An American Rabbit in Japan

"Um, Tamaki," said Bunny. "Is all of this really necessary?" Her blue eyes were wide with shock as she helped Tamaki unload the shopping cart at the register.

"Oh yes, every bit!" he replied excitedly. "We're going to have a picnic!" His eyes sparkled as he spoke, a grin spreading across his face.

"Oh, really?" Tamaki's excitement was contagious. "When is it?"

"I was thinking today would be perfect." Tamaki paid for his vast amount of goods.

"Perfect for what?" Bunny and Tamaki turned around to see Kyoya standing behind them, accompanied by the rest of the club.

"Oh, Tamaki's planning a picnic," Bunny responded brightly. She stumbled from the weight of the numerous bags she was carrying.

"Oh, Bunny, let us help you with those," said Kaoru.

"Yes, it would be quite rude if we didn't," said Hikaru.

"I wanna help Bunny-chan!" said Honey. He gave Usa-chan to Mori and rushed over to Bunny.

"Wait, wait! I can carry more bags!" said Tamaki frantically. He also rushed over to Bunny, who was quickly becoming overwhelmed.

"Guys, I need some space!" she shouted. They were so busy arguing over who got how many bags they didn't hear her. "Gah, Mori! A little help here please?!"

Mori grunted and switched to protective mode. He swiftly picked Bunny up with one hand by the back of her shirt and carried her back to safety. The fussing stopped immediately. The four boys stared at Bunny and Mori, who just stared back.

"Um, Mori?"

"Mm?"

"Um, I kinda miss having my feet on the ground..." He turned a light shade of pink as he gently set her down. She slowly edged over back to Tamaki, staring at her feet.

Kyoya cleared his throat, demanding their attention.

"So, what is this about a picnic?" he asked, pushing his glasses up.

"I wanted to have a picnic to celebrate!" said Tamaki, throwing his arms into the air joyously.

"To celebrate what?" I dare ask, Kyoya thought silently.

"To celebrate my adoption of Bunny as my little sister!!!" Tamaki flung himself at Bunny, cooing over her. Bunny felt that dreaded crimson blush creep up her face.

So that's what this is all about, she thought dryly. She quickly tried to change Tamaki's mind.

"Oh, um, that's not really necessary," she said. "I mean, there's no need to make a big deal out of it. It's not that important." She looked up after she finished speaking. "Huh? Where'd he go?" Hikaru and Kaoru pointed; he was in his emo corner.

"How could you say it's not important?" he muttered. "Do you think I'm not important?"

"No, no, it's not that," Bunny said frantically, waving her hands in protest.

"Ya know, Bunny," said Hikaru.

"It wouldn't hurt to let Tamaki-senpai fuss over you for a bit," said Kaoru.

"Yeah, 'cause Haru-chan never lets Tama-chan do it," said Honey. He looked up at Bunny with his big brown eyes and smiled, squeezing Usa-chan. "He likes people to know he cares about them. I think you should let Tama-chan fuss over you, 'kay?"

How could she resist?

She sighed and went to Tamaki, but not before she stuck her tongue out at the twins. They did it back to her, laughing.

"Um, Tamaki?" He was busy cultivating mushrooms and didn't seem to hear her. She poked his shoulder a few times.

Tamaki slowly turned his head to look at her.

"Pic...nic?" he whimpered weakly. Bunny nodded and Tamaki sprang to his feet, instantly revived.

"Okay, we'll take you back to Haruhi's home so you can change and then pick you back up later."

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing now?" Bunny asked. "It's just a picnic." They all laughed with an air that could only belong to the wealthy.

"Exactly, Bunny!" Tamaki told her, placing an arm around her shoulder. "One must dress nicely for such an occasion." Bunny suddenly felt very self-conscious, looking down at her plain outfit.

"But I didn't really pack anything fancy..." Tamaki didn't let it faze him.

"Okay, then you'll go home with Hikaru and Kaoru--" the twins exchanged smirks, which made Tamaki change his mind. "On second thought, I think you should go with Honey--"

"Oh, come on, Boss," said Hikaru.

"We won't do anything to her," said Kaoru, exasperated.

“We’ll just help her change,” Hikaru said with a suggestive wink. Bunny turned red.

“Um, no, I’m pretty sure I can do that myself,” she said quickly.

*Later, at the Hitachiin Mansion*

“You see, our mother is very popular designer,” said Hikaru to Bunny. He and Kaoru were walking Bunny down an enormous hallway. “So it’s doubtless that we won’t be able to find something for you.”

“Hey, let’s get something straight right now,” Bunny said, stopping them. “I am not your Barbie doll. We’re going in, picking something out, and leaving.”

“Okay, okay,” said Kaoru.

“You only have to try on what you like,” said Hikaru. “Deal?”

“Deal.” She shook their hands, feeling satisfied.

They finally stopped at a room. The twins pushed open the magnificent double doors, allowing a blinding light to flood the hallway. Bunny raised a hand to block the brightness, but it soon fell away with shock.

Bunny gasped.

The room was twice as large as her living room and was filled, wall to wall, with racks of clothes that seemed to glow in the dazzling lights. Mirrors that reached the ceiling were at the back of the room so a 360 degree view could be achieved. Bunny hesitantly walked in, her eyes wide, taking it all in.

Hikaru and Kaoru exchanged smug smirks. They pushed a button on the wall and the walls opened up to reveal closets hiding a plethora of shoes.

A squeak of joy escaped from Bunny’s mouth.

“Remember,” said Hikaru. “You only have to try on…”

“What you like,” finished Kaoru. Bunny was too stunned to respond.

“Come this way,” they said, each grabbing one of her arms. “The newest collection is right this way…”

Bunny tried to resist, but couldn't. She was too overwhelmed by the gorgeous clothes surrounding her. The twins sat her down in a chair and pulled outfit after outfit from the racks, critically looking over each one, but would decide that whatever one they were holding wasn't worthy of Bunny and placed it back. This went on for quite a while.

Bunny regained the strength in her legs and decided to explore a bit in the room. Frills, lace, and even sequins were all around her as she pushed through the fabric forest. She caught sight of a dress and moved toward it, pushing a sequined scarf out of her face. She took another step toward it and promptly tripped over a stray shoe.

“Stupid,” she muttered, pushing herself up. As she looked up, she saw the dress right in front of her.

It was the color of sweet cream and made out of some kind of airy material that made it appear as if it were floating, even though it was completely motionless. The fabric was draped on the bodice into a sweetheart neckline with crystals of some sort adorning the waist. Upon a closer look, she discovered that the crystals were embedded in delicate metallic flowers. The fabric flowed up and over the shoulders for sleeves and then back down to complete the dress.

“Bunny, where are you?” Bunny flinched and re-joined the twins.

“I’m here,” she said, still slightly dazed. They held up a light pink dress. The sleeves were bell shaped and rested delicately on the shoulders. The neckline was square-cut with lace details. A deep purple ribbon accentuated the waist and tied at back into a bow. The length was that of a party dress.

“Hmm…” Bunny tilted her head to the side. She pushed the vision of the other dress form her mind.

This dress wasn’t that bad at all.

She took it and, going into a dressing room the twins pointed out, tired it on.

She especially liked the bow. She stepped out of the dressing room to the applause of the twins.

“It looks great!” said Hikaru.

“Pink is a really good color on you, Bunny,” said Kaoru. Bunny turned that same color.

“Thank you,” she said shyly.

“Okay, now for hair and make-up.”

“What?!”

Back in his home, Tamaki paced in his room. He stopped in front of the mirror and checked his reflection for the tenth time, straightening his tie.

“Shima? Is everything set?” The Second Mansion Head Usher appeared.

“Yes, Tamaki-sama. The table is set, the food is prepared, and the canopy has been raised. We are now awaiting the arrival of your guests.” Tamaki smiled, feeling a slight relief.

“Thank you, Shima.” Now all I have to worry about is why they aren’t here yet. As soon as he thought this the doorbell rang. Tamaki’s servants opened the doors and in came the rest of the club, plus Bunny. Her hair had been pulled up into a high ponytail with a large purple bow. A few curled strands framed her face.

“Bunny-chan looks really cute, doesn’t she, Tama-chan?” Honey asked excitedly.

“She does!” replied Tamaki, just as excited. He grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the rest of the group and outside to the garden. “Come, on, Bunny!”

Shima sighed. “I apologize for the Young Master’s manners,” she said, an air of exasperation leaking into her voice.

“No apology is needed, Shima,” Kyoya assured her. “We’ve known him long enough to expect this sort of behavior.”

“Nevertheless, when the picnic is over, I’m going to give him extra lessons in manners.” Kyoya chuckled as Shima led them to the outside garden.