Disclaimer: The sad fact is I still don't own Ouran High School Host Club, but I do love to pair the charters up and have fun with them! Bisco Hatori is a genius!
A/N: Thank you so much for the kind reviews. You guys really are the best. Sorry it took me so long to update, but I wanted to concentrate on the ending to my first story. I was sad to see it end but now I can completely focus on this one! Yay! Here's chapter 2. Enjoy!
Haruhi woke up and inhaled deeply. She knew that smell. It was so familiar to her she expected to feel two sets of arms wrapped around her but when she fully awoke she found she was up in the twins bed she groaned as she remembered the previous days events. She really didn't feel like going to class she knew Kyoya would be waiting for her and she just couldn't bring herself to face him yet.
She was too angry, too hurt, and too humiliated to have to confront him. She sighed. Should she really miss class? She never had before. It was Tuesday which meant the only class she would be missing was the English class she was taking with Mori-senpai and Hunny-senpai. Oh, no, she forgot about those two. She didn't want to face them anymore than she wanted to face Kyoya. They were too skilled at reading people and would know instantly that something was she waited long enough she could just go home since Kyoya had two classes and wouldn't be at her apartment. He wouldn't miss class regardless of what was going on.
She got out of bed and headed down to the dining room. The twins parents were already eating and drinking some coffee. It smelled divine.
"Good morning, Haruhi," the twins father greeted with his every ready kind smile.
"Haruhi, darling, did you sleep well? Come, come join us for breakfast," Mrs. Hitachiin said. "If you have any plans for the day I'm afraid you will have to cancel them as I have decided to keep you all too myself."
"Uh, I do have class this morning but I'm not sure if I am going," she said horrified to admit that she would skip a class because she was too humiliated to go.
"Oh, pffft, you can blow off one class. You need a mental health day and I have planned a day of beauty for the two of us. Ah, it is going to be so relaxing."
"Wait…what?"
The twins father laughed at the shocked look on her face.
"Um, I don't mean to sound ungrateful but I don't really go for all that beauty stuff so even though I appreciate the thought, I'm not sure I will be joining you," Haruhi said hoping she didn't offend.
"Ugh, Haruhi, no wonder my boys get so exasperated with you. How could you not want a day of pampering and beauty. It's as good for the soul as it is for the skin. Now I am sorry but it is all planned out. I refuse to take no for an answer."
Haruhi exhaled slowly. Knowing Mrs. Hitachiin this day could turn out far more humiliating than if she just went to class and faced Kyoya and her senpais. It was going to be a long day.
Kyoya rolled over and reached across the bed hoping to feel Haruhi by his side. He frowned when his hand met smooth cold sheets that didn't look slept on at all. He sat up, put on his glasses, and looked at the time. He had an hour to get to his first class. He shuffled into her bathroom, made himself presentable enough to be seen in public while he went home, and called Tachibana to come pick him up.
"How is Miss Haruhi?" Tachibana asked as he opened the car door for him.
Kyoya longed to lie to him so that he didn't have to admit she was still avoiding him but he may need his help tracking her down so he couldn't. Besides, Tachibana has been his own personal security man for years and he had no desire to lie to him.
"I don't know. She didn't return home last night," Kyoya admitted.
Tachibana frowned. He did not like the sounds of that. He hoped nothing happened to her. He was surprised himself to find he was quite fond of the straight forward young girl.
"I do not mean to overstep my bounds but I find that news quite troubling, sir. It is not like Miss Haruhi to not return home," he said hoping this didn't anger the young Master.
"I fully agree, Tachibana. I am hoping that I will see her after her class today. She may have just spent the night at her father's apartment. I thought of calling to verify it but I did not wish to worry Ranka needlessly if she wasn't there."
"Agreed, sir," Tachibana said. Without another word he drove to the Ohtori estate.
Kyoya was hoping to have enough time to at least peek in her classroom to convince himself she was safe before his own class, but he ran out of time. His class was on the other side of the campus from hers. Luckily his class ended a little bit early and he could wait outside her classroom so she couldn't avoid him.
Hunny and Mori took their seats and looked at the empty chair behind Hunny.
"I wonder where Haru-chan is," Hunny said to his cousin. "It's not like her to be late."
"Hn," Mori agreed. He frowned as he stared at the empty seat. It wasn't like her at all. He had seen her attend class sick, high fever, no sleep. Nothing stopped her. She didn't allow it. So what could have happened that would make her skip class.
Hunny looked at his watch and pulled out his cell phone. He called Haruhi but it went straight to voice mail. Hunny frowned.
"She's not answering," Hunny said knowing that was not like her any more than missing class was. "If it wasn't so late I would call Kyo-chan to find out what's wrong but his class has already started."
Mori had an unsettling feeling. He didn't like it. Something just seemed off. He tried to concentrate on the lecture but he kept thinking about that empty chair and the person who should be sitting in it.
Class finally ended. Mori wanted to go find Kyoya so he could make sure Haruhi was all right. He frowned when he seen Kyoya already waiting as he leaned against the door. His stomach tightened with unfamiliar worry. Did something bad happen to Haruhi that he wanted to come tell them in person.
"Hey, Kyo-chan," Hunny said when he saw him.
"Good Morning, Hunny-senpai, where is Haruhi?" Kyoya asked trying to look through the door beyond them.
The tightness in Mori's stomach increased. Hunny could not get through to Haruhi by phone and Kyoya didn't know she wasn't in class?
"She didn't come to class today. We were hoping to see you so we could find out why."
Kyoya fought to keep the emotions off of his face. He was shocked that Haruhi would miss a class. She never did such a thing in the past. Now he was getting seriously concerned. He struggled once more to keep his mask in place although if there were ever two people who could read body language it was the two men in front of him.
"What is going on, Kyo-chan?" Hunny asked looking at him warily.
Mori was studying him too a frown marring the handsome mans face.
Kyoya took a deep breath deciding what to say.
"Kyo-chan, what has happened to Haruhi?"
Knowing he couldn't avoid it any longer he decided to tell them only what he had too.
"Haruhi overheard a conversation between me and my Father yesterday afternoon. She was not pleased by it. I have not spoken to her since."
"What did she overhear?" Hunny asked curiously. It must have been pretty bad if Haruhi was avoiding both Kyoya and class. Although she probably avoided class so that she could avoid Kyoya.
"I would prefer not to go into it if you don't mind," Kyoya said coldly.
Mori's frown deepened. He was worried for Haruhi. It was not like her to avoid a situation. One of the things he admired about her was that she did not back down from a challenge in her life. She faced everything head on and dealt with issues as they presented themselves.
"If you hear from her I would appreciate it if you could let me know," Kyoya said.
"I don't know, Kyo-chan. It sounds like Haru-chan is avoiding you for a reason. Takashi and I wouldn't want to get caught in the middle."
"I am not asking you for anything other than knowing she is safe."
"Are you sure?" Hunny asked.
Kyoya sighed. "I am sure."
Mori was lost in thought as he got into the limo beside his cousin. They sat in silence until they reached the family dojo.
"What do you think, Takashi?" Hunny asked as soon as they sat cross legged facing each other.
"I think the conversation she over heard must have been bad if she is avoiding Kyoya to the extent of missing class today."
"I agree. I can only imagine the conversation. She must have over heard Mr. Ohtori telling Kyoya she gave no benefit to the family. Kyoya's father doesn't have a kind bone in his body. I am sure his words were harsh and insulting. Poor Haru-chan," Hunny finished tears swimming in his eyes for his friend.
"You are right, Mitsukuni, he would not have been kind and if she over heard the conversation then he did not realize she was there. He would have spared no truth to make his feelings known especially if he thought he was only talking to his son. I am concerned about Haruhi's feelings but right now my bigger concern is her safety. Where is she?"
"That's a good question. I want to call Ranka-chan thinking that Haruhi may have gone to his apartment since it would have the comfort of home to her but I agree with Kyo-chan too. If she isn't there I don't want to worry him."
"Is there anywhere else she could be that we can call?" Mori asked.
"I have been thinking about that. She is not with us, and she is avoiding Kyo-chan. That only leaves the twins and Tama-chan."
"The twins are at their school until Thursday and Tamaki is on a business trip with his grandmother until tomorrow," Takashi said.
"I am going to call her again," Hunny said. "Hopefully she is at Ranka-san's and just slept in maybe that's why she didn't answer before."
"Hn," Mori said waiting while Hunny called.
"Still not answering," he said as he hung up. "Is it wrong of me to be worried, Takashi, because I am."
"No. I am too," he admitted quietly.
"This may not be the time to bring this up but it has got me thinking. Do you realize this could be your chance?" Hunny asked looking at his cousin carefully.
Mori looked at him and frowned. "You are right. This is not the time to bring that up."
"I'm serious, Takashi. I don't care if the timing is right or not I have to say how I feel. I know you love her. You have for a long time," Hunny said.
Mori shook his head back and forth.
"Don't shake your head at me. You don't honestly think you can deny it do you. I am not making a guess here you told me yourself that you love her. The first time you told me was back in her first year of High School. You have told me quite recently as well. Your feelings have not changed. I know you still love her more now than you used to."
"I am not trying to deny it. You are right. I love her but I will not take advantage of her," Mori said quietly.
"I didn't say that. I know you would never take advantage of her but you thought you missed your chance with her since you didn't speak up before Kyoya blind sided us all and asked her out. If Mr. Ohtori disagrees with the match and they break up then you will get the chance you thought you lost to be with her."
"Again, that would be taking advantage of her in her upset state. Besides, Kyoya would be a fool to give her up because of his father. I would give up everything I have for the chance to be with her," Mori said fiercely.
Hunny smiled. "I know you would, Takashi, but I am not so sure Kyoya will. The two of you are very different. He needs his father's approval. He has strived for it his whole life. You are willing to make sacrifices for love but I am not so sure Kyoya would see Haruhi as a bigger benefit than the Ohtori Empire."
"Then he truly is a fool," Mori stated firmly.
"And his foolishness will be your gain," Hunny said then put his hand up to stop his friend from interrupting. "I am not saying confess to her now when she will be in a hurt and vulnerable state. I am saying now is your chance to spend more time with her. We have a class with her and we study together, but most of her time is spent with Kyoya. If they are no longer a couple she will need us and that means you can spend even more time with her and get closer to her."
Mori thought about his cousins words. He would love to spend the rest of his life with Haruhi. He has known since not long after he met her that she is the only one for him. His complete attention and devotion had always been on Mitsukuni, his family, and Kendo no girl no matter how beautiful was ever able to sway his devotion…until Haruhi. Even dressed as a boy she captivated him completely and for the first time in his life he struggled to concentrate and his mind was divided between his former devotions and thoughts of her. For that reason alone he knew she was the one and the longer he knew her the more convinced he was of he meant what he said he would not take advantage of her at a difficult time. Spending more time with her did sound nice though. If he could have that for now it would be enough.
Hunny watched with satisfaction as a small smile graced Takashi's face. His cousin truly loved Haru-chan. He would do everything he could to make sure they spent as much time together as possible. When Takashi first saved Haru-chan from Tamaki in the Host Club he had been jealous. Takashi had never given anyone else a second thought or glance. He worried that he would lose Takashi to the strange girl and be left alone. The more he got to know Haru-chan the more he himself loved her. Not the way Takashi did Hunny loved her like a sister and she accepted him and his Loli ways without question or judgement.
By the time Takashi confessed to him that he was completely in love with Haru-chan Hunny felt no worries at all. By then he realized Haru-chan understand the close relationship between the cousins. He knew with certainty that he would not lose Takashi he would gain Haruhi. Nothing would make him happier than to have her as a part of his family and get closer to the girl himself.
Hunny had started dating Reiko-chan earlier this year and would be delighted if Takashi had Haru-chan for himself. Hunny had not been too happy when Haruhi started dating Kyoya. He felt the Shadow King was too cold for her loving heart. She needed someone to take care of her even though she hates the thought and would never admit it. Takashi would be perfect for her. His cousin didn't do things in pieces. He has devoted himself to her wholeheartedly. Takashi just didn't believe someone like Haruhi could love him in return. For both of their sakes Hunny was going to try his hardest to make them both see it and bring them closer together. He had to have a talk with his uncle.
"Hey, Takashi, I want to see if there is any cake in the kitchen. Since Haru-chan isn't answering my calls why don't you try," Hunny said as an excuse to go find his uncle.
"Me?" Mori looked mortified. "Why would I call her? I have never called her and I wouldn't know what to say. Besides why would she answer my call if she didn't answer yours?"
"I don't know. I was just thinking we should both try since we don't know what she is thinking or who she is avoiding. If you're not sure what to say then maybe you should send her a text. I'm going to go see about that cake."
Mori watched the shorter man bounce out of the room and head toward the kitchen. He frowned. Should he try to text her? Would she respond if he did? What if she didn't want to talk to anyone? What if she was hurt and couldn't answer her phone? That last thought motivated him. If there was a chance that Haruhi was hurt then he had to do all he could to try and contact her.
He pulled his phone out of his pocket and took a deep breath.
Haruhi was sitting in a chair feeling like her hair was being ripped out by the roots. She wondered what this hairstylist of Yuhuza's was doing to her but it wasn't pleasant. Her phone beeped alerting her to a message. She figured it was Kyoya but it could be her dad. She reached out and grabbed it off the table surprised to see it was from Mori-senpai. She shouldn't be surprised though she did miss class this morning and they would be worried. What was she going to tell him?
(A/N: Bold-Mori's text Italics-Haruhi's text)
Missed you in class are you okay?
I'm not hurt or sick so don't worry. Haruhi text trying not to answer his question.
Kyoya was outside our class this morning looking for you. He told us you overheard a conversation between him and his father but he did not tell us what was said.
I'm sorry, senpai, but I don't want to talk about it right now.
I understand. I just need to know one thing are you all right?
I've been better.
Kyoya did not know where you were. Mitsukuni and I are worried about you.
Don't worry, senpai. He was frustrated by her response. It was clear she was upset since she missed class. Why did she insist on being so independent that she wouldn't turn to them?
Where are you?
She didn't respond which troubled him.
Where are you?
Will you tell Kyoya? Are you asking for him?
No, I am asking so that I know you are all right.
I'm all right. I told you already don't worry.
Haruhi, where are you?
She didn't answer. Mori was getting annoyed. Surely she knew Kyoya could not manipulate him into doing anything for him. She must know he's not asking for Kyoya sake.
Haruhi, you have my word.
She felt bad. She never meant to doubt Mori-senpai. Just because she couldn't trust Kyoya didn't mean she would ever have to feel that way about Mori. He had never let her down before.
Hitachiin's
I'll be right there.
No, it's not necessary.
Mitsukuni and I are on our way.
She sighed. Now the only thing she could do was thank Mrs. Hitachiin for her hospitality and extravagance and hope he kept his word. She felt a slight flutter in her stomach. She had been starting to feel something for Mori but pushed it down and ignored it once she began dating Kyoya. Kyoya had asked her out and she had said yes so he deserved her full devotion. Now that she knew of his deception she allowed herself to think about Mori fully. Her stomach fluttered once more when she thought about his concern. She was being foolish of course he would be concerned. It would be foolish of her to read more into it than that.
"Mori-senpai and Hunny-senpai are on their way to get me," she said.
"Oh, I can't wait until they see you. I'll have the maids bring your trunks down immediately."
"You know I really can't accept two trunks full of Hitachiin brand clothes from you," she said knowing they were worth a small fortune.
"My dear girl don't be silly. I insist."
"But…but,"
"Now…now you are the daughter I never had and my own living doll besides you have paid for them in your own way."
She looked at the woman who wore the trademark Hitachiin smirk.
"You know I will have you pose for pictures among other things that I may need your help are my muse and my mannequin. Think of this as payment for all the hours you spend getting poked with needles and posing."
"All right I guess that's fair just let me know when I can help."
"Of course dear, of course. Now lets get find the perfect shoes for this outfit."
She looked down at her self and cringed wondering what Hunny and Mori were going to say when they saw her.
Mori walked into the kitchen to find Hunny finishing a slice a cake sitting across from his father who was drinking a cup of coffee.
"Let's go get Haruhi," Mori said as he walked passed them.
"She answered you?" he asked a bit surprised and hurt that she did even though she didn't answer him.
"Hn."
"Where is she?"
"Hikaru and Kaoru's," he answered.
"Sneaky little Haru-chan, we discarded their place as a thought since they weren't home. I should have known. She quite close to Mrs. Hitachiin."
"Are you coming?" Mori asked impatient to see for himself if she was truly all right. He couldn't gauge anything through texts since he couldn't see the persons face or hear the inflection in their voice.
"Can we bring Haru-chan back here after we pick her up? I want to make sure she's okay and I don't want to drop her right off at her apartment in case Kyo-chan is there," Hunny said innocently.
"Hn."
Hunny looked at his uncle with a smile on his face. His uncle nodded his head slightly with a smile of his own. Perfect.
Mori sat in the limo trying to calm his nerves. It was foolish to be nervous really. Just because she may break up with Kyoya didn't mean she felt anything for him. He felt shame at his thoughts. How could he be excited when she was probably hurt? Kyoya looked upset too. Even though he tried to mask it and even though Mori thought he'd be a better match for Haruhi then Kyoya the man was still his friend. He should not be feeling any joy from their situation but it seemed his heart was just not getting the message his brain was trying to send. He had to gain control of his thoughts and reign in his feelings before they got there.
Hunny had hopped out of the limo and knocked on the double doors. The second they opened Mori forgot how to breath.
"Whoa, Haru-chan, you look amazing," Hunny said his voice filled with awe.
"I know she does doesn't she," Mrs. Hitachiin said as she threw her arms around Haruhi from behind. "My darling little girl had a rough day yesterday so we treated ourselves to a day of beauty to calm the mind. We had mani's and pedi's, massages, facials, hair cuts, and Haruhi even got waxed. The summer is coming after all. I feel like a million bucks and while I can't say how Haruhi feels I can say with certainty that she looks the way I feel."
"It's true, Haru-chan, you do look incredible," Hunny said staring at her.
"I wonder if you agree, Takashi?" Mrs. Hitachiin asked seeing clearly what he thought as he stared at her.
Words had never come easy to him but at this moment he couldn't seem to form one if someone paid him to do it. His eyes raked her from head to toe and back again. Her hair was pulled in a high pony tail by some kind of silver hair tie. She had on a tight fitting silver camisole and equally tight fitting black leather pants that looked soft as butter. The look was complete by a pair of silver sandals. Her tiny toes peeked out the front with black polish on her little toenails. He knew he had to say something soon. He was trying to think of a word, just one word would satisfy Mrs. Hitachiin but then his eyes fell on her waist. He noticed that the bottom of the camisole didn't quite reach the waist of the leather pants. His eye was fixed on the pale hip bone that stood just above the low waist of the pants.
He had spent his entire life learning how to master and control his feelings. One of the first lessons the young men were taught was how to control lust. He had never really battled with that emotion until he met Haruhi and even then he was able to lock down his thoughts and get himself under control. For the first time in his life he was unable to do that. Lust raced through him as he was stuck on the image of himself dropping to his knees before her and nibbling that pale little bone. He gasped completely shocked by his thoughts. He had never thought that way before in his life.
"Oh, my dear Haruhi, when you can silence a critic speechless that is the best compliment of all," Mrs. Hitachiin said in delight.
Hunny looked at his cousin and almost gasped himself. Hunny had never seen that look on Takashi's face before. He was completely enamored. A slight blush sprinkled Takashi's cheeks bones and bridge of his nose at Mrs. Hitachiin's words. Hunny smirked when he saw the blazing blush on Haruhi's face. This was going even better than planned.
"I think Takashi agrees with me," Hunny said.
"I think so," Mrs. Hitachiin said. "Takashi will you help get those trunks stowed away and don't forget to bring them in Haruhi's house for her. They are my gifts to her for all her hard work for me and she has already tried to refuse them twice."
"We'll be sure to carry them in her apartment ourselves, don't worry," Hunny said sweetly.
Mori was just glad he had something to do other than stare at Haruhi. He was making a fool out of himself. The last thing she wanted was another former host ogling her. But it was hard not to do in that outfit. She could make a celibate monk have that vision he had earlier. He shook his head trying to clear that thought. He felt rude for not even acknowledging how she looked. He just couldn't bring himself to do so yet.
Haruhi hugged Mrs. Hitachiin one last time and thanked her for everything.
"It was my pleasure dear. Oh and by the way we have a runway show coming up in the near future so I'll be needing you to model some clothes with the boys so I can make my final decisions."
"Okay just let me know when." Haruhi groaned inwardly at the thought of spending hours changing and posing but she did want to earn the two trunks of top designer clothes.
She settled into the limo and looked at Mori.
"Mitsukuni is right you do look amazing," he said quietly but he only held her eyes for half a second before looking away.
Her heart began to dance in her chest before she wanted to smack herself. Mrs. Hitachiin could make a pig look fashionable and sexy. It was nothing but pure foolishness on her part to think that a man who looked like Takashi could find a tiny little girl who passed as a boy desirable. She sighed. She half expected Hunny to bombard her with questions the second they got inside but so far he just stared at her without saying a would be curious about what happened between her and Kyoya. It was just a matter of time before he started but for now she was going to appreciate the silence.
"I think I hear the limo pulling up," Mr. Morinozuka said to his wife.
"Please don't be too hard on the poor girl," she said knowing how her husband can be.
"Mitsukuni seems to think this young lady is important to Takashi's future. In fact imperative was the word he used. If this is true and she may one day become part of the Morinozuka family she might as well be tested now. I will stop when I see she has reached her limit, but if she is as strong willed as Mitsukuni has said she is then I will enjoy pushing her and testing how far her limits go."
She sighed knowing there was nothing she could say that would stop her husband from testing. As a Martial Arts instructor it was in his blood to push and test and push a person to discover their own limits. We shall see what this girl is made of.
As soon as they walked in the house Haruhi looked around and felt instantly at home. Instead of all the fancy over the top pieces she was used to seeing in their other friends mansions, Mori's home was very traditionally decorated, peaceful and calm. She walked into the back of Mori since she wasn't paying attention and didn't notice he stopped.
"Sorry, Mori-senpai," she said rubbing her nose.
"Hn," he said though he looked down at her with a slight smile.
Haruhi glanced up and felt like she had entered a community of giants. Mori's dad must have been at least six foot four if not taller and the woman beside him stood just a hair under Mori which would make her six feet at least. If Hunny had not been standing beside her she would have felt completely dwarfed in the room. Both of his parents were extremely good looking people which instantly explained Mori being so handsome. Both had jet black hair. Mori's father had almost black eyes but Mori's mom had the steely grey that Haruhi was so attracted to each time she looked at Mori. She felt her face flush at the thought of being attracted to Mori and hoped she wasn't too red.
"Takashi, Mitsukuni, and you are?" Mr. Morinozuka said looking down at her.
She craned her neck to keep looking up and opened her mouth to answer but Mori beat her to it.
"This is Fuji…"
"I did not ask you Takashi. Why are you answering when I am speaking to her? Well, you are?" Mr. Morinozuka said interrupting Mori.
Mori looked at his father and felt a bit worried. He knew that tone well his father used it when he was testing someone. Why was he testing someone he just met? He wished he could silently apologize to Haruhi for what was about to come but he couldn't do that in front of his father.
"I am Fujioka Haruhi, Sir," Haruhi said an executed a perfect ninety degree bow in front of his father.
"Oh, Takashi where have you been hiding such a gorgeous creature?" his mother said embarrassing him further.
Mr. Morinozuka stared at the young girl feeling a bit puzzled. Mitsukuni described her as special but did remark she didn't care one bit about what she wore or what she looked like. The girl in front of him did not fit that description she looked like she just stepped out of a magazine.
"I..I…wasn't hiding her," Mori said not knowing how to respond to his mothers embarrassing question.
"I don't normally look like this," she said answering his wife. "I just spent the day with Mrs. Hitachiin and …well…she's a little hard to say no to."
Mr. Morinozuka scanned her quickly. She was a gorgeous girl and under Hitachiin Yuzuhas guidance she was simply breathtaking. He randomly thought that she looked perfectly suited to his son despite her petite size.
"Oh, yes, I can't say I know Mrs. Hitachiin well, but she is a formidable force. Are you close to her?" his mother enquired.
"Yes, very, I adore her, as relentless as she can be. I am best friends with her sons."
"Do you go to school with my son?" he asked sternly, watching her carefully.
"Yes, Sir, I am a first year at Ouran University," she answered.
"A first year?"
"Yes, Sir, first year Pre-Law," she said.
"Pre-Law, is this how you met my son?" he asked knowing the answers from Mitsukuni but he wanted to hear how she would respond.
Mori looked at his father sharply. He had spoken of Haruhi before. He never went into great detail but his father knows he did not just meet her. What was he up to?
"No, Sir, I met him in my first year of high school. We were in the same club."
He eyed her from head to toe.
"You look too scrawny to do Kendo and the only other club my son was in during high school was a Host Club. Since you are a girl I can eliminate that. So tell me how you really met my son."
"I may be many things Mr. Morinozuka but I am no liar," she said. He watched her stiffen under his implication. "You are correct I am too scrawny to pass as a Kendo fighter. I am not athletic in any way but I was in the Host Club despite my gender."
"Haruhi," he said as he continued to study her. "I remember Takashi and Mitsukuni talking about a Haruhi. Satoshi too now that I think about it. What class were you in at Ouran Academy?"
"Class A," she said.
He smiled then frowned. "Fujioka, the name does not sound familiar. What business is your family in?"
"Father," Mori said unhappy with his fathers line of questioning. He didn't want anyone to put her down though his father was usually completely without judgement.
"It's all right, Mori-senpai, I don't mind answering his questions," she said calmly looking his father straight in the eye.
He watched her. She did not seem intimidated by his size, his tone, or his questions in the least. He liked that. He admired that.
"My family is not in business."
She could see him thinking this over not sure if he would be pleased or not by this information but she had enough deceit and manipulation from Mr. Ohtori. She would not lie to Mori's dad even if that meant he was disappointed.
"If they are not in business than what does your father do for work?"
"He works in a bar," she said bluntly.
That made him blink. He normally showed no emotion on his face.
"A bar?"
"Yes, sir, a tranny bar to be exact," she said honestly while still maintaining eye contact. She could feel Mori tense beside her but she would not withhold the truth. She felt bad if this would make a bad impression or cause Mori any problems but she was tired of being manipulated to fit into this society and she would not do so to please anyone.
The few times she was around Mr. Ohtori she tried to be what he expected of a girl worthy of his son. It turned out he was the one who wanted her in the family. She was done with any kind of impressions. She was who she was take it or leave it.
"Did you say a tranny bar?"
"Yes, Sir, my father is…quite a unique individual."
"And your mother?" he asked.
"My mother is no longer with us," she said sadly. "But when she was alive she was a lawyer. A very good one even though she was young."
"I am sorry for bringing up a painful memory," he said sincerely.
"It was a long time ago. I have only fond memories of my mother and it doesn't pain me to talk about her. You have nothing to apologize for."
He looked at her calm exterior and used his excellent skills at reading body language. He felt no anxiety coming from her at all, no tension from speaking of her fathers unusual occupation. In fact he noticed pride in her eyes when she spoke of both her parents.
"I do not intimidate you." It was said as a statement not a question.
"No, Sir, you do not," she answered honestly.
"I have asked you very personal questions and you have answered me without hesitation and with no regard to how your answers might affect my opinion of you."
"Father," Mori said once again surprised by his fathers need to test Haruhi.
Before his father could react to Mori's words she spoke.
"I have no wish for you to dislike me, Sir but I have to be true to myself. I am a commoner who worked hard to earn entrance with a scholarship to both Ouran Academy and now Ouran University. My father may be unconventional but he is a good man. I love him and I am not ashamed of him even if others think I should be. I will hope for your good opinion but I have no control over your feelings so worrying about them does me no good at all."
"You're really not intimidated by me," he said this time more in wonder than merely stating a fact.
"No, Sir, I am not."
"She has faced equally intimidating men before, Uncle," Hunny said.
"Equally as intimidating as me?" he asked his nephew in surprise.
"She is in a relationship with Ohtori Kyoya, Father," Mori said.
"Just ending a relationship with him to be exact," she added.
Mori looked at her in surprise. The conversation she over heard must have been as bad as he feared if she made the decision to end it without speaking to Kyoya first.
"Ohtori," Mr. Morinozuka said impressed.
"Yes."
"I see. Did you end the relationship because you were tired of fighting to impress him. Very few can completely impress him."
"I hoped he would be okay with my dating his son. I recently found out he was the one who pressed for the relationship," she said quietly.
Mori and Hunny each whipped their heads in her direction then shared a look with each other. Each young man was frowning.
"Really?" his father said.
"Yes, I was deceived," she whispered with tears in her eyes.
"Well, Ohtori finds little merit in the things our family values. I like this girl, Takashi," he said to his son.
Mori felt relief not even realizing how much tension was there. What his father thought of her wouldn't change his feelings for her but he would rather have his fathers support than not.
"You are straightforward, you look me in the eye when you speak to are loyal to your family and you speak honorable words on their behalf. These are all traits we admire. You are welcome here any time Fujioka-san," he said kindly.
"Thank you, sir, and please call me Haruhi."
"Very well."
"Haruhi, it would please me very much if you joined us for dinner," Mori's mother said.
She glanced at Mori wondering what he thought of his mothers sudden invitation. She didn't want to make him uncomfortable. He looked relaxed and had a slight smile on his face. He looked at her waiting for her response.
"Thank you, Mrs. Morinozuka it would be an honor to join you and your family for dinner."
Tears still swam in her eyes from the mention of the Ohtori's deception.
Mrs. Morinozuka seemed to sense her distress.
"Takashi, why don't you and Mitsukuni take Haruhi up to your room and talk. We'll call you when dinner is ready," his mother said.
Mori fought the slight blush he felt coming to his cheeks. He had never had a girl in his room before and he had not planned on inviting Haruhi into it since it seemed like such an intimate setting. He supposed if Mitsukuni was there it wouldn't seem too inappropriate and it had been his mothers suggestion. He led her to his room. Hunny's phone rang as soon as they were seated on the floor around his low study table.
"It's Kyo-chan," he said before answering. "Hello. Yes, she is with me and Takashi. We are at Takashi's. I don't know about that. I think you should check with Haru-chan first Kyo-chan. He wants to talk to you," Hunny said handing her the phone.
She looked at Hunny like she wanted to kill him then for some unknown reason she looked to Mori for support. He shook his head yes encouraging her. She took the phone with a frown.
"Hello."
"Haruhi, I…"
"Don't, Kyoya…I can't right now."
"Please, Haruhi, we need to talk."
"I can't," she whispered on the verge of tears.
"Haruhi, there are things you must know. If you could give me a chance to explain…"
"I'm serious, Kyoya, I really can't right now. You need to give me some time to get over my shock so that I can think clearly and say what I need to say without all of this confusing emotion."
"But, Haruhi, I really think it would be best if we spoke now."
"I disagree." She heard him sigh.
"Fine tomorrow then," he said.
"No, still too soon."
"It's already been a whole day. Do you know how worried I was?"
"As surprising as this may come to you, it's not always about you or how you want everything to be. I need time before I can face you or my anger will get the better of me and I will not be pleasant to talk to."
"Haruhi, you wound me but this is about me whether you want to believe that or not."
"Really? I don't see how since you were not the one who was deceived."
Mori and Hunny winced at her blunt words.
"Haruhi, I…"
"I am done with this conversation," she said and handed the phone back to Hunny.
"Haruhi," he said. Hunny was surprised by the desperation he heard in his voice.
"It's me Kyo-chan. I think you need to listen to Haru-chan right now and give her the space she is asking for."
"Fine," he said harshly. "But we need to talk before Thursday night. We need to talk before leaving for our host club long weekend get away"
"Kyo-chan says you need to talk before we all go away on Thursday."
"No. Tell him not to worry about it being uncomfortable. I just won't go," she said.
"You have to go, Haru-chan the twins are coming home special for these plans. They would be devastated if you don't go."
"I don't want to make it uncomfortable for everybody."
"Tell her if we resolve this beforehand no one needs to feel uncomfortable. She has to go," Kyoya said furiously.
"Me and Takashi will talk her into going but we will not force her into talking to you if she is not ready. Maybe the two of you can talk sometime during the trip. You each have good control of your emotions it shouldn't be uncomfortable. But you need to promise me to stay away from Haru-chan until then. If you don't give her the space she is asking for I'm going to be real mad at you Kyo-chan."
"Fine," Kyoya said even more harshly than before. "I promise to leave her alone as long as you promise you will get her to go."
"Piece of cake. Bye, Kyo-chan," he said and hung up before he could continue.
"I'm sorry to put you on the spot, Hunny-senpai I just don't want to talk to him right now," she said as two tears slipped out of her eyes she could no longer hold them back.
Hunny reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
"No problem. I'm sorry he broke your heart, Haru-chan."
She frowned at Hunny's words. She looked at him in confusion. "Broke my heart? No, he didn't break my heart. You can't break something you're not holding." She laughed without any humor. "Who knew my dad could be so right about something?"
They both just looked at her.
"My father always says pride comes before a fall. Do you know when Kyoya asked me out I was shocked then I have to admit it felt good after all his commoner comments through the years. I felt a little proud that he would choose me despite what his father would think. Little did I know it wasn't despite it but because of it. We never said I love you to each other. I could feel something growing between us but it didn't reach love yet. He didn't break my heart, Hunny -senpai, but he broke my trust. To me that is worse. How could he do that to me?"
"I'm confused, Haru-chan, we thought you over heard Mr. Ohtori forbid your relationship. Could you explain what you were saying to my uncle?"
She relayed the whole conversation she had over heard then her tears mixed with anger as she looked at them.
"How could he do that to me? How could he deceive me like that? How could I have been stupid enough to think he would date me without merit? He must have been laughing over how easy it was to get me to agree. I really am a fool," she said then cried harder into her hands.
"There, there, Haru-chan," Hunny said patting her arm. With each pat he pushed her closer toward Mori.
Mori glared at him but Hunny only smiled. Mori put his arm around her. She moved into his warmth as she cried. Hunny gave him a thumbs up. Mori rolled his eyes and wanted to kill him. Then he looked down at the tiny girl against him and frowned. If Mr. Ohtori did not forbid their relationship then Kyoya still had a chance. His frown deepened as he felt a pain in his chest.
Hunny could see the thoughts playing across his cousins face. Oh,Takashi, I know what you are thinking but you know our Haru-chan better than that. Kyoya had a better chance keeping her if his father disagreed then he does now that he has deceived and manipulated her. Haru-chan will never forgive that. Hunny smiled as he thought of all the ways he could help bring these two together.
A/N(again): Wow! Another long one. For those who hate long chapters I apologize but I just couldn't decide where to stop. Any point before this one felt too unfinished but then it became a monster. Please let me know what you think about this chapter. Reviews make me happy and keep me inspired to keep going with the story. I appreciate your time and your thoughts. Arigato!