Work Text:
The First Strike
Potter, Harry was cute.
He had noticed the first day the new boy arrived. He was small, shy, reminded him of a baby bird. He didn’t socialize and was very quiet. There wasn’t much known about him, besides he brought his own lunch every day.
Hani had more interest in him at the start.
Potter had passed them in the hallway a month after he started and had a sweet smell to him. Hani’s nose was like a bloodhound’s when cake was nearby, and Potter smelled like a bakery. Hani had stalked him but didn’t learn much since Host Club prevented him from stalking him outside school.
Hani’s interest faded, but Mori would notice the boy at least once a day. Noticed but never approached.
Then things changed.
Valentine’s day.
Mori dreaded this day.
He had a hard enough time keeping Hani from overindulging normally, but this day was the worst. Every direction he turned, there were girls presenting them with chocolate. Hani was a happy to eat every box as he received them, but Mori was more reserved. Kyouya had sent a message to all the club clients to bring any and all chocolate for Mori to the clubroom.
They escaped to the gardens. He felt better in the open space with the cherry blossoms blooming. The floating pink petals always helped calm him when he was around too many loud people. Rounding a corner, he felt a gentle bump -well, gentle to him- against his chest. Reflexes kicked in and he reached out and stopped the obstacle from falling over.
Looking down, he was surprised to see Potter standing in front of him. The smaller boy looked dazed, and then he looked up. When they made eye contact, he could see a blush spread across the other boy’s cheeks. It was a light pink, similar to the pink petals blowing around them. It was adorable.
Suddenly, a box was shoved against his chest and Potter was running away.
Mori had a little smile on his face as he took in the box of chocolate he received. The box was a simple yellow reusable container. The truffles inside looked high quality and expensive. It was such a funny contrast to him that such well made professional truffles would be held in a common box.
“What do you have there?” Hani’s sickly-sweet voice interrupted his thoughts.
Closing the lid, Mori turned to look at his cousin. “A gift.”
Hani smiled at him. “Can I have-”
“No.” he cut Hani off. He didn’t want to share his chocolates.
“Was that Potter running away?”
“Mm.”
“Interesting.”
Mori sent his cousin a look. He hoped the small boy would not bother Potter.
Of course, Hani would not let it go.
The blonde ran off, collecting and eating chocolate as he raced towards the clubroom. Following, Mori felt sorry towards Potter. He didn’t know what was coming.
Kyouya was happy to investigate Potter. The information he obtained in an hour would be scary, if Mori wasn’t used to it. Kyouya was the most opportunistic person he had ever met and knew that the Ootori son had made a substantial number of connections to get what he wanted.
Potter, Harry was from Surrey England. He was an orphan that had been emancipated. He went to a boarding school in Scotland for the gifted but had unenrolled and moved to Japan. Kyouya had his address, and security images of the boy at the store buying chocolate and decorating untensils. Mori raised a surprised eyebrow at that. He had thought Potter had bought the truffles, but the boy had made them himself. It would explain the plain box.
Opening the lid, he carefully selected one truffle and put it in his mouth. It was delicious. It was a dark chocolate truffle, smooth, rich and creamy. He appreciated that it wasn’t too sweet, but the perfect balance of flavors. He didn’t even look at the large box of chocolate Kyouya collected for him. They couldn’t compare to Potter’s.
At home that night, he carefully transferred the truffles to another container. He gently washed the container and put it beside his bag to take to school the next day.
When he put the container on Potter’s desk, a thought floated through his mind. He had never noticed how beautiful Potter’s green eyes were. The little lord had the same dazed expression on his face from the day before, and his heart skipped a couple beats.
Too cute.
He wanted to pet his messy fluffy hair.
Instead, he walked away.
He needed to know more about Potter.
The Counter
Kyouya and Hani had thrown themselves into learning about Potter. Mori silently took in everything they said about Potter. He wasn’t just emancipated; he was a titled lord. He was a charitable person who donated baked goods every week. Mori could admit, Potter’s selflessness was endearing.
Potter didn’t just donate food, but he also volunteered his time. He would help at an orphanage, helped old women carry their groceries home and oddly, helped at an owl sanctuary. Another thing. The little lord had a comfortable wealth but insisted living in a small modest home.
It was a small 2-bedroom house. He had an enclosed garden that was stunning. Mori just knew that Potter worked on the garden himself. It was wild mix of flowers that were well taken care of. There was pictures of Potter cutting some flowers and giving them to the old woman who lived next door as he dropped off some food.
He was surrounded by people who showed off their money, minus Haruhi. The girl came from a poorer background and liked to point out how extravagant the hosts were being. She meant well, but honestly, Mori felt her words caused more harm than good. When she pointed something out, it inspired Tamaki to plan another commoner trip.
They would gallivant off to some commoner ground, the hosts would cause havoc, and Mori would follow behind with Kyouya cleaning everything up. At the start, he didn’t mind, but the longer this went on, the more he craved the peaceful days of old. Potter reminded him of those days.
While those two ran their security check, he had taken more notice of the boy after valentine’s day. He would watch Potter during class and felt warm feelings as the boy worked hard. He had a habit of biting his bottom lip when he was concentrating. He was left-handed, and ran his right through his hair, messing it up more and more throughout the day while he worked.
When Hani was being too energetic, he would look towards Potter and feel his heartbeat calm. Then Potter would scrunch his nose and it would pick up again for a didn’t reason.
Absolutely the cutest.
Sneaking away on another commoner outing, Mori slowly walked through the shopping center when he came upon a small shop selling bento boxes. His eyes glanced over the various boxes when they landed on a beautifully painted white box with cherry blossoms. He felt a smile form on his face as he remembered their first interaction. The way the cherry blossoms swirled around Potter when he gave Mori chocolate, would stay in him memories forever.
It had been 3 weeks since valentine’s day, and white day was approaching. This was a good opportunity. He had been contemplating if he should do something, and this was surely a sign. Picking up the box, he brought it to the counter. The salesgirl was bubbly and smiled at him. “White day gift for your girlfriend?”
“Mm.” For a potential boyfriend. But he didn’t feel the need to explain.
She smiled bigger and quickly rang him up. She packaged the box and handed it to him. “There is a nice sweets shop three doors down.” She suggested. Mori nodded in thanks and left the shop.
The shop in question had an older woman working. She was sweet.
“What is your girlfriend like?” She asked. She offered to help him pick the perfect gift, and Mori was appreciative of any help in this matter.
“Cute.” Mori didn’t even need to think about it.
She huffed at him and then turned with a smile on her face. She advised him on some treats, and he withdrew the bento box and presented it to her. She happily filled it with the most cute marshmallows and gave it back.
Potter was cuter but they would do.
He rejoined the others with a small smile on his face. The only ones to notice were Hani and Kyouya but he wouldn’t answer either of them. This was for him. If the host club found out his intentions, it would become a show and he didn’t want that. He wasn’t the showy type, and Potter didn’t come off like that either.
On white day, he carefully carried the white bento box to Potter. The boy looked like he was readying to leave the room, so he took longer strides to get to the other side of the room before his target left. The brief flare of panic that he would miss his chance vanished as quickly as it came as he reached the intended desk.
Placing the box on the desk, he drank in the sight of the befuddled boy. Did he not think Mori would respond? Probably. Mori hadn’t given him any sign that he returned Potter’s affection, so he could understand. Maybe he should have spoken to Potter in the month between Valentine’s day and now… Hopefully, this would help clear things up for him.
Nodding, Mori forced himself away from admiring the adorable boy and walked away. When he was a decent distance away, he turned and looked over his shoulder to watch him.
Potter had a look of wonder on his face as he trailed a finger over the box. He slowly lifted the lid and a bright smile blossomed on his face when he took in the treats. Picking one up, he squished it between his fingers before popping it in his mouth. His cheeks were chubby with the treat, and his head bounced side to side in happiness as he chewed.
Mori watched on fondly.
So adorably cute.
Eventually, Harry packed the box away, but the smile remained on his face and Mori knew he won. Potter had to understand his heart now.
The Final Blow
“Ah…. Mori-san…” The soft hesitant voice drew his attention. His gaze was fully focussed on the blushing boy before him. That same cherry blossom blush spreading across his nose and cheeks. Potter held another box in his hand, he was biting his lip again, and the blush was spreading every second. It was overwhelming cute. “Thank you for the gift yesterday…” Quickly he thrust the bento into Mori’s arms and fled again.
Hani appeared at his side immediately with a grin. “Oh? Did something happen that I don’t know about?”
Mori sent a look at his cousin. “Mm. White day gift.” He explained.
Hani’s eyes got wide as he stared at him in shock. “You gave Potter-san a white day gift? When? Where? How come I didn’t know about this until now?” Hani demanded. He stomped his foot as he demanded answers.
Mori smirked. “Interference.”
Hani glared at him. “I wouldn’t have interfered! I would have helped. I could have led him out to the garden’s, the same spot he gave you chocolates. I could have convinced Tamaki to hire a string quartet and-”
Mori held up a hand to silence his cousin. “Interference.” He pointed out. Mori wanted to do this at his own pace and not pressure Potter.
Hani pouted. “Fine. But I get to question him about his intentions!”
“No.”
“What?” Hani looked devastated. “But that’s what a best friend does. They make sure the suspect is good enough for you to date!”
“Investigated.” With everything he and Kyouya dug up, Mori didn’t understand how Hani couldn’t see how Potter was a good choice in partner. He was hardly a suspect and Mori didn’t want Hani treating the poor boy like one.
Hani let out a long whining noise as he clutched Usa-chan tightly. “This isn’t fair,” he pouted. Then he sent a look at the box in hands. “What did you get today?”
Mori lifted the lid to see scones inside and some bags of tea.
He smiled.
Hani let out a sigh. “I can’t have one, can I?”
Mori shook his head.
“But there’s two bags of tea!” Hani pointed out.
Mori tilted his head in acknowledgement.
Hani huffed. “I am going to hunt down Kyouya. If I can’t interrogate him then I will set up a date.”
Mori frowned. “No.”
Hani dropped his cutesy act and stared at him hard. “No. If you continue at this pace, without talking, without making a serious move, you won’t get together until you are both in your 30’s. Lunch, go to the clubroom.”
He wasn’t wrong.
Mori could see it. He would enjoy the scones, no doubt about that, and then spend weeks thinking of a return gift. In that time, he would probably admire Potter from afar like he was currently. Potter had taken the leap to give him chocolates. Since he just matched the boy’s actions, but with this second gift, Mori needed to try harder. He couldn’t let Potter think his feelings were weak.
Mori stared at his cousin and had to concede. He was right. Mori needed to take initiative in this matter. He had become fond of Potter, and he wished to pursue things. He had no experience in dating, and he didn’t think Potter did either but he was doing his best. It was time Mori was the brave one.
Nodding, Mori agreed. This would either go great, or it would fail. But Mori looked forward to having one date with Potter. “Ah.” He verbalized his agreement.
Hani smiled widely and then ran away. Mori sighed. Maybe he shouldn’t have agreed with his cousin so quickly.
When lunch came, Hani shoved him out of his seat the told him to go. He nodded and left. He trusted his cousin to have good intentions.
Kyouya was waiting for him. Clipboard in hand, glasses glinting.
“Mori-senpai,” The younger boy greeted him. “I am disappointed you didn’t inform me of your intentions earlier. Had I known, I would have taken the appropriate steps to ensure that this lunch date was better organized. I would have also had the time to investigate Potter-san’s favorite foods and have my personal chef prepare them.”
Mori wanted to sigh. Hani was too much but he needed to believe. “Thank you.” He responded. He did appreciate the spread he could see on the table. Looking closer, he walked over and took the scones off and handed them to the other boy. He had Potter’s, and something told him that the ones provided would be subpar to Potter’s work.
“No one will bother you. I guarantee it.” Kyouya promised. He trusted the boy.
“Ah.” Mori was happy.
Kyouya took the old scones and left the room after wishing him luck.
Mori opened his container and carefully put Potter’s scones on the table. Next, he prepared a pot of tea and added the gift tea from the morning. Soon, he could hear his cousin in the hallway. With a loud goodbye to Potter, Mori straightened his uniform and went to the door. He opened the door and was a happy to see Potter on the other side, his hand raised to turn the handle.
He was here.
This was going to be his first date.
Mori was extremely happy.
He gently took Potter’s hand and led him to the table. He savored the sensation of the smaller hand in his. He felt calluses, a show of hard work. From the corner of his eye, he could see the smaller boy looking around in amazement. The room was decorated simply -for the hosts- the large windows perfectly displayed the gardens and the blooming cherry blossoms. A steady wind was sweeping the petals across the window. The sight captured Potter’s attention and brought a small happy smile to his adorable face. Cute.
When his eyes finally landed on the full table, his eyes lit up.
Mori felt his smile grow bigger.
They sat down, and he handed Potter a scone first. He pushed the jam and clotted cream closer and watched the boy closely.
Mori didn’t think Harry knew about the cute noises he made. When he took a bite of something delicious, his eyes would flutter close, and he would let out a tiny moan of pleasure as he smiled. When he made his tea, he hummed a quiet tune to himself in tune to the stirring of his spoon. When his eyes landed on something he wanted to eat, a small noise of interest would escape.
Mori made sure to give Potter everything he wanted to eat.
Nearing the end of lunch, Mori caught Potter staring at him. The other boy had a happy expression on his face as he looked, and Mori was flattered. Taking a chance, he raised a hand and caressed his cheek. The noise of approval made him feel bold.
Leaning forward, slowly, so Potter had time to move if he wanted, Mori kissed the boy he felt affection for.
When he pulled back, Harry had a cute grin on his face. The kiss was chaste but sweet. That brief touch had sent a pleasurable warmth through his body. Mori hoped to experience many more kisses in the future.
An intense feeling of happiness overtook him as he stared at Potter’s happy face. Leaning forward so his forehead touched the other’s, Mori was pleased.
“Mine.” He whispered. Will you be mine? Will you be my partner? Will you let me love you and love me in return? So many questions were running through his mind, that begged for an answer.
Potter, no Harry, made a small noise of agreement, his smile never dropping. Mori felt relief. Harry understood his feelings and returned them. He swore to himself to protect Harry. He swore to always be good to him. He swore to do his best.
Lunch ended, but Mori couldn’t bring himself to interrupt their time together. Harry didn’t either. Instead, he leaned against Mori, both basking in the sweet moment together.
He felt incredibly lucky to be with Harry.