The Learning Curve

by MollyMuffinHead

Sequel to "The Last Straw: Continuing Stories" – must read first. Life is full of lessons. Some hurt, some are fun, some are scary, but they all make you grow. As the Seniors graduate and everyone moves up a year, what will happen? Relationships, perceptions, and world-views will be challenged. T for language and smooching.

1. Chapter 1 - I'm Home, Now What?

Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews, favs, and follows.

Disclaimer: Don't own it, never will.

.

xXx

.

Date Posted: 10/14/18

Trigger Warnings: Some Smooching

The Learning Curve - Chapter 1: I'm Back, Now What?

.

"Haruhi! Wait! Haruhi!"

I ran after the flash of pink turning the corner in the maze up ahead.

"Haruhi! Stop!"

Shit – another flash of pink as I turn the corner.

"Haruhi!"

Turning that corner, I run headlong into the center of the maze and right into Haruhi's arms.

"Hikaru," she moans.

"Haruhi!" Our lips smash, bringing a rising inferno through me. "Oh, I've missed you."

Just as I coaxed her mouth open and almost tasted her perfect tongue, I'm ripped away and punched to the ground.

"What the Fuck!"

Kyoya-senpai is staring down at me, hatred in his eyes. "You're too late! She's mine now!"

.

"Hikaru!"

"Hikaru!" he's thrashing around so much I'm afraid he'll hit me. "Wake up, Dammit."

"Haruhi!" he yelled as he sprang up in bed, panting like he'd just run a marathon.

"It's ok, Hika. I'm here." I pulled him into my arms and stroked his hair as he cried.

This isn't the first time he'd had dreams about Haruhi since he'd come back home. At first we tried sleeping in separate rooms. We'd both been sleeping alone for months (except when Haruhi was there for me), it seemed like a natural progression. But Hikaru would wake up yelling for Haruhi or cussing out Kasanoda or trying to kill Kyoya-senpai and I'd end up running in there, comforting him, and staying the rest of the night. After five nights, we gave up and he moved back into our shared room.

Then the dreams were sporadic, rather than every night. Unfortunately, there were side effects to not having the dreams. I'd wake up with him wrapped around me so tight, sometimes nuzzling my neck, sometimes kissing my throat. He'd been starved for contact while he was away. I understood that. But it wasn't me he wanted. It was Haruhi. At least in his sleep.

Our next try was to move the big bed out and bring in two full beds. That was last night, and here we are with another dream. It's only been two weeks – I can't tell if it's getting any better. We'll just have to keep trying.

.

"I'm sorry about last night," I apologized. Kaoru has been my rock since I came home, since all this started really. I've been trying to be as little of a burden as possible, but the dreams…

"It's no problem. I'll do whatever I need to do to help you. I'm so glad you're home." Kaoru gave me a big hug. It didn't matter if I initiated the hug or him, he waited and let me be the first to break it. How did he get so strong? So mature?

I broke our embrace and asked, "Ready for breakfast?"

.

"Are you boys ready for today?" I was worried for both of them. They had been through so much. Hikaru is better and Kaoru is always there for him. I hope that makes today easier. It will be his first time in a crowd since he got home. I guess anything could happen, but with Kaoru and the rest of the guys there, Haruhi will be safe. He's come so far – he can't have a relapse.

"Yes, mom. Today is a big day, but I'm ready. It will be good to see everyone again."

"Good. I'm glad to hear it. It's not every day your friends graduate from high school."

"Yep. I can't wait." Kaoru grabbed Hikaru's hand and pulled him out of the room. "Come on, Hika. We've got lots to do to get ready."

.

xXx

.

"Kyoya?" I turned to see Haruhi coming out of her bedroom. "Do I look stupid in this?"

She was gorgeous – even in a suit. I wanted to push her back into that bedroom and rip off her clothes. Fuck – these hormones are a bitch. We've been dating for five months now and haven't gotten past first base. Yes, I respect her. Yes, I want to go at her pace and not scare her. But, shit it's hard sometimes – well, almost all the time around her. I can only take so many cold showers, or so many hot ones with fantasies and my fist. I've just got to be patient.

"No, you look amazing. I have no idea how anyone still thinks you are a boy." Standing there in her Hitachiin suit, she turned beet red. "Kaoru did a great job." I took her hand, "but we've really got to get going."

.

xXx

.

Walking into the kitchen, I see Mitsukuni eating his cakes. I hope we have enough for him at the graduation party.

"Mitsukuni, we need to leave in a minute."

"I'll be done with this cake by then, Takashi."

It's here. We're graduating from Ouran. Not seeing Haruhi every day will be a good thing. Watching her with Kyoya is turning me to stone. I'm losing the will to communicate. I've become more withdrawn. Mitsukuni has commented on it. Even my parents have commented on it. Soon I won't have to see her anymore.

.

xXx

.

"Kasanoda! Over here!" The boss was waiving and making a spectacle of himself. Kasanoda was the last to join our group. We're waiting for the ceremony to start.

I'm not surprised they have Haruhi sitting on the opposite end of the group from me. It's to be expected. My Doctor, my parents, and Kaoru have repeatedly told me it's for the best at the beginning. The last thing I want to do is relapse and scare her again. I've apologized, and she's accepted. That doesn't mean the trust is back. I'll have to earn it.

If I lean over far enough I can see past Kaoru, Renge, Tamaki-senpai, Renge, Kasanoda, and Kyoya-senpai to see a tiny bit of her profile. She looked good walking in wearing that suit that Kaoru designed. I hope I'll be able to talk to her later. If not, there's always tonight.

As the ceremony droned on and on, my mind wandered through the last two weeks. I'd left the nut house with two weeks left in this school year but didn't go back to class. I'd had tutors throughout my hospitalization and was through with my studies for my first year. These two weeks were an adjustment period. Everyone thought it best for me to ease into being at home. I'm bored and agitated. With nothing specific to do during the school day, I wander the house and gardens, play video games, and spend time in our gym – all while listening to my headphones turned way up. My mind is too loud to do anything quiet.

I'd gone back for sessions with the Doc. We talked about the dreams. I really just wanted to tell him to fuck off like I did in the beginning, but I'd committed to getting better, so we talked about them. He said as long as they were getting better, not worse, they were normal. We'd keep talking about them in our future sessions.

I'd seen them all since I'd been back, individually and in different groups. Kasanoda even came over to play video games – he's wicked. The hardest visits were Haruhi's. She came over once on her own, wanting to see for herself how I was doing without the others around, except Kaoru. Once with the group to hang out for the day, and she joined us for our group dinner out.

I don't know how to behave around her. I just kept apologizing. She smiled that amazing smile of hers and told me it was in the past, that I was forgiven, and that we needed to move on. There was no reason to be awkward around her. That's going to take a while – baby steps.

Honey-senpai is going to start his valedictorian speech. Guess I should listen.

.

Poor Takashi. He's staring at Haru-chan like there's no one else in the whole world. No matter what Kasanoda-chan and I do, he mopes around like a lost puppy. Kasanoda-chan started taking Kendo lessons from him, hoping that it would provide a distraction – no luck. I can only ask him to eat cake with me so many times before I start to feel guilty. He really doesn't like cake that much.

When Haru-chan was hiding things from us, Takashi started following her, just to keep her safe. Now that the danger is gone, he stopped, or so I thought. He's been having Morinozuka security watch them. The day after the ball he was so angry. He finally confessed that he was having Kyo-chan and Haru-chan followed and that they spent the night at his apartment. Personally, I don't think anything happened – Haru-chan is too responsible and practical, but Takashi feared the worst.

I told him it wasn't healthy for him and made him agree to stop, but he didn't. I think that's the first time he's ever lied to me. I don't know why he continues to torture himself.

"And now, our Valedictorian, Haninozuka Mitsukuni."

Yea! I get to give my speech now!

.

Hikaru seems to be calm and collected so far. I worry about Haruhi. She's not fully over the incident and doesn't want to be left alone with him. Like I'd let my girlfriend be alone with her attacker. She says the dreams have increased since she visited him in the hospital, but they aren't every night like they were at the beginning.

She's holding my hand, I'm glad I can comfort her, but we have to keep it hidden. She's still dressed as a boy. I can feel her grip tighten every time Hikaru looks down the row at us. He's been giving me death-ray glares. I can't imagine why…I only have the girl he obsessed over, the girl he said he loves, the girl he assaulted, as my girlfriend. He's going to have to get over it.

Honey-senpai is going on about friends, fun, life after graduation, how they're going to take over the world, the Host Club, and more about his friends. I was hoping there would be something in it to inspire my speech next year, but there wasn't. Our personalities are too different.

.

I'm so proud of Mitsukuni. He studied so hard to be valedictorian. The speech matches his flowery, child-like personality, but I can see the determined side of him in there. He took the speech seriously and purposefully made it light for the occasion. Most of these graduates are going to have formal parties tonight. They will get enough of etiquette and protocol then.

It didn't take me long to find the Host Club members in the audience. Tamaki is waiving and cheering – I would expect nothing less. Haruhi, giving us both a big smile, is sitting next to Kyoya on one end of the line with Hikaru on the other. I want to be there to protect her from him this next year, but that is no longer my responsibility.

Kyoya has been pulling her away from the rest of us, while doing his best to hide it. I'm not sure if any of the others have noticed. I'm not even sure if Haruhi has noticed it.

I wonder how they will take Mitsukuni's and my announcement.

.

"It's done! They've graduated!" Tamaki-kun is jumping up and down, screaming for our Senpai's, throwing stuff in the air.

"Tamaki-kun! I'm never going to get all this glitter and confetti out of my hair!" What was he thinking? And why didn't he wait until Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai were with us?

"I'm sorry, Renge-chan. I'm just so excited!" I watched him jump up onto his seat, still yelling their names and our congratulations.

He jumped down, turned to me, and started running his fingers through my hair, I suppose he's trying to get the glitter out. It feels so good, so warm. His hands are so strong and his fingers so nimble from playing the piano.

I look up at him; he looks down on me. Before I know it, our lips are connected in a beautiful, sweet kiss. I think I love this idiot.

"Mmmm, Renge-chan, your lips are so kissable."

With a deep sigh and my head on his chest, I mumbled, "yours are to."

.

xXx

.

"Mori-senpai! Honey-senpai! Congratulations!" I was so excited, so happy for them I practically threw myself into their arms.

Honey-senpai latched on to me, yelling in my ear, "Haru-chan! I'm so glad you are here to celebrate with us." He gave me one of his bone-crushing hugs.

Mori-senpai tensed up and seemed to back away. That's weird – did he not want to be seen hugging a boy? It's never stopped him before. I followed his cue and didn't try for another hug after Honey-senpai finally let me go.

"Congratulations!"

"I'm so happy for you!"

The guys were all hugging (the twins, Tamaki-senpai, Renge) or shaking hands (Kyoya, Ritsu).

"On to the Graduation Party!" Honey-senpai shouted and led the way out the door.

.

xXx

.

Honey-senpai's and Mori-senpai's parents are throwing a joint graduation party with extended family, business partners, and family friends in attendance. I want to have some strategic meetings while I'm here. Father let the business stagnate and I need to bring it back to its former glory.

Looking around I see the CEO of a microchip company – they supply the chips for some of our medical equipment. There's the President of the Japanese Cancer Society – the Ootori Corporation hasn't given a sizable donation in a while. I'll fix that. Rebuilding our relationship with this country's branch of the Red Cross will be delicate. Father turned them down because he thought they were asking for too large of a supplies donation and discount. With the tsunami and the earthquakes of recent years, they are busier than ever and need our help. Plus, it can't be a bad thing for all the recipients of their help to see the Ootori logo on all their supplies.

The CEO of another of our suppliers just walked by. I need to grab him before anyone else does. His radiographic markers are the best available. "Kiryuu-sama, I'm honored to see you here…"

.

"Haruhi, are you bored?"

Am I bored? Of course I'm bored. I'm dressed like a guy, so I'm getting dance offers from female classmates, my boyfriend is over there making business deals, Mori-senpai is ignoring me. I'm edgy to be around Hikaru too much, even with all these people around.

"No, Ritsu, I'm not bored. Just a little tired."

"You're a terrible liar, Haruhi." He sat down next to me on the loveseat and handed me a plate of fancy-tuna. "Eat this, food always cheers you up."

"You know me so well," I smiled before devouring the tuna like I hadn't eaten in days. "Thanks, Ritsu."

"Any time," he said and squeezed my knee.

.

Why do all these people give a shit about what was wrong with Hikaru? They barely know him. People need to move on with their lives. We've already had to deal with the press announcing his return with vague implications of where he was. Assholes.

"I'm going to get some air on the patio."

"I'll come with you."

"No thanks, Kaoru. I'm getting a headache and need to be alone for a minute. I haven't been around this many people in months and need a break."

"OK."

I hadn't thought of that. We'd had the guys over in groups, Haruhi's been over a few times, with the others or by herself. I've taken him out shopping a few times and the whole group went out to dinner, but this is his first public appearance. How could I have been so dense?

.

"Hikaru, I want to talk to you."

I spun around at the sound of Kyoya-senpai's voice. What the fuck is he doing here? Did he follow me out onto the patio?

"What?"

"I know you are better but are probably still struggling a little. You've grown a lot during this time and I wanted to acknowledge it."

How sincere can that be when he flashed those glasses at me? "Thanks, Kyoya-senpai." He couldn't miss the insincerity in my voice.

"However, you need to know that if you hurt Haruhi again I'll have you committed for the rest of your life." Shit. He could do it too. My family wouldn't stand a chance against the Ootori Group, especially now that Kyoya-senpai is running it.

"Don't worry, Kyoya-senpai. I only want what's best for her. If that means I have to leave her alone, I'll leave her alone."

"I think that would be best," he gave me that fucking annoying smirk. "I'm glad we understand each other. Now, if you'll excuse me," he turned and walked back into the house.

Man, he's cold. What does she see in him? I know it's not the money or prestige from dating an Ootori, so what is it? He's manipulative, heartless, cunning, and glacial. I've been gone too long to figure it out – maybe Kaoru knows.

.

Renge and Tamaki are on the dance floor. They look good together. Life with him around has been so much easier since he stopped that crazy 'daddy' stuff and has brought out a calmer personality. If I hadn't been around Mitsukuni so much and gotten so much practice, I wouldn't have been able to stomach Tamaki for this long. Another thing to thank Haruhi for.

I feel petty, but I am enjoying Kyoya's inability to dance with Haruhi. He keeps looking at her and then the dance floor. It's quite amusing.

"Takashi? What are you thinking about?"

I jerk back to reality and focused on my mother, "I apologize, mother. My mind wandered."

She smiled, "I'm glad you are a good dancer even when you are woolgathering." Her expression turned to concern, "Are you worried about tomorrow?"

"Not really. They will accept it or not. Their reaction will not change my plans."

"Well, enjoy yourselves tonight and don't think about it. You only graduate from High School once."

.

Mori-senpai is finally walking over to me. He's been quieter for months, but it's really bad today.

"Haruhi, Kasanoda, we're meeting in the front to go to the Host Club graduation party."

He just said that and walked away. What is going on?

"Haruhi, let's go. We're all riding over together."

"OK." I followed Ritsu through the crowd to the front driveway to get in the limo. The nine of us are having a Host Club graduation party/sleepover at Mori-senpai's guest house. With all of us there, I don't know what could possibly go wrong.

.

xXx

.

"Welcome to the Morinozuka Guest House."

Mori-senpai nodded at the butler as we all walked in.

"Because you will all be 'camping' in the game room tonight, I've assigned guest rooms in groups of two or three to allow for changing and showers. Please follow me."

I suppose it would be too much to ask that Haruhi and I were assigned one room. The Morinozuka propriety wouldn't allow that. It would also upset Hikaru. I know he needs to get past it, but I also don't want to make it harder for him. That would make Haruhi angry.

We were shown up to our rooms and everyone changed out of graduation/party clothes and into casual.

"Everyone to the Game room! We're going to have fun!" Honey-senpai was skipping down the hallway wearing a white sweat suit with Usa-chans printed all over it. How on earth did we become friends?

.

"Wow, Mori-senpai. This room is amazing."

"Thank-you, Haruhi," he said as he passed me in the doorway.

Rich bastards. This room has it all. First, it was huge – practically as big as the Host Club room. Activities were grouped around with a seating area for each. There was a pool table, poker table, darts, a huge monitor with bean bag chairs for video games, a table that must be able to seat 12 ready for puzzles or other games. And last, a whole section had been set up to look like a camp site – tents, sleeping bags, indoor trees, coolers and picnic baskets. Looks like we'll have fun tonight. I wonder where those doors go.

"Takashi and I have activities planned, or we can decide as we go. The door by the darts leads to a restroom. The door by the video games leads to the private movie theater.

"Let's start with a pool tournament!" Honey-senpai was so excited, and his bunny sweats were so cute. Hard to believe he just graduated High School.

Kaoru looked at me from across the room and I felt myself blush. The only time I tried to play pool he ended up kissing me. It turned out to be a good thing – we discovered we were friends and nothing more. Best friends and triplets. I smiled back at him.

.

"I've never played pool," Renge said. She turned to Tamaki and batted her eyes, "Tamaki-kun, will you teach me."

"Of course, princess."

I turned to Haruhi and asked, "Do you want me to teach you?"

"No thanks, Kyoya. I tried once and I'm no good at it. I'll sit this out so there are even teams."

Shit. Now I have to watch Tamaki drape himself all over Renge teaching her how to shoot without having the same experience with my girlfriend. This needs to end quickly so I can teach her something else. I want to be close to her.

.

We divided up into pairs. Of course, Kaoru and I were a team. Then Renge and Tamaki-senpai, Mori-senpai and Honey-senpai, Kyoya-senpai and Kasanoda. That will be funny to watch. Kasanoda is still pissed that Kyoya-senpai got the girl, so am I but that's not important right now. How will they work together – they are both competitive.

Haruhi is sitting over on the sofa, managing the brackets and playing on her phone. I've said hello and some basic small talk, but I'd really like to have a real conversation. There has to be an opportunity sometime tonight.

.

Tamaki/Renge vs. Kyoya/Kasanoda:

"No, no. Hold it like this."

"Tamaka-kun that tickles," Renge burst into giggles.

I tried hard not to roll my eyes but had to put my head down to hide it instead. At least Tamaki-senpai and Renge were keeping the romance attention on them and off Kyoya and me. Hikaru doesn't need to see that.

"I can't tell if the Boss is doing that on purpose or if he really is that incompetent teaching pool." Kaoru had come and sat down next to me on the arm of the sofa. "It's kinda sickening sweet."

"Would you expect anything different from the two of them?" I asked.

"Nope. You're right."

There was a loud bang and, "Oh no. I shot the white ball off the table." At least it didn't hit anyone.

"It's OK, Renge-chan. You're still learning." Honey-senpai patted her on the shoulder, "Would you like a cupcake?" He handed her a chocolate one.

"You go first, Kasanoda." Kyoya, tapping madly on his phone, sounding bored. I could tell his patience was wearing thin with Tamaki-senpai's and Renge's antics.

"You sure? You might not get a chance to play at all." Kyoya waved his hand at the table and Ritsu went to work. He wasn't kidding…he made all the shots and sunk the 8-ball.

"Thanks. I got some emails answered while you were winning."

"But…but I never got a chance to play," whined Tamaki-senpai, as he started to look around.

"If you are looking for a corner to grow mushrooms, Tamaki-senpai, you might as well go home and grow them," I stated in a harsh voice.

"But..but…but," he looked over at me and saw a stern look. Taking a deep breath, he gave me a smile. "Thanks, Haruhi, for keeping me on track." He started to walk towards me, "Can I have a hug?"

"Sure. Just don't squeeze too hard," I said. We shared a quick friend hug and went back to the tournament. His progress is amazing. Why didn't I start this sooner? It's so much easier to be around him when he's not over the top all the time and doesn't take as much personally.

.

The Twins vs. The Cousins

During this game, the twins and Honey-senpai were trying to outdo each other with trick shots, while Mori-senpai was making the smart shots. It didn't take long for his patience and strategy to beat the twins.

While they were playing, I was looking up pool tables on my phone. At first, I thought this smart phone was too much and would be a waste, but now that I'm used to it, I probably couldn't live without it.

I finally found the model they were playing on. 5 million yen?! For a flipping pool table? That should be a crime. I spent less than 50 thousand on my laptop and it's fine for what I need. There has to be some way to show them how much they spend on unnecessary things and how little the rest of Japan has to live on.

"Haruhi? What are you doing?"

"Nothing, Kyoya. Just checking something."

"If it's not important, put the phone away and enjoy the party." He leaned down over me, put his hand on my cheek and said, "Give me a quick kiss. I miss not being able to hold you."

We shared a fast kiss, but I didn't want Hikaru to get upset. Of course, he was going to have to get used to it, but why show off at our first get-together. "I miss it too. School's out for the next two weeks before the start of the new year. We can make it up then."

.

Yuck. Haruhi is giving Kyoya-senpai a big smile after that kiss. It almost looks like they are going to jump each other right there.

"Hikaru, we lost, let's get a drink." Kaoru pulled me over to the bar where the soft drinks were set up. I gave him a smile to thank him for trying to distract me. It almost worked. Shit.

.

Kyoya/Kasanoda vs. the cousins

"Aw, Takashi, we didn't even get to shoot once. Kyo-chan broke and ran the table."

"We are evenly matched and all play well. Any of the four of us could have run it. Doesn't make for a fun tournament." I said I was going to make this fast and I meant it. Haruhi on the side is no fun. If I'm not going to work, I want to at least spend time with her.

"Yeah," Honey-senpai sighed. He hopped – yes hopped – over to the cake table, grabbed a strawberry cupcake, and shouted, "What next?"

.

After a boring game of poker…Kyoya and Mori-senpai are just too good at bluffing. And a surprising game of darts…well it was surprising for the rest of them. They never thought a commoner could beat them at anything. They forgot my dad works in a bar. We were all wanting to do sometime more active.

"I've got a great commoner game we can try!"

"Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like this at all, Tamaki?"

"Don't be such a drag, Kyoya. Give it a chance."

We all watch in dread as Tamaki-senpai pulled a box out of the bag he brought.

"Twister?" Kaoru asked. "What's that?"

We did everything we could, but we were not able to talk Tamaki-senpai out of it. This was going to be embarrassing. Two groups of four, with Mori-senpai doing the spinning and calling. Not sure how he managed to get out of the game, but he did. With his long reach, he probably would have won every game anyway.

.

"Left Foot Red"

This should be entertaining. I can watch them all being idiots and not be involved.

"Left Hand Blue"

I felt a presence behind me, "You know, Mori-senpai, you could just call out what would be the most fun to see. I know I'd love to see Kasanoda fall flat on top of Kyoya-senpai." Hikaru, it had to be Hikaru.

"That's not a bad idea," Kaoru came up on my other side. We were watching Kyoya, Haruhi, Kasanoda, and Mitsukuni play this round.

"Right Foot Yellow"

I looked over and saw Kaoru taking pictures. Have to admit this is funny. Kyoya's got his feet two rows apart with his hand on the row in between, bent forwards. Haruhi somehow ended up like a crab, leaning back on her left hand. Mitsukuni was showing off with a crazy pose, and Kasanoda was bent over Haruhi. I could see the smirk on his face. Kyoya looked angry.

"Right Foot Green"

That had Haruhi practically lying on the mat. How she was staying up, I don't know. Kasanoda purposefully reached further to get a green closer to her. Kyoya stretched for the same one, but Kasanoda got there first.

SPLAT!

Kasanoda took Haruhi down with him, leaving Kyoya and Mitsukuni.

"Sorry, Haruhi. Are you OK." She's laughing so hard I can see Kasanoda moving. I heard an angry noise from Hikaru.

"I'm fine," she managed as she took Kasanoda's hand to help her up. "I thought this would be really stupid, and it is…but it's also actually fun."

"Kyoya, are you going to enjoy any of these commoner games other than Jenga?"

"I'll let you know if I get out of this without a sprained back, Tamaki."

A few more calls and Kyoya just couldn't twist right. Mitsukuni won.

.

"Right Foot Yellow"

Now's my chance to watch Tamaki make an ass out of himself. While not as pointless as Chutes and Ladders, this game is more embarrassing. I really should be working – the company doesn't run itself. My father proved that much.

The twins, Tamaki, and Renge each moved their foot to yellow. Tamaki better wind up flat on his ass.

"Right Hand Yellow"

OK, that's funny. All of them trying to squish onto one row of dots.

I can't believe Kasanoda basically crawled on top of Haruhi during that last game. I'm sure he crashed on purpose. What is it with these idiots that they don't know to stay away from my property…er…girlfriend?

"Right Hand Green"

The twins are right on top of each other – no surprise there. Tamaki is letting Renge get all the good spots while leaning over her. Is this whole game basically foreplay and cockblocks?

"Left Foot Blue"

SPLAT

Renge couldn't quite reach with her foot and took Tamaki down with her. They are disgustingly cute as they laugh, share a quick kiss, and help each other up.

Tamaki runs up to me yelling, "Kyoya! Kyoya! Did you see that?"

"Yes."

"This is so much fun! We have to play this at host club!" Now he's running circles around the mat. Where did that calm personality of his go?

"Tamaki-senpai, how are we going to play this with all our customers in dresses?" Good point, Haruhi. Tamaki's a pervert, but not that big of one.

"Oh no. Darling Haruhi, you are right. We can't ask the princesses to play this in their uniforms." He whipped his head at me, "Kyoya, there has to be a solution to this?"

"Right Foot Green"

"Yes, don't play."

"That's no fun, Kyoya. I said we couldn't have them play in dresses, but I bet Hikaru and Kaoru could come up with a costume change that all the guests could wear."

"Haruhi, are you seriously figuring out how to play this game in Club?"

"Yeah, sure. Why not?"

"Because it's stupid."

"So was Chutes and Ladders, but our guests liked it."

"Left Foot Red"

"She's right, Kyoya-senpai. We could design an outfit that the princesses could change into and be comfortable playing in." At this point the twins were so tied up in knots it was a matter of seconds before they fell flat on their…

SPLAT

"Shit. That hurt."

"I'm so sorry, Kaoru. Can I kiss it and make it better?"

"Guys, we aren't in the Club. You can knock that off."

"Haruhi, maybe you could kiss it and make it better."

With that comment from Hikaru, the room fell silent. Everyone turned to either him or Haruhi. It didn't matter that it was Kaoru that needed 'kissing', it was still a shock and was out of place.

Haruhi was sputtering, trying to come up with an answer. Honey-senpai came to the rescue. "Are we going to play another round?" He smiled at everyone, "Maybe this time Takashi will play."

"No. But we could move on to something else."

As the rest were deliberating, I was watching Hikaru. He had turned red and it was obvious he realized the implications of what he said. He's the last person that should be talking about kissing to Haruhi.

Hikaru excused himself and went out on the game room deck as Haruhi watched him. The rest chose to ignore it and argued on about what to do next.

.

After giving Hikaru a few minutes to calm down, I grabbed Kaoru's hand and we went out to the deck.

"Hikaru? Are you OK?"

"Haruhi? What are you doing out here?"

I walked up and leaned on the railing about a meter away from him. "I wanted to make sure you were OK. It was an innocent comment and I didn't take it the wrong way. Please forget it and come back in."

"Haruhi, you are too good to me. Thanks."

He was still upset. The clenched jaw and nervous fingers gave him away. "No problem. This is awkward enough without getting upset about the things that don't matter." I turned to go back inside, "Come on. Looks like a movie is next on the agenda."

.

I was so involved in drafting new by-laws for one of the companies that I didn't realize the movie was almost over. Looking around, Hikaru and Kaoru were still watching, that's not unexpected, it is one of those Hollywood Blockbusters with more action and explosions than common sense. Mori-senpai and Honey-senpai were quietly whispering and pretending to watch. I wonder what's going on there? Maybe they are planning the next horrific activity for tonight. Tamaki's head is leaning back on the chair while Renge's head is on his shoulder. They were both asleep.

When my eyes finally land on Haruhi it's all I can do to not kill a yakuza heir. He's sitting on the end of a sofa and she's sound asleep with her head on a pillow next to him. Good thing he's not touching her.

The movie is ending. The guy just got the girl and the credits are starting to run. Walking over to the door, I turn on all the lights, waking everyone up.

"Ritsu, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep, but thanks for the pillow."

"No problem, Haruhi." The look in his eyes as she got up and started to walk towards me was disappointment. Get used to it, Kasanoda. You're going to have to learn not to even look at her.

"Kyoya, what's wrong?" I didn't even see her come right up to me. "You look angry. Is it something from work?"

Took me a second to realize what she was asking. Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I replied, "Yes. I just dealt with an urgent email. The problem is resolved."

"Good."

"Everyone! It's so late! Or should I say early," Honey-senpai is laughing. Early is right. It's about 3 am. "Let's change into pajamas and get into the sleeping bags!"

As everyone filed out, I held Haruhi back on the pretense of packing up my laptop.

"Kyoya!" she gasped as I grabbed her and pulled her flush against me. I kissed her with a force I don't think I'd used before. Jealousy is an ugly thing but does inspire incredible passion.

My mouth smothered her moan as I pulled her backwards to the chair I'd been using. As I sat, I brought her with me, straddling my lap. We'd never sat like this before and it felt amazing. Her hands in my hair, my hands on her waist, our tongues dancing.

Slowly I started to pull her shirt up in the back. I wanted my hands on her skin. I had to have my hands on her skin. I've never gotten this far, and I didn't want to ruin it. I had just gotten my fingertips under her shirt when…

The sound of a throat being cleared pulled us out of our own world.

"Kaoru?" Haruhi whispered. Good, at least it isn't Hikaru. I still can't tell them apart.

"Sorry to bother you, but you should know that everyone else will be down soon."

"Thanks." Haruhi looked at me in disappointment and climbed off my lap. Looks like another shower is in order. "I'll got get changed," and she practically fled the room.

"Senpai, I don't mean to tell you your business, but I'm not sure what would have happened if Hikaru had been the one to walk in here first. He's so vulnerable. I need him; he can't relapse." The fear in his eyes had me backing down from a sharp response.

I stood up, holding my laptop in front of me. "You're right, Kaoru. We got carried away. It won't happen again when Hikaru's around. He's my friend too and I don't want him to relapse either." It was true. I didn't want him to relapse. I wanted him and Kaoru to go back to their own little world and leave Haruhi alone. I'm not going to get that, but I can still try to get her out of their lives somewhat.

.

That kiss was amazing. My legs are like jelly as I head upstairs to change. I can feel my resolve crumbling. I know what Kyoya wants, but I'm not ready. I'm only a first year…well, after today I'm a second year, but that still means high school. I don't want to get tied down into something serious. I want to finish law-school before I start thinking about that.

This relationship with Kyoya was supposed to be slow and a 'testing of the waters' to see what being in a relationship was like. It's becoming too serious. What am I going to do?

"Haruhi-kun? Are you just now getting up here?" Renge was just leaving our room when she saw me.

I nodded and ran into the room to change.

When I got back downstairs, everyone was in their sleeping bags. They were arranged in a circle with our heads in the middle. Hikaru and Kaoru were in a double sleeping bag. Next to them were Tamaki and Renge. Next to Renge was an empty one that I assumed was mine. Then Kyoya, Honey-senpai, Mori-senpai and Kasanoda.

"I'm so tired," I mumbled as I slipped into my bag.

"Haru-chan! You can't go to sleep. We still have to tell ghost stories."

"If I don't get some sleep soon, Honey-senpai, I'll keel over and my ghost will haunt you." I probably could have said that with less threat in my voice.

"OK, Haru-chan. We'll go to sleep," he said in a trembling, quiet voice.

"I didn't mean to scare you, Honey-senpai. I just really need some sleep."

Good-nights were said all around. I was asleep before they were finished.

.

I could feel Haruhi thrashing next to me. "Haruhi? Wake up."

"No! Stop!" she moaned. I shook her hard and her eyes flew open.

"Nightmare?" I whispered. Looking around no one else seemed to be awake.

"Yeah, sorry."

"Don't apologize. You're still working through this."

"But, Kyoya, I didn't think I'd have one tonight. It's been over a week." She slid out of her bag and I reached out to grab her arm.

"Where are you going?"

"To the bathroom to splash water on my face." She looked over at Hikaru with concern, "I think I should sleep upstairs. I don't want to wake him up if I have another one."

"You won't. Come back here when you're done. You can share my pillow. I'll keep the nightmares away," I smiled. Hopefully my confidence would convince her.

She stared at me for a few minutes, and I thought I'd lost the battle when she said, "OK. Thanks."

.

xXx

.

The next morning, I woke up to a snuggling Hikaru licking my neck. "Ugg. Hikaru, wake up," I grumbled as I pushed him off.

"Sorry, Kaoru. At least it wasn't a nightmare," he said while looking ashamed.

"It's OK. Let's go take showers and get dressed."

Haruhi woke me up with her nightmare last night, but not Hikaru. I wasn't about to tell him about it. I was concerned as I looked over at him. He was just standing there, staring at Kyoya-senpai and Haruhi. Shit – are they sharing a pillow?

I grabbed his arm and pulled him to the staircase. "Come on, Hika. It's not that big a deal. They must have just done that in their sleep."

Tears in his eyes, he croaked, "Exactly. It was instinct. And it was Kyoya-senpai's pillow. She moved over to join him."

We were in our room by now. "Hika," I pleaded as I pulled him into my arms, "It will be OK. She still wants to be your friend. That's what you want too, right?"

"It's not everything I want, but I'm not going to get that."

Shit! That doesn't sound good.

My expression must have glared concern because he quickly reassured me, "I'm better. Really. I understand we'll only be friends. I want to be friends. Wanting more will take a really long time to go away. But instead of fixating on it, I'm accepting it and dismissing it when it comes up." He looked me in the eyes with a sad gleam, "At least that's what I try my best to do. It's an exercise the Doc gave me. He's not the complete asshole I thought he was at first."

I couldn't hold the snort back, "I'm glad you're better. Let's get changed and get some food. I think I hear some of the others now."

.

"Where's Kyoya? He's not still asleep; I checked."

"He's probably on his laptop somewhere, Tamaki-senpai. He needs to check to see if anything happened overnight."

"Doesn't that make you crazy, Haruhi-kun?"

"No, Renge. I'm used to it." I give her a weak smile, "Running that corporation is a huge job and that means compromises. It's what he's always wanted, and it makes him happy, so I can't begrudge him that. Besides," I mumbled, "I knew what I was getting myself into."

"And, what's that, Haruhi?" We all turned to the door as Kyoya walked in.

"I knew a relationship with you would have to be in between emails, board meetings, mergers, and whatever else you do. I knew it going in. I'm proud of what you accomplished and don't mind."

"Thanks, Haruhi." He came over and gave me a kiss on the head as he walked over to the buffet. It was an incredible spread of western breakfast delicacies. I had already filled my plate to the brim.

.

"Now that you've all finished breakfast," Mitsukuni announced, "Takashi and I have something we need to talk to you about."

Here it is. I thought long and hard about this, and I truly believe it's for the best. The best for me and the best for Haruhi.

"That sounds serious, Honey-senpai," Haruhi said, concern in her eyes. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, Haru-chan. Don't worry," Mitsukuni gave her a reassuring smile. She always worries about others before herself.

"Takashi and I have been trying to decide what to do after graduation. We decided that we didn't want to go directly to college, so we are taking a semester off and traveling! Isn't that great!"

.

xXx

.

Author's Note: Welcome to the first chapter of "The Learning Curve." This is a sequel to "The Last Straw" and "The Last Straw, Continuing Stories." If you read this chapter without reading those, you were probably really lost. Go back and read those.

To those of you that read "The Last Straw" and were not satisfied with the ending, please give the sequel a chance. "The Last Straw" was my very first try at fiction of any kind. I wrote it as a learning experience. It got away from me towards the end and put some of you off. This will be different. I have a detailed outline that is heading for a definite ending. Everything (I hope) will drive the story that way. Hopefully even the fluff.

As I was writing the last few chapters of "The Last Straw" I started to see it as a trilogy, and not the ending of the story I wanted. I want a very different ending to the entire story than the way the first part ended. I'm not going to give hints, so please give it a chance.

As you are reading, I'd love reviews. Constructive criticism is welcome. Let me know if I've dropped a thread you'd like to see tied off. Let me know if it's getting away from me. Let me know if something doesn't make sense. Last time I got high on the reviews and got side-tracked. I definitely still want to hear from you – I need to know people are reading this or I'll stop. Please let me know what you think – what you liked and what you didn't. Without criticism I can't grow as a writer.

That said – no flames. I will not respond to flames or trolls. Go get a life.

.

Next Chapter: Honey and Mori will be out of the Host Club's lives for a full semester. How will that change the Club? I think some of them were hoping they'd come back and visit. Now they are minus two Hosts.

What will happen during the two weeks off before the next school year begins? And, what's Yoshio up to?

.