Bitten {Ouran Host Club}

Mute

Alaria's POV

"AHHH!"

My cry of pain echoed throughout the halls. Another blow, another cry. "Stop! Please!" My voice cracked and her psychotic laughter filled the room. "You should've--" She paused to punch me in the stomach, "Died--" She slapped me, "With your--" She pulled me onto the floor and kicked me in the chest, "Father!"

Every blow was like a wake up call. Things like, "You don't deserve Kyoya," "You're a worthless bitch," "She's right; you should've died with your father," floated into my foggy brain. I wanted nothing more than to die right now.

Mom backed away, stumbling out of my room and down the hall way. I whimpered as I grabbed hold of my sheets and pulled myself onto my bed and grabbed my first aid kit.

I tended to my wounds, covering the already-forming bruises and coating cuts with neosporin.

My bed felt like a cloud that night as I cried myself into a dreamless sleep. So comfortable and welcoming.

***

I woke up and covered my bruises with foundation. I put bandages over the neosporin on my cuts and dressed in my usual, clean uniform.

Haruhi and Tamaki's limo pulled up to my driveway just as I shut the door. Just what I needed...

I opened the limo door and sat down as far away from the couple as I could. I said nothing, simply looked at the floor board.

Tamaki and Haruhi continuously glanced at me with worry, and tried to make conversation with me to no avail. Eventually, the two simply let me be and went on about their own conversation.

When the limo pulled up to Ouran, I hesitated. Was I truly ready to face another day of school after a night of the worst abuse I've ever experienced?

"Alaria? Are you okay?" Haruhi's worried voice hit my ears gently. I nodded once stiffly and exited the vehicle.

I made my way to my first class, thinking about the terrible night before. It was as if, as soon as Kyoya denied me, the entire world crumbled before me. It was a miracle I hadn't stayed in today.

For the first time, I was the first in the class room. I stood in the door for a moment, almost calling out for Tamaki and Kyoya. But they obviously weren't there.

I sat down at my desk, not speaking a word even to myself. I didn't want to talk anymore. I didn't need to. Why? Words only hurt. They bring no happiness or love. They only hurt. I will speak not another word. Not one other.

"Look, I just don't understand why you had to be so harsh on her!" Tamaki's voice broke through my thoughts, though my depressed mind found more interest in the desk. "I was hurting her, Tamaki. I hated the look she--" Kyoya's voice stopped.

I didn't even have to look up to know that at least Kyoya had entered the room, if not Tamaki too. I continued to stare at the desk as they waited for me to say something. "Erm... Good morning?" Kyoya offered awkwardly. I continued to say nothing. I saw, in my peripheral, the two of them glance at one another in worry. "She hasn't spoken all morning." I heard Tamaki whisper.

They stood at their desks, saying nothing, and waited for the rest of the class to join us.

The rest of my morning classes flew by. Every single class I had one or two Hosts asking me if I was alright. I just had to get away from it all. I took my box lunch and his away in the music room; the only room I could find true comfort in.

I ate silently, the wish for death to come still lingered in my mind. It would be so easy. Just a quick--

"Alaria?"

The sound of a deep voice broke me from my suicidal thoughts. I turned from my lunch to Mori. He was alone; not with Hunni. The door was cracked open and part of his right shoulder and head was showing. "What're you doing here alone?"

He walked into the room and shut the door behind him. He came and sat down beside me on the red couch. I didn't answer him, just pretended to take sudden interest in the flower-filled vase before us. "What happened?" He knew there was a reason for me not speaking. I was just glad he wasn't asking me if I was okay.

I shrugged off his question -- most literally -- and he frowned. "I told you I was here for you, Alaria." He paused to let that sink in. "But you have to let me in." His words almost broke me, but I kept a blank expression. "You're usually rather talkative. What's happened?" Had Kyoya truly not told the rest of the Club what happened?

Hikaru and Kaoru entered the room, Tamaki, Hunni, Kyoya, and Haruhi behind them. "What's up, guys?" The twins asked in unison. Hikaru wiggled his eyebrows, but Kaoru had a general look of concern. They all took a seat opposite of us. Mori stood and helped Hunni to another table piled with cake.

I, again, answered no questions.

Tamaki sighed in frustration. "We can't help you if you don't tell us what's wrong!" I finally broke. "You can do nothing." I spat. Then entered my arena of silence. Everyone turned to me, surprised that I'd finally speak. And that I'd respond to such a sentence since I replied to no other.

Kyoya's head flew up, glaring at me. "And why not?" He questioned. "You have no idea what I'm capable of." I stood and glared at Kyoya, his challenging expression now one of shock. "You will do nothing." I rephrased, my voice harsh and filled with venom. My hands were fists, my cheeks red and jaw clenched. They would do absolutely nothing about my situation because they'd never find out.

Silence wracked the room as I straightened out and flattened my palms. I never wanted to say anything. I suppose I got myself into that mess. I brushed the front of my shirt and put away my lunch and left the room, the entirety of the Host Club gawking at me.

Except Mori.

I knew I was in a state of depression. That I needed help. But I would not send my mother to jail because I was too weak to take on some abuse.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Look who's unguarded!" That dousche. Didn't he know when to stop! I simply kept walking, in no mood to deal with idiots. I heard footsteps behind me, growing closer and closer. As soon as I heard the foot fall right behind me, I turned around and sent a punch to the person's chest.

A hand caught my bruised wrist and I bit my tongue in order to keep quiet. I looked up to see Mori. Had I been hallucinating? Was my depression that bad? I hissed as Mori let my wrist go and rubbed it. "I didn't mean to hurt you, Alaria." He mumbled, obviously feeling guilty. I just shrugged and turned to the large window. "Tell me, Lari. What happened?" His voice was so sincere and caring, it brought tears to my eyes. I looked at the ground, embarrassed. "You don't have to cry." He murmured, making me giggle weakly.

A tear escaped and rolled down my cheek where I quickly wiped if away. I heard Mori's breath catch and I turned to him curiously. "What happened, Lari? Why is there a-- a bruise? On your cheek?" He touched it gingerly and I hissed once more. "I--" I shook my head and looked away, covering the bruise with my palm. "Did someone--?" I shook my head quickly and convincingly.

He didn't need to know. If he knew, he'd tell the police. And they'd take her away from me.