"You ugly little bitch! Why must I see your face every single day?!"

SMACK!

"I've had enough of you!"

SMACK!

"You should've been the one to die!"

SMACK!

"I lost my precious Chie because of you!"

SMACK!

.

.

.

"Die!"

Chihiro bolted up, finding herself to be in a cold sweat. Just a memory...He's not here. Sighing, she collapsed back onto her bed, failing to realize that it wasn't her bed at all. "What the..."

"You're awake."

She jumped at the low voice, turning to find Mori sitting by her side, looking rather disheveled. "M-Mori...Where am I?"

"You're in my home-well, our home."

She sat there, then remembered his words about moving her to his home to get away from Takoba. "Oh...How long have I been out?"

"About two days now. The doctor had you on heavy sedatives and pain killers so you could heal properly."

"T-Two days?! I missed that much of school?!"

"Mitsuragi-san brought the work that you missed so you won't fall behind."

"Oh thank god."

"How are you feeling?"

"Stiff and sore, but that's only natural for someone who slept for two days."

"Yeah."

"Where are the twins?"

"They're running around, said something along the lines of 'Building traps! Don't bother us!'"

She paled. "Oh no...Who else is home?" Before Mori could answer, they heard a crash, barking, and a very loud and piercing shriek coming from down the hall.

"SOMEONE SAVE ME! THEY'RE TRYING TO KILL ME!"

At that, she ran out of her room, despite Mori's protests and found a flour-covered Tamaki running down the hall with three Akitas chasing after him. When he caught sight of the underclassman, he rushed behind her, putting in the path of three rather vicious dogs. She gave a sharp look at them. "Noriko, Katashi, Shinobu! Enough!" At that, the three canines stopped in their tracks and walked towards her, all three sitting with their tails wagging.

"W-Wow..."

She turned to the third year, who was still trembling. "Sorry about these three. I didn't know that they were here, let alone being used in my children's traps."

"They're your dogs?"

"Yeah. The headmistress wanted guard dogs to prevent any weird or shady person from adopting our children, so she got these three. Since I was the oldest, I had to train them, and they really took to me and everyone else. They're usually so well-behaved, generally only standing between a stranger and their master and wards. But then again, I did train them to chase and pretty much attack anyone that was strange looking and was too excited."

"O-Oh..."

"I don't even know how they're here."

"Because I had them stay here," Mori said.

"Eh?"

"The headmistress was worried about you staying here, so she asked me to allow your dogs to stay."

"They were misbehaving."

"Yup."

She sighed, then remembered her little monsters. "Hideo, Hiroko!" The twins peeked out from behind a corner, eyes oozing with feigned innocence.

"Yes?"

"No testing traps on our friends."

"Okay..."

"Apologize."

The two approached the blond, he cowering yet again behind the mother. "Sorry, Tama-tan."

The looks on their faces were precious, and he couldn't stay mad at them forever. "Oh, you're forgiven, my little angels."

Chihiro sighed. "Go play with Sato-tan, without your traps."

"Aw, man," Hideo groaned.

"No fun," Hiroko added.

She watched them scurry away, she shaking her head. "I'm pretty sure their role models are the Hitachiins."

"It does seem like it," Tamaki said.

"Mori, can you follow them and make sure they're not causing trouble?"

He chuckled. "Yeah."

"Tamaki, was that you I heard screeching in the hallways?" The two turned to find Kyoya approaching, a very irritated glare on his face.

"Y-Yes, but that was because I was being chased by dogs."

The dark-haired third year only rolled his eyes, feeling his irritation build until he saw Chihiro. "Chihiro, you're finally awake."

"Yeah."

"How are you feeling?"

"Sore, but a lot better than I first started out."

"That's good. I'm glad to see you on your feet."

"Not a morning person?"

"Far from it."

"If you'd stop working the night away on your damn laptop, you would get plenty of sleep and wouldn't be so grumpy in the morning."

"That's-"

"Listen, I deal with kids all the time, and coincidentally, their parents. I know the difference between insomnia, low blood pressure, and work. You, my dear Kyoya, are suffering from number two and three."

He blinked at her, surprised that she could read him that accurately, that easily. "Are you sure you're sixteen?"

"Yup."

"When do you plan to go back to school?"

"Tomorrow."

"So soon? Shouldn't you stay for another week and rest?"

"I already missed two days of school. I can't afford to miss another day. Besides, Arima-sensei would kill me once he finds out that I haven't even started practicing."

"I'm pretty certain he'll understand. I would really like it if you stayed for a bit longer. We also don't know if Takoba has been hanging around your school."

"I don't care, I can't miss school any more."

"I agree with Kyoya," Tamaki said. "You must rest a little more. It's too risky to go out in your current state."

She growled. She absolutely hated being locked up like a princess. "Listen here, senpai, I am not some fucking princess. I'm a mother and a student with priorities. That sick bastard touched my kids. There is no way in hell that I'm gonna let anyone keep me from doing what I know best and that is protecting them. I can't do that from behind walls. If he comes after me, well I'll just make sure to gut him this time. I'm going to school tomorrow."

"Chihiro, be reasonable," Kyoya pleaded.

"I'm not taking this bullshit lying down. I'm not the kind to hide."

"But, it's imperative to your safety."

"I said no!"

"What's going on?" Mori asked, with Honey in tow.

"I want to go to school tomorrow, but Tamaki and Kyoya are telling me to rest. I'm well enough to go, and I'll opt out of sports for the time being. I just don't wanna keep myself all cooped up. And if Takoba decides to show up, I won't lose this time."

"Chihiro, you really should rest more..." She groaned. "But if you really want to, you can go back tomorrow."

"Mori!" Kyoya shouted.

"Kyoya, she wants to go back. We can't stop her. She will be protected at all times and she'll come to the club right after school. There won't be any room for Takoba to even begin to approach her. The twins will be guarded, and they'll come with us after daycare. So, you don't have to worry."

He bit back a growl, trying to reign in his anger. He was frustrated by how independent Chihiro was, but loved it all the same. He was just really worried about her. He nearly broke when he heard what happened. He couldn't handle that again. He barely knew her, yet she was one of the most important people in his life. "Fine."

"It's time to change your bandages." She nodded and followed the giant to her room. She sat on her bed, trying to lift her shirt. Mori had forgotten that she needed to take off her shirt. When the sharp pain from her wound stabbed through her, he decided to help her. Carefully, he slipped the annoying garment over her head, trying to ignore the intense, yet inappropriate thoughts in his mind. He had to focus on the task at hand, and not on her large bust, or her curves.

Chihiro, was the same. She tried to keep her thoughts from drifting to the naughtier side of her mind, despite the deep pleasure she felt from just the feeling of his hands on her skin. The silence was thick, and their desires were scalding the air. Fingertips roamed, cataloging her bruises.

"Sorry..."

"It's fine." He wrapped her torso quickly, a little too quickly for his taste.

"Done."

She turned to him, her face a bit flushed, but she smiled. "Thanks."

"Yeah..." He moved to stand, but was stopped when he felt a small hand on his arm.

"Please stay. I know I have everyone else, but I feel better when it's just us."

That was enough for him. He pulled her into his lap, positioning her so she was straddling him. He needed to touch her in some way, or he thought he may lose it. "Me too." When her fingers threaded into his hair, he felt it. He felt whole. He could feel her heartbeat through her chest, strong and warm. There was so much to her that he didn't know and he wanted to learn about everything. He was falling for this teen mom, and he couldn't stop. He didn't want to. He didn't care about whatever competition he had, whether it was Kyoya, Mitsuragi, or anyone else for that matter. Chihiro was someone he wanted for himself, and he'll be damned if he doesn't fight for her.

Honey was keeping an eye on the twins, who were playing with the toys that he brought for them. They both weren't really playing, just doing the motion. Actually, the two were deep in thought, which worried the university student. He heard all about their little stunt that they pulled on Tamaki, and he worried that they were coming up with another plan of action. Their silence was broken when Hideo said, "Ne, Mori-tan likes mama, you know."

"Mori-tan likes mama too," Hiroko said.

"Yeah, but why don't they tell each other?"

"Because they're scared. Mama and Mori-tan afraid of hurting each other."

"Mori-san should not be scared. Mama is good and nice and always loves us. She'll love him lots, too."

"Mori-tan will too. He looks at her like obaa-chan's husband looks at obaa-chan. He says that's because he really, really loves her. So Mori-tan really, really loves mama."

"Then, he gotta tell her. Then, we can be a happy family."

"Yeah, a family."

Honey decided to chime in, utterly impressed by how well they can read others. "You know, it will take time. Like you said, they're scared. But they won't be scared anymore if they spend more time together."

"Does Honey-tan have someone he loves?" Hiroko asked.

"Yes. Her name is Reiko. When we met, she was really shy and scared, but I helped her, and she got used to me. Now, I'm gonna marry her."

"Really? You'll be with her forever and ever?"

"Yes. I love her that much."

"Wow. I hope mama and Mori-tan will be together forever and ever."

"Of course, silly!" Hideo grinned. "Mori-tan loves mama lots and lots. He can't love her and leave! We won't allow it!"

"Yeah!"

Honey smiled. At such a young age, they were very smart. They knew things that kids their age shouldn't bother themselves with. These kids are really scary when you think about it...Yup, they're perfect. "I'll help you. I want them to be happy, too."

"Yay! Honey-tan is gonna help us!"

"You two are really something."

"Kyoya, I value you and Mori as my good friends, but you're my best friend. You should still try."

"Tamaki, Chihiro and I are two different people. She's way out of my league. I think I should let those two explore their feelings for one another."

"What's this? Ootori Kyoya, giving up?"

"How can it be giving up if I didn't have a chance with her in the first place? She went to Mori first. He opened his home her first. The first few minutes of seeing her after she wakes up, I argue with her. If anything, it'll be a strained relationship."

"You both got off on the wrong foot. You were irritated from lack of sleep, she was irritated from too much sleep. I want you to at least try."

"I'll try to win her over when you confess to Haruhi."

"Wh-What?!"

"Tamaki, you're a complete moron, you know? You're in love with Haruhi, plain and simple. I know you've realized it after Hikaru said something to you. So, I won't make a move until you make a move."

"That's petty and you know it."

"Yes, but...this is different. I don't know if I'll be able to win her affections. I really want to, but I feel that she is way out of my league. I feel like I shouldn't even be allowed to look at her, let alone fall for her."

"What are you talking about? You can get any girl you want."

"Except her. It sounds cliche but she's almost like a goddess and I want to worship her, I want to be her slave but I don't think I'm worthy of her love."

"You really do like her...For you to truly compare her to a goddess, that's something genuine."

"Yes, and that's why I can't go after her. I think Mori is better suited for her. She's far too good to be with someone like me, and what of the pressure and backlash she'll receive if we do become an item?"

"She'll get that if she's with Mori."

"Yes, but his family is not like mine. She won't be photographed every time she goes into public. Her every move won't be analyzed for any foul play or scandal. She is far too pure, too good for the life of an elite. Above all that, I feel like I'm not enough for her."

"Kyoya..."

"You know how manipulative my father is. He would use her and the twins to further whatever gain he finds in them. Once he sinks his teeth into her, there is no letting go, and there is no turning back. Not without serious repercussions. I want her to have a chance at living a life without being constantly monitored, without needing to prove herself. Mori can give her that."

"And what, you'll just settle for a woman of your father's choosing and live in a loveless marriage?"

"Yes. If I have to. Otherwise, I just won't get married."

"Kyoya."

"I made up my mind Tamaki. Nothing's gonna change it. Now, you go focus on getting Haruhi."

The blond sighed. He really felt bad for his best friend. He knew that he sincerely cared for Chihiro, and his decision was for her and the kids, but he wanted him to be happy...with her. He had never heard him describe a girl like that, nor had he ever heard him say he would become a slave for anyone. The fact that he's willing to practically submit himself to Chihiro made the European even more determined to bring them together.