Disclaimer: I own nothing except the idea for this Fanfic! Everything else belongs to Bisco Hatori. Total genius!

A/N: Once again thank you for the kind reviews. I feel so fortunate to have received only positive reviews. I love writing and you guys have made the whole thing that much more enjoyable. I hope this chapter isn't too disappointing. It felt a little yadda yadda boring as I was writing it, but I think of it as a transition while everyone deals with their feelings and decides how they will proceed and what they will do next.

Haruhi gasped when she saw herself in the mirror. Her eyes were puffy and her face was blotchy. She looked terrible, but did it really matter? It wasn't like there was anyone to look good for right now. Kyoya has seen her at her worst before. Actually, this was probably her worst, but he's witnessed that now too. Ugh-of all people, but then she stopped her thoughts. Kyoya had actually been there for her. Had actually cared. He didn't deserve any unkind thoughts after his actions this night.

She splashed some cold water on her face and patted it dry. Her mouth felt terrible so she squeezed a bit of toothpaste on her finger, put it on her tongue and swished it in her mouth. It was nowhere near as effective as a toothbrush would have been, but she had to make due with what she had.

She checked her buttons and frowned. She was still wearing Hikaru's shirt. She looked down at it in disgust. She felt like burning it but since it probably cost more than she spent to feed herself for the month she pushed that selfish thought aside and decided to return it to him in one piece. It wasn't like she ever wanted to see it again.

Making her way back to Kyoya she fiddled with her hair wondering how much she could push him this night before he returned to the cold inconvenienced Shadow King she was secretly so fond of.

"Umm, Kyoya-Senpai, I hate to be a bother but do you happen to have a shirt I could borrow?"

Kyoya almost laughed as he watched Haruhi nervously ask him a favor. All the years he added to her debt had an impact on her. She has never so much as borrowed a quarter from him. Probably fearing some interest or condition. If he was in the mood to tease her he would ask her what she would do in return for the use of said shirt, but he was not in a teasing mood. Haruhi was too hurt and the thought of stressing her out any more didn't appeal to him in the least.

"I'm sure I can find something," he said and quickly left the room.

He returned with a dark blue dress shirt that felt even more expensive than the one she was wearing.

"Damn rich bastards," she said as she traded one shirt for the other. "A simple T-shirt would have been just fine."

"I don't own many T-shirts, Haruhi, and I would have had to dig one out. I simply grabbed what was most accessible. It is quiet big on you though," he said smiling at his shirt hanging nearly to her knees. He watched as she continued to roll the sleeves up until her hands were finally showing. He sighed. Would he ever get rid of the creases her little folding job would be putting in his shirt. No matter, it was for Haruhi. One shirt would be no loss for him.

"Har-u-hi." She heard Tamaki's over dramatic singsong voice echo through the entryway of the Ohtori mansion and froze. She glared at Kyoya.

"You swore, Senpai. You swore you would never tell anyone," she accused as she faced him.

"I swore I would never tell anyone you cried, and I haven't, Haruhi. I have all intentions of keeping that promise. I never swore to anything else," he said calmly as Tamaki continued to call out for her.

The double doors to the room were flung open with a dramatic flair and Tamaki launched himself into the room.

"Oh, my poor little girl. Fear not, Haruhi, Daddy is here to make it all better," he said as he pulled her into one of his smothering embraces. He held her tight as he rocked her back and forth in his arms. She looked around Tamaki's body making sure she gave Kyoya the harshest glare she could muster. He merely pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. The light that reflected off his lenses hiding whatever look he might be giving her in return.

"Tamaki-Senpai, get off," she said trying to push him away. In typical Tamaki fashion he merely held her tighter.

"How could you even suggestion such a thing my darling little girl. As if I could let go and abandon you in your hour of need. I'm here for you, Haruhi. You don't have to be strong right now. You just lean on me and let it all out."

"Senpai," she said but he just continued as if she hadn't spoken.

"I told you. I've been warning you for years that those devils twins would corrupt you and hurt my little girl. You should have listened to your Daddy."

"Senpai," she said a little louder but still he continued.

"When I think of the pain you must be feeling right now. When I think of how I have failed you. It pains my heart, Haruhi, truly. But it's all right. I shall not fail you again."

"Tamaki," she shouted finally stopping the young man's ranting.

"What, Haruhi?" he asked pulling back slightly but not letting go.

"Would you please get off of me? I don't need a shoulder to cry on."

He looked horrified. "But of course you do. You don't need to be strong. Those devil twins may call themselves your best friends, but you know the truth. You know that you can depend on Kyoya and myself much more than you can depend on them. We're here for you, Haruhi. You no longer have to put up this brave front."

"Tamaki, will you release Haruhi and give her some space to breath?"

"Oh my darling little girl. In my quest to comfort you I'm afraid I may have held you too tightly."

"It's fine, Senpai. All this fuss isn't really necessary," she said pulling completely out of his arms.

He began to unzip the bag that was thrown across his shoulder. "Have no fears, Haruhi. I brought just the thing to comfort you," he said as he shoved a stuffed animal against her.

"What the…?"

"It's beary. I just had to bring him along knowing you were hurting and in need of comfort."

"Are you an idiot?" she said pushing the bear back at him. "Get that away from me. Why would you bring that? I can't believe you still have that stupid thing?"

"Gah. Kyoyaaaaa," Tamaki whined. "Haruhi is being mean. She doesn't understand the importance of beary."

"I don't understand it either, Tamaki," kyoya sighed in frustration. "That stuffed bear serves no purpose put it away."

"No," Tamaki said holding the bear close. "Beary serves a grand purpose. As soon as Haruhi holds it she will understand."

"I'm not holding that, Senpai. Get it away from me," she said backing up from Tamaki's annoying insistence.

"Haruhi, just hold it."

"No."

Kyoya could see Haruhi was at her limit. Why did he text him? He had hoped his need to make every girl happy would compel him to comfort her in his gentle host like manner. He should have known better. Tamaki was never a host like gentleman around Haruhi he was his usual idiotic self.

"Tamaki, put that bear away or I'm throwing it out," Kyoya said in a cold, no nonsense voice.

Tamaki held his bear close protectively before slipping it into his bag and zipping it closed.

"Fine. If the two of you can't see the merits in bringing him you will just have to live without his comforting presence."

"That's fine by me," Haruhi said. "I can live without that just fine."

"Haruhi," Tamaki said gripping the girl once more. "Tell me what happened. I can't fix it if I don't know what took place."

"I don't need you to fix it," she said harshly trying once more to get out of his arms.

"Haru-chan," Hunny-Senpai said as he walked into the room followed by Mori-Senpai.

"Tamaki let go of me."

Before she could push at him again she felt herself being lifted in the air. Suddenly she was cradled against a firm chest as Mori held her close. He said not a word as he sat down settling her in his lap.

"Haru-chan," Hunny said tears filling his sad brown eyes.

She felt her own tears threaten at his look.

"Don't, Hunny-Senpai," she whispered in warning. He seemed to understand for he reined in his tears and climbed into her lap.

It was quite uncomfortable since he was now a few inches taller than her. He was no longer smaller than her as he had been back in the host club days. Still, a strange comfort washed over her regardless of how awkward this new position was.

Hunny placed his head against her chest as Mori wrapped his arms around the both of them. Her legs were being crushed by his weight. She wondered how Mori could stand having their combined weight on his legs, but he was much stronger than she was. He didn't seem phased by it at all.

"Oh, Haru-chan, Takashi and I were so worried when we got Kyoya's message. Are you all right?" Hunny asked his face filled with concern.

"Not really," she mumbled quietly.

"I'm sorry, Haru-chan. I'm sorry you're hurting. You can talk to us you know. We are your friends."

"I know, and I thank you, but I'm not really up to talking about it." She knew if she started telling them what happened she would start to cry. It was bad enough that Kyoya saw her tears. She had no desire to repeat the experience in front of the whole host club.

"Kyoya-Senpai, Haruhi," Kaoru called as he entered the room.

"You, how can you dare to even show your face here?" Tamaki said.

"Knock it off, Tamaki, its Kaoru," Haruhi said baffled that even the former hosts still mixed them up from time to time.

"That's not much better," Tamaki said. Every one looked at him in shock.

"What are you talking about Tama-chan?" Hunny asked. Had Kaoru helped Hikaru hurt Haruhi? He didn't want to believe that, but why was Tamaki acting this way?

"Well, we must think of Haruhi. Can you not imagine how painful it must be to look at a face identical to the one who has so recently betrayed her?"

Kaoru froze at his words. He felt a tightening in his chest. Did Haruhi feel that way? Would she avoid him because it would be too painful to see him? He didn't know if he could take that, but he had to know. He took a deep breath and looked at her.

She gently nudged Hunny-Senpai off her lap, slid out of Mori-Senpai's arms, and approached him. Relief flooded through him when he saw the tenderness in her beautiful brown eyes.

"You're wrong, Tamaki. I don't feel that way at all. Kaoru is his own person. He didn't do anything to hurt me. Hikaru did. I need Kaoru and he's here right now because he knows I need him," Haruhi said never taking her eyes off of his.

"Haruhi," he whispered. He could get no other words passed the lump that had formed in his throat.

"It's okay, Kaoru. I don't care how identical you look. When I look at your face I don't see anyone but you."

Her words broke him. This is why he loved her so unconditionally. This understanding she had of them as individuals. The love he felt for her overwhelmed him. He chocked out a sob unable to hold back regardless of the room full of men watching. He pulled her in his arms and even though he had come to comfort her she cradled him while he cried on her shoulder.

The loud knock on the door could be faintly heard in the room they were in. They all looked at each other uncomfortably. Every one knew who it was. There was only one former member of the host cub missing. Seconds later a butler entered the room.

"Master Kyoya, Mr. Hitachiin is here looking for Miss Fujioka."

Kyoya looked at Haruhi.

"I can't," she whispered tightening her grip on Kaoru. "I'm sorry to put you in an awkward position, Kyoya-Senpai, but I just can't talk to him right now."

"It's no problem, Haruhi. I would agree with you. Now does not seem the best time for the two of you to talk. Before I send him away are you sure?"

She nodded her head in confirmation. She was too afraid that if she opened her mouth her crying would start all over again.

Kyoya took a deep breath. "Hikaru is not going to be happy. I may as well get this over with."

Haruhi looked up tears filling her eyes. Kyoya was right; Hikaru was not going to be happy. Knowing him he was not going to leave until he spoke to her. Her stomach turned at that thought. She really didn't want to see him right now.

"Don't worry, Haru-chan. If you don't want to see Hikaru Takashi and me will keep him away. Takashi, do you want to be the first line of defense?"

"Hn," Mori-Senpai said and followed Kyoya out of the room closing the huge double doors behind him.

Haruhi wished she could breath out a sigh of relief, but she felt too tense.

Kyoya opened the door to a nearly distraught looking Hikaru. Remembering Haruhi's tears he was finding it difficult to feel much sympathy for him at the moment.

"Kyoya-Senpai, I need to speak to Haruhi," he said attempting to walk inside.

Kyoya stuck an arm out blocking his admittance. Hikaru looked shocked.

"And what makes you think she is here?" he asked calmly.

"I followed Kaoru here. Besides everyone else's car is here as well. I know she's inside."

"And if I told you she wasn't?" he inquired calmly.

"I'd say you were lying to me."

Kyoya sighed. "She doesn't want to see you, Hikaru."

"But I need to talk to her. Come on, Kyoya-Senpai, it's important," Hikaru said frustrated he wasn't getting his way.

"You're not seeing her," Kyoya said firmly.

"I hate to do this, Senpai, but you're leaving me no choice," Hikaru said as he pushed passed his arm and entered the Ohtori mansion.

"I'm not your only obstacle. If you are that hell bent on seeing her you'll have to get passed Mori-senpai. And if by some strange miracle you achieve that feat, Hunny-Senpai is just inside those doors. By the way, Hikaru, I wouldn't cross paths with Hunny-Senpai anytime soon if I were you."

Hikaru looked at Mori-Senpai who was guarding the doors, arms crossed with a stern, determined look on his face.

"Mori-Senpai, please," Hikaru begged knowing full well he would never get passed the angry looking giant. Kyoya was one thing; Mori was a completely different animal. Mori shook his head the line of his mouth tightening even further.

"So much for family and friendship," Hikaru muttered completely annoyed that they were stopping him from resolving this with Haruhi.

"We are your friends, Hikaru, but we are Haruhi's friends as well. You hurt her, badly, and not for the first time I understand. We would be standing by you if the roles were reversed, but they're not. You hurt her," he stated again. "She is the one who needs us right now."

"This is ridiculous. I know I hurt her that's why I need to talk to her. Don't you understand? If you were a friend to both of us you would help me apologize. If I do then she will feel better. That's what you want isn't it?"

"You don't seriously think you are going to use words to manipulate me do you? Haruhi does not wish to see you right now and I am going to ensure she gets what she wants. I repeat, we are all friends, but we joke and we tease, and we get harmless revenge on one another, but we never do anything to seriously hurt each other. We look out for one another, Hikaru, especially her. We never irreparably hurt one of our own."

"Irreparably," HIkaru whispered, shocked by Kyoya's choice of words. Mori-Senpai narrowed his eyes his anger increasing.

"Kyoya," Hikaru whined sounding annoyingly like Tamaki.

"I'm sorry, Hikaru, but for right now I must ask you to leave."

Hikaru stumbled out to his car. His mind playing the word irreparably over and over.

Kyoya entered the room to find a nervous Haruhi still held in Kaoru's arms. He had expected Hikaru to be much more explosive. The fact that he wasn't led Kyoya to believe he knew the gravity of what he had done. He kept him away from her this night as asked, whether she forgave him in the future was entirely up to Haruhi. Though he couldn't really imagine her overlooking such a betrayal. Not her.

He studied Haruhi and Kaoru as they clung to each other. He had always found the trio of friends intriguing. It was fascinating that Haruhi was able to penetrate the bubble the twins had locked themselves in. She did it though, and as the years went on the friendship among the trio only grew stronger. He used to wonder how they successfully remained friends when the twins were so spoiled and manipulative and Haruhi had no patience for such things.

Watching Kaoru hold her so gently he got his first glimpse into how the dynamics of their friendship worked. Hikaru was like the explosive stick of dynamite that blasted chaos and mischief into their lives. Haruhi was the blunt instrument that tolerated no nonsense and put Hikaru in his place with a few carefully threatening words. Hikaru and Haruhi were about as different as two people could be. It shouldn't have worked. Their friendship shouldn't have been successful and yet it was, to the point that they were best friends, practically inseparable. Now he understood why.

Kaoru was the calming waters, the Zen like garden that balanced the differences between Hikaru and Haruhi. Haruhi was the only person to successfully tell the twins apart under any circumstances. She was essential to them. The trio was indeed fascinating each providing an important element. Hikaru was the fun, the brains behind all of their crazy adventures. Kaoru was the peace, the soul that kept their feelings for each other strong. Haruhi was their savior, the heart, the glue that kept them bonded together. What would happen now that the heart of the trio was broken? Kyoya continued to ponder this until he was interrupted by Hunny-Senpai.

"So, what did he say, Kyo-chan?"

"He wasn't happy to be turned away, but I informed him that Haruhi did not wish to see him and we were not happy with his treatment of her."

"Darn right we're not. I don't know if I can ever forgive him," Tamaki said seriously.

"I know what you mean," Kyoya said remembering the trembling of her body in his arms.

"Don't do this guys," Haruhi whispered softly. "Please don't do this."

"Don't do what, Haruhi?" Tamaki asked her gently.

"Don't shut him out. Don't leave him alone with no support."

"I am too upset with him to support him right now," Tamaki said with a pout.

"But it isn't right," she said firmly. "Hikaru is a former host too. We can't all be against him."

"I'm sorry, Haru-chan, but he broke our clubs number one rule," Hunny said placing a hand on her arm.

"What rule?" she whispered. She wasn't aware of any rules.

"We don't hurt one of our own," Hunny-Senpai said in that dark voice he gets when he is feeling protective of his friends.

"Guys, I appreciate your support, I really do, but this is between Hikaru and I. This isn't just a matter of one host hurting another. We were dating, things happen, relationships don't always work out. I'm mad at him right now. Furious, in fact, but that doesn't mean I want to see him shut out. It's not fair."

"What he did to you wasn't fair, Haruhi. You don't truly expect us to just overlook it do it?" Tamaki said the passion he felt over the situation clearly in his voice.

"I just don't want to see him alone. Hikaru doesn't do being alone very well. I'm scared for him. I don't want to see anything happen to him because he does something reckless or stupid. We all know he is capable of that when he's angry or alone."

Guilt seemed to reside on all of their faces, except Kyoya, but no one said they would support Hikaru, which kind of made her angry.

"Guys, come on," she said unable to believe they would leave Hikaru out to dry.

Their faces were firm. They were not going to budge. She looked around the room wondering whom she could implore for help. Her eyes feel on Kaoru.

"Kaoru, please," she said putting her hand on his arm.

"I'm just so mad at him right now, Haruhi. For the first time in my life I don't feel like I can bring myself to talk to him."

"Then don't talk to him, but don't leave him alone. Please, Kaoru, just go home and keep an eye on him. Please. You'll never forgive yourself if he does something foolish and something happens to him. None of you will."

Kaoru knew she was right. He wouldn't forgive himself. Leave it to Haruhi to be the voice of reason.

"You're right, Haruhi. All right, I'll go home. Do you want me to drop you off on the way."

She felt a knot in her stomach not really wanting to be alone in case Hikaru decided to stop by. Before she could say anything Hunny-Senpai spoke up.

"I don't think it's a good idea for Haru-chan to be alone tonight Kao-chan. We all planned on sleeping here to keep her company. We even brought an overnight bag, right Takashi?"

"What?" Kyoya said. "Why does my home have to become the place for this impromptu sleep over?"

"Because this is where you brought Haruhi and you called us to come over."

"No, I called you to inform you of the situation."

"You knew we would come, Kyo-chan."

He sighed. "Fine, sleep over if you want. I'll have the maids get some rooms ready."

"You don't use multiple rooms for a sleep over, Kyo-chan. The fun part is sleeping on the floor all together in the same room."

"Well count me out," Kyoya said firmly. "I get too little sleep as it is and I am not parting with my bed for any sleep over with all of you."

"But don't you want to be there for Haru-chan too?" Hunny said with a pout trying to make Kyoya feel guilty for abandoning their friend.

If it was anyone else Kyoya would have never been persuaded by Hunny-Senpai's words, but it was to support Haruhi and he knew first hand how much she was hurting. Only for her would he make this concession.

"Fine," he said in defeat. "But this so called sleep over will take place in my bedroom. I still have no intention of giving up my bed."

"Yay! Sleep over, sleep over," Hunny said jumping up and down excitedly.

"Uh, guys this is really not necessary. We shouldn't put Kyoya-Senpai out like this." She wasn't sure how she felt about this sleep over idea.

"Don't be silly, Haru-chan, we aren't leaving you alone and Kyoya has already agreed."

"But I wasn't prepared for a sleep over," she said looking down at her borrowed shirt and tight jeans.

"I've got you covered, Haru-chan," Hunny said with his big smile plastered on his face. "I thought ahead, right Takashi? You're going to look adorable in my shorts that I've packed for you aaaand I packed you a brand new toothbrush as well."

She sighed. These guys were too much. No matter how many years passed since the host club ended these guys had no intention of disbanding. She was stuck with them. Even though they were crazy and made irrational decisions for her without ever asking, she was comforted that she would always have their support. They may be a crazy overbearing group of friends but they were hers.

"I feel like I should stay," Kaoru said feeling left out. Especially if a sleep over with Haruhi was involved.

She looked at him sadly. She knew he wanted to stay but she couldn't allow him too.

"Kaoru, I'll have a sleep over with you some other time. You need to keep an eye on your brother. Please, "she said pleading with him to understand.

"You promise?" he asked "You promise to have a sleep over with me?"

"Yes. I promise. I may not like Hikaru very much right now but I don't want him left alone to deal with his emotions. He struggles with them with support. Who knows what he'll do with it."

"All right, Haruhi," he said knowing she was right. He didn't really want to leave Hikaru on his own either, but he was torn. He didn't want to leave Haruhi either. He looked around at their group of friends and although he was jealous that they got this time with her he was glad she was not alone. The same could not be said of Hikaru. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"I'll walk you out," she said. He took her hand in his and after saying good-bye to everyone they walked outside.

"I feel like I'm abandoning you. I feel like a terrible friend," he said leaning against the limo.

"You need to be a brother more than a friend right now. I know how you feel, Kaoru, I know you want to be here. You have no idea what that means to me but as angry as I am with Hikaru I just can't stand the thought of him being alone. "

"He is a fool to have hurt you when you care so much about him. Even now you care, thank you for that, Haruhi," he said pulling the girl in his arms.

He knew she was mad. He knew she was hurt. He had seen it on her face when they walked in on that stupid plan of Hikaru's and still she cared about him, worried about him. Hikaru was an idiot.

Her warmth penetrated his thoughts. Her small body was pressed against his own. Her earlier words whispered through his mind when I look at your face I don't see anyone but you. Tears stung his eyes and that lump returned to his throat. This tiny woman was the only person in the world who made him feel special. Who saw Kaoru and nothing more. He tightened his hold on her. Love and lust filled equal parts of him as heat raced through his body. He wanted her. He wanted to be there for her but once again he was pushing his wants aside for his brother needs. Would he ever be able to be just Kaoru and not a twin?

A/N (Again): I am sooooo sorry this chapter turned out to be so long. I also want to apologize for not wrapping up the whole transition phase in just one chapter. There is something about this story and the deep relationship between all the hosts that once I get writing all their reactions race through my head and I feel like I'm saying too much. Please bear with me through one more transition chapter of feelings and then we will get back to the good stuff. I appreciate your patience and your comments. Please keep both coming. Arigato!