A/N: Oh hello there. Here's another chapter.

Don't Own Any Characters***

Enjoy~


Haruhi woke up hours later as the sun was beginning to set. Slightly disorientated, she shuffled to her small bag of clothes and picked up a small note that had been placed on top. She squinted at the small scribbles of letters that read Come to the pool. Haruhi sighed and rubbed her head as she tried to figure out whose writing it was, but as her memory failed her she crumpled the note and threw it in the waste bin then went in search of something that resembled a swimsuit.

Finding that she hadn't packed one, Haruhi grabbed a sports bra and frayed short cutoffs that were nearing their end anyways and threw them on. As she walked through the tile floors of the downstairs she made a mental note to find one whenever they went into town. Her palms began to sweat as she neared the in-ground pool that looked out to the mountainside. The sun was setting behind the hillside and casted over the pool; giving the whole scene a romantic edge. Haruhi gulped. She then took one look at who was sitting in one of the sun-chairs and gulped again. Shit.

Haruhi inched closer until she was standing only a few feet away from Takashi who was lounging in the padded pool side chair. His swim trunks were damp and remnants of the pool dripped off his body causing Haruhi's mouth to water. The sun turned his tan skin a warm hue and when he looked up he gave her one of his rare smiles. She froze, her heart skipped and she cursed herself for not wearing a shirt.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Haruhi forced her body to move and took seat in one of the other sun-chairs positioned next to Takashi. They sat in silence for a few awkward minutes as Haruhi waited for him to start as well as for her heart to stop drumming in her ears.

"The sunset is nice," Haruhi tried. Instantly regretting making such a vapid statement.

Takashi nodded in silence as Haruhi stared at the concrete surrounding the pool. She felt exposed, as if she hadn't worn anything instead of an old worn out sports bra and tattered shorts.

"You want to go for a walk?" Takashi finally asked breaking the thick silence.

Haruhi's mouth gaped at the unexpected suggestion. She realized she wasn't even wearing shoes. Takashi followed her gaze to her petite feet and an amused smirk flashed over his lips. Haruhi gave a sheepish smile and held out a finger.

"Be right back," she said before turning and speed walked to the front entryway where she had left her shoes. They were worn out converse but they would have to do, she decided then turned back towards the pool after slipping them on.

Takashi was already by the back entrance to the property leaning against a stucco wall that encased the patio area. It had a small wrought iron gate that he held open once Haruhi had finally rejoined him. Haruhi heard him release a faint breath that made the blood rush to her cheeks. Had he figured she wouldn't come with him? Haruhi pondered on the thought as they walked down the small trail.

"I enjoy your company the most Haruhi," Takashi said, his voice unwavering. His arm brushed against hers resulting in a lingering warmth that almost made her dizzy. She mentally shook herself and kept quiet waiting for him to continue, hoping he would. Takashi glanced down at her and turned his phone's flashlight on as the last glow of the house faded away the further they walked into the thicket of small bushes.

"I enjoy your company too Takashi," Haruhi added. Her eyes were glued to the faintly illuminated ground as she trained her focus on not tripping over anything.

The small thicket of bushes slowly dissipated as they furthered their path into the hillside, the moon was slowly rising over their heads illuminating what their flashlight couldn't. Haruhi allowed her mind to wander a bit as they walked, occasionally sneaking side glances at Takashi who seemed to be lost in his own world.

"What do you think we are in Spain for Takashi?" she asked stopping in her tracks.

Takashi glanced down at her before returning his gaze to the path before them, his eyes wavered bit as he contemplated how to respond. "I know why we are in Spain. But before I can tell you that you have to tell me something. Haruhi what did you do before Kyoya dragged you into this mess? I need to know…"

Haruhi's eyes widened at Takashi's question, she wasn't ready to tell them. But she trusted Takashi and it wasn't entirely fair for her to keep secrets with her friends. Haruhi let out a long shaky breath. Her heart beginning to thrum in her ears and chest, Haruhi swallowed hard.

Takashi turned to face her, his grey eyes fixed on her own. The weight of his gaze created a tension that Haruhi couldn't bare. Her throat was dry and swallowing wasn't an option anymore. She blinked and shifted on her feet trying to buy time so she didn't have to tell him the truth. But she was stuck and it was going to come out eventually, or Kyoya would use it as leverage again. "I was caught up in some less than honorable things, horrible things really. Takashi I-" the words caught in her desert of a throat. Tears pooled in her eyes as her own vulnerability washed over her.

"It's okay Haruhi you don't-"

"No, its not fair to you that I want to know the truth when I cant even tell it myself," she said cutting Takashi off. With another shaky breath Haruhi gathered her courage and unclenched her fists. "I used to deal drugs for my Mack," she whispered.

Takashi furrowed his brows unsure what exactly she meant, "Is Mack his name?" he asked innocently.

Haruhi shook her head and suppressed the urge to giggle. "No, it's a less conspicuous name for a pimp. But before you jump to conclusions, I didn't whore myself out…necessarily. I did it for one of the girls I used to share a place with in college. She was miserably in debt and her boyfriend was a real piece of work so I helped her…I don't necessarily want to get into details. But the life took a toll on my grades and ability to study. To be completely transparent I failed most of my junior year, and I won't even be graduating. But I don't think law is for me anyways," she explained. Haruhi closed her eyes not able to face Takashi or the scrutinizing gaze she knew he was giving her.

They both stood waiting for the other to speak first. Haruhi wanted to run or sit and cry, she wasn't sure which but either felt inexplicably better than standing in silence waiting for Takashi to say something. What was even worse was his resolve. It was excruciating and almost insufferable, Haruhi began to go over all of the possible insults that were likely going through his mind.

"So you whored yourself out to help some needy girl you barely knew?" he asked.

Haruhi looked at him with incredulity; appalled at his word choice, yet she knew he was right. "Well I wouldn't have used those words necessarily, but I suppose it's all the same," she said realizing the anger was bubbling up before she could push it back down. "But what would any of you spoiled rich kids know about scratching and fighting to help a friend, or doing whatever necessary to get by? I did what I did to survive and help someone remove themselves from a less than desirable situation. But I am just a commoner who probably lived up to societal standards," she paused as the tears stung her eyes and fell down her cheeks, she wasn't just a failure, she had let them all down. "I didn't want to let you all down but the fucking pressure got to me!" she shouted letting her emotions take over.

"And now my past is catching up with me, people want me gone while others want me back to fill their own pockets and get ahead. Just like with Kyoya, I am a pawn," she whispered as the last of her anger that had bubbled up slowly fizzled out, leaving her with only sorrow and guilt in its place.

As she peered up she saw the hurt on Takashi's face. Then she turned on her heel and ran. The small shrubs grabbed at her feet as she stumbled back down the hillside towards the house. Their walk had panned out much differently than Haruhi had hoped and imagined. There wasn't any idle talk or reminiscing about the good old days, there was only hurt and anger and the cold hard truth. As she closed the wrought iron gate behind her she let out her breath and gasped for air.

"Whoever said the truth sets you free is god damn liar," she hissed between labored breaths.

As she heard Takashi's steps inch closer she squeezed her eyes shut and scrambled into a sprint once more towards the safety of her room. Her feet pounded on the tile floor while her heart pounded in her head. Not until her door was locked and her face buried in her pillow did Haruhi let out her breath. Haruhi cried into her pillow, her sobs muffled the further she buried her face into the fabric. A knock on her door caused her to briefly lift her head. She knew who was on the other side but she in no way wanted to face that metaphorical demon. Willing him to leave, Haruhi held her breath until his footsteps faded away from her door.


Haruhi woke to two amber eyes staring practically into her soul. Hikaru lay in her bed, staring at her with his nose almost touching her own. He gave her a wide smile and pecked her on the forehead. Haruhi quirked a brow but remained still silently reminding herself that these very actions used to be their norm. Forcing her lips up, Haruhi smiled in return and laced her fingers with Hikaru's soaking in their small moment.

"What was all the commotion last night?" Kaoru asked interrupting their moment as he entered the room from Haruhi's private bathroom. His towel was loosely wrapped around his waist. Haruhi ignored the sight and focused on the threads within her bed sheets.

"Just took a walk with Takashi, that's all," she replied. Her face twitched at her half lie.

Hikaru and Kaoru gave her an identical eye roll and proceeded to sandwich her between their bodies. She grumbled in protest for a moment before accepting defeat. A question lingered on the tip of her tongue as Hikaru absentmindedly played with her hair and Kaoru drew circles on her arm.

"So why was Kyoya making rounds with all of you yesterday?" she blurted out.

Both boys froze, caught off guard by her question. "It's a surprise," Hikaru winked, recovering from the initial shock of Haruhi's question. Kaoru mouthed a "thank you" to his twin and resumed his circles. Haruhi squinted at her best friends with suspicion apparent in her brown eyes.

With a small protesting huff Haruhi reached out and grabbed their ears, pulling down hard until they both screeched in protest. "Tell me what the heck is going on you two," she commanded with a dangerous smile.

Hikaru and Kaoru simultaneously gulped. "Haruhi," Kaoru groaned.

"We can't. It's better if you don't know," Hikaru added provoking an agreeing nod from his brother.

Haruhi rolled her eyes while still holding onto their ears. "I'm sick and tired of the secrets with everyone," she mumbled.

Kaoru ran a hand over his face and let out a heavy sigh. "Haruhi…"

"That's not really fair for you of all people to say," Hikaru interjected. His amber eyes darkened and Haruhi knew she had poked the bear. Her hands relaxed and she brought them to her sides.

"Why don't we go get some breakfast?" Kaoru asked attempting to avert the fight.

"Yeah why don't you do that," Haruhi seethed.

Hikaru huffed and nodded to his brother, refusing to meet Haruhi's gaze as they walked out of her room.

Haruhi sat on the edge of her bed glaring as her emotions swirled in anger. She closed her eyes and shook her head, bewildered by how everyone was acting. With a defeated sigh Haruhi stood and picked up Kaoru's pants that were thrown on her floor. As she folded the jeans she noticed a piece of paper sticking out of the back pocket. Curious, Haruhi grabbed the paper and unfolded it to see that it was a ticket to a museum. Her brows furrowed, unsure as to what the ticket was for. Without a second glance Haruhi quickly stored the ticket in her bag and dropped the pants back to the floor.

"What the hell are you up to Kyoya?" she asked herself as she headed towards the kitchen to find the twins.

As Haruhi padded through the hallway she kept her gaze on the floor in hopes not to run into Takashi. He knew her secret; two down four to tell. Haruhi paused and pinched the bridge of her nose not wanting to think about telling the other hosts about her bleak past.

"Just the person I was looking for," Kyoya said making Haruhi freeze in her tracks.

"What now?" she asked impatiently. She took in Kyoya's disheveled appearance and quirked a brow. Had he just gotten up? It was almost noon…but he wasn't coming out of his room, he was coming out of Tamaki's. Did they spend the night together? Haruhi's mouth gaped slightly at the internal realization. "Did you enjoy your night?" she quipped with a small smirk.

Kyoya's lips tightened into a thin line that dared her to implore the idea he was well aware was brewing in her mind. "Never mind how my night went, I was going to ask you about yours," he finished with his signature smirk.

Haruhi's mouth returned to its previous gaping position. "How the hell did you?" she began then shook her head not ready to give away anything if she was actually being baited. "What I do at night is none of your business. Kyoya can we cut the shit? Please?" she asked giving up on her hardened façade.

Kyoya tilted his head at her odd request and relaxed his arms in response, "Sure, although I'm not sure what 'shit' I've been putting out," he said coyly.

Haruhi gave an exasperated sigh and took Kyoya's arm pulling him into a nearby bathroom. She shut the door and locked it before continuing. "Kyoya I'm serious. What the hell are you scheming? I asked Hikaru and Kaoru what you were telling them and Hikaru flipped out on me, do you know how long it's been since he has actually snapped at me?" she paused at her rhetorical question waiting for a sarcastic remark from Kyoya.

He adjusted his glasses waiting for her to continue. Haruhi leaned on the sink, shifting so she was as far away from Kyoya as possible. "Not since Ouran has he snapped at me. I need to know what you are doing; I would like to be informed. But I won't sit here in this house and feel sorry for myself because no one is telling me anything. If that's the case I will gladly leave and go back home."

Kyoya glared behind his glasses as Haruhi babbled on, his anger getting the better of him. "Haruhi I don't want you to leave. But you are a burden to me, and the rest of the group. But not for the reasons you are probably thinking. I will have you know that each of us have hidden secrets, and the reason behind me not telling you is because the less you know, the better off you are. You are the messenger, and you know what people do to messengers?" he asked through gritted teeth.

Haruhi slowly nodded her head and gulped. Yes, of course she knew. She had seen on multiple occasions what had happened to messengers, they all ended up covered in red and beaten to death. She shook her head at the memories and figured the upper echelon did far worse to their messengers than she had ever witnessed by the petty drug dealers or pimps. "Yes," she whispered her response.

Kyoya's gaze softened and he clenched his fists. "So please spare me the drama you've been creating simply because you can't keep your nose to yourself," he said leaning against the bathroom door.

Haruhi cursed herself for being worked up. "I guess I deserve that. So what is the plan for me then oh mighty one?" she asked.

Kyoya's face turned haughty- his smirk growing by the second. "I will let you know depending on how the end of this week goes. For now, I would like you to shut your cumbersome mouth," he shot back.

Haruhi let his words roll off her shoulders and shrugged a response, too emotionally exhausted to retort. Biting her tongue, Haruhi kept her insults to herself and moved forwards to the door. Kyoya instinctively blocked her escape not quite ready to let her leave.

"I have one more thing to say; come to Tamaki's room later tonight. I suppose I can let you in on what to expect if the plan goes accordingly," he smirked then opened the door in one swift motion.

Haruhi shook her head and ignored how seedy everything was beginning to feel as she left the bathroom as well as Kyoya's presence. Her mind was trained on making amends with the twins and the others; she had finally decided to let them all in on her little secret.


A/N: Well I hope you all enjoyed. Please leave a review if you can, and please let me know what ya think. I'm starting to feel like everything is just going so slow but soon everyone will finally get caught up on Haruhi's little secret. Then what? How will the other's react? And right before Kyoya can begin the plan for the museum? What does Takashi have to say to Haruhi so badly? Ugh so many answers to come for all these questions! Anyways, another update will be up hopefully by the end of this week because next week I will be going on vacation for my 21 run and getting plastered lol. (It's a right of passage in America, don't know why but eh). So wish me luck to my liver if I don't get the update out before I leave for vacation/birthday. Thank you for reading! Kay bye ^_^