I uploaded the first chapter of Oswego High School Host club in April of 2010. 3 years, 54 chapters, and 86 sections later, it's finally done. I'm really amazed that the story made it this far, and at the same time I know that I never would have finished it without all the great support I've had.

I'd like to thank everyone who has read this story since the very beginning. Thanks for sticking with me, even when I failed to update for months on end. And to everyone who has contributed their awesome reviews, thanks again! I really enjoyed reading them.

And now I hope you will enjoy the final chapter of Oswego High School Host Club. Happy reading. ~ jinxauthor

Section 86: Endings and Beginnings

"So, we have plans to visit Mr. Tetsuya next weekend. Don't you dare forget."

Tyler looked at Michael curiously, though he shrugged his shoulders with a smile. "Sure, I got no objections. But why the sudden interest in the wise one? I practically had to drag you to meet him before."

Michael attempted to look casual, even though he knew Tyler would see right through him. "Well, Riko said she'd be visiting her grandfather next weekend. And I thought…"

"Ah-ha! I knew it had to be something! You're not interested in seeing Mr. Tetsuya! You just want to hang out with his granddaughter again!"

"Well, is there anything wrong with that? Riko already said she's fine with it. In fact, she invited me! And you like Mr. Tetsuya anyway so…"

"Aww! You guys are just so cute making your little date at the old folk's home! Don't worry, Mr. Tetsuya and I will be great chaperones!"

"Shut up! It isn't like that! And we don't need chaperones!"

Michael took a swing at Tyler, who was actually able to dodge from the simple fact that he was so much bigger than Michael. Using his superior arm length to grip on to Michael, he proceeded to put the smaller boy into a headlock. But Michael was surprisingly agile, and he had soon twisted out of Tyler's grip. In no time at all they were mock-wrestling in the middle of the lobby, their friends and convention guests watching them in amusement.

"Freya, quick!" Tyler called. "Help me subdue this violent killing machine!"

Freya had just brought her luggage down from her room. Maintaining a safe distance from their grapple, she placed her bags next to theirs.

"No thanks. I think I'll stay out of this."

Tyler waved off Michael with pleas of surrender. He was only able to escape after pledging a rematch, but once his freedom was secured he was at Freya side in an instant, smiling down at her as was his custom.

"Rough morning?"

"No, not at all. Why do you ask?"

"You just have this funny look on your face. Like you've got something on your mind."

"Not really. Nothing's wrong. I just had a very strange conversation, but that's all."

"Want to talk about it?"

The corners of Freya's mouth tipped up slightly. "No, it's fine. Just… I'm glad things are getting back to normal."

"Really?" Tyler said. Freya couldn't be sure, but it seemed like his smiled faltered for just a split-second. "I don't want to go back. I wish it didn't have to end."

"Ugh!" Michael suddenly exclaimed from behind the pair. "Listen to you! And you have the nerve to make fun of me and Riko? Just what the hell do you think you're doing with Freya, huh?"

To Michael's surprise, Tyler actually blushed. He could possibly have a sense of shame after all. But either Freya was very dense, or she just chose to ignore his embarrassment. Instead, she waved to Regina's entourage as they approached the group.

Kyle wasn't the only male trailing behind the diehard Lolitas. Henry walked next to him, anxiously staring over his shoulder at his brother. Keith had waved Henry away when he spotted Chris in the lobby. Leaving his brother's side, he had marched toward Chris with a look of determination that the older boy found both highly amusing and slightly intimidating.

Face to face now and conscious of the ever-protective twin brother only yards away, Chris set his bags on the floor and crossed his arms over his chest. "Well, what is it?"

"I have something for you," Keith said without preamble. He lifted his hand and presented the infamous yaoi paddle. Chris looked down at it, trying to hold back his laughter, and noticed that Keith had written his name and phone number onto the handle in black sharpie.

"To think you would write your name on something like this," Chris said with a chuckle. "But I'm not going to call you."

Keith looked mortified. He tried to keep his voice from sounding whiney when he asked "Why not?"

"… It's just not really my style."

"Then take it as something to remember me by," Keith insisted. He seemed completely serious.

Chris shook his head, but he accepted the gift all the same. Setting the paddle on top of one of his suitcases, he reached for a small black artist's portfolio. "I have something for you, too."

"Really?"

"I promised you a picture, didn't I?"

He handed a sheet of paper to Keith. The sketch was quickly rendered in nothing more than black pen, but still the effect was amazing. Chris had drawn a portrait of Sebastian using his own style – harsh lines that managed to capture the energy of his subject as well as the form. And at the bottom of the page underneath his signature a small phone number had been written.

"But this is…"

"I said I wouldn't call you. I never said you couldn't call me."

Keith looked up from the page and stared Chris in the eye. "Come to the convention next year."

"No."

"Why?"

"I told you I don't like anime."

"Don't come for that. Come to the convention and see me next year."

"I won't do it."

"Why are you being so stubborn? Come and see me. I'll be eighteen next year."

"You… Do you even know what you're saying?"

"Say you'll come."

Chris had been perfectly in control since their conversation began. Admittedly, he was a wary of doing anything impulsive with Henry so close. He didn't relish the idea of Keith's twin stepping in with fists swinging. He really didn't need that kind of trouble. But watching the play of emotions across Keith's face as he pleaded with him was too much for any man to bear. So with a smile and an "Oh, what the hell?" mentality, he allowed his careful control to slip.

When Chris suddenly reached out with the reflexes of a snake and pulled Keith against him, Keith hardly understood what had happened. All petulant argument dissipated into breathlessness as he realized the sort of position they were in. While one of Chris's arms was wrapped around his waist, his hand had moved toward the back of Keith's head. Chris gently pulled on Keith's hair to tilt his head back and stare down into his face.

For a moment, Chris simply enjoyed the look of mixed alarm and anticipation on Keith's face. He leaned forward, teasing Keith with his closeness. But when Keith responded by leaning further into him and tilting his face up as if to receive a kiss, Chris pulled away with a soft chuckle.

"Fine. You've convinced me. I'll see you at the next convention, and not a day sooner."

He released Keith with a sudden motion that made Keith stumble, then he gathered his bags and moved away without further comment. Almost as an afterthought, he called over his shoulder, "See you next year!"

Keith's heart was hammering. He buried his face in his hands for a moment until he felt like he was under control again. Then, ignoring the enormous sense of loss he felt at Chris's parting and the frustration that he hadn't received the kiss he'd wanted, he made his way to Henry. He just prayed his brother hadn't seen anything.

He was in luck. Henry had become engrossed in a conversation with Hilary. His only comment once Keith returned was, "I guess it's finally over, huh?"

Keith smiled with relief, then he sighed. "Yeah, I guess so."

"You know, I'm actually kinda bummed."

"What are you so upset about?" Keith motioned toward Henry and Hilary's clasped hands, "At least you got a girlfriend out of all this. What have I got?"

"Quit complaining both of you!" Tyler shouted, swinging his bag over the twin's heads, "You both had fun and you know it!"

""No one said we didn't have fun!"" shouted Henry and Keith as they ducked. They hadn't quite managed to stop speaking in unison.

"All I'm saying is, I can't believe it's actually over." Henry said.

"Yeah," added Keith, "Months of preparation for only three days? It's too short!"

"Fear not! I've already got plans for next year!" Thomas exclaimed. His entrance was so sudden and explosive that all attention was devoted to him as he went into full-blown exposition mode.

"I started reading a new manga series, and I tell you I can't put it down! So it hits me! These characters would be just perfect for our group! I felt such a connection to Asuka Masamune's love of cute, girly things and shojo manga! Truly we are kindred spirits! Of course, Kyle would have to be the severe Hajime Tonomine, so long as he doesn't mind dying his hair black again. Michael would be adorable as Yamato and I could just see Tyler as Kitora now! Of course, Hilary would have to be Asuka's love interest, Ryo Miyakozuka…"

"Now hold on just a minute!" Henry interrupted, the spell of Thomas's posturing broken, "Where do you get off thinking you can make my girlfriend you character's love interest?!"

"But Hilary's the only one who can play Ryo!" Thomas shouted back.

"Yeah?! And who are Keith and I supposed to be in this little fantasy of yours?"

"Well… One of you can be Juta and the other… Uh…"

"I knew it! You don't have characters for us! Don't you dare think you can leave us out of your plans next year!"

"Thomas I'm surprised at you!" Regina chimed in, "You better not be thinking about leaving me out again! I'm definitely joining your group next year! And I refuse to be supporting cast!"

"If you try to make me someone cute again next year I'll break your legs!" Michael threatened.

Thomas turned to Kyle in desperation. "I could use a little support here."

"Sorry, Tom, but I'm not really interested in cosplaying shojo manga again," Kyle replied as he coolly adjusted his glasses, "But then we have a whole year to discuss alternatives."

"Yeah, that's right!" Tyler exclaimed, pumping his fist into the air and drawing the attention of passersby, "I don't want to stop hanging out with you guys just because the con's over. And I'll be graduating at the end of the year… We gotta make sure we stay in touch somehow!"

Thomas was surprised to hear this from Tyler of all people. "You really feel that way?"

"We all do," Keith said with a smile, "It's been too much fun."
"I'm so glad…" Thomas started to say, but he was interrupted by Kyle.

"I'm so glad you're all in agreement," he said with a sly smile, "Because I think I have a solution for us."

Regina stepped forward and took Kyle's hand timidly. She still acted as if she were shy around him. "What do you mean? Can't we just keep meeting at Thomas's house?"

"We could, but I would hate to impose on his parents' hospitality any more than we already have. And if we're going to be busy with all of this preparation and debate, then I think we might require a little more… space."

"What did you have in mind?" Henry asked.

"It's come to my attention that they're moving the orchestra room to the first floor. Apparently students were tired of carrying their cellos up the stairs. So staring next year, there will be a large abandoned room just waiting to be used as club space."

"A club?" Henry asked, "But what kind of club would we be? The Prince Thomas Fan Club?"

Keith laughed, "Right, or the Society of Convention Enthusiasts?"

"No, no! The Organization of Advanced Cosplaying!"

"The Brotherhood of the Travelling Yukata!"

The twins were leaning on each other to prevent from falling on the floor with laughter, but Kyle kept his serious smile. "I was thinking of something like Host Club."

The brothers gradually stopped snickering as Kyle's suggestion slowly sank in.

"Of course." Thomas said with his own satisfied smile, "We'll be the Host Club."

"It would be a good venue to work out different cosplay ideas." Kyle continued, "We could even gauge the reaction of our peers to see which is the most popular. And by entertaining guests there would be no reason why we couldn't earn a small profit to use for our trip to Kana-Con next year."

"Kyle, you're a genius!" Thomas cried as he leaped toward his friend and wrapped both arms around his neck. Still hanging on, he partially turned toward the rest of the group, "What do you think? Will you all stay on as members of the host club?"

Michael sighed and rolled his eyes, "I'll be starting high school next fall, so I guess it won't be too much of a hassle to go to your dumb club. So long as I can play video games there, I have no complaints. Oh yeah, and I refuse to eat any more cake."

"Count us in," said Henry.

"Yeah, so long as it doesn't interfere with practice, we'll be there," Keith added.

Tyler slipped his hand into Freya's. "I'll come too. I mean, I can always drop in when I don't have class. No big deal."

Freya looked down at their interwoven fingers. She didn't seem to mind holding his hand in the least. "Well, if you're going to the trouble… Then I suppose I can walk over to Oswego High once a week."

"Well I am certainly not going to be left out." Regina's words had a double meaning, as she had finally pushed Thomas away from her boyfriend. "If Freya's going then we'll go together."

Thomas turned toward one last person, "Hilary?"

She grinned at him, her expression full of the enthusiasm they both shared. "Duh, of course I'm coming. Sounds to me like you could use some of the drama department's expertise."

"So it's settled!" Thomas exclaimed as he threw his arms into the air and gathered his friends around him, "We'll start a club!"

On the top floor of the south wing… At the end of the hallway… An abandoned orchestra room.

Open the door and you'll find… The Oswego High School Host Club!

- The End -