Summary

Yuzuru Suou and Yoshio Ootori strike a bet. Both must use theirs wits, their power, and their charm to win Haruhi. But not for themselves. They both wish to see her marry their sons, and will do anything to make it happen. Once it becomes clear that Haruhi's father will not force to girl, they must do all they can to persuade her. Will Haruhi figure out their game before they can be successful?

"I have, indeed, planned for the Fujioka girl to marry my son. She would be a good asset to the Ootori empire." Yoshio sat primly, across from his long time rival, a small smile playing on his lips. He watched as Yuzuru Suou's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"And here, we find the last remaining obstacle. As you no doubt have seen, my son is infatuated with the girl. They would be a perfect match, and wise successors for the Suou business."

Yoshio laughed politely. "It's too bad," he said, still smiling. "It seems we will be at odds on this one last thing. Perhaps it would be better if we let Haruhi choose for herself?"

Yuzuru smiled devilishly. He had a wonderful, terrifying idea. "But who's to say we cannot help persuade her? Maybe…sway her feelings? If we don't, who's to say that she doesn't end up with one of those horrifying Hitachiin twins?"

"True." he was silent a moment, before nodding slightly. "This could be a most entertaining game." Yoshio Ootori stood, pushing his teacup away as he did. He found it hard to keep from grinning. A battle of wits with his rival? He could never pass this up. And with Haruhi Fujioka as the variable, it seemed as if this game could be most interesting. Not to mention that he really did think that Fujioka was best suited for Kyoya.

Yuzuru watched the other man leave, escorted by a pack of his bodyguards. He was not so concerned about keeping his glee private. As soon at the other businessman was out of sight, a large smile broke out on Yuzuru's face. He motioned for a maid to bring him a phone. The cell phone was flipped open the moment it hit his hand.

"Operator. Yes, put me in touch with the Okama Ranka Fujioka. Ryoji, yes."

He waited a moment, listening to the dial tone. Then, after a few tense minutes, there was a sleepy hello.

"How can I help you?" came the slumbered greeting and Yuzuru had to contain a maniacal laugh.

"Mr. Fujioka, I am the Superintendent of Ouran High School. You are, of course, aware that your daughter attends here."

A noise of assent was the response, and Yuzuru did not wait for more. "My son, Tamaki, is in the same club as your daughter, and I was wondering about your opinions on marriage."

This caught the man's attention. Yuzuru was surprised by the vehemence of the man's objections. "…not letting that pervert boy anywhere near my precious Haruhi, no better than a bug he is…"

"Pervert?" Yuzuru questioned. He thought he knew Tamaki pretty well, and besides being a seventeen year old boy, there was nothing truly perverted about him.

"I see your precious son has not shared these details with you, Superintendent. I came home and he was on top, yes on top, of my beautiful Haruhi. Poor girl, she's so naive, she did not even realize…"

Yuzuru raised his eyebrows. He had no idea that something of that nature had happened. "Mr. Fujioka, I'm sure it was all a grave misunderstanding…I really believe that your daughter would be a perfect match for my son."

"Well, I don't know – wait, I've got another call, could you excuse me for a moment?"

Yuzuru frowned. "Of course." He said pleasantly, while inside, he was fuming. He had no doubt that the caller on the other line was none other than his rival, Yoshio Ootori. It annoyed him to no end that the other businessman could not even wait for ten minutes to call Haruhi's father. He had to know how irritating he was being.

"Marriage? Please, tell me, why all this sudden interest in my daughter? I am on the phone with another of Haruhi's friend's father, and he is requesting the same thing?"

Ryoji was silent for a moment, listening to Yoshio speak. He was nodding, even though he knew the other man could not see him. "Oh, just the Superintendent. You know his son, that worthless pervert…"

He nodded again, agreeing with whatever Yoshio had said. "Yes, Haruhi is a very wonderful girl. I am rooting for your son, you know, but I will only let Haruhi decide her marriage. I think she would not have it any other way. Please, do say hello to Kyoya. It's been too long since he's called me." He said goodbye to the Ootori CEO before pressing another button on his phone. Flicking his hair away, he picked back up his conversation with the Superintendent. "As I said to Mr. Ootori, Haruhi must make her own decisions. I wish you son the best of luck in receiving her affections."

With that, he said a polite goodbye and flicked his phone shut, a devilish grin playing on his lips. He leant back in his chair. "Haruhi!" he called through his apartment. "Daddy has great news!"