Garbage Breath (OHSHC x Fruits Basket)

Chapter Six: Enjoy It While It Lasts

To tell or not to tell that was the question. And Haida hadn't a clue what to do. He felt conflicted. He knew the consequences of not telling but he also didn't want to undermine his new friends. He had been laying in bed for the last half hour staring at his ceiling while weighing the pros and cons.

If he told, Akito wouldn't be as mad with him. He'd still be in trouble but less so then if he'd kept it secret. But then his friends memories of him would have to be erased and he'd probably have to move schools.

If he didn't tell Akito and the rest of his family.. he'd be able to keep his new friends and stay at Ouran. But if the host club told then his family's secret would be out and he and all of the other cursed Sohma's would be in a lot of trouble. And Akito would punish him.

He sighed in frustration rubbing his temple and trying not to get a headache. "Sheesh. This is way too much to think about." He grumbled to himself as he got up. He checked the time; it was about 10pm on a school night. He put on his shoes and laced them before grabbing his jacket shrugging it on.

"Looks like I'm going to need a second opinion." He muttered as he zipped up his jacket and then left the house. He locked the door though he doubted anyone would want to break inside.

It was a short walk down the street of the estate. Many houses resided in the gated neighborhood; all sharing the Sohma name. But only few were cursed.

He paused outside the house. The lights were on. Surely someone was awake. He hesitated before knocking on the door. When it opened he was met with shocked parents. "H-Haida? What are you doing here?" The father questioned as they both backed away as if in fear.

Haida was a little offended but tried not to pay much mind to them. It was nothing new after all. "Can I see Hatsuharu please?" He asked waiting to be let inside. Why couldn't the dumb Ox have answered the door..

"Uh.. yeah." Haru's mom agreed stepping aside for Haida who quickly came inside eager to see the person he came to see.

"Keep your beads on please." The father requested holding his wife's hand as if to console her. They've just let a monster into their home after all..

Haida was hurt by that, tugging his sleeve over his wrist to hide the bracelet in shame. "Yeah. Of course." He said as politely as he could through gritted teeth. 

He didn't even bother knocking on Haru's door just letting himself in. "Haru.." He whined plopping down on the cows bed in defeat.

The Ox was laid back against the pillows reading a book. Upon closer inspection Haida recognized the book as one of Shigure's works. He couldn't stand the dog's perverse writing  personally.. but Haru had always been a supporter of Shigure. "Haida? What are you doing here? It's late." Haru questioned slowly but gently patting the boys head affectionately. "Is something up?"

Haida let loose tears of stress and frustration while nodding. "Something bad happened." He sniffled pitifully. He needed help and Haru was the most helpful person Haida knew.

The cow appeared confused as he laid his book aside and opened his arms gesturing for the distraught boy to come closer. Haida accepted the comforting embrace. "What happened?"

"I messed up. I made friends at my new school." He told Haru through his tears.

"That sounds like a good thing." Haru commented gently rubbing circles into the small of the raccoons back.

"No.. they found out. I transformed." Haida sobbed and the Ox was so surprised he went still and rigid. "It was a accident. It just kinda happened." He went on to describe how and what had happened; Haru was silent the whole time as Haida spoke.