Author's Note: The sequel to "The Last Straw" ("The Learning Curve") will have a time skip and start in mid-March of the next calendar year. In order to have a smooth transition without dozens of confusing flashbacks, I'll be writing one-shots of different events happening over the time skip. I'll put them as chapters in a story to reduce confusion.

For those of you who didn't like where "The Last Straw" went or how it ended, I ask that you give the sequel a chance. I learned a lot from that first story…the biggest thing being not to let it get away from me. I have a complete, detailed story outline now. I have a goal for each character and an arc that will get them there. I have a purpose for the story and know where it will go from beginning to end. It should be more cohesive. I hope you like it.

Enjoy.

Disclaimer: Don't own it, never will. Just the plot of this story and the very small OCs.

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xXx

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Date Posted: 9/7/2018

Trigger Warnings: None

Story: Mori's Parents

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Previously:

Mori's Father to Mori:

"When this is all settled, and everyone is safe, you, your Mother, and I have much to discuss regarding Haruhi-chan."

Mori's thoughts that night:

What did Father mean when he said that he, Mother, and I need to discuss Haruhi? Do they believe I overstepped my authority in protecting her? Do they not wish for her to be around after, seeing her as trouble? Do they not approve of her as a commoner? Or her father's profession?

Regardless of why, I will keep her in my life. She always has held a special place in my heart and I won't lose that. I don't want to defy my parents, but to keep her in my life, I'll do what it takes.

Weekend after Kyoya's takeover:

"Takashi come into my office. Your mother and I need to talk to you."

This must be what he was talking about last week. What did they want to say about Haruhi? Now that we're done with protection, it's time to back away from her? I won't let that happen.

"Takashi, please sit. This shouldn't take long."

"Yes, Mother."

They didn't look like they were going to deliver bad news.

Father sat down and started, "Takashi, we had a long discussion with Ranka-san while he was here. He's worried about his daughter."

I can't believe I interrupted, but I did, "About my interactions with Haruhi?"

"No," he stated, his look warning me to not interrupt again. "He's worried about her future."

Then they told me the story…

FLASHBACK

Morinozuka home while Ranka was there being protected…

"Morinozuka-sama, may I discuss something with you?" Ranka looked nervous and concerned. Mori's father wondered what this could be about.

"Yes, Ranka-san. Please come with me. Please call me Akira."

"Thank you, Akira-san."

When they arrived at Akira's private office, he offered Ranka a drink and then a chair.

"I've been thinking a lot about my daughter and her future. This situation with Ootori-san has brought certain truths to my attention. I'm hoping you and Mrs. Morinozuka can help me," Ranka said nervously.

"We'll do what we can," Akira cautiously replied.

"Haruhi is an only child. Her mother passed away when she was very young. Her family disowned her when she married me. I have no family." Ranka took a deep breath and continued, "I worry about what will happen to Haruhi if something were to happen to me."

"Yes, that is a concern." Akira's concern showing in his voice. He wondered if this was a lead-up to a marriage contract.

"I don't want her to end up in an orphanage if I were to die before she reaches adulthood. I wanted to ask if you and Mrs. Morinozuka would allow me to name you as her guardians in my will."

Akira was surprised. He didn't expect that.

END FLASHBACK

"What did you say, Father."

"After discussing it with your Mother and much consideration, we told Ranka-san yes, on the condition you agreed to it."

"Guardian? Will you adopt her?" She'll be my sister? No!

"No, we wouldn't adopt her. She would live here and be our responsibility, but not an official member of the family." Mother quickly replied. There was something in her eyes…like she was reassuring me.

"Does Ranka-san have some reason to believe this is necessary?"

"I asked him. He's not sick or expecting to die anytime soon. All this danger from Yoshio made him realize that anything could happen, and he'd made no provision for Haruhi-chan."

"Does Haruhi know?"

Father looked at me with firm eyes, "No, she doesn't. Ranka-san doesn't want her to. He doesn't want her thinking of his death."

That makes sense. Why have her dwell on his possible death after her mother and everything that's happened the last few weeks?

"I agree. I would welcome Haruhi into our home."

"Thank you, son. I'll let Ranka-san know."

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The next few weeks were spent in a few appointments with lawyers. Ranka's will and a guardianship agreement were written.

Ranka wanted it spelled out in the agreenment that they would pay for her college and help her find a husband worthy of her.

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The agreement and will were signed. Soon everyone but Mori put it in the back of their minds.

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xXx

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Author's Note: Short story, but I didn't want to leave you hanging. I'm sure some of you were wondering what that talk was going to be about. I promise the rest won't be this short.

I had thought of a marriage contract, but it just wouldn't work with where I'm going in the sequel.

BTW: if you don't have a will, you need one. If you have kids and you die without a will, the STATE determines who gets them (in some states).

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