Alone Now

Author's Disclaimer: No, I do not own OHSHC. All rights go to their respective owners. As many have noticed, things have been building as more people get involved. Also, apologies on lateness of this chapter; I thought it would be done Thursday before my friend came, but no. This chapter is the last one that will continue to build it, as well as start to figure out everything and make stuff happen. I hope you enjoy the Ranka interactions!

Chapter 7: Dinner with the Fujiokas

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-HKHKHKHKHKHKHKHKHKHK-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Haruhi knocked on her dad's door, and she was answered with a loud, high-pitched squeal, easily able to compete with Tamaki's vocal exclamations of the past.

"Haruhi! My darling daughter! You've come to visit your dear father at last! Come inside and let's talk!"

Haruhi was swiftly enveloped by Ranka, who had no problem glomping his favorite and only daughter. Thankfully, he did not try to squeeze the life out of her, only her guts. It was hard to see anything other than Ranka's bright red top as he surrounded his daughter.

It took several moments of Haruhi's silence and Ranka's low mumblings of how happy he was to see her before Ranka noticed that she had brought someone to dinner. In Ranka's mind, two words in particular immediately began to play in his head: at last!

"Haruhi! You didn't tell me to expect any company with your welcome presence tonight! How is that being a proper host? It's a good thing I made more of my chicken and fried rice!"

Finally leaving Haruhi's initially reluctant but warm embrace, Ranka turned to his new guest.

"Well now, if it isn't my favorite Ootori!" Ranka would have liked nothing more than to embrace Kyoya as well, but he decided to wait until later to do it, once things were certain (at least in his mind).

"Dad!"

"What do you expect me to say, Haruhi? All throughout high school, he's been a wonderful source of information, not to mention very good at keeping tabs on you and letting me know how you're holding up, whether in high school or college. And, he's such a gentleman! You don't find too many men his age like that."

"But Dad-"

"No buts, Haruhi dear. I'm sure if I met the rest of his family that I would like them all, too. However, he will always be my favorite. Do come in and join us!"

Ranka was quick to push both Haruhi and Kyoya into the house and lock the door. He would never say no to company, especially these two.

Meanwhile, Haruhi was thinking about dinner. Thankfully, both Kyoya and she had eaten fairly recently, which was good. Ranka loved chicken and fried rice, but he had a tendency to burn some of the food by letting it sit too long at the bottom without stirring it. Hopefully, he had not burned it, or if he did, it would not be enough to be easily noticeable.

Haruhi and Kyoya then sat down at the table while Ranka smiled bigger and went to fill three bowls with the rice and chicken mixture.

Haruhi's worries were soon confirmed when Ranka said, "Oh, don't mind some of the rice on your plates, you two. Haruhi is used to seeing a little bit of burnt rice, and I promise that even though I'm not much of a cook, you won't notice the burnt stuff. At least, I don't anymore."

Haruhi wanted to put her face in her hands as she imagined how many times a week Ranka made it for himself, gradually getting used to the burnt rice and egg. This particular bowl seemed to only have burnt rice, which was good. Much better than tasting crunchy egg shells. Haruhi really did not like it when egg shells got into the food. Thankfully, Kyoya was taking the idea of burnt food very well.

Even from Haruhi's experience, Kyoya seemed a little happier than normal sitting at a table with her and her dad. The smallest smile was playing across his face, glasses gleaming, as he looked between Haruhi and Ranka. While he did not eat at first, choosing to wait until Haruhi had had a couple bites, Kyoya was still very gracious as only a former Host Club member can be.

Soon, the pleasantries began.

"Haruhi, how have you been, dear? Are you still enjoying your work?"

"Yes, Dad. I love my career choice. It makes me so proud to be able to do what Mom does, and the fact that others tell me I ought to do it makes it that much better. I've been steadily receiving more cases to represent, and I've been able to help each different case, sometimes in more ways than one."

"That's wonderful news! I'm so happy for you!"

"It's very rewarding for me. That, and, oh, Kyoya-senapi, you'll like this, too."

"Will I? I'll be the judge of that," said Kyoya, raising his eyebrows slightly while still trying to maintain an even composure.

"Fine. Either way, I've been talking to more people at work as well. Usually, I just stick to the people that I eat lunch with. However, ever since I went to a luncheon with Kyoya-senpai, I've been talking to others that I saw at the luncheon. Just the other day, I saw someone who was at our table with us. Thankfully, I remembered his name, and I took Kyoya-senpai's advice to smile a little and greet him with his name."

"That's my Haruhi, being so nice to everyone. The fact that it came as advice from this gentleman over here is just another added bonus. What did the man do when you greeted him?"

"He smiled back at me. His face had looked so stern a moment before that, but not after that. He even stopped to talk to me for a few minutes afterward! He was in the middle of a bad day for him, so he appreciated the smile. I can't thank you enough for the help, Kyoya-senpai."

"I'm always happy to help, Haruhi."

"Haruhi, you're very fortunate in your choice of friends. I hope you choose just as well in other personal areas of your life."

Haruhi looked at her exasperating father for a moment before turning back to Kyoya, who chose to stay silent. He knew better than to say anything yet.

"And speaking of my favorite Ootori, how are you?"

Ranka was quick to turn toward Kyoya and lean forward in his chair, ready to listen to all that Kyoya had to say. With hands folder together in front of him on the white tablecloth, arms flat on the table, Ranka looked ready to absorb every little detail he could. Haruhi just smiled. Her dad had always preferred Kyoya, despite how long she had been with Tamaki.

Kyoya was ready for the attention of both father and daughter. He had been preparing for this moment for some time now.

"I'm doing well, Ranka-san."

"So the family business continues to be the best? Are you the sole owner yet?"

"Dad!"

"What? I'm just curious. I keep expecting to read about it in the newspaper one of these days."

"As it so happens, the business is growing. I do my best to get the most out of the money and people we have working for us, while still making sure that they are compensated properly. We're always striving to improve."

"With you there, Kyoya-senpai, I'm sure you're doing much better than you give yourself credit for. If you take care of it anything at all like you the Host Club, you must be making substantial amounts of money. You know how to make things happen and work."

"Thanks for your vote of confidence, Haruhi. I like to think that I am doing a good job, but that is determined by my father."

"I'm sure he is just a father who wants the best for you."

"Of course, Ranka-san. Though he is not as…. enthusiastic as you."

Haruhi smiled at the adjective used to describe her father, which was rather appropriate. Her father could be a bit much, just like Tamaki. He cared just as much, and he actually had a reason to call her his daughter. However, it quickly became clear that Ranka was taking more of an interest in Kyoya as he asked his next question.

"So your work is doing well; that is just lovely. But what are you doing outside of work these days, hmm? Spending much time with my Haruhi?"

"As a matter of fact, I am. I've had the pleasure of seeing much of Haruhi of late. As you know, with the marriage between the Haninozukas and Kanazukis fast approaching, there's been a steady stream of parties being held for the happy couple. What little free time I have is spent going to those parties."

"It's a shame that that's all you do outside of work. A young, healthy, and very attractive male like yourself ought to be out enjoying life to the fullest. But, perhaps you lack something."

"Or someone." Kyoya did his best to look evenly at Ranka, and only at him.

Haruhi took this as the perfect moment to clean off the table so that they could all talk seriously once Ranka was done asking questions about Kyoya. Considering how much those two still talked, perhaps this was normal conversation for them. She excused herself, taking the rest of the empty, red and black striped ceramic bowls with her. She washed as she listened to the two talk.

"Naturally, someone. I know it took some time for me to find someone, but when I found my Kotoko, I made sure that we were together. I made time for her, going out of my way to do stuff for her and thinking of excuses for us to spend time together. You would, of course, do the same, wouldn't you? If you found the right one?"

Kyoya could feel the scrutiny from Ranka, who looked hard at Kyoya. Ranka looked so open, hands spread out and leaning toward Kyoya with a smile on his smile, all the while looking quite serious on his face. Kyoya sat firmly in his chair and looked into Ranka's eyes as he spoke.

"Yes. I would do everything in my power to make her happy. She would be my first priority."

Kyoya punctuated his words by shaking his head slightly in the affirmative, as well as placing his hands on the table. That his left hand reached out a little more and touched the area of the table where Haruhi had been sitting was no accident. When Kyoya said "first", his hand applied pressure to the table.

"I thought you might say that, or at least, I was hoping you would. Good."

Ranka's face lit up in an even bigger smile than he had when he first saw Kyoya and Haruhi together. He had been worried about Haruhi's dating situation for some time, but when Haruhi mentioned that she had gone to lunch with Kyoya one day, that was all the encouragement he needed. He then nodded at Kyoya, before looking pointedly in Haruhi's direction, who was still putting away dishes.

"Haruhi, you have such good friends! They are willing to put up with my nosy questions and still smile so politely! Why aren't you in here with us?"

"I just wanted to put away the dishes since they were clean. You two looked like you were going to talk much more."

"I don't want to take up all of his attention, Haruhi. He is your friend and guest after all."

"Naturally, Ranka-san and I would enjoy talking a little more, if we had the time. However, there is still another matter that needs to be discussed and figured out."

Haruhi's face saddened slightly at the reminder, making Ranka a little sadder.

"Oh? What's this? Trouble for my Haruhi? What is it, dear?"

"It's regarding all of the parties that I have been attending, Dad. As you know, I have had Hikaru escort me to a number of parties. However, he's been acting strange of late, including leaving suddenly from today's lunch party unexpectedly, forcing Kyoya-senpai to bring me here. Hikaru's actions worry and confuse me."

Haruhi found herself looking into her hands on the table after saying that. She felt bad because she should have seen it coming before now, as well as realized that Hikaru was not like Tamaki. Tamaki was not a selfish man, and while Hikaru had grown up some since high school, it still did not mean that he had had that much experience dating or in relationships. Now she was hurting him, and she felt bad. Certainly, he was to blame as well, but she beat herself up over it.

"There, there, Haruhi. We'll figure it out between the three of us. You'll see. You're a smart girl, with Kotoko's brains in you. It'll be fine."

Ranka took that opportunity to reach out his right hand to her left shoulder, patting it comfortingly. He then looked pointedly at Kyoya, as though to say, "Do something."

Kyoya was ready to rise to the challenge, even if he was unsure how Haruhi would feel about the contact. He reached out his left hand and grasped one of Haruhi's hands since he was close enough to one, and he squeezed her hand tightly.

"That's why I wanted to stay, Haruhi. So that we could talk about him."

"I have to do something."

What that something was, Haruhi did not know. Options swirled in her mind, but choosing just one would be difficult.

"Before we go any further, what has been going on with that Hitachiin? If I'm going to help, and I will, then I need more details, Haruhi, since I don't see what happens like this thoughtful gentleman over here."

"You already know how I feel about him, Dad, from the last time we talked. He's like a brother to me, and that is all I have ever felt about him. I told Hikaru that when I first asked him to escort me, and he said that he was just glad that we were friends. However, at the last couple parties, I have gone outside with Kyoya-senpai to escape the noise and crowds, talking with him about different things."

"A couple, Haruhi?"

Kyoya was not going to let her get away with that. She had to be clear with her dad, and perhaps it would drive home how much time they had been spending together. He squeezed her hand a little more than was strictly necessary to make his point, but then he let go of her.

"Maybe a few more than that, at least five."

"We've done that at every single party we've attended. More than you've been escorted by Hikaru."

"I take it he doesn't like that idea very much, Haruhi?"

"No, he doesn't. First, he left without me since I lost track of time talking to Kyoya-senpai. Then, we started arguing about who we would talk to at the party together, or whether we should talk outside. Then, today, he stormed out of the party, without giving me a chance to tell him that I wanted to leave with him early since I wasn't feeling well."

"Do you feel better now, Haruhi?"

"Oh yes. It was mostly caused by being nervous. It could've been the food, too, which is what I told Kyoya-senpai, but now I think it was just me being nervous."

Haruhi did look much calmer than she had when Ranka first opened the door, which was a relief to him. He liked seeing his daughter happy.

"I see. It must've been worrying you a lot to make you that nervous. I can't remember the last time you acted like that. You've always been so healthy and responsible, never taking off time for sickness. It's a good thing that you had someone else to take you home."

"I'm very fortunate, but it still doesn't help me decide what to do. I may have to just talk to Hikaru for a while about this, or just avoid having him escort me for the rest of the time."

The look of indecision on Haruhi's face gave Kyoya all the encouragement he needed.

"Why not do both things, Haruhi? Because it's Hikaru that you're talking to, it might be wise to prevent anything else from being encouraged on his end. You deserve to know why he walked away from you today, and he needs to know that he can't act like that anymore. He listens to you. I've tried talking to him, but it doesn't seem to be helping."

"I'm not even sure if just me alone talking to him will help, Kyoya-senpai. I think it might be good to talk to Kaoru about this as well since they're so close."

"That's true. However, if we're going to add more people to talk to, you might as well tell Hunny-senapi about it as well. He can help since he's the host of the parties."

"What you both have said is good. But, what neither of you have talked about is who my Haruhi will be escorted by to make up for him."

Ranka was trying so hard to keep a straight face since he had an idea of who he wanted to see with Haruhi. She was not always aware of what was happening around her, but perhaps he could help.

"She might be able to go alone. I think Hunny-senpai would understand. If not, she has other options with us."

"This next one I'm actually going with Tamaki-senpai, remember? Hikaru was going to arrive late for it, and I wanted to finally try to go with Tamaki-senpai so that we can continue to work on our friendship."

"Of course. I knew it was coming soon, so that one is taken care of at least. Perhaps it would be wise to go with someone else different after that, and then try going alone. It won't look as odd that way."

"You're right, Kyoya-senpai. That's a good idea. I think I have a good idea of who to ask in this situation."

Haruhi found herself thinking of what Hikaru had said earlier, and now that she had more time to think about it, it made the most sense to her. It answered all of her problems. Ranka's mouth twitched slightly, looking with anticipation at his daughter.

Kyoya would have asked more had Haruhi allowed him, but she was quick to add more.

"Kyoya-senpai, I know we have a tendency to just talk a little at each event, but for the next party, would you be willing to go with me? You make the most sense to me."

"He does? Why is that, Haruhi dear?"

"Well, Dad, he and I already talk a bit, so it wouldn't be hard to talk for more of the night. He's also escorted me before now. He and I get along so well, so it wouldn't be awkward at all. Then, Hikaru could finally see us together, and maybe that would help him adjust. I also remember hearing him mention something to Tamaki about being surprised that we haven't attended together yet. Would you be fine with that, Kyoya-senpai?"

Kyoya had not answered yet, but that did not mean that he would not be willing. He liked to think through all possibilities in his mind, and he had seemed happy around her lately.

"Yes, I'm willing to do that. I was actually going to suggest myself if you didn't have someone in mind, for similar reasons. It would be a nice change, and then we can talk more in general."

"Which we need to do more of."

Haruhi smiled at Kyoya warmly, and Kyoya smiled back before responding.

"Definitely. The party is supposed to be at night, so we should be able to eat there with no problem. If not, I can take you out somewhere before that and make a night of it. Would that be alright with you, Haruhi?"

"That would be great. Hunny-senpai hasn't announced the location or theme of the party yet, but I'm sure he will at the next one. It'll be fun no matter what."

Ranka looked with pride at what he was watching. Things were coming along well, and he did not even have to do anything. No matter, he would help in another way.

"I hope you two do have a lot of fun! But you know, Haruhi, we haven't gone shopping together in a while. We should do that soon! If you are going to break away properly, maybe a new dress or two would help."

"We're going to go shopping, or you will?" asked Haruhi disbelievingly.

"Well, you never like to go shopping for girly things, but you're always welcome to come with me."

Ranka would always try to encourage his daughter. One day, they would have a chance to go shopping together. He hoped that it would be related to Kyoya, preferably for something of the formal variety. That was going to be the father-daughter time he had been dreaming of for some time now. Ever since Haruhi broke up with Tamaki, he had been hoping that Kyoya would step in, and had been disappointed that he had not. Apparently, he was taking it slow.

"Thanks, Dad, but no thanks. I trust you."

Soon after that, Kyoya decided to leave since his goals had been accomplished. Ranka shared a private smile and wink with Kyoya before he disappeared into the kitchen, conveniently allowing the two of them to go to the door alone.

"Thank you so much for all your help today, Kyoya-senpai. I couldn't have figured it all out without you."

"It's my pleasure, Haruhi."

The fact that Kyoya said it so sincerely was slightly surprising to Haruhi. He was not that honest about his emotions usually, so it made her really happy to hear him say that. Their friendship was growing stronger, especially after all that she had put him through with her dad.

"I'm glad my dad didn't bother you when he was asking you all of those questions."

"I've asked him questions in the past, so I don't mind answering a few now and then. He wanted to ask them, and I think he needed to hear those answers."

"He cares about you."

Haruhi opened the door, and they both stood outside.

"He cares about you more. I'm just the boy you brought home."

That hit Haruhi in a weird way.

"Do you really think so? Should I talk to him about you?"

Haruhi looked at nervously at Kyoya, then through the door in the direction of her father. Kyoya chuckled slightly before taking Haruhi's wrists, dragging her attention back to him.

"No, there's no need to. He is just looking out for you, and he can have no doubt of your true feelings for me after you explained your reasons. Don't worry about it."

"Are you sure?"

Haruhi wanted to look into Kyoya's eyes to make sure that he was fine with that, but she was having problems doing that with the glare from the house lights on his glasses. She was almost tempted to ask him to remove them, just so that she could check, but she did not want to appear odd for making such a request. Instead, Kyoya surprised her by seemingly reading her mind and taking his hands off of her and removing his glasses, cleaning them.

"Yes, I'm sure. Believe me, Haruhi, it's for the best."

It had been a long time since Haruhi had seen Kyoya without his glasses. His brown eyes looked even better from that angle. She could see his face clearly now, and there was no mistaking what he was saying. She felt more relieved after that.

After that, Kyoya finally stopped fiddling with his glasses, and he started to put them on. However, Haruhi found herself wanting to try something after he had been so kind and helpful to her, so she put her hand on top of his glasses.

"May I?"

Haruhi had been a little afraid that Kyoya would crinkle his nose in confusion at such a request, or even just tell her that he preferred to do it himself, but he relinquished his hold on the glasses, allowing her to try.

"You always seem to put them in the same spot, so it should be pretty easy to put them on. How's that?"

"It's good. Thank you, Haruhi. Have a good night."

"Thanks, Kyoya-senpai. You as well. I'll see you soon."

"I have no doubt of that. They couldn't keep us away now if they tried."

Kyoya left and slid inside his limo before taking one last look at Haruhi on the doorstep. Things had progressed well that night, and her last action gave him more hope than he had ever allowed before. Their night together was going to be the best one she ever had, if he had his way. He was already thinking about all that he needed to say to Hunny in order to prepare for the night.

Once the limo drove away, Haruhi went back inside to talk to her father about other matters. Then, she went back to her home, preparing to go see the twins the next day.

Luckily, both of the twins were around when Haruhi came to see them. Hikaru was finishing up a game, so he would be down shortly, giving Haruhi the chance she needed to talk to Kaoru.

Kaoru had been worried about his brother, so he was glad that Haruhi was going to stay away from him for a bit. It was clear that she still did not have any feelings for Hikaru, so he would do all he could to convince him to stop pursuing Haruhi. Hikaru had told him of his plan to try to convince Haruhi to go out with him after enough times together, so that plan needed to be stopped.

"I'm really worried about Hikaru. Thank you so much for helping me here, Kaoru. I don't know who else to ask. You know him the best."

"I don't want to cause any more drama between all of us right now, especially with it getting closer to Hunny-senpai's wedding day. We should be united in happiness for him."

"I agree. I'm going to go with Tamaki-senpai, then Kyoya-senpai, for the next two parties. After that, I just want to attend them alone. I think that will help Hikaru see."

"I'm sure it will, especially with Kyoya-senpai. Just don't expect change to happen overnight."

"I'm not. I just don't want to hurt him any more than necessary."

"No one does."

"Who doesn't want to do what? What did I miss?"

"Don't worry about it, Hika. I'll be right back, just gonna get something to drink. You two want anything?"

Both said no, and so he left the room. He may not be able to get his brother with Haruhi, but they could at least make Haruhi's life more interesting as she decided who she did want to date. They would both be ready.

"What brings you here, Haruhi?"

"I wanted to talk about yesterday. I was looking for you for twenty minutes, as I wasn't feeling well and wanted to leave. Where did you go? Why did you leave so suddenly?"

Hikaru paled slightly when he heard her mention feeling sick.

"I went to the bathroom, and then when I finally saw you, you were going outside with Kyoya-senpai. I figured you were just fine with him, so I left."

"I wish you had asked first. Were you angry?"

"Yes, a little. You just keep running off with him! What do you expect me to do when I'm your date?"

"You know how I feel about both of you."

"No, I don't. Clearly you don't like me any more than before, but how do you actually feel about him?"

"He's a good man. He's very caring and thoughtful. We're good friends, which is all I want."

"Are you sure about that?"

Hikaru seemed so positive that there was more than she was telling him, which surprised her. Did she care for Kyoya more than as a friend? Her actions from the night before came back to haunt her. Did she? She was starting to doubt herself.

"I was sure, until you asked me that. Now I don't know. I always assumed that it was just friendship."

"He talks to you too much for it to be just that, if you ask me. He's become much more….. protective of you."

Hikaru's face contorted slightly when he said the word "protective".

"Are you sure that's not just your imagination?"

"I'm sure."

"In any case, I don't think it's wise for us to go together anymore. I'm hurting you, which I don't want to do."

"I really care about you, Haruhi."

"I only see you as a friend and brother. I'm sorry. Based on our interests, I don't think I'd make you happy, nor would you be able to do that for me."

Haruhi was trying to be straightforward as possible, talking in an even tone, but it just made Hikaru get louder.

"How do you know if you don't give us a chance?"

"My feelings should have changed by now."

Hikaru huffed in frustration.

"So what will you do for the rest of the parties?"

"I'm going with Tamaki-senpai next, but I don't want to make it look odd to stop taking dates after being with him, so I'm going with Kyoya-senpai after that. Then I'm going alone. It's odd that we haven't gone together yet, but it'll be fixed now, considering how well we get along."

"I'm not. He's just biding his time."

"Don't worry about him. Just focus on me. Even though I'm not happy with you doesn't mean that I can't be happy with someone else. Sometimes, you have to let people go."

"Are you calling me selfish?"

"A little, yes. That's just not how relationships work. Look at what Tamaki-senpai has done."

"Yeah, I see alright. Just answer me this: who asked who?"

"I asked Kyoya-senpai."

"Oh."

Hikaru paused for a moment before continuing. He had been sure that Kyoya would ask.

"And you wanted to ask him?"

"Yes. What's so odd about that?"

"Him, of all people. You haven't yet, so I didn't think you would."

"Well, I did. I'm going with him, and it'll be like every other party."

"That's what you think now. Just wait and see."

"Think what you will. I'm going with him, so please think about others. I don't want to cause drama for Hunny-senpai and Reiko any more than I already have."

"Neither do I."

He did not look happy, but a little more resigned if nothing else.

"Good. Then let's try not to let this get out of hand any more than it already has. I have to get going now, but I'll see you soon. Say good-bye to Kaoru for me, please?"

"Sure. I'll see you around."

A week later, Tamaki came to pick up Haruhi. He had been watching Kyoya for some weeks, ever since he had talked to Hikaru about them. He was positive that Kyoya had feelings for her, though he was unsure how she felt.

Once he learned from Kyoya that they were going together at last, he changed his mind about what he was going to talk about with Haruhi. Perhaps there was a chance for Kyoya. He wanted the best for his two best friends, and they were very happy together. He could help in a small way by recommending him to Haruhi and hope that Kyoya would find a way to convince Haruhi to go out with him.

Haruhi really enjoyed herself that night. Renge stayed away from Kyoya, and Tamaki was a perfect gentleman. She was surprised that he kept talking about Kyoya, even telling her stories of times he had met Kyoya's family, but it was fun to listen to them and learn more about him.

At some point, the twins came over, teasing Tamaki about stealing her away from everyone else, which made him blush. Haruhi tried to shoo them away, but Tamaki got over it, going on about the little devils, which only made the twins smile mischievously. Eventually, they left in search of refreshments.

On another side of the room, Kyoya was deep in discussion with Hunny about a couple different topics. Hunny had been very sympathetic toward Haruhi, so he was fine with her going alone after going with Kyoya. However, the larger bulk of their conversation centered on what the next party would entail, as Kyoya was most curious. His curiosity was sated, and then he joined Tamaki and Haruhi.

The three had not been talking long before Hunny announced the next party. It would be taking place at Reiko's home, and it was going to be a dessert-themed party, to celebrate all of the paperwork being done. He had been hoping to have at least one before the wedding, so this was the perfect time. Since it was only desserts, the party would start a little later than normal, but it would go just as late.

Kyoya was prepared, so when he was alone with Haruhi later that night, he asked Haruhi if she wanted to go out for dinner beforehand so that they could talk more. Haruhi liked the idea, so they arranged for him to pick her up around 5:30 PM for dinner. They also talked about the progress they made, Haruhi with Hikaru, and Kyoya with Hunny. Both were much happier knowing that things were working out as hoped.

Once the two went back inside, both were joined by the twins, who looked far too happy to see them together. Teasing remarks were made about spending so much time outdoors. After Hikaru made a couple ill-timed comments about the shorter party to come, Kaoru mentioned how he had been talking to his girlfriend, and that he was in the process of trying to convince Hikaru to go out with a friend of his girlfriend. That got Hikaru quiet, and the two left after that.

Haruhi and Kyoya both felt the need to stare questionably at one another as the twins left, Kyoya in thought about what they were planning, and Haruhi wondering how much of that it would take to get them back to their normal selves. Mori joined them after that, followed closely by Hunny. Both wanted to check on them after seeing the twins leave.

The night finally came to an end, and Tamaki took Haruhi home. He was quiet on the ride back, which was odd for him. Right before they arrived at Haruhi's apartment, Tamaki spoke.

"Haruhi, you know I care about you, right? I just want you to be happy."

"I know that. Thanks for understanding my need for space."

"How about one more hug, for old time's sake?"

"Only if you don't squeeze too hard."

"What's the point of that kind of hug?"

He squeezed her inside the car before adding, "Kyo is a good guy."

"Yes, he is. Why are you saying that?"

In his mind, Tamaki remembered the way Haruhi and Kyoya had walked in after being outside. With their heads leaning toward one another and arm-in-arm, the two made quite the pair. Kyoya had been talking much more with Haruhi, and now he was actually getting closer to her. Kyoya would not do that with just anyone.

"I can see you two ending up together. You're good for one another, and make one another happy."

"Tamaki, just because I'm going out to dinner and attending a party with him doesn't mean that we're together."

"I know you both well. You're both my closest friends. Would you promise me something?"

"It depends if I can keep it."

"If you do end up with Kyo, will you try to hug him the way I hug you? At least once?"

Haruhi was surprised by his request, especially after what she just told him. He must really believe strongly in them. It was an odd request, but she could understand, based on what she knew of Tamaki.

"If we do, which I am very uncertain about right now, then I will. Just once, for you."

"Thanks, Haruhi. I appreciate it. Good night."

"Good night, Tamaki-senpai."

When Haruhi went to bed that night, her mind swirled with all the thoughts of the night. Between Hikaru and Tamaki running with the assumption that Kyoya liked her, it made her wonder how Kyoya actually did feel about her. She had always assumed one thing, but maybe she was wrong.

Then, there was the matter of her feelings. She was starting to doubt. Perhaps this dinner and party would clear things up. Some part of Haruhi wondered if her eating dinner with Kyoya was considered a date. She would have to talk to Kyoya about it.

Two days later, Haruhi received a dress from her dad. It was a long, straight, light pink dress, with just enough ribbons on the edges to be tasteful and look adult. The dress came with matching heels. Haruhi could only hope that she would not have to walk around much in those heels.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-HKHKHKHKHKHKHKHKHKHK-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author's Notes: It's coming! Lots of stuff happening here, and everything is finally in place. There's been a lot of buildup, because stuff is about to go DOWN. I'm so excited for the next chapter!

Also, someone mentioned in a comment that Hikaru would have matured more since the end of the anime/manga. My reasoning for him acting like this is that, yes, he has matured, growing to be a separate person and eventually helping Tamaki and Haruhi get together. But, at least in my head, I don't see him as having had many relationships (of the dating sort) since then. With Haruhi breaking up, his feelings would appear again, and with a lack of experience in relationships, he still has some tendencies to be selfish and act out. That's just me, though, in case anyone else was wondering.

Thanks again to everyone for being so supportive of this story! It's had a great response, and I'm glad you are all enjoying it! Thanks for all your encouraging words!

: Yay! I'm glad you can imagine it so well, and are enjoying the drama! Drama is a real part of life, so it's there, and will continue a little bit longer. I have gone through the conversations, and tried to make it more readable. Thanks for reading and letting me about it!

Rei Eien: Yes! Ranka is so excited, as this chapter makes abundantly clear. I can see him inwardly being happy despite all the Tamaki drama. Hikaru will have his time, no worries. Haruhi is getting help (from so many people, haha), so now she is on the right path. I'd give her a little more time. Thank you for reading and for the review!

InkWoven: You are most welcome! We think alike in that, and I'm trying to balance it with what I want, and what it would be like in real life. Seeing the change to romance is so much fun to read! Thanks for reading and for the encouragement!

Luxartisan: Awww…. Yeah that helps too. Renge is so much fun! I love her to pieces. Hikaru has issues, but he's got friends who care, so I wouldn't worry too much about him. Thanks for keeping up all the great conversations and encouragement! I couldn't do it without you. (And I look forward to reading your new chapter!)

Silverdrip: Yay! Glad you think so! That song is awesome. Keep that song in mind, as it will make its true appearance soon. Thanks for continuing to read and review!

Destinies Entwined: Oh yes, we are building and bubbling away. There's plenty more in store here, and I'm glad to have you along for the ride! Thanks so much for letting me know; I'm glad you think so well of it! Also, "for the love of Usa-chan"…. I love that! Yeah, the who senpai bit is something I'm unsure of, as I know only the basics of honorifics. I will remember that in future stuff. Thanks again for reading!