Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Ouran High School Host Club nor do I make any profits from it what so ever! The genius of this work belongs to Bisco Hatori. I am a HUGE manga fan but it is my opinion that her art work is second to none!

A/N: This is only the second fan fiction I have written so please be kind. Constructive criticism is very welcome, but please don't be intentionally cruel. This world is rough enough lets at least be kind to each other on this forum where we can enjoy creative stories about characters we all love. My first story got awesome reviews by some super awesome people. I am hoping for the same on this story as reviews make me happy and keep me inspired to write more! Here we go!

"Thank you for coming with me today, Haruhi. I know you'd rather have a root canal than walk around a mall, but we don't get to spend enough time together," Kyoya's sister Fuyumi said.

"It's all right," Haruhi said laughing at the woman's choice of words. She looked around the mall with displeasure. It's true, she thought going to the mall was a colossal waste of time, but since Fuyumi didn't force her to try on a million ridiculous dresses loaded with frills and lace like some of the former hosts would she didn't find it as disagreeable as she usually did. Besides Fuyumi was right. They didn't get to spend that much time together.

Haruhi eyed several members of the Ohtori Secret Police that followed them. Yet another draw back of coming to the mall but Kyoya wanted his sister safe and always made sure a few were with her in such a public venue.

She sighed remembering the first argument she and Kyoya had. The very first day they started dating she felt like she was being followed to the university. They tried desperately to hide their presence, to look discreet, but they failed miserably. She had called Kyoya furious that he would have her trailed.

His argument had been that now that she was his girlfriend she could be a target. She countered with the fact that she's been a target since they were friends and nothing serious had ever happened to her.

In fact she had only been kidnapped once and those people had a grudge against Tamaki's family not the Ohtori's. She reminded him that happened when she was only a friend and not someone's girlfriend.

Kyoya had been persistent but she was stubborn as well. She told him that she had no desire to live her life any differently than before becoming his girlfriend and if he couldn't respect that she wasn't sure it could work between them.

Kyoya was not happy but he gave in. She had a feeling he still had her watched but she couldn't prove it and they didn't disrupt her life or make her stand out so she never argued it.

"You and Kyoya are going out for a while now, ne?" Fuyumi asked.

"Yes, almost six months," Haruhi said remembering her surprise when Kyoya had approached her about it.

-Flashback-

"Haruhi, are you free for dinner this evening?" Kyoya asked in the hall way between classes.

"Uh, yeah, Senpai, I guess," she said startled by his question.

"Great. I'll pick you up at seven," he said then walked away from her as abruptly as he appeared.

She endured the teasing and tormenting from the twins as they helped her choose a dress and before she knew it she was sitting across the table from Kyoya in a fancy restaurant.

"Haruhi, there is something I wish to discuss with you."

"What is it, Kyoya-senpai?"

"Well, I have been giving this matter a lot of thought lately and I have come to the conclusion that you and I would suit each other quite well. Do you agree?"

She was so shocked by his statement that she just sat there staring at him.

"Have you never thought about us as more than just friends?" he asked.

In truth there was one former host she had been thinking of recently as more than just a friend, but it wasn't Kyoya. She never took these new thoughts too far though since she highly doubted Mori-senpai would see her as anything other than the tiny host that needed saving from time to time.

"I see I have surprised you," he said at her continued silence.

Well, that was an understatement.

"Uh, yes, yes you have."

"Well, since it does not seem like you have considered the possibility allow me to list the merits to help you see the benefits of our being together."

"Merits," she whispered instantly thinking of the Ohtori Creed. "But, but, what about your father? Surely he would not agree to me…"

"Leave my father to me, Haruhi," Kyoya interrupted in just about the coldest voice she had ever heard from him. "Right now I am more interested in your thoughts on the matter."

He had shocked her once again. He would handle his father for her. He would stand up to that impossibly prestigious man, for her! Did that mean he cared for her? That thought intrigued her. In fact she felt an uncharacteristic surge of pride that he would consider her a worthy girlfriend despite his father's opinion.

"Haruhi, what are you thinking about right now?"

"Merits," she replied bluntly. "I am trying to figure out what the merits are for you if you date me."

"There are plenty. I find you attractive. I respect you. You are straight forward and speak your mind. Your intelligence fascinates me. In both Ouran Academy and now at Ouran University your grades are second only to my own. For all of these reasons I think we would make quite a good match. Are you agreeable, Haruhi?"

Kyoya was seriously asking her out. She looked at him as if he asked her if she wanted to take the next flight to the moon. She never thought he had any interest in her other than friendship. She had certainly never thought of Kyoya in that way, but now that he was asking her she realized several things. Kyoya was a handsome man, now even more so than when he was in high school. He was intelligent and his work ethic was second to none. Then there was that strange, unfamiliar pride she felt that someone like Ohtori Kyoya would choose a commoner like her.

She had never been swayed by money or social status but it always rubbed her raw when Kyoya made reference to her commoner background somehow making her feel beneath him. Which she wasn't! She could be on the arm of a Suoh if she cared about such things and Tamaki's name carried a lot more weight and prestige than the Ohtori's had whether Kyoya's father admitted that or not.

Tamaki had desperately spouted his feelings for her. He did so for years before she got through to him. But being with Tamaki would have been more of a chore than a relationship and since she was not interested in money or status she would not go out with him just to attain either. She simply wasn't interested. She also could have been on the arm of a Hitachiin as well, but she loved the twins as friends and nothing more. Hikaru understood her feelings and as the years went on he seemed to agree that it was best that both of them got to keep her as a friend rather than him having her and causing a rift between him and his brother. She could have used any of them if status meant anything to her but it didn't and she would never use any of them.

But, Kyoya, dating him would not be a chore. He was fun to talk to and he worked hard to obtain his goals just as she had. His sudden desire to have her for a girlfriend soothed the hurt pride he had inflicted on her so many times in the past. She would never admit it, and she didn't care to be part of the social elite, but it did hurt her when he spoke down at her.

Mori-senpai flitted through her mind. Was it fair to Kyoya to accept his request when Mori-senpai had recently been in her thoughts? Well, why not? It was just recently that she had noticed a slight shift in her feelings for the older host. It's not like she was in love with him and would be pining for him or anything. That she wouldn't do to herself or Kyoya, but that was not the case. Why should she consider thinking about a relationship that would remain just a dream on her part when Kyoya was offering her something obtainable?

"Haruhi," he said impatiently pulling her from her musings.

"I'm agreeable," she whispered unable to believe she said it.

He grabbed her hand, gave it a light squeeze, and smiled ever so slightly.

"Good, than starting now we are officially a couple. Now that that's settled let's enjoy our meal shall we?"

-End of Flashback-

"Haruhi, Haruhi, did you hear me?" Fuyumi asked pulling her from her thoughts.

"I'm sorry, Fuyumi, I didn't," she admitted.

"I asked how things were going with my little brother. He seems quite happy. I'd say smitten even."

"Smitten?" Haruhi asked looking at the taller woman in shock. "Things are going well between us but I don't know that I'd use the word smitten to describe your brother."

"Well, that's the word I'd use and I know him a lot longer," his sister said confidently.

Haruhi frowned thinking about Fuyumi's odd description. Kyoya was many things but smitten wasn't one of them. Kyoya was Kyoya. His emotions never changed except to go from cold to colder. She couldn't imagine what Fuyumi thought she saw but Kyoya didn't change from Shadow King mode to some boyfriend mode and get all warm and fuzzy. That's probably for the best though since she wasn't all warm and fuzzy herself.

She and Kyoya's relationship had not moved to a physical one as of yet. He kissed her and he touched her but he always stopped before they crossed that line. He said they weren't ready for that step yet and she agreed with him. She wasn't ready to give all of herself to a man she wasn't sure she would stay with. Who knew what the future held for them.

She didn't burn with desire for him and maybe she couldn't inspire a fire in others since Kyoya never seemed to lose himself at her touch either. Did she even want him too? In truth she was probably better suited to Kyoya's iciness than to a man who burned with passion like Tamaki. She just wasn't invested in all the work it would take to return any hot flowery words or actions. Kyoya was right, they seemed to suit each other perfectly.

"I don't know about him being smitten, but we are doing just fine," she said a relaxed smile on her face.

"I'm glad," Fuyumi said. "It's nice to see Kyoya so happy, so content. Are you in a hurry today?"

"No, I'm free this afternoon,Why?" she asked curiously.

"Perfect!" Fuyumi said linking her arm through Haruhi's. "I was gong to stop by the house to visit Kyoya and my mother if she's home. How about you join me and surprise my little brother?"

"I don't know," Haruhi said knowing Kyoya kept a tight schedule. He didn't like it disrupted and he wasn't much for surprises.

"Oh, come on, he'd love to see you."

"If you insist," she said hesitantly "But if he's angry I'm blaming you."

"Deal, but he won't be angry."

Haruhi followed Fuyumi through the endless halls of the Ohtori mansion. She knew this particular hall led to the most intimate part of the mansion. This section housed the bedrooms and their father's private study.

It was the study they were passing now. It had to be passed to reach the bedrooms. Haruhi heard their fathers voice and began to tiptoe passed not wanting him to think she was invading his privacy or trying to hear any of his conversations. He never outright disproved of her but he never said anything to make her feel like he did approve either. He seemed to just simply not acknowledge their relationship at all. Which suited her just fine. This way Kyoya didn't have to fight with his father.

Fuyumi seemed to follow her lead and began tiptoeing as well.

"Well, what is taking so long?" they heard Mr. Ohtori say.

"So long for what, Father?" Kyoya's cool voice replied.

Upon hearing Kyoya's voice Fuyumi stopped walking, grabbed Haruhi's arm, and held her in place.

Haruhi tried to pull out of her grasp really not wanting to listen in on a private conversation between father and son but Fuyumi held firm.

"Don't play dumb with me, Kyoya. It is most unbecoming and does not suit you at all."

"I see no need to rush," Kyoya said. "I never could understand your urgency, Father."

"I want this. I demand this," Mr. Ohtori said harshly. "Is that not reason enough for you, my son?"

"Father…"

"Fujioka Haruhi will become a member of this family. Do you wish for me to intervene?"

"No," Kyoya said firmly.

"Then ensure it…or I will. Have I made myself clear, Kyoya?"

"Crystal."

"Good. Now, about your classes this semester."

Haruhi was too shocked to take in any more of the conversation. She pulled herself from Fuyumi's grip and backed away quietly. Mr. Ohtori wanted Kyoya to date her to make her part of his family. That means he wanted Kyoya to marry her. She had never considered the thought of marrying Kyoya. She never thought they would get that far before his father intervened. She always knew she would break up with him before she allowed him to lose his chance at inheriting the Ohtori business. And he would inherit of that she was sure.

She held back a gasp as the conversation she over heard fully sunk into her brain. Kyoya wouldn't have to fight his father to marry her. It was his father's wish. That thought led to another more horrifying thought. Did Kyoya only ask her out to please his father? She thought she was going to be sick. She continued to back down the hall as her mind raced and her stomach turned. When she knew she was far enough away that her foot steps would not be heard she began to run as quickly as her unathletic legs would take her. Fuyumi wasn't that far behind her.

"Haruhi, wait," she yelled once they were outside safely away from any Ohtori ears. She grabbed Haruhi's arm and stopped her. When she spun her around she was shocked to see Haruhi crying. Hard.

Her shock caused her to let go. That was the opening Haruhi had been waiting for. She began to run yelling for the security guard to open the gate.

"No," Fuyumi started yelling behind her but Haruhi slipped through the small opening in the gate before the guards got it to close. She ran for the woods surrounding the Ohtori property fearing a car would be sent immediately. People on foot could be sent as well but she knew how to hide. She ran in a familiar direction letting some time pass before venturing back onto the road.

Fuyumi stood in shock wondering what she should do. The guards asked if they should retrieve her. Should they? She wasn't sure. Deciding to leave it up to Kyoya she told the guards not to follow and walked straight to Kyoya's bedroom. Finding the door locked she stood just outside his room and waited.

Tears filled her eyes as she remembered the look on Haruhi's face. Why had she asked her back to the mansion today? She never wanted Haruhi to hear something like that and since she looked so devastated she was sure now that Kyoya didn't want her to over hear it as well. That made her angry. Oh, Father, how could you? When will you learn to stay out of our business? Twenty minutes later she was pulled from her thoughts when Kyoya walked toward her.

"Fuyumi, what brings you here? If you came to visit Mother I believe she went shopping and to lunch with her friends. I see you decided to wait for me. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

He frowned when he noticed the tears in her eyes. Ohtori's were trained at an early age not to blubber and cry. Even as the only girl Fuyumi was taught this as well. What would cause his sister to cry?

"What is wrong?" he asked her.

She struggled to find her voice.

"Fuyumi, what is wrong?"

"Ha-Haruhi," was all that she managed to whisper.

"Haruhi, what about her?"

At her shocked silence he began to feel an unfamiliar panic and pressed for answers.

"Fuyumi, what is the matter?"

His sisters eyes filled with more tears and she began to shake. How could she tell him? Her brother's anger was as fierce as their fathers. How could she possibly tell him? How could she not? If she didn't he may never know that Haruhi over heard their conversation and therefore wouldn't understand why Haruhi was upset with him.

Haruhi was upset. Haruhi was angry. If Fuyumi knew Haruhi she may never speak to Kyoya again.

"Fuyumi," Kyoya said harshly running out of patience. "Why do you look so upset. Has something happened to Haruhi? Have you spoken to her? Answer me."

"I…I asked Haruhi to go shopping with me today."

"And?"

"And I talked her into coming here with me to surprise you."

"So, where is she then?"

"She…we…overheard your conversation with Father."

He froze. He finally understood why his sister was so upset.

"She knows," he whispered. "How bad was it?"

"Bad," she whispered in return.

"How bad?"

"Very bad."

He needed more than that to correctly assess the situation.

"On a scale of one to ten how angry was she?" he asked.

"Angry?" Fuyumi looked at him in disbelief. "I…I don't believe she was angry as much as…"

"Haruhi wasn't angry?" he said interrupting her. That didn't sound right. He expected her to be furious. He was actually surprised she wasn't in front of him right now venting her anger in a very blunt and cutting manner.

"She was hurt, Kyoya. She was crying so hard and…"

"Crying," he said interrupting her once more. That seriously alarmed him. In the four years since he's met her he had only seen her cry once. Even that one time was not because she was emotionally hurt. She had only cried because it physically hurt her to have her contact knocked loose during the filming of that irritating movie Renge had made.

"Haruhi…crying," he whispered. His stomach knotted. Unfamiliar fear coursed through his body. This was bad. This was far worse than an angry Haruhi. An angry Haruhi he was used to dealing with…but a crying Haruhi. That was as unfamiliar to him as the fear he was feeling.

"Kyoya, are you only dating Haruhi to fulfill Fathers wishes?" she asked clearly disappointed. "Are you dating her because Father ordered you too?"

He didn't answer. He stood there with a firm mouth pulled into a tight line.

"Kyoya how could you? I never wanted to believe it. I never wanted to think you're that calculating, but you are your fathers son just as he has always hoped," Fuyumi said walking away before she said something she would really regret. She was so angry a her brother right now. She knew the pressure he was under. She knew what was expected of him. But she had hoped that between the influence of Tamaki's free spirit and the friendship of the rest of the former Host Club members that he would not turn into the manipulating machine their father tried to mold him into.

"No, Fuyumi," Kyoya said grabbing her arm. "It may have started out that way but now…excuse me," he said. He quickly unlocked his bedroom door and slipped inside. He leaned against the door trying to compose himself. He was slowly falling apart and that he would not do in front of anyone. Not even his only sister.

He whipped his phone out of his pocket and hit Haruhi's number. He was not surprised at all that she didn't answer. He tried once more before sending her a text.

"Damn," he muttered dialing another number.

"Tachibana," he said to his faithful security point man. He began to explain the situation to him but he was already informed. He then asked him to meet him in front of the house in fifteen minutes.

Kyoya paced his room. He removed his glasses, wiped his eyes and returned his glasses to the bridge of his nose.

"Damn," he muttered again wondering what he was going to say to her when he found her. He walked in his bathroom, combed his hair and brushed his teeth. Just because he felt like a train wreck didn't mean he needed to look like one.

When he stepped outside Tachibana was already waiting for him. As soon as they were inside the car he waited to be debriefed.

"Well?" he asked more harshly than he intended.

"The men thought they picked up a fresh trail in the woods but it ended at the street. She could have taken a bus, a cab, a ride. We just don't know, sir. She had a good head start before I was alerted," Tachibana said.

"Let me know who is responsible for that error," Kyoya said coldly.

"In all fairness, Sir, it was Lady Fuyumi who told them not to follow."

"There are no excuses," Kyoya said.

"Yes, Sir," Tachibana said.

Kyoya clenched his jaw at this failure.

"What would you like us to do now?" he asked.

"Take me to her house."

"Very well, Sir."

Kyoya was upset to find she wasn't home. Was she still walking? Was she just not back yet? He felt that unfamiliar panic threaten to choke him once more. He wasn't worried she'd do something reckless. Other girls may do something dramatic to get attention after this, but Haruhi didn't have a dramatic bone in her body.

Even when she acted in a play put on by the Host Club her delivery was monotone and scripted. She was also to rational to do something foolish. It just wasn't in her nature.

He breathed a sigh of relief knowing she would never do something rash no matter how upset she was. It was comforting to have a girlfriend that was not dramatic and demanding. One that wasn't prone to hysterics meant to manipulate a man into knots to get her own way.

He leaned against her apartment door. That tight feeling in his stomach only worsened. It didn't sit well with him that she was not answering any of his calls or texts. She was blunt to a fault. It was not like her to avoid a situation. She met them head on and cut a person down with her sharp tongue to get her point across.

"I'm going to stay here," Kyoya informed Tachibana. He pulled out his keys, finding hers easily, and let himself into her apartment. He looked around finding it spotless as always. There wasn't a speck of dust, not a dish in the sink or drainboard, not a thing out of place.

She was efficient and organized. It suited her. It suited him. He sat down at the table in her kitchen and pulled out his lap top. He might as well get some work done while he waited. If she wouldn't come to him then he would wait for her. She had classes tomorrow so she'd have to come home sooner or later. She was too practical to miss class no matter how upset she was.

Haruhi ran as fast as her turtle legs would carry her. She slowed down as she seen a taxi through the tree line. With a renewed burst of energy she increased her pace and hailed the car down. She sighed with relief once she dove inside the car. She briefly wondered if she had any money for fare.

She hadn't taken the time to cover her tracks as she barreled through the woods like a stampeding elephant. She probably left tons of foot prints, scattered leaves, and broken branches behind but she didn't chastise herself too harshly. Even if she had been stealthy as a ninja the Ohtori Secret Police could find her trail if they looked hard enough for clues.

The question was were they looking? Maybe Fuyumi hadn't said anything and that's why they hadn't already caught up to her. Security had seen her try to leave though. They would surely inform Kyoya or at the very least Tachibana who in turn would inform Kyoya.

"Excuse me? Are you going to answer me? I asked where you want to go?"

She blinked at the driver forgetting she was in a taxi. Where was she going to go? If she went home Kyoya would be there within the half hour. "Hikaru and Kaoru," she said suddenly.

"Excuse me? If that's the name of a place you need to tell me where it is," the driver said.

"Uh, no, sorry," she said then gave him the address to the Hitachiin mansion. She dug through her wallet relieved to see that she had at least enough money to pay for the ride. He looked at her skeptically as they pulled up to the vast estate.

"Are you sure this is the right place?"

"Yes, this is the right place," she said not even offended by his words.

She paid the man and knocked on the door. As soon as she finished knocking she could have smacked herself the twins were still at Art School. They were coming home this weekend, but the weekend wasn't here yet. Now what was she supposed to do?

The butler answered the door and smiled pleasantly.

"Ah, good morning, Miss Haruhi, I am sorry to inform you that the young masters will not be home until the weekend."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Shota-san, I completely forgot about that," she said trying to hold back her tears. She felt so foolish. Jeez, twice in one day first with finding out about Kyoya, and now standing here when Hikaru and Kaoru aren't even home.

"I-um," she started.

"Why don't you step inside Miss Haruhi, you don't seem yourself at all." He felt troubled. The young girl's face was tear streaked. His concern grew for this young girl that the entire household was so fond of. The young master's had matured quite a bit over the years and they all knew it was directly due to this girls influence.

"Please, step inside and I shall make sure you get some tea."

"No, no, it's um…it's really…"

"Haruhi? Haruhi darling is that you?"

Haruhi's embarrassment grew as she saw Mrs. Hitachiin. She wasn't one to depend on others and she certainly wasn't one to share her business.

"Haruhi, darling, you have been crying. Come in, come in, and tell Mama Hitachiin what's wrong." There was no stopping her once she ushered her inside.

"I…I didn't mean to intrude. I forgot that the guys weren't home yet. I…I…," she felt the tears threaten at the concerned look on Mrs. Hitachiin's face.

"Oh, my dear, what happened? Come, sit and talk with me."

She had no desire to embarrass herself or Kyoya, but when their mother wrapped her arms around her she broke down not only in tears, but the whole story came pouring out of her mouth.

"How could Kyoya keep such a thing from you. That Ohtori-san makes me so mad. That man acts as though he is directly descended from royalty. How dare he treat my little doll as nothing more than just a pawn," she said completely outraged as she held her tighter.

Haruhi had to suppress a laugh. This crazy woman didn't even realize that calling her a doll objectified her as much as being a pawn. The difference was Mr. Ohtori truly wished to manipulate her life were Mrs. Hitachiin just loved to dress her up. She would never do anything to hurt her. Haruhi truly loved the woman.

"Oh, darling, you cry as much as you want and if you're worried about that evil Shadow King son of his bothering you then worry no more. You can stay here as long as you want to."

"I really appreciate that, but I couldn't possibly impose on you."

"Oh it is no imposition at all, my dear, Haruhi. The twins are away at school so they will never think to come looking for you here. You are family to me, my boys love you, you are their best friend. At one time Hikaru wished you would be more but he respects that you would never chose one and hurt the other. That has only made them love you more. I know it is the reason me and and their father love you so much. Do you know how many girls would have jumped at Hikaru's offer based on his wealth or name alone. Not you, Haruhi. You would never hurt or use my boys and for that I love you. You are family, Haruhi so you stay as long as you want."

Haruhi began to cry at the sweetness of this woman.

"Now, now, dear, you let it all out while I have a bath drawn for you."

"I…I have no clothes."

Mrs. Hitachiin got the same devilish look that always graced the faces of the twins.

"You are my muse, Haruhi. I have a closet full of clothes I have designed just for you. I've been meaning to get them to you but with the boys not home I just haven't had the chance. You go take that bath, I will get you some pajamas and I will have the maids pack the clothes in trunks."

"I…"

"Say no more, Haruhi, you know there's no changing my mind."

Haruhi sighed at the truth of that. She couldn't thank her since she couldn't get any words past the lump in her throat. She smiled to show her gratitude and allowed Mrs. Hitachiin to lead her to the luxurious bath she had drawn for her.

" Here we are. You can stay in the boys room. Good night, Haruhi dear, our room is just five doors down don't hesitate to wake me if you can't sleep."

"Thank you, for everything."

"Anything for you my darling little doll," she said folding her up in her warm embrace once more.

Haruhi laid down on the bed and inhaled deeply. She could smell the cologne the twins had worn for years now. It was comforting it felt like home. She couldn't thank Mrs. Hitachiin enough for all she has done for her this day. She cried a river of tears and Mrs Hitachiin didn't force her to say anything. She just let her cry. She was grateful that she didn't want her to continue to explain her feelings. She was humiliated enough without having to describe in detail how foolish she had been.

She pressed herself deeper into Hikaru's pillow. She knew it was his by the color. Only Hikaru would want the black pillow case whereas Kaoru would go for the navy blue that was laying beside her. She inhaled once more. The emotions of the day were finally catching up to her she felt completely drained. It seemed like she might be able to get some sleep after all.

Kyoya looked at his watch and frowned. It was midnight and still no sign of Haruhi. He was truly getting worried now. The worst part was that he normally would call everyone they knew until he tracked her down, but if he did that he would have to explain why she was avoiding him. He closed his laptop furious that she would avoid him to this extent. He sighed as he thought about how angry and hurt she really must be.

He placed a call to Tachibana to fill him in. He took his watch off, and his button down shirt and walked toward her bedroom. If she thought she was going to avoid him by sneaking in late she had another thing coming. He laid down on her bed and inhaled sharply as his head hit her pillow. A tight feeling filled his chest as the scent of cherry blossoms filled his senses. "Haruhi," he whispered before falling asleep.

A/N (again): Wow! That turned out a little longer than I thought it was going to. So, what do you think. I love, love, love, reviews. They make me super happy and I love to hear what everyone thought when they were reading. I would really appreciate it if you could send me your input. Arigato!