Hoshizora Kima Tomara's Story

Albert's booming voice filled the air of the Host room as he lounged on the couch he usually performed his host-duties on, laying on it with his head on one arm rest, and his feet hanging off the other end easily. His foot bounced to the beat of the song. It was an old Sea Shanty he'd learned in his free-time.




He stopped there as he yawned and closed his eyes a bit. "It'd sound so much better with like....fifty people singing along...." He said idly as he sat up and stood up fully, stretching out his long, strong body before heading over to the table where the Host Club normally kept its pastries and other goodies. He hummed to himself as he perused his options.

After his classes were over, Seiji spent a little while socializing with his classmates before making his way to his club activities. He sprinted up the stairs to make sure that he wouldn't be late, nearly skidding past the music room in his haste. He managed to skid to a halt by grasping the doorknob. Once he composed himself, Seiji entered the Host Club's music room, looking around to see which hosts were already present. It appeared that Nemui was being tailed by her twin sister as always, and Albert was eating sweets. Seiji tilted his head a ran a hand through his blond hair with a sigh. Risu and Velonix were in attendance as well. Seiji immediately approached Hikaru and tackle hugged her due to their similarity in height, "Hikaru-Chan! Nemui-chan! Hello~" He exclaimed with excitement that rivaled that of a young child. His arms were wrapped around her shoulders and he gave the girl a tight squeeze before releasing her with a bashful smile on his face. His orange-red orbs shifted when he got a whiff of the cake, waving to Nemui and Hikaru before joining Albert at the table of sweets. Seiji picked a nice slice of chocolate cake but did not take a bite just yet. He went to the couch where he usually sat while hosting and pulled a small bag from his coat pocket. He placed the saucer with his cake gently on the coffee table in front of him and unzipped the black bag. He pulled out the device that was stored inside and began testing his blood sugar, not even wincing when his finger was pricked.

He stared at the device waiting for it's verdict, hoping that it would allow him to splurge and enjoy the delectable cake he had already had his heart set on. When the numbers crossed the small screen, a large smile formed on Seiji's face. He realized he could have the cake, and so he would. Seiji properly disposed of his test strip and put the device back into its bag and returned it to his pocket where it belonged, "Yay~" He exclaimed to no one in particular. He raised his spoon, licking his lips with anticipation before digging into his cake with more excitement than a 4th year should. From his short stature to his childish behavior, nothing about Seiji indicated that he was a senior in high school. He nearly finished his cake before he turned on the couch to face the others, "Has anyone seen Walker today? He isn't sick is he?" He asked, his orange orbs shifting between Risu, Hikaru, Nemui, Velonix, and Albert. He figured that at least one of the others would know where the missing host was, and if not, at least he showed his concern.

The boy stood and returned to the pastries, taking a few doughnuts this time. While his sugar was quite low, if he kept up this pace it would be through the roof by the end of the evening. Before anyone could protest he bit into the first of the three doughnuts chewing on it quietly. The doughnut itself was bigger than his mouth, and he looked somewhat goofy chewing on it instead of holding it in his hand. He glanced up to Albert now that they were standing side by side once again, reminded of their severe height difference all of a sudden. Seiji gave up on ever hitting a growth spurt, but he did wonder if being that tall had more perks to it than being able to reach the higher shelves. While he would likely never find out, he couldn't help but stare up at his fellow host for a moment. His eyes shifted to the door, then to the other hosts. He couldn't wait for their work to begin. He really needed to curl up in someone's lap. He needed confirmation that he was loved, even if it was all just a charade. He could lie to them if they would lie to him too.

"CRAPCRAPCRAPCRAPCRAP-"

A grey-haired streak blew past several students as he sprinted across the academy's main courtyard, his bag slapping against him as he ran towards Music Room #3. As he ran, he quickly flicked his wrist up and checked his watch to see how much time he had, cursing silently as the minute hand ticked past his planned arrival.

{I swear to God, did the class prez REALLY have to talk to me for THAT long about Hamilton?} he thought to himself, reaching an arm out and snagging one of the poles by the stairs to swing around and slingshot up as he rushed for the door, taking a roundabout way so the girls didn't see him rushing like this, {I mean-} he paused as he ducked into the back room and pulled a small towel out of his bag, quickly wiping himself down and spritzing himself with a quick dash of cologne before throwing a fresh uniform on, {I don't want to be the ass, but they KNEW I had to be here on time today of all days...} Walker caught himself before he got too distracted, and took a moment to close his eyes, erasing all of his stress from the day and putting it into a little toolbox for later. When he reopened his eyes, they had a slight gleam to them, like that of a man who knows the world is his for the taking. Slipping into the Music Room, he briskly spoke to his fellow hosts, hostess, and darling manager as he strolled to the door holding back the throngs of ladies and not-exactly-throng of three or four men as well.

"Sorry I'm late everyone, I got held up after class and couldn't escape our LOVELY class pres. Hope you're ready, everyone, because we are so far behind it is not even funny!" Walker sped through his words before reaching the door, taking a deep breath as he readied himself for the oncoming event.

"Alright. Let the Princely duties... begin." he said to himself, pushing open the door to the Host Club and lifting a hand in a welcoming gesture, waiting for the cheering girl to calm down a little before beginning, "WELCOME, LADIES! Welcome to a new year and a new beginning for the Host Club! As you may know, our esteemed upperclassmen graduated last year, leaving a deep, deep hole within our hearts... But fret not! For like a magnificent force from heaven, they gave unto you our tender hearts, yearning for your love, and ACHING to see your smiles! So come and join us, and always remember, we're here-" he slid a rose out of his sleeve, like a handsome magician, "For YOU!" With his little speech done, he swept the door open and revealed the hosts inside, waiting for the women to come and indulge, like fine wine.

Albert merely tilted his head at Velonix swallowing the doughnut hole he'd popped into his mouth. "I'll be sure to send you the bill my dear." He said softly to her before piling his plate high with goodies and heading back towards his couch, setting them on the table again. He began to hum to himself as he made sure his area was ready for the girls and occasional guy he hosted for.

Albert took notice of the other Hosts arriving as he sat at his couch and began to sing again, though softly this time:



His song was cut short by the opening of the doors of the Host Club, and the cheers of the girls (and men). He smiled and greated each customer that came to him, hoping they enjoy their stay in the Host Club no matter who they choose to be with for the time being. He also continued to stuff his teeth with foods, and would gingerly swipe away anyone who tried to take his food as if he were a playful cat.

Walker had barely had time to step out of the way before the swarm of ladies had rushed in, revealing a rather squashed girl from underneath the crowd who was in the process of being bullied. Had he not been stuck with a wall of upper-class chicks each dying to talk to him between them, he'd have gotten to them faster, but several passing smiles and making sure the girls knew to meet him inside the room left him just barely caught up to the rather gloomy girl after the others had left, and without thinking, was dusting her off and making sure she was okay.

"Are you alright?" he asked as he gently pressed against certain spots on her body to make sure she hadn't broken anything or suffered too many bruises, "Most people usually get out of the way of that stampede... More importantly, come with me, your dress has a tear on the back I can sew up while we talk." he said, dragging her into Music Room 3 without a second thought past the other girls to his table and sitting her down with a cup of jasmine tea, pulling out a small box filled with threads the color of the school uniforms, both men and women's, and began threading a needle with the candy yellow dress's color. As he worked the needle back and forth on the spot, there was no hint of disgust or condescension in his actions as if he were just providing a charity, but merely the concern of someone who didn't know or care about anything outside of acting like a mother hen whenever someone was hurt. His fingers occupied, his mouth decided that it wanted to do things to, so he spoke gently, his eyes holding a warm, but faint sparkle as he worked, having fixed the tear as best he could and now giving it a once-over to make sure it looked nice.

"So I saw the three girls giving you a tough time. Any reason why they might have done that, or was this one of those target-the-loner deals where they just did it because they're assholes?"

Risu had barely finished her pastry when Walker barged in his typical style and unleashed the horde of guests upon the room.

That's a lot of people... No worries, though. Just remember your training. You got this Risu... She continued to console and brace herself as a clump of girls she recognized from her classes rushed over to her area.

"Look! There he is! It's Risu-kun! He really did join the host club!" This was met by a chorus of giggles and squeals of unadulterated joy. A couple of the girls had plopped down by this point on either side of Risu while the others filled in the two couches surrounding her table. One girl had even happily situated herself at Risu's feet. She smiled nervously completely blanking on what she should be doing.

Just stay calm... All you need to do is keep them entertained... The girls became bombarding the poor cross-dresser with a million questions at once asking about her favorite foods, classes, hobbies, and so much more. Trying to defuse the situation she said,

"Ladies, please... One at a time if you will..." Without thinking, she turned to one of the girls sitting on her left and took a strand of hair in her hand and leaned in close.

"My... what beautiful locks... It's so soft, I feel like I could run my hands through it all day..." Risu gave the girl a blinding smile as she stared into her eyes.

Ugh, what am I doing... I'm being so creepy-" Her thoughts were cut short by the girl giggling in delight before abruptly passing out in a daze of euphoria. This had an immediate effect on the other females.

"Risu-kun! What about me? Would you run your fingers through my hair?"

"Oh please! Me next! Me next!"

Risu was stunned to stay the least. To think people would get such a thrill from something so silly... She continued her attentions of the other girls when movement across the room caught her eye. The noise of the guests was also dying down as Walker escorted a young girl with a rip in her dress to his couch. Risu's brow knitted in confusion at what was going on, but when she spotted Velonix make a bee-line to a group of girls that were snickering and scowling towards the girl in question, the situation was beginning to click together.

Risu's guests were silent now as the rest of the room and quietly clung to her arms in preparation for what was about to occur. Risu felt her temper rise in defense for the young lady that Walker was attending to. She listened to Vel confront the girls and clenched her fists as a silent rage built up in her chest at their comments regarding the bullied girl. Risu was about to stand up to give the trio a piece of her mind as well when Vel proposed to Walker that the girls be banded from the host club.

She settled back into her seat. The guests looking up Risu questioningly.

"I second Velonix's proposal. Anyone who would act so barbaric towards another person is by no means welcome by me. "

Soon the crowd of ladies found Albert and he was left with a few girls to host for, and a smile on his face. "My, my. I wasn't aware there were so many beauties in this school." Cheesy, sure, but it worked. He smiled at the girls' reactions and let out a chuckle. "Alright ladies, who's first?"

After figuring out who would go first, the nervous girl sat behind the Host Club's resident "Gentle Giant" with a bit of apprehension. He tilted his head and reached out to her face. She flinched when he touched her face, but opened her eyes in shock. "S-so....Gentle...."

"Did you think they'd let me in to be a host if I had lied about my title, my dear?" He smiled, brushing some hair past her ear gently while his other hand brought up a pastry, and fed it to her gently. She quivered with delight at its taste and that he was feeding it to her like this. After she was done eating, she decided to be bold and even go in for a kiss...

Albert, however, heard the commotion going on with Velonix, and he put a finger gently to the lips of the girl who he was hosting for currently, causing a blanket of sighs to fall over them. "Excuse me, if you will, little one." He smiled.

"A-anything for you, Albert!"

Albert stood and headed over to to where Velonix was schooling the three. "I third the motion. I'll take them out myself." He'd been listening the whole time, of course. That was the thing about Albert; one never knew when and where and how much he was listening to. He towered over the four in front of him. He waited for the answer from Walker.

Walker raised a single hand, the motion almost silencing the area around them, as Walker stood up. He smiled, and tilted his head, holding back the urge to say so many things to so many people. When he DID speak, it was gentle and calm, the Prince spoke the words Walker would have been too uncomfortable to say out loud.

"While I also agree that bullying is not condoned, I also have to point out that Miss Black here is probably also bullied outside of this instance. First, Miss Black, no group of friends I have EVER met lets another friend get trampled and ignores her until they're already falling over her. And while I feel your actions to try and avoid our punishing them so they don't take it out on you are admirable, they're also enabling to these three." He quickly held up a finger to their leader, about to raise a contradiction, "I saw everything. Lie and say otherwise and I make sure your families are blacklisted from any social event that even THINKS of having entertainment, and nothing drops social status faster than only being allowed to parties with no festivities." Her mouth shut faster than a spring trap on a mouse. Now let me be clear. One hundred percent clear. The three of you are banned from the Host Club until the end of the year. If I see you being unkind to Miss Black here again. If she tells me about you being unkind. If I hear from anyone ELSE you've been unkind. You will be blacklisted permanently and everyone who uses our services WILL be notified. And your families will be none to pleased that we did so."

"BUT SHE'S POOR!" the girl on the left said, and Walker's eyes snapped to her, his smile warm and comfortable despite the anger he held.

"You didn't lie, so I'll hold off on the warning I gave earlier. But I am a working man outside of school, with all the musicals I've written and performed in. I have worked with rich kids who worked with the absolute best in acting, and men who spent their days washing tables so they could afford to eat just so they could pursue their dreams. I appreciate hard work, unlike you. I know what goes into making big things happen. So when someone who isn't able to just buy their way in like you and me can get admitted to this school, it means that either someone believes in them enough to put their all into seeing them succeed, or they themselves bought their way into this school with grades rather than standing. You may now leave the club."

Walker waved them off, and after they left, turned to Velonix and Hoshizora, clucking his tongue at the Germanic babe as he gently put a hand on her shoulder.

"Velonix. Force was not necessary at any point there and you know it. As for our Little Miss Black, I don't want those girls tearing into you now that they have free time, so I want you to stay with the Host Club during our hours, maybe people will accept you a little more if they know that we're supporting you. Is that okay with you?"

---

"Hikaru-Chan! Nemui-chan! Hello~"

Hikaru felt her chest tighten when her upperclassman embraced her. She immediately wanted to punch him in the face for touching her so familiarly, but his grip was comparable to iron despite the fact that Seiji was shorter than herself, "Yukine-Senpai! L-Let go! We're gonna fall!" Hikaru exclaimed in a shocked tone of voice, trying to shake the shorter boy off, but he released her before any real conflict could form between them.

Hikaru froze when Walker opened the doors, seeing as she was NOT a part of the club and did not need to be here. Nemui greeted the guests cheerfully, putting an apron on Hikaru, "Serve drinks if you're going to freeload!" she snapped in a quiet tone to not alert the guests. However, things went sour very quickly elsewhere. When put on the spot, Nemui's mind was blank. Nemui quickly calculated for a moment, then answered just as hurriedly, giving the general amount with Host fees, but also the general fee per person for desserts, teas, and coffees. She adjusted her glasses shortly after, feeling nervous herself. Nemui did not know the bullies personally, but she knew that they were the type that she and the poor black haired girl needed to avoid. Nemui may have been from a well off family, but that wasn't always enough to deter bullies in a school like Ouran Academy.

"Agreed," Hikaru stated with a casual tone when Velonix mentioned how inexpensive it was to be a customer at the host club, glaring at the bullies. She wanted to tear into them, but that kind of behavior would, in turn, get her kicked out of the room, and she couldn't leave Nemui alone with these people, even if they were half decent, it did not mean that they would not take advantage of her sister.

Upon listening to the Velonix's words pertaining to work, Hikaru couldn't help but grin. That was a burn if she had ever heard one. She was starting to like Velonix more and more as the girl continued to speak. She managed to keep from snickering, but the amusement was evident on Hikaru's features. She was definitely enjoying that the bullies were being treated how they deserved. She always loved it when justice was served. Nemui, on the other hand, glanced among the hosts, then to the guests, hoping to end the situation quickly to begin damage control.

Nemui simply nodded in agreement when Velonix mentioned banning the girls from coming back as customers, Hikaru even nodded her head as well, even though she was not a host, nor part of the club in another fashion. If anything, she was simply Nemui's guard dog. Hikaru had to admit, though, she was impressed that the entire club was willing to banish three of their customers. Nemui seemed completely unphased to Hikaru's surprise. Apparently, the shy twin did know more about this club and its members than Hikaru had given her credit for. Hikaru had to admit that the club handled the situation rather well, in fact, during a moment of weakness she actually thought they were pretty cool. Though it was definitely a moment of weakness. What else could it be?!

However when the male customers began to swarm Velonix as she was crying, Hikaru let out a soft sigh of disappointment. She couldn't believe that a few tears and a pretty face were all it took to get customers going wild. She rolled her eyes, not really interested in the face value. She appreciated the mind more than anything else. Nemui immediately tried to get everyone in a single file line but was glad that the boys seemed to listen rather well and calmed down on their own. Nemui put her arms out, blocking a few off to prevent Velonix's table from getting too crowded. Nemui then spoke in a soft tone and with a smile, "G-Gomenasai, but there is only so much room at once. Book an appointment and you will be seen shortly. I will have Hikaru fetch you some tea. In the meantime could I interest you in our brand new APP? GIFs of every host, including your beloved Velonix, are on our app and are updated every single day. If you purchase the APP and become a VIP member you will receive exclusive photos that no one else can get." Nemui stated, showing them a few sample photos from her phone to get them hooked. Several of the girls and boys waiting began searching the App on their phones, keeping them busy while they waited for their turns with each Host. Hikaru blinked a bit and went to the back of the music room to pour the tea that Nemui volunteered her to serve, sighing a bit. Once out of sight of the customers and Hosts, Hikaru poured the tea, spilling a tiny bit on her left hand, the affected area turning red. She let out a quiet hiss and immediately ran cold water over her hand, patting it dry gently.

Realizing she had to get the tray to the customers waiting to be seen, Hikaru dismissed the burn and carried the tray onward despite her finger still searing with pain. She handed out the tea to those that were not being entertained by the hosts, smiling kindly to them, "This is on the house by the way. Nemui is covering the cost for the horrible events everyone had to witness." Hikaru was about to complain, then she was reminded of the poor girl that got bullied. That's right, she was still here. There was a left over cup of tea, so Hikaru approached Hoshizora offering her the last of the tea that she had poured. Honestly, Hikaru would be more than glad to have the weight gone due to the burn that was sending her sharp, painful reminders that it was still there, "Yeah, Orako-Senpai is right. My sister will definitely find you something to do...but I bet she'll go easier on you than she does with me. I am Inoue, Hikaru by the way." Hikaru stated with a smile, although hers was far more goofy and mischeivous than her twin's sweet and timid smile.

Albert nodded to Walker, and to everyone else involved when the incident dispersed itself, then turned. For someone of his size, he walked like he was someone smaller; almost forgetting that he was indeed almost six and a half feet tall and almost two hundred pounds. He walked so gracefully, and so quietly, as if he were five-five and only one hundred and thirty pounds.

He sat at his couch once more and yawned, stretching out his arms around the girls on either side of him, causing them to sigh dramatically. "Where were we, ladies? Contemplating my eventual falling out with the club due to your beauty? Or was that some other girl?" he asked.

"N-no that was me!" one girl cried, followed by arguing.

"Ladies, ladies! I'm sure your combined beauty would kill me....hence why I can only handle one of you at a time." he winked to them causing a few to swoon.

Risu breathed a sigh of relief as the situation defused. Ugh, what a mess. Glad that's taken care of...

She swept her gaze over to the young lady who had been the center of the skirmish and observed as she quietly acknowledged and listened to her fellow hosts promises of protection and comfort. Not particularly wanting to be left out, Risu stood up to greet her as well. The ladies on the couch huffing in disappointment.

"Hey, don't make those faces. I'll be back soon. Just need to give the new girl a warm host club welcome!" She winked at the girls, and their disappointment was quickly forgotten as they giggled in sheer delight. Risu turned her attention Hoshizora and walked over just as Hikaru handed her a cup of tea.

"Hey Inoue-senpais. Chipper as always." She grinned widely at the manager and her sister ignoring the hostility radiating from the latter. She turned to Hoshizora and bent down to look her at eye level.

"Hello, my name is Yamasaki, Risu. First year. If you'll allow us, we'd love to show you what the fuss is all about..." She gently tucked a piece of stray hair back behind Hoshizora's ear then stood back up to her full height.

"Would you like to see?" She stretched out her hand to the girl in question in hopes she'd take her hand, but could deny it all the same if she chose.

Walker smiled as the girl nodded her head, about to make a speech, then was cut short by all of his fellow hosts interrupting him each time he was about to start up, with even Nemui's sister getting a good interruption in. Chuckling, he waited until everyone was good and done before speaking again, gently taking her hand as if he were lifting a cloud as another thornless rose slid out of his other sleeve, almost as if it were magic.

"Well, it's wonderful to see you accept! And Hoshizora, my name is Walker Keaka Gracile, and I promise you, ALL of you-" he paused so that he could sweep the hand with a rose in it out to all of his girls, "That no woman shall be wronged when I have a say in it!" Several girls squee'd at his words, knowing his every action was aimed at making all of them happy, regardless of the costs to himself, and each one loving him for it as he returned his attention back to Hoshizora. "And to make sure you stay safe, shall I walk you home afterwards?" Several girls rose their voices at this, each one wanting to be the one he walked with instead. He raised a hand, and again the area shushed, to the point where he wondered if everyone had that power or just him, and if he should use it for evil, or at least self defense from that weird cult that had formed around one of his fellow hosts last year... They never DID find out who had abucted him. Walker just wished they were giving that boy all the sweets and love he could ask for, possible creepy sacrifices in his name aside.

"While we normally charge a rather high fee for our guests, especially when it comes to solo services, which you can talk to Nemui about-" he paused as several girls went to Nemui to set up appointments, "I believe Hoshi deserves a... scholarship, for lack of a better word. After all, as I said, I am a man who understands what hard work means, and I feel it should be rightly rewarded. Nemui!" he said, raising his voice so the hypercompetent manager(despite what she thought of herself) could hear, "Place any bill Hoshi would have here on my tab, and if she chooses to work here, we can also give her a wage of sorts, I don't know how, but it seems fair. And Hikaru, before you say anything, you're already getting paid in all the freebies you get being Nemui's guard." he said the last bit with a smile, as if he were only teasing... Which he was.

Risu grinned from ear to ear at her reaction. She hadn't said a word, but still had taken her hand all the same. She had become slightly confused when she had shaken her hand, but laughed at the thought of her treating it like a business proposal.

I suppose in a way, it is.... she thought to herself. Risu was about to speak and work her magic when she was suddenly interrupted by Walker and his own theatrics. Suddenly very annoyed, she gave Walker a silent, but pointed glare out of the corner of her eye. She would be lying if she didn't say she had a competitive streak in her. Walker, since the day she had first met him, had unnerved her, and she couldn't quite figure out why. But, unlike the others who had no clue as to her real identity as far as she knew, Walker seemed to look at Risu as if she was transparent. Like he knew exactly what she was trying to hide... but there was no way he knew... right?

Risu was snapped out of her pondering when she heard what he was offering the girl. Although the gesture was very kind, having come from a similar situation where her grandmother had pooled together her resources for Risu to come to this damn rich kid school, the independent woman in her was frowning. She spoke up after the girl had declined Walker's offer.

"Now, now, no need to baby her... We must respect her wishes." She turned back to Hoshizora.

"However, don't feel like you owe us for what we did. We do what we do because we believe it is right not because we expect something in return." She smiled once more down at the girl trying her best to reassure her.

"Sing for us, Albert! Sing for us!" his patrons pleaded suddenly as soon as word got out that he could sing. A blink spread across his features of embarrassed confusion. Mentally he tried to determine who let out the secret, but it didn't matter as the circle of girls around him grew.

"Very well, ladies, anything for you!" he smiled and stood. "What would you all prefer? Something more modern? Or perhaps...some Opera?"

"Opera!"

Visibly his lips twisted. While it was true that his family grew to fame through opera, he didn't know much opera, himself. He knew enough, though bugger if he knew what any of it meant. And so, with his booming, yet at the same time soothing, melodic Bass voice, he began to sing:

"Christus factus est pro nobis
Obediens usque ad mortem
Mortem autem"

He stopped and scratched the back of his head, not knowing any more to the song. Regardless, the girls all squealed with delight, his voice having rumbled the walls on some of the notes he'd hit. He chuckled and tried to calm down his gaggle of girls, a small blush spreading across his cheeks. "Girls...p-please...I can't sing for you more if you can't hear me...." he said calmly.