Sorry it's been so long since my last update, but I've been busy and this chapter is really a product of some severe procrastination! Once I'm done with assignments, I will try to update regularly over the Xmas break :) I PROMISES. In other news, I've attempted to start a wee comic series on my DeviantArt profile (so if you like my art please check it out) and, as well as that, I now have an Ao3 account (MissusLlama98) where I will be posting my fanfics as well. I, also, cannot believe how well this story has been received - honestly I thought, because there'd been nothing new in terms of manga and episodes for OHSHC that this wouldn't go down well (like my attempted Czech RepublicxNetherlands Hetalia fic (which I'm still tempted to reattempt!)) But I thank you guys so much for commenting/favouriting/following this story, really makes me smile and makes this all worth while.

So, please, enjoy this chapter, and I'll try to update again soon :)

Disclaimer - I do not own any of the original OHSHC characters, they all belong to the great Bisco Hatori. I only own my characters and this storyline.

(To see what Minori would look like visit my DevianArt profile: Missus-Llama98)

Three

'Flower-Showing Reception'

"There's nothing wrong if you are, you know, gay, sweetheart."

"Oh, my Christ, Mum, I swear that if I was a lesbian, I would have told you by now!" Minori exclaimed as her mother tailed her around their flat. When she had told her parents that she had been recruited by the Host Club, her dad had laughed, but her mum was now questioning whether that, and her burning of dresses, was her coming out. This had caused Noboru to laugh all the more, as Susan refused to let the idea drop.

The auburn-haired girl turned around to look at her mum, who was holding Shibō in her arms. Her hair, which matched her daughter's in colour, was pinned atop her head, and her brown eyes held an emotion that Minori recognised as one of motherly affection. She knew that her parents loved her no matter who or what she became, but she truly wished her mum would stop jumping to illogical conclusions. "Honestly, Mum, I'm doing this for Haruhi. She needs help with her debt, and if my working as a female host benefits her, then of course I'm going to do it."

Susan let out a puff of air and stroked her daughter's cheek, before kissing her forehead. The younger of the two women smiled into the hug, sandwiching the fat Japanese Bobtail, as her mother squeezed her tightly, to draw out a giggle. Yeah, even if I was a lesbian, I know my mum will have my back!

…

Working as a host, in Minori's opinion, wasn't all that bad – although she would never tell Haruhi that. It was actually quite an elegant affair, as Kyoya explained that day's activity – which was to be a flower showing of the spring blossoms. The hosts were to serve tea to the ladies, with the exception of Haruhi, Honey and Mori, who were all cladded out in kimonos and were to sit with customers. Minori had originally been asked, but a quick kick to Tamaki's stomach had seen her don the outfit of a butler…and to be frank, she was in love with her bowtie and waistcoat.

She was currently carrying a large tray of different types of teas, and turned when she heard her name be called. Her grey eyes fell on a group of girls, who proceeded to wave her over. "Minori, darling, how adorable you look dressed as a butler!"

"Yes, we thought, that perhaps you'd be in one of the kimonos, or better yet, a maid's outfit."

And my mum thinks, I might be a lesbian?!

The Eurasian girl smiled and shook her head, "As I said at the ball, ladies, dresses aren't really my thing, and while I respect my Japanese roots, I don't really think I could do our traditional outfits any justice…I have far too pale a complexion for that."

The girls all sighed at her remark, "True, your skin is beautiful though. So flawless, like porcelain."

"Thanks…I guess. Anyway, I was wondering if any of you ladies would like to sample some of our teas? We have a grand variety for the reception today." Tea was a subject Minori could prattle on about for hours, so when the girls asked her what tea she would recommend, she entered a detailed speech about why a flavoured Chamomile would be the best for the Spring ambiance. This, again, had caused the girls to become starry-eyed when looking at their fellow female, who managed to then make a swift exit to stand with Kyoya.

"You're a natural, Minori," the boy commented, "The ladies love your honesty to your lack of feminine tendencies, and your tea recommendations are proving rather popular."

The sets of grey eyes met, and Minori contained a smirk, "I'm going to assume that was the Ootori version of a compliment and say thank you."

The taller boy smiled and nodded, scribbling in his notepad, as they both looked over to where the Hitachiin twins were speaking to a table of ladies. Minori tuned into their conversation.

"You mean you've never been to Covent Gardens?"

The girl that Hikaru was speaking to sighed and shook her head, "No, all of our antiques are from Portobello Road."

"I'd think you'd like Covent Gardens, most of our Victorian pieces are from there." Hikaru commented, and Minori had to bite her lip to stop herself from commenting on the London markets, and how she would recommend Romford Market, if one was looking for a bustling atmosphere and some good bargains. Not that these people really need bargains…cheap for them is probably unthinkable for me.

The conversation between the twin and the girls ceased when Kaoru caught his hand with some of the hot tea, nearly breaking one of the priceless pieces of china. His brother turned to him with an exclamation, "Kaoru!" I'm detecting an act of twincest… While the other girls watched with blushing intent, Minori covered her eyes with second-hand embarrassment, as Hikaru kissed his brother's finger, before drawing his face close to his, "Honestly, Kaoru, you have to be more careful. From now one, keep your eyes on me, ok?"

"Yes, Hikaru."

One of the girls spoke of the "overwhelming-ness" of the brotherly love, and when her fried spoke of it being a fleeting opportunity, Kyoya slunk over to the group with a bright smile. He then proceeded to hold up a large group of books, all with the Host Club's faces all over them, and made a sales pitch to the ladies. Minori, while irked that she saw Haruhi's face on a book, was more thankful that she had been spared the embarrassment of featuring on a cover.

Deciding that she was uncomfortable with over-hearing anymore of Kyoya's creepy stalking abilities, Minori circled round to where the three kimonoed hosts were sat. She frowned as she saw Honey-senpai's creased brow, as he focused on the tea he was preparing. A bead of sweat formed on her forehead as she saw him vigorously swirl the liquid around. Why is no one telling him he's over doing it?! He's going to ruin the tea! The four other spectators all watched mutely as the small boy continued over-whisking, until the auburn-hared girl could stand it no longer. Just as she opened her mouth and had uttered a syllable, Mori-senpai spoke, "Mitsukuni, you overdid it."

The four girls (since Haruhi was technically a girl in disguise) all stared at the tall boy, wide-eyed. Minor, because she was thankful somebody spoke up, but everyone else was gobsmacked because of the expression that followed. Honey looked crushed by the news, but the girls were quick to smooth his adorable ego, and drank the vile looking green liquid. Haruhi sighed, still offering her cousin a smile as she approached, and left the group.

"Mino-chan!", Honey shouted at her as she filled her cousin's vacated spot on the rug, "These lovely ladies said that I made the tea just perfect for the both of them, isn't that great?"

"Yeah," she nodded, "If you want, next time, I'd be happy to help you, Honey-senpai? That way you can also have some of the tea." The small boy's hazel eyes lit up and he jumped over to hug her, the girls squealed and turned red at this sign of affection, whereas Mori contained a gentle smile as he offered Minori the tray of food he was holding. Just as she was about to decline, her stomach growled loudly, and she blushed, quickly taking a piece of sushi, before excusing herself.

She scurried off, unaware of both Honey and Mori's eyes following her, and quickly saw the twins closing in on her cousin. A smirk played across her face as she saw Tamaki freeze up, although the fires of protection flared in her stomach as the ginger twins fawned over Haruhi. "Have you decided on the elective classes for this term?"

"How about conversational French?" One twin suggested.

"I don't know," Haruhi said, completely unaware of what the twins were trying to do, as they turned to Tamaki with devilish smiles on their faces. This resulted with Tamaki regressing into a pitiful ball under a tree – eve Minori wanted to give him a hug, until he opened his mouth with, "Say, Mummy, dear…"

It got even weirder when Kyoya replied with, "What is it now, Daddy?" Minori muttered under her breath, "I swear, you made that overly sexualised on purpose, like they do in animes!"

The blonde host then digressed his "hypothesis" of how the twins spent more time with Haruhi than he did. Minori was, once again, stunned but his simplicity, but daren't comment, because Kyoya roasted the poor boy with the facts and figures of how little time he actually saw her cousin. "According to my research," Where the hell did he get a pie chart from?! I mean, they are some impressive statistics, but seriously?!

"Argh," Tamaki shrieked in Minori's ear as tears exploded from his eyes, "I don't wanna hear it! I don't wanna hear it!" He then proceeded to grab the lapels of Haruhi's kimono and pull her face close to his, "Listen, Haruhi, I want you to stop hanging out with those shady twins, from now on!"

"Hey! Who you calling shady?" One of the twins asked. Minor let out a "tch" and raised an eyebrow at them, "Have you boys looked in the mirror? You're about as shady as they come."

The wink she sent them, and the smile that followed, let both Hikaru and Kaoru know that the auburn-hared girl was merely joking with them. They returned the smiles and folded their arms, "Well, at least we aren't overprotective like you and the Boss!"

"I am not overprotective!" Minori's outburst caused Mori to cover a chuckle with his hand, and Honey smiled up at his tall friend. Tamaki also cried out alongside her, and the two second-years began a long rant about how they weren't the overprotective people they were, when it came to the safety of Haruhi. It was the blonde boy who came to a conclusion, "Alright then, we cannot go on hiding the fact you're a girl, from everyone in the school, any longer!"

Everyone else watched him with blank expressions as he proceeded to whine. "All Daddy wants is for you to go back to being the girl you used to be!" Minori glared behind him, muttering, "I still find it disturbing the way you call yourself Daddy!" "When you start surrounding yourself with girl-friends, and leading a wholesome life!"

He grabbed Haruhi again, Minori being stopped by a twin-blockade, and shook her. "So change back now!"

"You don't have t rush things, she's going to be figured out soon enough."

"Physical exams are the day after tomorrow."

Both Haruhi and Minori frowned, "Physcial…exams?"

The entire Host Club, bar her cousin, all stared at Haruhi. Kyoya tucked his book under his arm and commented, "That's right, I forgot all about it."

"Then that means…" Haruhi started, "There's no doubt, they're gonna know, I'm really a girl."

"To be honest, Haruhi, I'm surprised they don't already. Everyone here must either have brains full of sawdust or the way they run this school is messed up, no offence," Minori said, gesturing to the boys, "But you're not really the manliest of characters…and I still hate the fact you got out of gym class!"

"Really Mino?"

"I am not going to let it go!"

…

The next day saw Haruhi running late to the Host Club meeting, so Minori was alone with the boys. She was sat with Honey-senpai, watching with a concerned expression as Tamaki gazed dreamily out at nothing. Should I say something to him? I think he might be drooling…

"He must be having a great daydream," noted Honey.

Both Hikaru and Minori spoke in unison, "He's kind of creeping me out." They shared a smirk, until a flash of Tamaki – now having broken his besotted expression – interrupted them. "Envious, Hikaru? This is all part of my strategy. While you've wasted time, blinded by your jealous," Oh so it's Hikaru who's been blinded by jealousy?, "I have foreseen the outcome of this charade. This fanfiction is obviously a romantic-school-comedy; Haruhi and I are the main characters, so that means we are love interests!"

"Excuse you?" Minori said, rolling the sleeve of her shirt up, "Love interests my left foot!"

"Now, Minori, let us hear what else Tamaki has to say about this apparent fanfiction." Kyoya said, as Mori (yet again) stopped the girl from attacking the Host Club King. "Yeah, what are we?" The twins asked in sync. Tamaki grinned and spun round with a flourish of his finger, "You guys, are the homosexual supporting cast!" First my mum, now him!

A dark cloud descended over the other hosts as Tamaki drew a line on the ground. Minori looked up a Mori – who had released her shoulder – and then at Kyoya, "Permission to tackle the King?"

"Permission granted."

Once they'd prized Minori off Tamaki (and Honey had begun stuffing her with cake), who'd now got a comedic looking bandage on his forehead, the twins spoke up again. "Hey listen…Boss…"

"I don't think you get it."

"If word gets out that Haru-chan is really a girl, then she won't be able to be in the Host Club anymore."

As Tamaki froze up, and turned white, the girl frowned at this, "Wait, so how come I'm allowed to be in the Host Club, and I'm a girl?"

"Technically you're an honorary host. The "Feminine" type isn't an official role, so you don't benefit from this." Kyoya stated plainly. Minori's eyebrow raised, "Oh, so I'm simply making you money, and working off Haruhi's debt?"

"Simply, yes."

Minori shrugged, pouting her lip, and then sending a smile up to Mori and Honey, "Fair enough."

Honey smiled at Minori, "Do you think, if Haru-chan started wearing girl's clothes, she'd look even cuter than before?" One of the twins looked over at Minori, "She'd dressed as a girl in middle-school, right? She must've been pretty popular with all the boys?"

"Oh, believe me, there are few things I find cute in this world and my cat, Honey-senpai (and Usa-chan), and Haruhi in a dress are all of them. All the guys thought so."

"Yeah," agreed Kyoya, "According to my reports, someone would declare their undying love for her, at least once a month."

"From her emails, it had turned into once a week by the time she finished middle-school," Minori said, looking at the group. The twins smirked, "Oh, I see, so the boss wouldn't even be able to get close to her."

"But we'd be able to, because we're in class with her all-day long."

The grey eyes of Minori flashed at the twins, but they did nothing to quell the devilish smiles. Tears threatened in the corner of Tamaki's eyes and he uttered a "No way", just as the door opened to reveal a Haruhi. She brushed down her blazer and began to apologise, until she was interrupted by a Tamaki closing in on her.

"Don't worry, Haruhi! We're determined to keep your secret, no one will find out hat you're really a girl during tomorrow's physical exams." Sweat formed on his cheeks as he continued, "So, please, promise you'll stay our beloved secret princess."

Minori muttered to the twins, "Ouch, pride wounded over here."

"You know," said Twin 1, "I think both of us would be a little peeved if we had to watch all the guys flirt with her."

"So that settles it," agreed Twin 2, and so "Operation Conceal Haruhi's Gender" was formulated. The boys, and Minori – who'd been forced into it – lined up as Tamaki addressed them. "Listen up, squad members. At tomorrow's physical exams, position yourselves in formation A, and then, wait for your orders."

"Yes, sir!"

"Ohhhh!"

Brown eyes connected with grey ones as Haruhi's came to a sudden realisation, "I've got it. You guys are worried that if they find out I'm a girl, I can't be a host, and therefore, won't be able to repay my debt." Oh, sweetie, you are so wrong.

As Haruhi calculated the price of her current debt, Tamaki and the twins watched with frustration as she began laughing to herself. "Do something, the subject doesn't appear to have any motivation."

"Urgh, why did we get stuck with such a difficult heroine. Are you saying that you hate being a host?! That you hate this club!"

"To be honest," Haruhi said, "I'd have to say yes." This rendered Tamaki into a mushroom corner of despair, as Haruhi failed to soften the blow of her words.

Mori looked down at the other Fujioka, who was stroking her chin, in thought. She knew that if Haruhi stopped being a host, then she would have to find another way to repay her debt, and it would also mean that Minori no longer had to be a host…but the boys in the club, while a tad weird, were actually good company…and the girls, while extremely dim, were sweet…I cannot believe I'm actually helping them blackmail my cousin, but…"Fancy tuna," she muttered, under her breath, realising that it was the only way to motivate her cousin. Next to her, Mori's grey eyes widened as he too understood, and spoke up with a louder voice, "Fancy tuna."

The room stopped. Minori looked up at the taller boy, her ears a shade of pink with the embarrassment that he'd obviously heard what she'd said. He showed the hint of a smile, as Haruhi froze up and looked round at them.

Tamaki, now rising (reborn from his emo-ness) grinned at them, "Oh that's right. You didn't get the chance to eat any in last chapter's party, did you?"

His eyes were white and wild, as the twins began whispering at the dreadful fact that Haruhi had never eaten their high-quality food. Minori decided to egg them on by saying, "Even I tried some of it, and let me tell you, Haruhi, it is to die for."

Her cousin glared at her with a look that said, "YOU TRAITOR!". "What are you talking about? Don't be silly. Just because I'm poor, and I've never had it, doesn't mean I'm so much of a glutton that I'd go on fooling everyone about my gender, just to try some fancy tuna…" The nervous laughter fooled no one, and the entire club smiled as their heroine was suddenly on-board with their plans.

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