
According to the twins and Tamaki-kun, Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai are cousins despite their Servant-Master relationship for generations. That kind of resembles us, does it not? Do you think there will eventually be a time where we become cousins as well? Honey-senpai is rather small for the third-year while Mori-senpai is huge! I've never met people with such extreme height differences in a room before. Honey-senpai is child-like and is beaming with positivity. He always manages to bring a smile to my face just by speaking with him. Just a week ago, when we headed to a water park, he and I swung off the vines of a tree like those secret agents in Crime? Crime Drama ♥! Though it was super exciting, I had a little trouble getting off. Worry not though, Mori-senpai helped by catching before I swung too far away. He is super kind and always looking out for the club in one way or another, though he doesn't speak much. For example, when we were at the beach and I was attacked, both Honey and Mori insisted on me drinking some honey lemon water to calm down from the incident. Their dynamic the uttermost interesting, and always leave me smiling.
Tamaki-kun is much more energetic than I've heard from father. His piano skills are extraordinary as father described and he is rather charming, I can see why they call him 'king' of the Host Club. His aura is so radiating and brimming with so much positivity, it's difficult to even think of unhappy thoughts around him. Thanks to a little advice from Kaoru, I was finally able to formally introduce myself to him. Though it was rather nerve-wracking at first, due to my own fears and insecurities of whether he will accept me or not. Nonetheless, things went smoothly thanks to his opened-mindedness and accepting spirit. He quickly welcomed me into the family and made me feel right at home, even going as far as to helping me unpack and waking me up for school. It's because of him, I was able to make so many memories in the mere first two weeks of my time in Ouran Academy, more than I've made my whole life in fact. However, I still can't somehow find the courage and will in me to formally call him 'brother' just yet. The guilt and my confinement make it difficult for me to utter those words, out of my own doubts and lingering fears. Nevertheless, I very much enjoy being in his company and I hope I will remain by his side for my time here.
Finally, there is Kyoya-kun. He was the very person who invited me to join the host club. He is the vice-president of the Host Club and to my understanding Tamaki-kun's best friend. I found him to be very intelligent and logical, as he was the first and only to point out my absence on the world's database. However, despite what others may say, Kyoya-kun is a very nice person. He has been the most of assistance when it comes to adjusting to my new life outside. Whenever I have a word or phrase I do not understand, I always go to him as he teaches me it's meanings and hidden metaphor. I really do enjoy being by his side as I always find myself smiling even more than usual if that were even possible. Despite his stand-off and cool exterior, I believe Kyoya-kun is shimmering with possibility and passion. Watching him from the sidelines, I can't help but want to assist and become a source of strength to him. I truly hope we can become even closer in the future.
I'd also like to thank you again for going along with this plan and making the sacrifice to be in Spain for me; I hope I am fulfilling my promise as to living every day to my fullest. Leaving no hesitation behind when my time does eventually run out. So please, do not worry about me and take care of yourself.
With lots of love,
Miki.
P.S. I am still smiling, as I've promised.
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After reading the long letter, Haruhi's brown eyes flickered up to see the man place his teacup down onto the table between them. "Arden-san," She spoke in a lower voice as to not wake up the twins next to her. "If you don't mind me asking, what was your relationship to Miki-senpai?"
"Hm?"
"Well, you don't seem to be just any normal butler. You must place her in high regards if you address her as milady while calling the chairman by name." Glancing back down at the letters, the brunette shuffled through them absently. "Besides, you must mean a lot to her to be receiving such long and detailed letters." She theorized.
Humming the light brown haired man looked rather impressed, his lips curled into a fascinated smirk as eyed the letters in her hands. "To be frank, Milady is my liege, not Master Yuzuru. That is why I address her in a higher regard than her father." He explained. "It's a butler's pride to serve a master for a lifetime after all."
A lifetime? Haruhi repeated in her mind as she studied the young man who wore a proud grin on his lips. "Arden-san," She blinked. "How long have you known Miki-senpai?"
"Well, I've been accompanying her ever since she was born." Eyes flickering into a downcast of nostalgia, Arden breathed out a long sigh. "As I've mentioned, the Mederos family has been in the service of the Fernándezs' for generations. More often than not, one of us is appointed to be in service to their children for what's usually a lifetime." He spoke, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Let's see; I believe I had just turned ten when milady was born.
"Eh?" Haruhi gasped. "But wouldn't that mean, you were barely thirteen when you came to Japan?"
"Indeed," Arden shrugged indifferently. "I had to complete my formal training before I could accompany her." Glancing out the window, his posture straightened as a serious glisten flashed in his emerald eyes. "At any rate, milady has the elegance, grace, good looks and ability to be expected of the heiress of any high-status family. She always held such innocent curiosities toward the world and faced any challenges or feelings of loneliness with the most positive of attitudes. Even when she was young, she had such adorable habits. So much so that if she weren't hidden away, she'd have many suitors flocking to her door-"
"You sure like her, don't you..." Haruhi mumbled under her breath, sweatdropping at the butler's enthusiasm as she handed back the letter.
Taking the piece of paper with both hands, Arden held it as if it were some priceless piece of gold. "I knew of her fate even before her birth and resigned myself to accompanying her in eternal confinement, yet when she wrote me such long and elaborate letters that were filled to the brim with excitement and happiness." A tender smile appeared on his face as his white-gloved hand glazed across the ink writing in adoration. "I want to give you all my thanks." He looked up with a gentle beam of gratitude. "For enabling milady to experience such joy and friendship, and for allowing her to smile so radiantly."
"I see..." Chocolate coloured eyes averting downwards, Haruhi fell into a contemplative state.
"Well then," Standing up from his seat, Arden bowed his head slightly. "As much as I enjoyed this conversation of ours, I must go have a word with the captain. Please get some rest, Miss Fujioka, we'll be busy once we land." He proposed.
"Oh, okay." Haruhi nodded as she watched the man take his leave. She glanced over at the closed blinds of the private jet as her eyes slowly grew heavier. Miki's cheerful smile and sparkling hazel eyes came into mind. Letting out a small sigh as she leaned back and brought the blanket further over herself, revisiting their conversation from earlier.
If I were in Miki-senpai's place... She wondered. Would I still be able to smile like that, even after everything I've been through?
Haruhi gawked at the cathedral-styled building that towered over them with wide eyes and a tense figure. They landed in Madrid, Spain not too long ago, and they were immediately escorted into a limo and driven off to this insane building that was supposedly the hotel that the guests of the wedding were staying at. Arden was off checking them in and registering them as guests, as the hosts were exploring the streets of Spain.
"It seems like that bit is more complete than it was the last time we were here. Right, Takashi?" Honey asked as he clung to Mori's back, pointing at the tip of one of the towers.
"Yeah." Mori agreed, staring up at the giant structure.
"All of you have been here before, right?" Haruhi smiled as he glanced at the duo.
Honey giggled, peering down at the brunette. "Takashi and I came here once on a school trip and once on vacation with our families!" He explained.
"It's our fifth or sixth time." The twins chided as they lifted a hand each.
"You've been here so many times?" Raising an eyebrow, she asked incredulously.
Together, the twins laughed. "Why deny it?" They grin. "We adore Spain." Exclaiming dramatically, they embraced each other in a pointless hug.
"We are not here to be tourists, you know..." Sweatdropping, Haruhi gave the twins a deadpan before turning to study Tamaki by her side. One would assume that the blond would go off, monologuing about Spain's beauty and culture flamboyantly, describing every inch of their architectural design down to the very detail of the carvings, however, he was eerily silent.
He must be worried. Haruhi examined. His precious sister that was taken away from him after all.
His lilac blue eyes darted around as if staying hypervigilant for something or someone, as he continued o glance around, Tamaki noticed Haruhi's stare. "Is something wrong Haruhi? You are staring." Offering a charming smile, he asked.
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing, senpai." Shaking her head, Haruhi averted her eyes.
"Everyone," Arden bowed his head as he exited the sliding doors of the building. "Please come in; there will be wristlets for the guests attending."
"Okay!" Honey and the twins cheered as they strode into the hotel, almost in a carefree manner.
"Oh, let's go, let's go." Tamaki grinned as he followed them.
Or... not. Haruhi sweatdropped comically as she followed behind, once again becoming completely astounded by the interior of the building. For a second, she didn't know where to look, as the beauty of the architectural design overwhelmed her. Rather than a hotel, the place looked more like a storybook castle. As they approached the front desk, she noticed something out of the corner of her vision.
Miki.
The strawberry blonde upperclassman stepped into the hotel as the glass doors slid open, clothed in one of her usual navy chiffon dresses. Despite that faint smile still hung on her lips, there was the lack of a bounce to her step.
Instinctively, Haruhi opened her mouth. "Miki-sen-mph!" Her voice was quickly muffled as a hand slapped over her mouth. With a quizzical brow raise, her eyes shot up to see Kyoya wearing a stern expression. His eyes were also glued in the direction of Miki as she walked in further with a dazed expression.
"Be quiet," He hushed. "It'd be a pain if they saw you treating her so familiarly."
Curious as to what Kyoya could be talking about, Haruhi glanced back to notice three men dressed in black suits entering the building right after her. They followed her every step, almost encasing her in the three-way wall, either looking like escorts, or correctional officers. "Kyoya-senpai," She muttered. "What should we do?"
"I believe it is best to notify Arden that Miki has arrived." Kyoya theorized as he removed his hand from Haruhi's mouth.
However, Arden had already noticed his mistress's entrance as he guided Tamaki, Honey, Mori and the twins to the front desk to receive their wristbands, he quickly exchanged glances with Kyoya. Excusing himself, he approached the three guards.
Miki's eyes widened with glee at the sight of Arden. Despite being brought here, she had been super excited to at least see Arden once again. "Arden!" She greeted him as her hands clenched before her chest. "It's good to see you again." Refraining from jumping forth and capturing the young man in a hug, she opted to give him a wide grin. She then spotted the host club who were crowded at the front desk, Kyoya and Haruhi, in particular, staring right at her. Her smile brightened even more.
"Halt." The man to her left raised an arm out, forming a solid wall before her. "Who are you?" He asked accusingly.
"I am the butler of this young lady you are contracted to escort.." Routinely bowing his head, Arden glared his emerald green eyes at the guards. "I have come to pick her up, you all may be relieved of your duties now."
"Nonsense." The guard on her right spoke this time, shaking his head firmly. "We have been given strict instructions to escort her to the Vairmount Cathedral Hotel."
"And here she is, safely at the hotel." Not wasting another second, Arden retorted. "I believe your contract has been fulfilled now."
"Hold on," The final guard standing behind Miki, presumably the captain, intervened as he stepped out. He narrowed his wrinkled eyes at the young man as he studied him. "Our contract to take this woman to Spain was a confidential mission, how would you in any way know of this?"
"Didn't he just tell you though?" Leaning her body out sideways, Miki stated in an obvious tone with her usual confused yet blank eyes. "He's my personal butler, of course, he would know of my whereabouts." Standing up straight, she recomposed herself as the bodyguards stared at her with cautious eyes. "Besides, you guys took me here without explaining anything." Lifting a finger, she furrowed her brows with a small pout. "If it weren't for Arden giving me a heads-up, I would've thought you guys kidnapping or sexually harassing me." She said all too casually, causing the three bodyguards to sweatdrop. The tension in the air vanished as Arden's eyebrow twitched. He knew where Miki learnt the word 'kidnapping', there was an episode on, Crime? Crime Drama ♥, about a kitten that was kidnapped. But he never recalled teaching her the meaning of 'sexual harassment'.
"V-Very well then..." Getting uncomfortably by Miki's unintentional comment, the captain of the guards yielded. "We will report back to our employer, good-bye."
"Bye-Bye!" Miki waved joyfully as the guards walked past her and further into the hotel lobby, she then turned back to Arden opening her mouth, about to speak, when suddenly...
"I apologize, Milady." His head was bowing deep in regret, Arden confessed in a low voice. "Because of my incompetence and rushed judgment, I gave you false hope on the development."
"Eh?" Gasping at the sudden sincere apology, Miki waved her hands frantically. "It's not your fault Arden. You're not a fortune teller like Tamaki-kun, you can't predict the future." She laughed wryly before striking a power pose and winking. "Besides, I need to thank you," Her voice trailed off as she glanced towards the host club, who were now all glancing at her from the front desk. Honey waved merrily as he held Usa-chan in one arm, Mori nodded in acknowledgement at her, Tamaki looked like he was about to leap over and wrap his arms around her in adoration, Hikaru and Kaoru winked with a salute, Haruhi gave a small smile and a wave while Kyoya, he simply readjusted his glasses with an unbalanced smile. "You brought them over just for me?" She whispered to him, her voice growing bubbly.
"Of course. Anything for you, milady." Arden's response was snappy. "However, I do not believe this is a good place to talk. Let us head somewhere more private first," He suggested.
"I will report to the Fernández family as if I've just arrived with you," Arden informed as he began waltzing towards the exit of the meeting room he managed to snag the host club. "If I have anything to report I will be back as soon as possible." Then, he exited the room.
Once the doors clicked close, Tamaki, who had been trailing comical tears all the way to the room was the first to spring into action, raising his arms he enveloped Miki into a big hug. "Miki!" He wailed, clenching the poor girl's neck. "Are you okay? I was so worried! Don't you do that to me again!"
"Tamaki-kun..." Despite being choked, a smile was still curled on Miki's lips. "You are choking me..." She groaned with an eye closed, struggling to wrap an arm around the blond as well since her arms were practically pinned to her sides.
"We were all super worried." Honey giggled.
Stepping in to help her upperclassman, Haruhi pried a crying Tamaki off of her. "Senpai, give her some space. We are all pretty tired from that long flight."
"Thank you all so much for coming," Miki beamed. "I really appreciate you being here-"
"Yeah, yeah, spare the details Miki-senpai," Hikaru grinned as he grabbed the startled girl in one arm while his twin grabbed the other.
"Let's break you outta here first." Kaoru agreed.
Miki blinked awkwardly as her eyes darted between the twins. "Huh?" She cocked her head to the side. "What do you mean?"
"As we said, we are leaving." The twins chimed as they began dragging her towards the door. "Let's go back to Japan now; we should be able to get back by Saturday morning."
Realizing what the two were doing, the girl quickly broke free of their grasps. "W-Wait, please!" She protested as she backed up, holding her hands in a panic as everyone stared at her in slight disbelief.
"Miki-senpai," Haruhi tilted her head. "Perhaps are you planning on accepting the arranged marriage?" She theorized.
"You can't!" The twins yelled in desperation.
Immediately denying the assumption, Miki quickly shook her head with a dry laugh. "No, of course, I don't plan on doing that. I'm only sixteen years old; I'm far too young to be married."
"So, then why?" Honey asked in concern.
"Because," Miki winked. "This would be a perfect opportunity for me to meet my family, would it not?" She reasoned excitedly. "Everything will be fine; I'm sure I'll be able to work things out with them regarding the marriage ceremony. Besides, I might be able to work something out about my circumstances."
"Miki-senpai, we doubt anything you say will actually change their mind at this point.." Hikaru and Kaoru protested. "They have already planned your ceremony and reception date; it's pretty clear that they do not ca-"
"Hikaru! Kaoru! Stop!" To everyone's surprise, Tamaki's expression turned serious as he called out to the twins who were on the verge of losing their cool.
"But Milord!"
Ignoring the two, Tamaki once again faced Miki. Peering down at her face, he offered her a tender smile. "I see, if you want to see your family, I won't stop you." He spoke patiently as his hands gently cupped her cheeks. "But make sure you do what you want to do, and not what others force you into, okay?" He advised.
Miki gazed up into her brother's ocean blue eyes. They stared right back at her with a look of adoration and doting love. Her lips curled upwards as her eyes crinkled. "I will!" She cheered.
"Kyoya-senpai, what should we do?" Haruhi turned to the final second-year to see what he thought of the situation, only to see him pushing up his glasses
The glare of his glasses hid his expression, but Haruhi once again saw that unsymmetrical, unbalanced smirk on his face. "It's Miki's decision; we can't do anything about it." He stated simply.
Just as it looked like things were finally simmer down, mainly from the twins part, the door opened gently to reveal Arden.
"Milady," He addressed the blonde with a slightly stern expression. "You are summoned to meet the Fernández family." He announced.
Miki's eyes practically lit up at the news. She nodded enthusiastically before stepping out of Tamaki's reach. The blond's ocean eyes watched her back become further out of reach as he opened his mouth once again.
"Miki,"
She turned around.
Flashing a reassuring smile, Tamaki gave one curt nod. "Go see your mother," He winked.
Eyes widening, Miki smiled with a waved. "I'll be right back," She chided. "Meanwhile, why don't you all go explore Madrid? I would love to hear about it when I get back." With that recommendation, the door closed, clicking behind her.
For some reason, Haruhi couldn't shake an uneasy feeling that was brought by the closing of that door.
"Pardon me," Arden knocked on the door. "I have brought her."
Behind that door, her mother's side of the family awaited her. She felt her heart hammer against her chest out of the sheer excitement and anxiety she was experiencing, it was the moment she had been looking forward to ever since she was old enough to comprehend her odd circumstances. However, despite the conditions, she was still eager to finally meet them.
Closing her eyes, she remembered the gentle hand that caressed her head whenever she was sick. The face was still blurry, but she could clearly remember the soft and loving touch, accompanied by the sweetest voice.
Mother.
I finally get to meet you.
Taking a deep breath, Miki pushed the door open with a readied smile on her lips.
A small meeting room, one much like the one she and the host club were in came into view. Three caucasian people were sitting in the room. An older man at the head of the table which she presumed was her maternal grandfather, an older woman next to him who she assumed was her grandmother, a young woman in her early forties sat on the other side of the old man.
Miki felt like the gaze of the old man like lasers, burning her skin and casting the harshest of judgment upon her. "Hm..." He narrowed his eyes at Miki, spending an unpleasant chill up her spine. "How do you feel Elisa? He turned to the younger woman to his left. "Reuniting with your daughter after almost fourteen years?"
Gasping, Miki quickly turned to observe the younger woman. No doubt this, 'Elisa' was her mother. She eagerly glanced over, only to feel a shiver crawl through her skin as her blood ran cold from the icy gaze she received in return.
Elisa had dirty blonde hair, which she kept in a voluminous style just at her shoulders. She was pale, thin with the blue undertone in her skin that complimented her blue-toned red lipstick. She wore a long-sleeved navy blue bodycon dress, almost matching in the shade to Miki's flowy chiffon one. She accessorized with a white fur drape that rested on her shoulders like a scarf wrap. Most chilling of all, were her eyes. They were a sharp hazel shade that was only a few shades deeper than Miki's. However, unlike Miki, hers weren't filled with hopes and dreams. Hers were soulless, unfeeling and devoid of any kindness or warmth. They were so vacant and held no life, staring back at Miki.
Miki gazed at Elisa in a mixture of daze and disbelief. This woman is... my mother? The owner of that kind, gentle hand in my memories that brushed against my forehead, when I was ill? Without Arden or the host club by her side, she felt somewhat anxious. However, she quickly swallowed down the bulge that formed at her throat when the old man spoke again.
"Take a seat." He gestured the chair directly across the long meeting table, the seat furthest away from himself.
"Oh, okay!" Nodding curtly, Miki sat down with a compliant smile as a small silence loomed out between them. Her heart was pounding against her chest despite the earlier blunder, she peered up with a small awestruck look. "Hola!" She greeted in Spanish. "You are my grandparents, right?" With head tilt, she chirped. "It's a pleasure to meet you, or Encantado de conocerlos a todos."
"In a few moments, the Duke and his son, the heir the House of Santiago will be here to meet you. He is your suitor, so be on your best behaviour." Ignoring her words, the old man interlaced his fingers like a bridge as he rested his elbows on the table. His grayed hair almost looked white against the Spain sun that shone in from behind. "You will be wedded to him under the alias of the adopted heiress of our family." He spoke in fluent Japanese. "Under no circumstances are you ever to reveal your true lineage, is that clear?"
Eyes turning confused, Miki cocked her head to the side. "Well, I wanted to talk to you about that." With a wistful smile, in an airy voice as her head bowed down slightly. "I apologize, but I don't plan on getting married, I am only sixteen years old. It's far too early for me to be accepting such a proposal."
"Is that so..." The older woman to his right, muttered as she shuffled in her seat. She huffed into a stern frown at Miki's innocent smile from across the room. "Very well, we don't plan on forcing you into this union. However, are you sure you should be thinking that way?" She hummed as a sly smirk danced across her lips. Despite being a grandmother, her appearance was still rather youthful, as if she were in her mid to late forties.
"Huh?" Miki blinked at her question.
"You don't want to return to confinement, do you?" Tilting her head back as she rested her cheek against her fist, her grandmother inquired. "If you were to accept this, you realize, you would be given that freedom you so desire?"
"Eh?" Gasping, her hazel eyes widened in the light.
"I wonder if Miki-senpai is alright..." Haruhi wondered out loud as she sat in one of the chairs of the meeting room.
Despite Miki's suggestion to experience Madrid, the host club agreed that they couldn't just run off, exploring the city without her. So instead they opted to wait patiently in the meeting room for her to return. Tamaki was staring out the windows of the meeting room, watching as the people pass and go with an elated expression. Kyoya sat across from her, writing in his notebook as usual. Hikaru was seated at the far end of the table, clicking away at a video game as Kaoru watched over his shoulder. Honey was fiddling with Usa-chan in his hands while Mori stood behind him, studying the books on the shelves of the room.
"I think she'll be just fine." Honey chided with a beam. "This is Miki-chan we are talking about. If she wanted something, she would charge straight for it without looking back."
Still... Haruhi's gaze lowered. It must be difficult, meeting your own family for the first time in over a decade.
Suddenly, there was a faint commotion at the other end of the door as it drew closer. Like a bulldozer, the door rumbled as it flung open, revealing a caucasian woman in her late thirties. She had long wavy dirty blonde hair and wore a satin black dress as well as a white fur scar around her arms like a drape. Slamming the door open, she breathed heavily as her dark yellowish-green eyes darted around the door. She looked an awful lot like Miki if not for the shade differences in her hair and eyes. "Mira!" She breathed. "Is Mira here?" She asked in Japanese.
"Mira?" The twins repeated as they glanced at each other with an aloof shrug.
"There's no one here named Mira." Honey pointed out with a smile.
"Ha?" The woman gasped before whipping her head around and yelling at a formally dressed man with glasses, who followed her. "Agustin!" She frowned as he approached her with a neutral expression. "You said Mira would be here!"
"Pardon my insolence." Bowing slightly, the man named Agustin with the ash brown hair leaned in closer to the woman and stared into her eyes from a close distance. "Milady, are you perhaps deaf in one ear?" He asked bluntly.
His words caused an air of silence to loom over the meeting room. Everyone stared speechlessly at the duo. Haruhi, in particular, sweatdropped as the man leaned back. Judging by how Agustin was dressed, he was a butler, not much older than the woman herself. Remembering Arden's little lesson from the plane, she blinked. What did I just get myself into? She sat, flabbergasted and left wondering what the woman would do next.
The hosts couldn't see the woman's eyes through the shadow of her bangs. However, they could see her body become stiff and her fists clench. After a few seconds of the tense atmosphere, she raised her finger and pointed at the butler with a growl from her tensed jaw. "Fired! Fired! I am definitely firing you! Fired! Fired! Fired! Fired! Fired! Fired! Fired! Fired! FIRED!" She shouted in a childish manner, her words seemed to have transformed into physical objects as they were thrown at the man. Agustin however, looked unfazed as he calmly dodged those hurtful words in a routine manner, leaving the host club completely dumbfounded on what was happening.
"Um..."
"Pardon me, but I distinctively recall telling you Lady Mira was present in the meeting room." Agustin shrugged almost in a teasing manner. "Milady, you were the one who ran out your bedroom in excitement." Bowing his head, he watched in amusement as the woman turned red from both anger and embarrassment. "That being said, it's been an honour serving you, now if you will excuse me-" He began to make his way towards the door when the woman called out to him.
"Wait!" Puffing out her cheeks, she gritted her teeth. "Where is Mira?"
"Now that I'm fired, you no longer need to know from me where she is." Smirking, Agustin glanced over his shoulder with a smug expression.
This butler, The host club thought as they watched this interaction with lightning bolts of revelation crashing down upon them. He's a sharp-tongued butler!
The woman, who supposedly was his liege, bit her bottom lip as her pride as a lady diminished. Pursing her lips together, she straightened her posture and bowed forward, looking more like the servant between the two. "Would you please... tell me?" She grumbled, wholly drained of self-esteem and surrendering in this argument.
What kind of dynamic is this? Haruhi wondered with a brow raise.
Smirk deepening, Agustin bowed his head back at his lady in a respectful manner as he reverted to his butler-like mannerism. "As you wish, milady." He addressed her casually, watching as she remained in her dazed defeated state. "However, I believe these young people may have the answer for you."
"Huh?" The woman turned around to greet the host club, who have watched that awkward but comedic banter occur between the two. "Oh, that's right, you kids speak Japanese." Bringing a hand to her lips, the woman gasped. "Say, do you know where Mira is?"
Tamaki was the first to snap out of the perplexed state as he jumped into his flirtatious mode. "I apologize but," Taking the woman's hand, his aura grew roses and began to sparkle. "I'm afraid we do not know anyone by the name of Mira."
"Oh my," The woman began to flush slightly at how affectionate Tamaki was being.
Swishing his hair, the blond then leaned in closer in a dramatic tone. "However, can we help you with anything else?"
"Why, aren't you just the sweetest little thing." Cupping her cheek with her free hand, the woman giggled before casting a side glance at the brown-haired butler behind her. "You could learn a few things from him, Agustin." She remarked.
"I'll keep that in mind milady," Going along with her sarcasm, the man bowed. "However, if you are going to continue to refer to Lady Mira by her given name, I may have to retract my statement of you being deaf into you being daft." He suggested with a straight face, leaving Tamaki stiff and slightly pale.
"Pfff!" The twins were trying to stifle their laughter. "This butler is amazing!" They snickered.
"Is that even allowed?" Haruhi mumbled.
"I apologize for him; he can be quite uncute at times." Ignoring his teasing remarks to preserve her dignity, the woman smiled sweetly. "Miki, my dears. Do you happen to know a girl that goes by Miki?"
"Huh?!" Everyone gasped.
"Do you know Miki-senpai?" Hikaru jumped up with furrowed brows.
"Are you Miki-chan's mom?" Honey asked innocently.
"Mother? Oh heavens, no." Crouching down, the woman ruffled his hair. "I am-"
"Elena Valentina Fernández." Kyoya finished her sentence as his eyes remained glued to his notebook with an emotionless expression. "The second daughter of the Fernández house, daughter of Duke Alejandro and Rita Fernández." Vision flickering up, he closed his book. "That would make you Miki's aunt, wouldn't it?"
"Now that you mention it, she looks a lot like Miki-chan." Honey commented as he flashed a soft smile.
"Well, aren't you a knowledgeable one?" Standing up, Elena studied the boy. "Yes, I am Miki's aunt, Elena Fernández. Just call me Elena if you'd prefer. Are you all Miki's friends?"
The host club tensed up at her question. When they were debating on how to answer, Elena noticed their silence before waving her hand with a wry smile. "Don't worry, I already knew about Miki's appearance at Ouran Academy." She chuckled gracefully. "I've had Agustin keeping an eye on her movements ever since she was sent to Japan. Arden was so focused on keeping us from finding information about her from Spain, that he didn't even notice us getting intel from Japan ourselves. Though I never imagined for our next meeting to be under these circumstances..." With a slightly troubled expression, she covered her lips.
"Elena-san, do you know about Miki-senpai's marriage?" Haruhi asked.
Hearing this, the woman's bright eyes turned slightly dulled.
There was a slight silence in the meeting room as two others joined them, much like Alejandro had warned. Miki sat at the edge of the table, seats away from her family as she lowered her head to a small bow. Wearing a small smile, she lifted her head with a slight head tilt.
"Nice to meet you, my fiancee."
Hikaru & Kaoru: Miki-senpai actually chose to get married!
Haruhi: What? I thought she said she didn't want to.
Hikaru & Kaoru: Her stupid hag of a mother probably convinced her to.
Elena: Fufufu, I wouldn't say that about Elisa.
Tamaki: The Secrets of Miki's birth are being unravelled in Spain!
Next time, "Operation Take Back our Designer!"
Ouran High School Host Club will be waiting for you!