Dignity and Class (Katawa Shoujo/Ouran Host Club crossover}
Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 12:31 am
These two just seemed to go well together for some reason.
* * *
“This isn’t a good idea,” the Nurse said as he looked at the piece of paper in his hand. “There’s way too many things that could go wrong. We can’t send the entire medical staff there, and if something should happen, God forbid, where’s the closest hospital? I can’t approve this.”
“I assure you that the school has one of the best medical facilities that money can buy,” the man sitting at the head of the table said.
“For treating rich children of colds and to occasional STD, I’m sure. Do you have the facilities for proper physical therapy? Pharmaceutical supplies? A dialysis machine?”
“No, but please, give us a list of all the medical supplies we need and it will be prepared.”
The Nurse sat back in his chair and scowled. He didn’t like this, he didn’t like the smug look on the man’s face, and he didn’t like the idea of leaving students under his care in the hands of someone who thought that all it took was money to fix the problem.
“I’m more worried about how your school’s students will react to ours,” Akio Mutou said.
“We raise our students to the highest ethical stan-“
“Bullshit,” Mutou snapped. “Your students will gawk and stare at the ones with obvious disabilities and whisper and guess about the ones without. Kids are cruel, petty, and willing to tear apart anything that they find different or uncomfortable.”
The man didn’t say anything. Apparently he was shocked into silence. He had heard that the Yamaku staff had...different...behaviors as compared to proper Japanese etiquette, but to experience it head on was...alarming.
“The only reason you’re doing this is so you, your school, and your company can look good for the press. Your stock dropped ten points over the year and you need American investors. However, when they look at you they see a cold-blooded Japanese corporation that’s not making money, bad for PR, and not worth the investment. So you want to trot out a bunch of attractive, unfortunate cripple children and show how kind you are, and how giving, so that the charity heavy corporations will jump on board to get a taste.”
The man’s mouth opened and closed. He was beyond shocked and passing into actual visible anger.
“So you come here and, like the coward you are, actually hold your little bit of funding hostage in exchange for our help,” Mutou leaned forward. “You will go to hell for this.”
“How...How dare yo-“
“However...” Mutou continued. The rest of the Yamaku faculty was just staring at the teacher. They had never seen him act like this...ever. He was actively antagonizing one of the major backers of the school. What was he thinking?
“Here’s what’s going to happen,” Mutou continued. “You’ll get your photo op...but you only get a handful of students...ten. Also, you’ll get a full list of their needs, which will be set up BEFORE they arrive and the Nurse will inspect them and be on site for the two weeks. Finally, as thanks for this opportunity to save your bottom line...you’re going to triple your contribution to the school.”
Jaws dropped all around the table.
The man sputtered and fumed. “What makes you think that I’ll agree to any of this?”
“Because if you don’t I’ll make sure that all our other donors know what you tried to do, and how you’re pulling out. I’m sure the Kirijo, Matsumura, Yotsuba, and Simeon groups would LOVE to know about this.”
There was one of those long horrible pauses that the world hinges on. The man sitting at the head of the table narrowed his eyes and looked at Mutou.
“You didn’t come up with that plan on the spot. Did you?”
Mutou tried to look impassive, but he did blink.
“My brother talked to you, didn’t he?”
Mutou swallowed. He could feel his righteous fury slowly leaking out of him.
The man scowled again. “Father will hear about this...” He muttered. “Fine. Have it your way. I’ll have someone come by later to make arrangements, and you can choose who will be Ouran’s guests.”
“We look forward to it Mr. Ootori,” the headmaster said weakly.
* * *
Mutou collapsed in a chair in the Nurse’s office. “I can’t believe that worked.”
“What. Were. You. THINKING?!” The Nurse said. “The Ootori family is one of the largest donors we have, and you talk to him like its a hostage negotiation?”
“Wasn’t it?” Mutou sighed. “Anyway, I was assured by Ootori that if his brother pulled funding he would make it up.”
“And you believed him?”
Mutou shrugged. “It was that or have the all people in our care, the people who put their trust in us, be put on display to be gawked at.”
“So now only ten have to be humiliated and put at risk,” the Nurse said. He sighed. “Well, now what?”
“We should pick who goes and then plan from there,” Mutou said. “I guess it should be 3-3 then. I stuck my neck out...”
“No. Not a good idea, Chou’s transplant is tomorrow, he’ll need the rest of the month to rest. Yumi also had a flare up and needs to be on watch. Then there’s Hanako, no way she’d be able to handle something like this,” the Nurse said.
“She’s been getting better,” Mutou said.
“There’s a difference between being able to go to the corner store in a rural town with her best friend or boyfriend and going to a new crowded school filled with strangers who’ll gawk at her.”
“Heh,” Mutou grinned. “So you noticed her and Hisao?”
“Hard not to,” the Nurse said. His forehead furrowed in thought. “Hisao might not be a bad choice.”
Mutou nodded and then shook his head. “No, we’re being as bad as that asshole. We should put it up to the students. Ask who wants to come and then choose from there.”
The Nurse nodded. “Agreed,” he sighed and held his head in his hands. “I don’t like this at all.”
“It never was a good idea in the first place, what was that shithead thinking?”
* * *
“It was never a good idea in the first place. What were you thinking brother?” Kyoya Ootori said over the phone. “We are above things like this, and if this is the type of action that you feel is necessary then I question your jud-“ He stopped, listening to the other voice on the phone. The other Host Club members were trying to hide behind various pieces of furniture. They had seen Kyouya angry before...but this was beyond anger, beyond even the Demon’s Glare. “Go ahead, tell father! I have some interesting things he might like to know about as well...Itsuki Naro. Yes, I know about him,” there was a long silence.
“I’m glad you saw reason,” The was another pause. Kyouya’s frown deepened. “Ten? No, I told him to just refuse outright. Triple?” A small smile formed on Kyouya’s lips. “No, you’re right. That is outrageous. We should quadruple it...at least, and you should get down on your knees and thank them for it. Yes...yes, they will be given the highest level of hospitality for the two weeks. Fine, I will make arrangements,” Kyouya snapped his cell phone shut and turned to the rest of the cowering host club members.
“We will be receiving some visitors soon and preparations need to be made.”
* * *
“Ouran school?” Misha said, translating for Shizune. “Paradise! A place of high-class, high-breeding, and the ultimate in...ref-in-mint? Oh, refinement! It’s the perfect place for people such as myself...and maybe Misha. HEY!” The pink hair girl frowned at her friend. “Oh, okay, you belong there too. Huh, I better!”
* * *
“Sounds like you’d fit right in Lilly.”
“Oh, no...it’s...not a place for someone like me.”
“I swear, first person makes a blind joke I’ll crack them over the he-“
“It’s not that Hisao,” Lilly said. “And you shouldn’t fight anyway. No, I’m...not suited for that kind of crowd, I’m afraid. It’s complicated.”
“Oh,” Hisao knew that was Lilly’s code for ‘please don’t pry’ and he knew better. He returned to his chess game with Hanako. “I hope someone challenges Emi to a race, and she wipes the floor with them.”
Lilly and Hanko smiled at the mental image. “Has she put her name in?” Lilly asked.
“Yeah, she and Rin were talking about it during lunch.”
“Rin is going too?” Lilly shook her head. “Oh dear...”
“It’s your move Hanako,” Hisao said. It had been her turn for a long while. She was just staring at the board, biting her lip “Something wrong?” Hisao asked.
She mumbled something very softly.
“I’m sorry Hanako,” Lilly said. “I didn’t catch that.”
“I would like to go.”
“What?” Both Lilly and Hisao said flatly. This was...mind boggling. Kenji learning basic social skills was more likely than this.
“Hanako...I...why?” Hisao said, a tad too loudly.
Hanako frowned and curled up in her chair.
“No no no. Sorry,” Hisao said. He touched Lilly’s arm gently, their code for ‘help me!’
“Is it their library? I heard they have an original Chaucer there.”
Hanako shook her head. “No, I mean...I want to see that yes, but...” she blushed. “There’s another reason.”
“Can you tell us?”
“Not...not yet,” She said.
Hisao tapped Lilly’s arm twice, and she nodded. “Well then,” Lilly said. “We’ll all have go then.”
* * *
“Not many volunteers,” Mutou looked through the very small pile of forms.
“No,” the Nurse said. “I’m not that surprised. Especially after the speeches you and the other teachers gave.”
“We wanted to be honest with them.”
“You will be in an unfamiliar area, with people who are unaccustomed to seeing different things, there will be photo shoots and other required appearances, also your access to medical and supportive facilities will not be as available,” the Nurse recited. “Yes, that paints a very pleasant picture.”
“Rin, and Emi put in applications,” Mutou looked at the forms.
The Nurse nodded. “Not surprised...Emi would do quite well I think, and Rin...”
Mutou shrugged.
“Yes, exactly,” the Nurse said. “Who’s next?”
“Misha and Shizune.”
“They’d be a good choice actually,” the Nurse nodded again. “Shizune might actually get along there.”
“Next is Kenji Setou.”
“Really?”
“Yes, he wrote ‘To spread the word of the Feminist Conspiracy to the outside world and warn others’ in his reason for going.”
The Nurse shook his head. “Hoo boy, well we said that we’d send them ten kids.”
“Daisuke Usano is next.”
“Really?” The Nurse frowned. “Let me check something...” He rummaged through his files for a bit and tapped on his computer. “Hmm, he’s reacting well to the new medication, and his seizures are way down. He’ll have to wear his helmet all the time though.”
“He hates that thing.”
“Well, it’s that or he doesn’t go,” the Nurse said in a matter-of-fact tone.
“Ah, here’s no surprise, Natsume Ryo,” Mutou smiled. “It looks like she and Daisuke are dating again.”
“This is what, the sixth time they’ve gotten back together?” The Nurse said. “Well, they say the place is wheelchair accessible, so she should be alright.”
“There are only three applications left.” Mutou said.
“Well good, that’s ten,” the Nurse sighed. “Unless...you’re making that face, what’s wrong? Is one of them unsuitable?”
“Hanako.”
“You’re kidding.”
Mutou shook his head. “And that’s not all, the other two are Lilly and Hisao.”
“Obviously.”
“They wrote ‘Hanako wanted to go, so we’re coming with her’ in the reason space.”
“Going was Hanako’s idea?” The Nurse’s eyes opened in confusion. “What did she write?”
Mutou looked at her form and blinked at the words. He held it up so the Nurse could see.
“Huh,” was the only thing the Nurse could say. “Well...guess we have our ten.”
“This is such a bad idea,” Mutou said.
* * *
“This isn’t a good idea,” the Nurse said as he looked at the piece of paper in his hand. “There’s way too many things that could go wrong. We can’t send the entire medical staff there, and if something should happen, God forbid, where’s the closest hospital? I can’t approve this.”
“I assure you that the school has one of the best medical facilities that money can buy,” the man sitting at the head of the table said.
“For treating rich children of colds and to occasional STD, I’m sure. Do you have the facilities for proper physical therapy? Pharmaceutical supplies? A dialysis machine?”
“No, but please, give us a list of all the medical supplies we need and it will be prepared.”
The Nurse sat back in his chair and scowled. He didn’t like this, he didn’t like the smug look on the man’s face, and he didn’t like the idea of leaving students under his care in the hands of someone who thought that all it took was money to fix the problem.
“I’m more worried about how your school’s students will react to ours,” Akio Mutou said.
“We raise our students to the highest ethical stan-“
“Bullshit,” Mutou snapped. “Your students will gawk and stare at the ones with obvious disabilities and whisper and guess about the ones without. Kids are cruel, petty, and willing to tear apart anything that they find different or uncomfortable.”
The man didn’t say anything. Apparently he was shocked into silence. He had heard that the Yamaku staff had...different...behaviors as compared to proper Japanese etiquette, but to experience it head on was...alarming.
“The only reason you’re doing this is so you, your school, and your company can look good for the press. Your stock dropped ten points over the year and you need American investors. However, when they look at you they see a cold-blooded Japanese corporation that’s not making money, bad for PR, and not worth the investment. So you want to trot out a bunch of attractive, unfortunate cripple children and show how kind you are, and how giving, so that the charity heavy corporations will jump on board to get a taste.”
The man’s mouth opened and closed. He was beyond shocked and passing into actual visible anger.
“So you come here and, like the coward you are, actually hold your little bit of funding hostage in exchange for our help,” Mutou leaned forward. “You will go to hell for this.”
“How...How dare yo-“
“However...” Mutou continued. The rest of the Yamaku faculty was just staring at the teacher. They had never seen him act like this...ever. He was actively antagonizing one of the major backers of the school. What was he thinking?
“Here’s what’s going to happen,” Mutou continued. “You’ll get your photo op...but you only get a handful of students...ten. Also, you’ll get a full list of their needs, which will be set up BEFORE they arrive and the Nurse will inspect them and be on site for the two weeks. Finally, as thanks for this opportunity to save your bottom line...you’re going to triple your contribution to the school.”
Jaws dropped all around the table.
The man sputtered and fumed. “What makes you think that I’ll agree to any of this?”
“Because if you don’t I’ll make sure that all our other donors know what you tried to do, and how you’re pulling out. I’m sure the Kirijo, Matsumura, Yotsuba, and Simeon groups would LOVE to know about this.”
There was one of those long horrible pauses that the world hinges on. The man sitting at the head of the table narrowed his eyes and looked at Mutou.
“You didn’t come up with that plan on the spot. Did you?”
Mutou tried to look impassive, but he did blink.
“My brother talked to you, didn’t he?”
Mutou swallowed. He could feel his righteous fury slowly leaking out of him.
The man scowled again. “Father will hear about this...” He muttered. “Fine. Have it your way. I’ll have someone come by later to make arrangements, and you can choose who will be Ouran’s guests.”
“We look forward to it Mr. Ootori,” the headmaster said weakly.
* * *
Mutou collapsed in a chair in the Nurse’s office. “I can’t believe that worked.”
“What. Were. You. THINKING?!” The Nurse said. “The Ootori family is one of the largest donors we have, and you talk to him like its a hostage negotiation?”
“Wasn’t it?” Mutou sighed. “Anyway, I was assured by Ootori that if his brother pulled funding he would make it up.”
“And you believed him?”
Mutou shrugged. “It was that or have the all people in our care, the people who put their trust in us, be put on display to be gawked at.”
“So now only ten have to be humiliated and put at risk,” the Nurse said. He sighed. “Well, now what?”
“We should pick who goes and then plan from there,” Mutou said. “I guess it should be 3-3 then. I stuck my neck out...”
“No. Not a good idea, Chou’s transplant is tomorrow, he’ll need the rest of the month to rest. Yumi also had a flare up and needs to be on watch. Then there’s Hanako, no way she’d be able to handle something like this,” the Nurse said.
“She’s been getting better,” Mutou said.
“There’s a difference between being able to go to the corner store in a rural town with her best friend or boyfriend and going to a new crowded school filled with strangers who’ll gawk at her.”
“Heh,” Mutou grinned. “So you noticed her and Hisao?”
“Hard not to,” the Nurse said. His forehead furrowed in thought. “Hisao might not be a bad choice.”
Mutou nodded and then shook his head. “No, we’re being as bad as that asshole. We should put it up to the students. Ask who wants to come and then choose from there.”
The Nurse nodded. “Agreed,” he sighed and held his head in his hands. “I don’t like this at all.”
“It never was a good idea in the first place, what was that shithead thinking?”
* * *
“It was never a good idea in the first place. What were you thinking brother?” Kyoya Ootori said over the phone. “We are above things like this, and if this is the type of action that you feel is necessary then I question your jud-“ He stopped, listening to the other voice on the phone. The other Host Club members were trying to hide behind various pieces of furniture. They had seen Kyouya angry before...but this was beyond anger, beyond even the Demon’s Glare. “Go ahead, tell father! I have some interesting things he might like to know about as well...Itsuki Naro. Yes, I know about him,” there was a long silence.
“I’m glad you saw reason,” The was another pause. Kyouya’s frown deepened. “Ten? No, I told him to just refuse outright. Triple?” A small smile formed on Kyouya’s lips. “No, you’re right. That is outrageous. We should quadruple it...at least, and you should get down on your knees and thank them for it. Yes...yes, they will be given the highest level of hospitality for the two weeks. Fine, I will make arrangements,” Kyouya snapped his cell phone shut and turned to the rest of the cowering host club members.
“We will be receiving some visitors soon and preparations need to be made.”
* * *
“Ouran school?” Misha said, translating for Shizune. “Paradise! A place of high-class, high-breeding, and the ultimate in...ref-in-mint? Oh, refinement! It’s the perfect place for people such as myself...and maybe Misha. HEY!” The pink hair girl frowned at her friend. “Oh, okay, you belong there too. Huh, I better!”
* * *
“Sounds like you’d fit right in Lilly.”
“Oh, no...it’s...not a place for someone like me.”
“I swear, first person makes a blind joke I’ll crack them over the he-“
“It’s not that Hisao,” Lilly said. “And you shouldn’t fight anyway. No, I’m...not suited for that kind of crowd, I’m afraid. It’s complicated.”
“Oh,” Hisao knew that was Lilly’s code for ‘please don’t pry’ and he knew better. He returned to his chess game with Hanako. “I hope someone challenges Emi to a race, and she wipes the floor with them.”
Lilly and Hanko smiled at the mental image. “Has she put her name in?” Lilly asked.
“Yeah, she and Rin were talking about it during lunch.”
“Rin is going too?” Lilly shook her head. “Oh dear...”
“It’s your move Hanako,” Hisao said. It had been her turn for a long while. She was just staring at the board, biting her lip “Something wrong?” Hisao asked.
She mumbled something very softly.
“I’m sorry Hanako,” Lilly said. “I didn’t catch that.”
“I would like to go.”
“What?” Both Lilly and Hisao said flatly. This was...mind boggling. Kenji learning basic social skills was more likely than this.
“Hanako...I...why?” Hisao said, a tad too loudly.
Hanako frowned and curled up in her chair.
“No no no. Sorry,” Hisao said. He touched Lilly’s arm gently, their code for ‘help me!’
“Is it their library? I heard they have an original Chaucer there.”
Hanako shook her head. “No, I mean...I want to see that yes, but...” she blushed. “There’s another reason.”
“Can you tell us?”
“Not...not yet,” She said.
Hisao tapped Lilly’s arm twice, and she nodded. “Well then,” Lilly said. “We’ll all have go then.”
* * *
“Not many volunteers,” Mutou looked through the very small pile of forms.
“No,” the Nurse said. “I’m not that surprised. Especially after the speeches you and the other teachers gave.”
“We wanted to be honest with them.”
“You will be in an unfamiliar area, with people who are unaccustomed to seeing different things, there will be photo shoots and other required appearances, also your access to medical and supportive facilities will not be as available,” the Nurse recited. “Yes, that paints a very pleasant picture.”
“Rin, and Emi put in applications,” Mutou looked at the forms.
The Nurse nodded. “Not surprised...Emi would do quite well I think, and Rin...”
Mutou shrugged.
“Yes, exactly,” the Nurse said. “Who’s next?”
“Misha and Shizune.”
“They’d be a good choice actually,” the Nurse nodded again. “Shizune might actually get along there.”
“Next is Kenji Setou.”
“Really?”
“Yes, he wrote ‘To spread the word of the Feminist Conspiracy to the outside world and warn others’ in his reason for going.”
The Nurse shook his head. “Hoo boy, well we said that we’d send them ten kids.”
“Daisuke Usano is next.”
“Really?” The Nurse frowned. “Let me check something...” He rummaged through his files for a bit and tapped on his computer. “Hmm, he’s reacting well to the new medication, and his seizures are way down. He’ll have to wear his helmet all the time though.”
“He hates that thing.”
“Well, it’s that or he doesn’t go,” the Nurse said in a matter-of-fact tone.
“Ah, here’s no surprise, Natsume Ryo,” Mutou smiled. “It looks like she and Daisuke are dating again.”
“This is what, the sixth time they’ve gotten back together?” The Nurse said. “Well, they say the place is wheelchair accessible, so she should be alright.”
“There are only three applications left.” Mutou said.
“Well good, that’s ten,” the Nurse sighed. “Unless...you’re making that face, what’s wrong? Is one of them unsuitable?”
“Hanako.”
“You’re kidding.”
Mutou shook his head. “And that’s not all, the other two are Lilly and Hisao.”
“Obviously.”
“They wrote ‘Hanako wanted to go, so we’re coming with her’ in the reason space.”
“Going was Hanako’s idea?” The Nurse’s eyes opened in confusion. “What did she write?”
Mutou looked at her form and blinked at the words. He held it up so the Nurse could see.
“Huh,” was the only thing the Nurse could say. “Well...guess we have our ten.”
“This is such a bad idea,” Mutou said.
