Chapter Text
-Chapter 22-
A Princely Brother's Love!
"The Fernández family... has gone bankrupt," Arden announced reluctantly.
Miki's eyes widened as she heard him say this. She gasped slightly and sat up straight. Her eyes flickered to her large window as she stared out into the night. "What does this mean? For both my mother and I?" She finally managed to choke out.
"If they are smart and care for your wellbeing" Arden spoke with a hint of possibility. "They will transfer their custody of you over to Master Yuzuru, and you will be permanently under his care. Lady Elisa will more than likely be safe, as the likely choice for them is to go into hiding, nothing bad will befall upon them." He reassured
"Really?!" Hearing this option, Miki almost lept up into the air. Instead, she settled on standing up with a bounce. "Do you truly mean it, Arden? Will I be officially under the Suoh family name? Mother will be safe?" And will she, dare she say it. "Will I finally be free?"
"If that were to happen, yes, milady."
With her hand quickly slapping over her mouth, Miki stifled a yelp of joy. She instead opted to gasp as she began to pace around her room as a million thoughts swirled in her mind and combined into a storm. She felt her eyes water slightly and her nose turn sore. Her breath became shaky and uneven as she imagined the possibility of finally being able to announce her name out loud with no hesitation. She swallowed again, feeling a lump form at her throat. "Arden..." She croaked. "I-I don't know what to say." She giggled, trying to blink back the tears that began to swirl and gather at the corner of her eyes.
"It's getting rather late on your end, why don't you rest first?" Arden suggested a small sound of shuffling suggested he was moving papers around in the background. "I will send in the information regarding the Monar Royal Family in the morning and keep you updated on the Fernández family."
"Okay!"
"Milady," After a few moments of silence, Arden muttered.
"Yes? What is it?" Tilting her head, Miki hummed.
"Do you remember our promise?" With a slight shuffle on his end, Arden asked.
"Of course I do!" Tilting her head, Miki chided. "Always smile, because a smile can change your life. I keep that advice to heart every day!" She chirped, excitedly smoothing out her nightgown.
There were another few moments of silence before Arden huffed out a breath. "That's good, good night."
With her fingers trembling and her heart still pounding, Miki pressed the end call button after bidding her loyal butler a good night. She had a big day tomorrow, as the twins came up with a plan to service the princess and she was more than happy to be a part of it.
***
Arden hung up the phone with his liege with a gentle smile on his face. Placing the phone down next to his laptop, he cast the screen another glance.
The news of the Fernández family's bankruptcy has already flooded the media, and reporters who were hungry for their share of money jumped on the chance to investigate the prestigious family thoroughly. Arden sighed softly as his emerald eyes flickered to the phone, remembering the immense joy that flowed through Miki's voice once she learnt of the possibility of her being free.
If they cared for her wellbeing.
***
"You woke up early this morning," Tamaki teased as the limo carrying the two zoomed off in the clear morning towards Princess Michelle's luxurious hotel. "I didn't even need to wake you up." He chuckled.
As they began to pull over, Miki chirped happily. "I went to bed rather early last night." She paused for a second, studying Tamaki as he glanced out the window at the hotel, eyes already searching for the princess. "Say, Tamaki-kun?" She called out to the blond, earning a small 'hm,' a tender smile and a tentative look. "Let's do our best today, and get the Princess to smile, okay?" She tilted her head with a lively beam.
Tamaki flinched, it was as if she could read his heart. He froze for a moment before letting out a small laugh. He reached out a comforting hand and placed it onto Miki's head, who's face turned blank and puzzled as he ruffled her hair affectionately. "Thank you, Miki." He breathed out gently as his body language relaxed. "It already means a lot to see my dearest sister, smiling."
Hearing his words, Miki's face broke into a bright grin. "All the more reason to do my best then," She clenched her fists, holding them before her chest.
Tamaki nodded with a chuckle as the limo door opened and he stepped out, gesturing for Miki to follow.
Just as she was about to get out, her phone let out a small beep and a vibrate. Fishing it out of her bag, Miki checked the message she was expecting. Sure enough, it was Arden's report on Princess Michelle. Her eyes quickly scanned over its contents before her mouth gaped open.
"Eh?" She gasped, eyes widening in shock.
***
Haruhi was left frozen at the front gates of Ouran Academy. Three Indo-Asian Elephants with the hosts accompanying them, dressing in Thai attire as they paraded through the streets and into the Academy. Leading the pack was Miki, riding the elephant with her legs to one side, greeting the crowd enthusiastically. Tamaki and Kyoya were below, walking along with the giant creature as they too waved out. Princess Michelle sat on the second one, looking rather unfazed by the spectacle she was participating. Hikaru and Kaoru walked together with her elephant, waving with broad grins at the onlookers. Honey rode the final one with a happy expression as Mori guided the animal indifferently.
"Ah! There she is!" Miki noticed Haruhi first and began to wave at the brunette, who wanted nothing to do with the embarrassment. "Haruhi! Hey!" She greeted airily, unable to stop giggling as the excitement of riding an elephant for the first time pumping through her veins.
"Good Morning Haruhi! Would you like a ride on the elephants?" The twins greeted her.
"Why is there a somewhat Indo-Asian parade?" Haruhi grumbled, stepping away and into the awestruck crowd that waved to the hosts and the Princess.
"Isn't it fun? You should have expected as much!" They grinned.
"It was kinda tough!" Honey chuckled shouted merrily as he waved to Haruhi. "We had to make sure my elephants would be ready in time!"
"These are your elephants?!" Haruhi jolted.
"We had to prepare quickly," Kyoya stated with a slight smirk. "So there was a little bit of trouble controlling traffic on the way from the princess's hotel."
"The parade started at the hotel? How embarrassing..." She mumbled with a sweatdrop.
"It wasn't embarrassing; it was tons of fun!" Sliding down the trunk of the elephant like a slide at the park, Miki giggled as she landed on her feet next to Kyoya. "I never imagined I'd actually be able to ride an elephant! That's one thing off my bucket list now." Her hazel eyes were once again filled with the sparkles of adventure and excitement. She pulled out a notebook from her school bag that she had god-knows-where and ticked something off in an exaggerated manner.
"That's because you have no shame..." Haruhi sighed with a deadpanned smile.
Kyoya couldn't help but agree with Haruhi's observations. When Honey first introduced his pet elephants to the club, she was hopping around like a bunny with her usual enthusiastic beam. She asked the lolita if she could pet them ten different times in that thirty minute prep time they had. He was pretty sure those poor creatures felt harassed by the overly eager girl. Pushing his glasses up, he let out a sigh. At least she seemed back to her usual, cheerful self.
"Hm? Kyoya-kun, is something wrong?" Miki tilted her head at him with a curious expression.
"No, it's nothing."
"With all the hustle-bustle, I didn't ask you to join us, Haru-chan. Forgive me." Honey apologized to Haruhi with fake tears in his eyes.
"That's all right; I appreciate the sentiment." Averting her eyes, the brunette muttered.
"Here we are!" Helping the princess off of the elephant, Tamaki offered her a hand. "If you please, Princess Michelle, I shall escort you to your classroom across a carpet of the fresh rose petals prepared by the gardening club!" Gesturing down a carpet that sure enough, was scattered by rose petals, Tamaki smiled.
"Why thank you," Michelle responded indifferently.
As they got to class 1-A, Michelle sat down with a thoughtful expression.
"You do know," She placed a hand to her chin as she spoke in an elegant manner. "My family is well acquainted with all the other venerable families. My brother and I are especially close to Duke Baden of France. He always makes it to my birthday banquet. When I told him about my visit to Japan, he said he wanted to come see me. I assume he'll arrive in a few days; I'm sure I can introduce you all to him." The corner of her lips curled in an unbalanced smile as the students of the first years class gasped in awe.
Suddenly, the twins appeared next to her in gentlemanly manners, nothing like their attitudes from a day before as they offered her tea.
"There, sorry to interrupt." Hikaru raised the teacup to her, just enough so if she extended her hand, she could reach the handle. "Your throat must be dry; we prepared a special herbal tea." He offered.
"A special spa is waiting for you in the central garden," Kaoru added with a bow. "A beauty salon is also available; please enjoy them at your leisure."
"Those two..." Haruhi grumbled. "They've changed completely. Today they're going all out."
"They said that for Tama-chan's sake, they would serve Princess Michelle with the utmost generosity." Honey commented, leaning in next to Haruhi.
Slamming a fist on her hand, Miki blinked. "Isn't this what they called two-faced?" She asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Passing the tea back to Hikaru with a slight frown, Michelle waved the boy away. "This tea doesn't suit my taste. Could you prepare some cranberry juice for me instead? Preferably from Canadian berries." She asked.
"Yes, with pleasure." Hikaru saluted, his eyebrow twitching out of annoyance as his patience already began to wear thin.
Michelle then turned to Kaoru. "And I believe the central garden is enclosed by buildings, could you please erect the spa room somewhere open?"
"We'll have it reconstructed right away." Copying his brother's salute, Kaoru grinned fakely.
"I'm sorry for all the trouble." Michelle flashed a honeyed smile. "My brother will be so thankful for your kindness."
"It's no problem at all!" The twins yelled, their hands and body twitching out of anger and annoyance.
"They're spirit of generosity was short-lived." Haruhi sweatdropped.
"Considering it's those two, they did their best!" Honey cheered, watching as the two run off in anger.
After a while of resting, and the twins itching to snap and slap the selfish princess, Tamaki stepped in. "Are you tired, princess? Shall I show you to the relaxation room?"
"Yes, if you would." Michelle stood up, and guided by Tamaki, she left the room, leaving the twins growling in sheer anger as they bawled their fists, trying to suppress the urge to punch her. As Haruhi and Honey attempted to calm them down, Kimiko approached them with a slightly troubled expression.
She called out the brunette gently. "Um, Haruhi. Something has been bothering me." She paused as the hosts' attention quickly darted to her. "I think the Princess has been lying."
"Huh?" Everyone quickly became dumbfounded. "She's been lying?" They repeated.
Kimiko nodded slowly as she tapped her chin. "Duke Baden has been a family friend since my grandfather's days, but I've never heard that he's a friend of the Monar Royal Family. Besides, I think he's in Switzerland seeking medical care for his wife. There's no way he could come to Japan now."
"But why would the princess..." Haruhi's voice trailed off as Kyoya stepped in.
"Her talk about the luxurious life at the royal palace is also false." He explained with a hand in his pocket.
"Kyoya-senpai." The twins muttered.
"Monar appears to be rich on the surface, but the gap between the rich and the poor is considerable." Kyoya continued. "The newly ordained king Laurence is very conscientious. He doesn't allow even the royal family to live extravagantly. It's extremely unlikely that she has a luxurious lifestyle."
"But," Lifting a finger, Miki added. "I heard he is a wonderfully proactive king who often visits his people to listen to their voices and opinions." She pointed out with an all too cheerful smile.
"You knew all along?!" The twins shouted, pointing at Miki.
Blankly Miki shook her head. "I had Arden check it out for me, I just learned of all of this, this morning."
"That princess!" Hikaru growled."She's not only selfish, but she's also a liar!"
"Why didn't either of you tell us sooner?!" Kaoru yelled.
"You never asked." Miki tilted her head, blinking.
"How are we supposed to ask if we didn't know?!" Their voices came together as the twins shouted at the clueless girl.
"I feel bad for Tama-chan!" Honey cried.
Letting out a sigh, Kyoya pulled Miki away from the twins who looked like they were ready to lash out all their pent-up anger from waiting at the hands and feet of Princess Michelle onto her. "Regardless of whether she's lying, didn't I tell you? It's still worth getting in the good graces of Royalty." He stated. "Besides, I think Tamaki knew a long time ago."
***
Michelle stood before the falling leaves of the schoolyard. Kyoya's predictions were correct, Tamaki had her figured all out. She glanced up at the falling leaves of fall as a wave of annoyance and defeat crashed over her when a bell-like voice rang behind her.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
She whipped her head around to see a girl with strawberry blonde hair that was a little taller than her, smiling back brightly. She recognized her as part of 'the host club' as well as being the girl that sat near Tamaki when they paraded down the streets of Tokyo.
"It's wonderful to finally meet you, Princess Michelle." Greeting her, Miki gathered up the nerves to pace next to her as her hazel eyes flickered up to the leaves. She hummed as her hands found their way behind her back and she began to rock her weight from heel to toe.
"W-Well yes, they certainly are." Trying to maintain her composure around the stranger, Michelle forced a chuckle.
"You needn't pretend in front of me," Giggling playfully, Miki winked at her. "Keeping up a façade like that must be tiring, is it not?"
She felt the Princess flinch beside her, before muttering. "How?" She paused, voice raising. "How do you and Suoh-san know?"
Averting her eyes, Miki glanced back up at the red and orange leaves as they fluttered down in the fall wind. "I don't know about Tamaki-kun, but..." Her voice trailed off as her eyes crinkled. "Perhaps you and I are more similar than you think."
"Huh?"
"You are acting like this so you could return to Monar with your brother, right?" Staying focused on a single leaf as it floated down from the tree, Miki asked. "I'd say, it's because I understand how you feel."
Michelle's sapphire eyes widened as she studied the beaming girl next to her. "You do?" She stared incredulously.
"Mhm." Miki nodded, her curt movements resembled a child's. "Because for the longest time, I felt the same way. It's difficult to explain, but it's a warm fuzzy feeling. The yearning to see your brother, no matter how far they are. Just for a while, for a day you want to spend time with him. I guess it's a common feeling for us little sisters, huh?" Pressing a hand against her chest, she glanced to the side, locking eyes with the flabbergasted princess. "However, I promise, your brother loves you very much. He sent you to such a beautiful country at such a beautiful time after all." Leaning forth, she flashed a reassuring smile as the wind picked up. More leaves began to fall, and Miki's strawberry blonde hair got caught in the breeze, swaying. Humming, her eyes shot back at the leaves and lit up. "The leaves at this time are truly stunning." She giggled.
Those words seemed to have struck a chord with the once elegant princess as she stepped forth roughly and began pulling on the branch with a foot planted against the trunk. "My brother said the same thing! What's so pretty about these stupid leaves anyway?"
"Princess?" Shocked by her sudden outburst, Miki blinked.
"Hey! There is Princess Perjury!" The twins appeared, having searched for the Princess along with many others. Their presence snapped Michelle out of her anger as she glanced at the now broken branch in her hands.
"What are you talking about?" She chuckled, holding the twig. "By the way isn't this something? The branch just fell off-" She attempted to walk forward only to trip on the root of the tree she broke the branch from and fall flat on her face, suppose it was karma from the tree.
"Are you alright, Princess?" Miki quickly knelt down to help the blonde as other gathered.
"Princess, are you hurt?" Soga, the class president of 1-A, ran over.
"Are you okay, Michelle?" Honey cried.
"Are you hurt?" Haruhi sweatdropped.
"Princess, can you stand?" Kyoya waltzed over.
"You should watch where you're walking." The twins chided.
"Why..." As Miki helped her up, Michelle began to sniffle. "Why are you all being so nice to me?" Lifting her face, she cried. "Why did everyone put up with my selfishness? If everyone hated me, I was sure my brother would let me go back..." Sitting up, she began to sob. She looked up at Haruhi. "I was so mean to you... And all that money wasted on me... The hotel is luxurious, and nobody points out my obvious lies. The meals are gorgeous and amazingly delicious, it was hard to pretend they were nothing special."
"Life at the palace must be dratted poor..." The twins muttered under their breath.
Michelle then looked down. "And to top it all off, you brought elephants... In front of all those people... The parade was so embarrassing I could've died." She muttered, burying her face in her hands in shame.
"In any case," The twins sighed. "It's all right if you acted selfish to get everyone to hate you, but wouldn't your brother be angry if he knew?" They shrugged as Michelle went through the sudden revelation.
"That's true... What should I do? I hadn't thought that far..." Michelle muttered as more tears began to form in her eyes. "Wahh! My brother will hate me!" She cried as people hurried to comfort her. "My father and mother died so suddenly; my brother is all I have. He says he cares for me, but he pushes me away... I want to be of more help to him." She sniffled as more tears rolled down her pale cheeks. "I just wanted my brother to spend more time with me." She admitted before a look of shock flashed across her eyes. "Oh! That's right! Suoh-san! He acted like he knew everything!" Immediately her eyes snapped to Miki as she went through another mood swing, now in the midst of panic. "Miki-san, what should I do? Even now, he could be telling my brother all the bad things I've done..."
The strawberry blonde opened her mouth to comfort the stressed princess when Haruhi spoke up. "Tamaki-senpai would never do that." She stated. "He's not that type of person." She crouched down next to the princess. "He was probably waiting for you to realize on your own, losing your parents is hard, but nothing will change if you wait around. He wanted you to have the courage to tell your brother how you truly feel, and to see your true smile."
Suddenly, footsteps began to echo through the courtyard followed by two voices. They quickly looked up to see two figures in the distance.
"Oh, there you are, Princess!"
"It's Renge-san." Miki waved her hands, realizing that Michelle's grip has loosened as her fingers were brought to her lips.
"Hehe, a special guest has just arrived!" Renge tittered as she gestured the man behind her, dressed in formal wear.
"Michelle." He wore a tender smile.
"Brother!" Michelle exclaimed.
Staring lovingly at his teary-eyed sister, Prince Laurence's eyes crinkled. "This whole time, I was desperate to preserve what our parents left behind, to make our country more prosperous and peaceful. So that everyone in our country," He leaned in placing a hand on Michelle's tear-stained cheek. "But most of all you, my dearest sister could always smile."
Miki's eyes widened as she stood up slowly.
It already means a lot to see my dearest sister, smiling.
She quickly snapped out of her flashback when Michelle glanced over hopefully at her, responding with a warm, close-eyed beam.
"Brother!" With that, Michelle jumped into her beloved brother's arms.
With the beautiful reunion between Princess Michelle and Prince Laurence, Miki's eyes automatically began to search for her brother, who she found not far behind a pillar, overlooking the situation with a kind smile. She slipped out of the crowd that began to gather around the royal siblings and bolted over.
To Tamaki's surprise, Miki popped the corner and immediately tackled him into a big hug in the shadows. He leaned back onto the pillar he hid behind for support as he felt her arms tighten their grip around his waist. "Miki, did something happen?" With a wry chuckle, he began to stroke her hair in a doting and affectionate manner, fixing the stray strands that moved when she lunged at him. "What's this suddenly for?"
Miki snuggled her cheek closer into her brother's chest with a brilliant smile. "I'm just... grateful for you." She stated, leaving Tamaki a little puzzled.
I'm sorry, Tamaki-kun. R ight now, I can't tell you how much you mean to me or even call you 'Big Brother' out loud. But, I'll be patient. Because I'm sure, one day, I'll be able to tell you 'I love you, Big Brother' without hesitation.
I sincerely hope that day, is coming very soon.