What Is Love [Tamaki Suoh] But A Kiss On A Rainy day? [part 1 of ???]

I had jogged a few miles and was ready for my 8:00 A.M. coffee. As I entered the cute little café, I noticed the one and only Haruhi leaving the counter with some kind of latte. I walked up to the counter and smiled brightly at the guy behind it. I have this thing about being nice to people who are going to be waiting on you; Dude, they can hawk one in your drink!!! Narsty much!?

“Morning!” I bubbled.

“Morning…What can I get you…?” the guy said absent mindedly. He was not making eye contact with me at all. I followed his line of view and sighed. “Yeah, uh, I’ll just have a vanilla Chai.”

He got you your drink and then smirked at me. I smiled back before punching him in the nose, sending him flying back, “MY EYES ARE UP HERE, YOU PERVERT!” I yelled at him. All the women in the café were giving me looks and thumbs ups of approval.

The manager abruptly came out and observed the scene. “What’s going on here!?” he exclaimed.

“I-I don’t know, sir! Some nutcase screamed that he was being a pervert and decked him before she left!” I stammered innocently. Score! Thank you for these naturally innocent looking eyes! Hahaha.

I then pulled a chair up to the little table Haruhi was sitting at with a book and sat backwards in it. “Haru-chan, what’s up?” I asked cheerfully.

She smiled at me and laughed a little, “Hahaha. Hiding. The Host Club’s been prowling! Hahaha.” she giggled while taking a sip of her coffee.

I laughed too. “Why are you hiding from them? It’s Saturday! Shouldn’t you want to hang out with friends?” I asked curiously.

She smiled thoughtfully. “I love them, I really do, but they can be such a handful! I day with them can be a bit too much like work.” she explained lightly, “What’re you doing here? Aren’t you a little high on the ladder to be at a place like this?”

I gave her my trademark lopsided grin, “I hate my Miss Money Bags lifestyle. I live in the apartment complex a few blocks away; the rest of my fam is still in America.” I answered just as casually.

“Y-you live alone?” she asked me in disbelief.

“Yeah, but it doesn’t really bother me. I actually prefer it. Nice and quiet, you know? And it’s not like I don’t keep in touch. I was just chatting with my best girlfriend, Crystal, last night, and my brothers and dad webcam be as much as possible.” I giggled, “We have family dinners on Tuesdays!”

Haruhi and I both started laughing at the thought (sight) of having a laptop sitting at the dinner table and having a family meal that way. It was definitely a funny sight to behold, but it was fun and it made sure that me and my family stayed close. I had two older twin brothers (hence why I can tell Hikaru and Kaoru apart), Alex and Tristan, and a younger brother, Scotty. I was the only girl in the family since my parents divorced. Except Crystal and Crew; we considered them family too because they were just fucking awesome like that. Our families had always been really close since we had been neighbors, so all of us were like one big happy family. It was truly one of the best things in my life…and it still is! Every so often Crystal’s family would eat at my house for the webcam dinners. Cassandra was a recent addition to the family and didn’t seem to quite feel at home yet, but everyone did whatever they could to make her feel at home; Cassie was really shy. I wasn’t surprised that she ended up with my obnoxious party hound that is Crystal. Hahaha.

Our girl time was unfortunately cut short by two familiar voices. “TARGETS ACQUIRED!” rang out the voices of Hikaru and Kaoru as they burst through the café’s doors.

My eyes lit up and I ran to hug my little devils. “You two are just too fucking adorable!” I squealed as I death hugged them.

They laughed and hugged me too. “We try!” they mused. They reminded me so much of Alex and Tristan, I couldn’t help but love them!

Honey was the next one to maul me. “Honey!!!” I cried happily as I spun him around. I had had my caffeine and morning jog; I was fueled up until at least midnight…factoring in that it was the host club I would be with…I figured I had until about 10 before I crashed and burned.

I then attacked Mori. Hey! I was doing my rounds and this nutcase gets her hugs! Is that so wrong!? Huh!? Hahaha. Weekends are my favorite part of the week so, yes, I am always this energetic on Saturdays.

The next and last ones to enter the café were Tamaki and Kyouya. I Tackled Kyouya first. He laughed and hugged you, “It’s good to see you too, Ivy!” he said while grinning.

Haruhi noted his change in demeanor around you. “I guess there’s just something about her that makes people feel comfortable; like they can just let loose with her. It’s nice to know that she doesn’t judge; they guys are so used to being what their customers want…she must be such a relief for them.” she thought to herself as she watched the strange scene playing out before her.

I raised an eyebrow at Tamaki. “You just gonna stand there and look like a sunburned dork?” I asked playfully, “Where the hell’s my hug!?” I laughed as I glomped him.

If I was in a group of people I was able to be my normal perky self around guys I liked, it was only when me and said crush were alone that I was more inhibited. I noted that that’s how I was around Tamaki…and to be honest, it scared the hell out of me. I didn’t really like him…did I?

Haruhi cleared her throat and raised and eyebrow at all of us. “Can you guys possible make more of a public scene?” she asked exasperated, “…Never mind…PLEASE don’t answer that.” she sighed and laughed a little, probably at the thought of me and the twins randomly laying down on the floor and screaming just for the hell of it, or something to that effect.

..::Several Minutes Later::..

I had pestered the host club into trying the coffee at the café before we left. Today was gonna be FUCKING AWESOME! Now I had two caffeinated twins, a latte-inated Honey, and a WIDE awake Tamaki. Heehee…oh the fun I will have. Muahahah! 0>=3

I had Kyouya’s left hand and Tamaki’s right as we all walked down the sidewalk. I let go of them, skipped a few steps, and then spun around with my arms outstretched. “WHEEEE!” I squealed happily.

“You seem a little more zealous than usual, Ivy…” Haruhi commented while covering her face with her hand.

I turned back to her and grinned ear to ear, “Well, I just have the feeling that today’s going to be a wonderful day!” I mused, “I mean, I get to hang out with all of you guys, so why wouldn’t it be great!?” I added.

All the guys blushed light pink at the overwhelming happy radiating off of me. I was in my element; with friends on a Saturday! I really meant what I said too; when I got to hang out with them I really felt important…like people actually cared… and even if I was deceiving myself, I was going to enjoy it while I could.

I froze and turned around. “We have to go to my apartment. I need to get a group picture of everyone to send to my friend-sister.” I stated, realizing that NOW was my photo op.

..::Apartment Time (lol)::..

I set my camera’s timer and put it on top of my entertainment system (part of it, not al the way at the top. XD). I checked to make sure everyone was in the picture and told them to smile. I pushed the button and then quickly ran over and draped my arm around Haruhi’s shoulders while giving my trademark smile and a rock on sign with my right hand. Click. Flash. Click. Done.

I went to check the picture and gasped when I saw it. “Woooow! This came out really good, guys! The boys back home are gonna LOVE this!”

No more than a few minutes later, we were all decorating my hot pink and black living room furniture. “What shall we do today, my lovelies?” I asked, faking and Australian accent this time.

The twins perked up significantly (if that was even possible after them both downing two super mocha-latte espressos EACH…that’s a LOT of caffeine for the twins people!). “We’re all going to the beach. Pack an overnight bag, ladies!” the mused happily.

..::20 Minutes Later::..

Haruhi had just returned from her apartment (which I found out was like three doors down from me) with her bag. I had just come out of my bedroom with mine. I looked at the guys, “Do any of y’all pass as 21 or am I handling the booze cruise supplies?” I asked with a smirk.

Kyouya smirked at me as he shut his cell phone. “Already taken care of.” he answered mischievously.

Looks of blatant terror from everyone bounced from you to Kyouya. I guess the thought of either of us drunk was a bit disturbing…Heehee…guess we’d find out, huh? Hahaha.

..::One Plane Ride and a Limo Drive Later::..

We all arrived at one of my families private beaches in Japan. I had suggested it because I knew that the surf was good this time of year. That was all that came to mind when I heard the word beach; surfing and sunbathing.

Everything had been left in the Villa’s foyer; no maids or butlers were there because we had made a surprise visit. We all just changed into out bathing suits in the ground floor’s bathrooms and hurriedly headed out to the water and the warm sun.

I had convinced Haruhi to wear one of my bikinis. It was a light pink Prada one; rather stringy, BUT it looked ADORABLE on her. I had noticed Hikaru turning bright red upon seeing her; I’d have to do something to get them together. That was my curse; I could make lasting relationships happen without so much as straining my little finger…but that was relationships for OTHER people. I could never get it right for myself.

I was wearing and equally stringy, white Chanel bikini. It was my favorite. It matched my chunky sunglasses and, what can I say, I just love Chanel! It had the double C’s on a silver charm hanging down from the middle of the suit’s top and tied at every available place (it tied on either side of the hips, once in the back, and once like a halter top). I was carrying a Roxy tote bag with my sun block, towel, tanning oil, ect. and a long, pink surf board with the Playboy Bunny on it.

My piercings were a bit out of the ordinary today. I had in the Playboy Bunny belly button piercing and a simple pair of silver studs in one hole in my earlobe and one hole in my cartilage, on each side. I have my eyebrow and lip along with like five more in my ears, but decided not to wear them because they were inconvenient. The Belly Button Bunny was “cute” so I decided to wear it…or did I have a subconscious reason for it other than its cuteness?

Haruhi and I put out our towels to lounge and sunbathe on, while the guys just kind of tossed theirs on beach chairs and headed for the clear, aqua water. I smiled when I noticed Hikaru helping Haruhi get fully sun blocked. I was busy sun blocking and tan oiling myself up as well.

Tamaki smiled at me. “Need some help?” he asked innocently. I nodded and he helped my get my back. Oh so glad that I wasn’t facing him! Oh so red faced. I think Hikaru noticed because I saw him snicker something to Kaoru who nodded and laughed a little.

Hikaru Hitachiin, Thy name is Ivy. I had a feeling that him and I would be royally interfering in each others’ love lives this weekend. An INCREDIBLY strong feeling.

The boys were playing in the water and Haruhi and I were lounging in the sun. We were both laying on out tummies and enjoying the warm sun. “I saw Hikaru helping you with your sun block~!” I sang with a smirk.

She blushed, “S-so? He o-offered!” she stammered, “Tamaki helped you cover yourself in coconut oil!” she retorted with a fierce smirk.

“Ouch, Feisty.” I giggled while smiling at her, “Seriously though, am I sensing the lo~ve vibes between you and Thing Two?” I asked (using the reference of Thing Two for no other reason than that it rhymed.)

She laughed, “Wouldn’t he be Thing One since he was born first? …But in all seriousness, I doubt it…I mean…I do like him, but I don’t think he sees that in me. If anything I’m just another one of the guys or a kid-sister.” she sighed.

I looked her straight in the eyes. “Haruhi, I’m good with sensing compatibility with people, so you can trust me when I say this. He’s definitely into you, but he’s shy about it. The way he looks at you though…oh, Haruhi, I wish you could see it! He looks for a chance to do ANYTHING with you! Any way he can help you, he’s got it covered! Let me tell ya, girlie, they way he looks at you is so far from the friend zone, it’s almost painful to see you two not together!” I sighed dreamily. It was so CUTE! I though that they’d make an awesome couple!

Haruhi smirked, “Well, with the way Tamaki stares at you, I could say the exact same thing.” she mused.

I smiled sadly and adjusted my sunglasses, “He doesn’t feel that way about me. I wouldn’t be surprised if all of the guys were only talking to me because they felt bad for me, being the new girl and all.” I sighed.

Haruhi looked at me sternly, “Don’t ever say something like that again; especially not in front of any of them. They may be shameless flirts, but they’d never do something so horrid. I’ve seen how you can get them to loosen up around you, Ivy. They all really love you and I do to!” she said seriously.

I smiled broadly. “I’m glad…because I feel the exact same way. Just knowing that they think of me as something is enough for me; I don’t need Tamaki to like me…as long as I just get to enjoy life and have you guys in it with me.” I said with the most genuine smile I had ever had spread across my face. I truly meant what I said. Just hanging out with them really was enough.

“I’m telling you, Ivy; Tamaki is head over heals for you… he probably just doesn’t know how to say it and is afraid that you don’t feel the same way.” Haruhi said absently as she rolled over and closed her eyes while removing her sunglasses.

I did the same, “I wish he’d hurry up and admit it then … because I’d really just like to hear him say it.” I sighed and smiled to myself.

I was amazed at how open me and Haruhi were able to be. Talking about something so fragile as a crush…it felt really good to know that Crystal wasn’t the only one I could talk to if I needed advice.

..::A Little While Later::..

“Are you guys just gonna cook yourselves all day or are you going to come surf with us?” was what Haruhi and I woke up to. Hikaru was standing over us with an eyebrow raised.

He nodded and laughed a little, “Milord needs help from someone a little more professional than Kaoru and me…I think he died a little on the last one…” Hikaru sighed with a slightly amused look plastered across his face. Oh that little… wonderful, wonderful opportunity giver!

Haruhi smiled warmly and shook her head, “I don’t know how to surf, so I’ll continue basking in the warmth!” she giggled. You little Fox! Oh no you don’t! You ARE surfing with Hikaru if it KILLS you in the process!

“That’s not a problem. I’ll teach you. Come on.” he said with a smile and helped her up.

I jogged ahead to go save Tamaki. Once I had paddled out I realized just what I had gotten myself into as I watched Tamaki wipe out, resurface, and spit water out of his mouth. I couldn’t help but giggle a little bit.

“Thank Hikaru. He sent for a professional.” I giggled and waved the love sign at the guys.

“Hikaru! That’s mean!” Tamaki whined while splashing at a laughing Hikaru. Haruhi was on his board with him. CUTE!!!

I balanced on mine and then stepped onto Tamaki’s. He turned bright red at how close we were, but I was in full surfer mode. I pushed my board towards Hikaru and Haruhi, “Watch this while I work my magic!” I laughed.

Haruhi grabbed my surf board and held onto it. Note: She did NOT get off of Hikaru’s surf board. 0>=3 I win.

“Okay, Tamaki! You ready for this!?” I asked enthusiastically.

He looked a bit panicked and shook his head “no”.

“Well, too bad!” I mused. I smiled at him and patted him on the head, “Don’t worry! You’ve got the best surf teacher in the world! I will make a surfer out of you yet!” you bubbled with a love tap.

“She’s totally flirting with him.” Haruhi thought to herself while still clinging to Hikaru for balance. He wrapped an arm around her waist and smiled brightly at her. She blushed slightly.

Tamaki was clinging to me, screaming something to the effect of “Please, God! I’m too young to die!” I had pulled him into a standing position and taken us straight into the tube of a huge wave. “Open your eyes, Tamaki! This is an amazing experience!” I yelled over the roar of the water.

..::Tamaki’s P.O.V.::..

I had opened my eyes and loosened my grip in, Ivy a little bit. Sure, the inside of the wave was beautiful and amazing (and terrifying), but I was more enthralled with the beautiful and amazing girl that I was lucky enough to be holding on to!

Her red hair was almost brunette from the water soaking it. Her teal eyes seemed to me glowing! The vibrant aqua water paled in comparison to those sparkling teal eyes of hers! She was laughing, but focused as we exited the inside of the wave. All I could say was “Wow.”

..::Normal P.O.V.::..

The wave had carried me and Tamaki all the way to shore and I plopped down on the wet sand, letting the water swish against me as the waves came and went. “Tamaki! Did you see it! Wasn’t it beautiful! You’re not dead either, so we can practice until you can stand on a board yourself!” I mused in a dreamy daze.

I was too busy watching Haruhi cling fearfully to Hikaru who was doing some oh so unnecessary turns on a wave to notice Tamaki just staring at me. I lost sight of them after that because they had entered the tube. I couldn’t wait to hear what Haruhi thought of the inside of the wave…well…if she took her eyes off Hikaru long enough to see it. I laughed light heartedly to myself.

I turned to look at Tamaki who had simply remained silent. When I turned, I met his gorgeous violet eyes. “Tamaki?” I asked in a bit of confusion.

He leaned closer to me…and before I knew it, his lips were pressed delicately against mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck and began to kiss him back. He ran his tongue against my bottom lip, before he slid it into my mouth. I greeted him happily with my own. I heard someone whistle and laugh; Hikaru. I honestly loved him to pieces, but I didn’t feel like dealing with him at the moment. I flipped him the birdie with one of my hands and heard Haruhi stifle a laugh and then silence. I was pretty confident that Hikaru had stuck his tongue ten inches down her throat more or less, but I wasn’t completely sure…and at the moment I could have possible cared any less about anything else.

After a few blissful minutes, we reluctantly pulled away from each other. I gazed dreamily into Tamaki’s beautiful violet eyes and wondered how I had gotten so damn lucky. “I really like you, Ivy. I have since the first day I met you. You’re so beautiful.” he whispered in my ear. A chill went up my spine and I let out a soft noise of enjoyment.

“I felt the same way.” I answered breathlessly.

..::Later That night::..

Haruhi and I were hanging out in my room to chit chat and such. I was curious about what Methods Hikaru used to get her to stop giggling from me flipping him the bird, but I didn’t ask yet; I had better plans. She didn’t comment on my steamy kiss with Tamaki yet either. I was slightly fearful; any girl that would fall for a guy like Hikaru must have a mischievous side.

You looked out the window and gasped. “I forgot how beautiful the sunsets were here! Let’s go back out on the beach and watch it! I know this great spot that Alex and Tristan used to take me to watch it when we were little.” I breathed as I took in the wonderful sight.

Haruhi nodded in agreement and we both threw on comfy sundresses. Hers was a loose, frilly, pink one and mine was a form-fitting, simple, white one with sunshine yellow flowers on it. Generally, I hate dresses, but I had a few cute exceptions and this one was one of them.

We both raced down the beach laughing. “I’m gonna beat you!” she called from a few feet ahead of me. By now, the guys were tiny specks down the strip of sand.

The two of us skidded to a halt and I leaned against a big rock to catch my breath. “You win!” I panted.

Haruhi and I made our way up the side of the sandstone giant and sat down on top of it. While we were staring out at the sun melting into the water, I heard someone coming up behind us. I went on instant alert; their steps didn’t sound a graceful and poised as the host club members’. I glanced over to Haruhi, but she didn’t seem to notice anything.

“He~y! What’s a couple a pretty girlies like yous two doin’ all alo~ne?” a male voice slurred slightly in a vulgar tone.

I turned to Haruhi and whispered so only she could hear. “There’s only one. I’ll distract him and you book; it’ll be easier if I only have to protect myself.” I hissed as I pulled her up with me.

As I turned around I went into a roundhouse kick and sent the guy flying back into the sandstone. Haruhi had bolted and I had taken a fighting stance. This S.O.B. was going DOWN! After a few blows were exchanged I thought I heard footsteps.

I made the mistake of turning my head for a split second to see who was coming. Definitely a big mistake. The guy took advantage of my lapse in attentiveness and grabbed me around the throat. He was holding me over the edge of the sandstone. All that was separating me from death was a good eighty foot fall and sea water. Oh joy.

I felt myself begin to fall. I heard Haruhi scream the word “Die” and a heavy thud. I heard one of the guys scream my name…Then I made impact. Then there was nothing.

..::Several Minutes Later (Tamaki’s P.O.V.)::..

I had just laid Ivy down on the sand. She wasn’t moving …She wasn’t…breathing. “Ivy? Ivy, wake up! Everything’s okay now! I’m here now, Ivy, so please wake up!” I whimpered as I held her tightly.

Haruhi let out a sob and Hikaru pulled her into his arms and tried to comfort her. My vision was beginning to get cloudy with tears. I was fighting hard to hold them back, but a few managed to escape and roll down the sides of my face.

I gave Kyouya a desperate look. He always knew what to do in high pressure situations. “Mom” wasn’t just some meaningless nickname I had given him; he could always bring things back when they got out of hand, just like a parent.

He took her from me and laid her down. He checked her vitals. Everything was completely silent except for the waves crashing in the ocean…but that all seemed so distant now. So far away.

He sighed before leaning down and giving her Mouth-To-Mouth. I made a note to learn; I wished that I could have been the one to do it. I’d take any excuse to have my mouth on her! …God, I shouldn’t be thinking like that, damn it! I was jealous that I couldn’t be the one to bring her back to us though. I wished I could be the one she woke up to rather than Kyouya. But that could never happen; I had no idea how to save her. I couldn’t perform the same miracles Kyouya could.

I coughed and opened my eyes. Once my vision focused, I noticed Kyouya kneeling beside me and realized that he must have had to give me Mouth-To-Mouth. I blushed a little bit at the thought. “I think I just died a little.” I joked miserably, more referring to my resuscitation embarrassment than my life threatening fall and drowning incident. I did die a little; Kyouya basically had to kiss me! Damn it! I wasn’t even alive to enjoy it!!!

He just laughed a little and patted me on the head, “Yup, but you’re back now.” he mused with a relieved smile.

I stood up and scratched the back of my head, “Well… that just knocked about ten years off my life!” I laughed playfully. I always laughed things off. If anything was ever wrong at all, you could find me cracking up and joking around like it was nothing at all. It always made me feel better. I was like a kid; I could start laughing/crying just to be dramatic and end up being genuinely amused/upset by the time I was done …and that’s what I depended on.

Tamaki glared at me, “You almost DIE and all you have to say are stupid jokes!? What you did was one of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen! You’re a GIRL, Ivy; you can’t go up against a man!” he yelled at me.

I stared at him in shock and disgust. My eyes got a lot colder as I began to speak. “How DARE you.” I growled as I took a step towards him, “My being a girl has absolutely NOTHING to do with the situation! At a time like that, there’s no time to wait for a man to come to the rescue! What did you want me to do!? Just stand there and let us me and Haruhi get beaten and raped!? I can defend MYSELF, Tamaki Suoh!” I screamed and then promptly stormed off towards the villa. I paused and looked down, “Besides, I’d sooner die than let anything happen to Haruhi; she’s too precious to me and worth so much more than my pathetic existence.” I mumbled before returning to my fast paced walk.

I had my legs dangling off the widow’s perch on the roof of the villa, sulking. I was furious with Tamaki and I didn’t want to end up taking it out on any innocent bystanders. Someone sat down beside me, but I didn’t bother to look and see who it was.

“Ivy, I know you’re upset, but you shouldn’t sulk about this. I don’t completely agree with what Milord said, but being passive aggressive isn’t going to solve anything. You should apologize.” it was Kaoru.

“Why should I say sorry!? He’s the one that owes ME an apology!” I snapped irritably.

“I never said he didn’t. Listen, I know that plenty of girls can defend themselves, but you do need to realize when you’re outmatched…and, don’t get me wrong, I’m not siding with anyone here. You need to apologize for worrying him… and he needs to apologize for being sexist. Sound fair?” he reasoned.

Kaoru was by far the most mature and sensible when it came to things like this. I give him that much. I looked at him and frowned, “Kaoru, he’ll never admit it. We’re both too stubborn. Besides, I’d say we’re about even; he hurt my pride, I made him cry.” I stated dryly.

He sighed, “So you’re just going to leave things like this? You’re going to throw what you’ve got with him away so easily? Ivy, he’s in love with you! That’s the only reason he said it! As a man, I can tell you that we’re all very sexist towards the women we love…it’s not because we’re trying to hurt their pride…it’s just because WE want to be the ones to protect you. Only a man that truly loved you would try to control you like that; would try to keep you from fighting. It’s just how we are…we like to feel useful, and protecting the women we care about is the best way to feel useful.” he said with a half smile.

I looked at him seriously, “I get that, but being sexist doesn’t do that! I’m not above saying that I’m sorry, but I’m not going to speak to him until he confronts me in a PROACTIVE way. I’m not just going to be chastised by someone my own age.” I stated firmly.

“Understandable.”

..::Later::..

The tension at dinner was