Disclaimer: Still own nothing. Never will…so sad.
A/N: Thank you everybody for your reviews. Sorry about the dream tease! I even felt bad writing it since I too want them to have their first kiss. We will get there I promise. I am almost done with my online course work and am hoping it won't be so long between posts. I am truly sorry for the long wait, I had some volunteer work that I am committed to, and my brother in law had a heart attack! Luckily, it looks like he will be okay. Thank you so much for sticking with me. I am really going to try to get back to my weekly updates. Well, here is chapter 10, enjoy!
Haruhi was sitting in class with Mori-senpai and Hunny-senpai. She normally didn't mind Mondays since it was one of the days she had a class with Mori, and two classes with Hunny. This Monday was a little different though. She still had a lingering headache from the tension of yesterday.
After Kyoya kissed her, everything seemed more strange than it had to start with. Kyoya still hovered around as if he wished to continue what he had started, and Mori, who had been avoiding her earlier, seemed to shadow her for the rest of the day. She couldn't figure him out, but she decided she would rather have him shadow her than ignore her any day.
She sighed wondering how she was going to deal with Kyoya. She knew he was relentless, knew he would try his hardest to please his father, but what was it going to take? She began to seriously ponder that when a shadow fell across her desk. She looked up to see one of the guys in her class standing close to her desk surrounded by a couple of his friends. She frowned wondering what they wanted. She had never talked to them before. She didn't even know any of their names.
"This is totally hot, Fujioka," one of them said tossing a newspaper onto her desk. "I didn't peg you as the kind of girl who made out like this in public, but I guess I was wrong. If you ever break up with Ohtori come find me. If someone as cold as Ohtori can inspire this I've been wondering what a guy like me could do to you. I promise a make out session with me will be even hotter."
Haruhi could not even bring herself to reply as she continued to stare down at her desk. There on the front page of the society section was a picture of her and Kyoya kissing in Kuriazawa. That damn photographer knew what he was doing too. It didn't look at all like a kiss he had forced on her. What had been her trying to push him off looked like her hands clinging to his shoulders as if she couldn't wait to have him all over her. Ugh, this picture was horrible and it was in the paper. She wanted to kill Kyoya right now.
Then the words of the guy in front of her hit her. She felt her face flush at his assessment. She was furious. He was not only insinuating that she was the type of girl who made out in public, but that it could be better with him. Gross, who did this guy think he was?
"Think about it," he said softly. "It would be hot."
She was just ready to reply with her sharp tongue when she felt hands on her shoulders. Se looked up to find Mori-senpai standing behind her looking about as angry as she had ever seen him. The guy took a step back and held his hands up defensively at Mori's harsh glare.
"Relax, Morinozuka-senpai. I'm not going to touch your friend Ohtori's girl. I was just making a suggestion for if she ever breaks up with him."
"I think you should head back to your own seat," Hunny said in that harsh voice he gets when his mood is dangerous.
"Ha-Haninozuka-senpai, look I'm really not going to do anything to her," he said backing up a few more steps.
"Good, cause if you so much as touch her it will be the last thing you ever do," Hunny said. Even Haruhi shivered at the dark tone of his voice. Mori leaned further over her silently backing up Hunny's statement.
The leering smile was long gone from the guys face as he and his friends hurried to their seats at the front of the room.
"Thanks guys," Haruhi mumbled still staring at the picture that had made the paper.
Mori squeezed her shoulders before letting go and returning to his own seat.
"No problem, Haru-chan, I'm sorry that's in the paper," Hunny said, not surprised by it since Mori had told him what had happened at the festival. "Are you okay?"
"Not really," she said turning the paper over. She had no desire to look at it anymore. Before the conversation could continue, she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She looked at the name on her screen; Hikaru. She sighed heavily and looked at the text.
Did you happen to see the paper today? We have and I have three words for you WTH? Have you taken the Shadow King back? -Hikaru
She text him back: No, I have not taken him back. It's not what it looks like. He surprised me, that's all.-Haruhi
That better be all it is. If I find out otherwise, I'm going to be furious. Oh, and Kaoru's mad at you too.-Hikaru
I have NOT taken him back, so let go of your fury, Hikaru.-Haruhi
Is that the truth?-Hikaru
Now I'm getting mad. When have I ever lied to you?-Haruhi
Never! Sorry I doubted you, that picture just made me so angry. I shall enjoy hearing that explanation. Call me when you get a chance.-Hikaru
P.S. Kaoru says sorry, too
Ugh! Idiots! I'll talk to you soon. You're my best friends. If I took him back I wouldn't lie about it. You should trust me after all these years.-Haruhi
If you took him back you would be the idiot! Forgive me already, I said I'm sorry!-Hikaru
You're hopeless! -Haruhi
But you love me anyway, right?-Hikaru
P.S. You didn't say you forgive me.
Idiot! I wouldn't have put up with you all these years if I didn't love you. No sane person would.-Haruhi
Ouch! I guess I deserve that. Well, I'll let you get back to sharpening your tongue. Call me. XO.-Hikaru
XO. -Haruhi
P.S. Thanks, Hikaru.
Anything for you, Haruhi.-Hikaru
"Everything Okay, Haru-chan?" Hunny asked as she put away her phone.
"Yeah, Hikaru was blowing his stack after seeing the paper," she said.
Before Hunny could answer the professor walked in and class was ready to start. She folded the paper and shoved it into her bag for later. Maybe she would pay Kyoya a visit.
The moment class was over she stood up and gathered her things quickly.
"Hey, Haru-chan, where are you going?" Hunny asked surprised she was leaving without him. Their next class was starting in a little bit and they always walked to it together.
"I need to talk to Kyoya, I'll meet you in class, Senpai. See you later at the dojo, Mori-senpai," she said and walked quickly out the door.
Mori stared at the doorway a frown forming on his face. Was it a good idea for her to see Kyoya alone? Should he follow her? He took a deep breath. She didn't ask for his help. Maybe this was something she needed to do herself. He trusted her and her judgement, it was Kyoya he didn't trust.
"Mitsukuni," he said turning to his cousin. "I am going to the library. Text me if she is late for class."
"I will, but don't worry, Kyo-chan won't do anything here at school."
Mori wanted to believe that, but he wasn't sure.
"He's desperate to get her back. It's important to him," Mori said.
"True, but so is his reputation as an Ohtori," Hunny said.
"Hn," Mori said in agreement.
Kyoya was getting odd looks all through his first class. The guys seemed to be grinning at him knowingly and the girls would look at him, blush, then look away. Strange.
As soon as class was over, he was surprised to see Haruhi waiting for him outside his classroom.
"Got a minute?" she asked.
"Of course," he said and followed her down the hallway. She stopped and entered an empty classroom. He frowned as he entered behind her. He was dying to know what she wanted. She had not approached him since she had over heard that dreadful conversation between him and his father. He stood quietly waiting for her to speak.
"You know, it's not like me to hold a grudge. I usually don't see the point since it doesn't solve anything," she said quietly. "I'm having such a hard time letting go of my anger for you, Kyoya. I keep telling myself that I really did see beneath your mask of indifference. I'm trying to convince myself that you really did see me as a friend."
"I did," he said quietly wondering where she was going with this. "I do."
"I wanted to believe that. I've been trying so hard to believe that, but then this happened," she said flipping something into his hands.
He looked down to see a folded newspaper. He opened it up and gasped before he could stop himself.
"Haruhi, I…"
"Do you know how humiliating it is to be in such a position in the newspaper, Kyoya?"
"I…"
"I know what that picture accomplished for you, but do you know what it did for me? It got me an offer from some guy in class. He promised to show me an even hotter time," she said furiously.
"What? Who said that?" he asked sounding furious himself.
"It doesn't matter. What matters is that every time I try and convince myself that I did mean something to you, you prove me wrong. You manipulate me all over again and the grudge I feel toward you just keeps getting bigger."
"Haruhi, I…I'm sorry. I wanted the picture stopped. I tried to get the picture stopped, but our families PR man said my father wouldn't allow it. I'm sorry," he said quietly.
"So, your father was pleased? Good for you, another mission accomplished I suppose," she said an edge to her voice as she spoke.
"Haruhi…"
"Save it, Kyoya. I'll never believe I was anything more than a game to you, and what I thought I saw beneath that mask of indifference must have been nothing more than my own imagination. Maybe I just wanted to believe there was something more to you than that cold face you show the world," she said sadly.
She walked out of the room before he could form a reply. Her words hurt. By the time he got moving again she was no where in sight. "Damn." He looked at his watch. He could follow her, he knew where she was going, but her class was going to start and she would not appreciate the interruption. Besides, Hunny-senpai was in that class with her.
He looked down at the paper. Well, that explained everyones behavior this morning. Damn reporters. He sighed again. All he wanted was to show her how he felt about her and the only thing he seemed to be doing was widening the gap between them.
Mori leafed through a research book in the library. He was trying to concentrate on the report he was working on, but thoughts of Haruhi going to see Kyoya plagued his mind. He glanced at the clock since it was already time for Mitsukuni and Haruhi's class to begin. He dug his phone out of his bag to see if Mitsukuni text him. There were no new messages which made him assume Haruhi had made it safely to class. If she didn't, Mitsukuni would have informed him.
He was trying to concentrate on his paper once more when someone ran into the library, stopped by his table, and leaned over it breathing heavy.
"Morinozuka, I…I have to talk to you."
Mori looked up to see a fellow member of the Kendo Club trying to catch his breath.
"What is it, Shota?" Mori asked.
"Yuki, just called me, he said that his brother, Yasuto and Satoshi were just in a bad car accident near the front of Ouran High School," Shota said trying to catch his breath even as he tried to tell the story.
Mori stood up ready to run to Ouran to see if its true when Shota grabbed his arm.
"The accident has already been cleared up and the boys were taken to the hospital. Yuki is still trying to find out which hospital they were taken too. He asked me to come find you to see if you heard anything yet, but I can see I have shocked you, I'm sorry," shota said.
"He is sure Yasuto and Satoshi were involved?" Mori asked.
"Yes, Yuki's girlfriend called him. She was waiting for Yuki at the front gates of the school when she saw a bad accident. She couldn't get that close, but she heard who was involved. Yuki then tried to call his parents, but they haven't heard anything. Now he feels bad for upsetting them when they haven't even been told yet. I need to go find Yuki as I'm sure he could use a friend and some help right now. If you hear anything will you let us know?"
Mori nodded his head yes as he was packing his bag. He took out his phone to call his parents, but then he stopped. What if Satoshi wasn't involved and he worried his parents for nothing? As he walked out of the library the Kendo coach came up to him.
"Takashi, I was just coming to find you. I have bad news," the coach said.
"Satoshi…" Mori whispered.
"Yes, he has been in an accident with Yasuto, we are waiting to hear where they were taken. Would you like to sit with me until we hear something?"
Unfamiliar panic coursed through his body. Satoshi really was involved. He pulled out his phone, but again stopped himself. Did he really want to tell his parents this news when he had no further information to give them? Did he really want to tell them Satoshi was in an accident when he had no idea how badly he was injured or where they could go to find out?
His phone rang, he picked it up immediately.
"Takashi."
"Mother," Mori said.
"We just got word that Satoshi has been in an accident. We haven't officially been contacted by the police yet. Your father is on the phone trying to find out where he has been taken," she said her voice shaking through her tears.
"I know, I heard," he said.
"I'm sorry, Takashi, I was hoping you would hear it from us first. They say the accident was a bad one and there was some confusion on which hospital they were taken too. Your father is trying to get some information. We will call you as soon as we know something."
Before he could answer his mother hung up the phone.
The panic increased. He had only felt like this one other time in his life. It was that dreadful time he found out Haruhi had been kidnapped. He was used to being the one people turned to when they needed help, but his mind seemed numb. He couldn't think of what to do, and he couldn't get his thoughts together. Instinct carried him to the one person he needed right now. Without even thinking about a direction he began running down the hall.
Hunny was sitting in class next to Haru-chan trying to pay attention to what the teacher was saying. He was dying to know what she said to Kyoya about the picture that wound up in the paper but he would have to wait until after class. He pouted, he really hated waiting. His thoughts we're interrupted when the door to the classroom slid open with a bang. He looked up, shocked by what he saw.
"Takashi?" he said. His cousin looked at him, then looked passed him to the seat beside him. Once he locked eyes with Haruhi, he walked by Hunny, dropped to his knees beside her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and placed his head in her lap.
Hunny could hear the shocked murmurs from his classmates, but he couldn't take his eyes off of his cousin. He had never seen Takashi act like this. What was he doing?
"Uh, senpai?" Haruhi asked looking over at Hunny in shock. Hunny was returning the look.
"Takashi?" Hunny asked trying to get his cousins attention, but he never lifted his head from Haruhi's lap.
"Morinozuka," the professor snapped. "I'm not sure what it is you're trying to accomplish here, but I am in the middle of a class. You need to leave."
Mori looked up and glared at the teacher. Somewhere in his brain he knew he was acting completely irrational, but the part of him that wanted Haruhi's calm, needed Haruhi's calm just couldn't let go and follow his instructions.
"Fujioka," the teacher snapped waving his hand in their direction as if saying, 'take care of this.'
"Uh…senpai…you need to leave," she whispered. "Can we talk after class?"
He tightened his hold on her, panicked at the thought of leaving her side. He didn't want to be cast out into that hallway where he would have to deal with his thoughts all alone. He was perfectly aware that this was completely out of character. He knew he never depended on anyone, but his need was so great it overrode even the basic courtesy of listening to one of the professors.
He looked up at her in desperation. She gasped when she saw the look in his eyes. She had never seen Mori look like this…ever.
"Senpai, what's wrong?" she whispered as he continued to hold onto her as if his life depended on it.
"Fujioka," the professor snapped. He was out of patience.
"Uh…excuse me, sir," she said as she tried to stand up. "Senpia, let me up. Let's go in the hall."
Mori grabbed her hand. She didn't have the heart to tell him his hold on it was almost painful. As soon as she stood up, Hunny did as well.
"Excuse me, too," he said and followed them out of the room.
"Takashi?" Hunny questioned the moment they were outside. Mori didn't answer him. He just continued to hold onto Haruhi's hand with that same frightening look of desperation.
"Senpai, what is going on?" she asked.
He looked at her and said one word…
"Satoshi."
"What about Satoshi-kun?"
"Accident," he whispered tightening his hold on her.
"Oh, no, Takashi, how bad is it? How bad was he hurt? Is he going to be okay? Where is he? Why are we here instead of where he is? What kind of accident was it?" Hunny went on and on. The more questions he asked the more agitated Mori looked.
"Hunny-senpai," Haruhi said firmly. "I need you to calm down. Can you do that for me? You need to go back in the classroom, explain the situation to the professor, and grab your bag. Do you mind grabbing mine for me as well?"
Hunny breathed a sigh of relief when Haruhi's calm voice reached him. He was used to Takashi being the calm one, being the one who always took charge in this kind of situation. He was grateful Haruhi was there. He took a deep calming breath and went inside the class to do as Haruhi instructed.
The moment he went back in the classroom Mori took a deep breath. Mori loved his cousin, but he was too hyper to ever have a calming effect on him. Mori now understood why he sought out Haruhi instead of Mitsukuni. Hunny's hyper movements and non stop questions were pushing him closer to the edge. He feared he was going to snap from the barrage of panicked questions, then Haruhi's voice stopped Mitsukuni's questions instantly.
Mori took another deep, cleansing breath. He tightened his hold on her hand. He found that as long as he was touching her, he could surround himself in her calm aura and concern. A few minutes later Hunny rejoined them in the hall. Both men seemed to face her waiting for her direction.
"Has Satoshi been brought to the hospital?" she asked calmly.
"Yes, but my parents were trying to find out which one. There was some confusion on if they were bringing him to the nearest hospital or if he needed to be treated elsewhere," Mori said that unfamiliar panic reaching his eyes once more.
"That's bad, right?" Hunny said. "If they are not sure where to bring him, then his injuries must be really bad, right?"
For the first time since she has known him, Hunny's voice was grating on her nerves. The high squealed panic in his voice seemed to be upsetting Mori more as well.
"Hunny, we don't know anything yet. There is no use in making up theories or worrying about something we are not even sure of. How about we get some tea and then we will discuss what to do from there," she said. She tried to pull her hand out of Mori's so she could grab her bag, but Mori held on tighter his eyes pleading with her not to be mad.
Mori picked up her bag and put it on his shoulder along side his own. It was on the tip of her tongue to argue that she could carry her own bag, but she stopped herself. There was no sense in making him more upset than he was. She led the way, Mori never let go of her hand as he followed silently behind her. By some miracle, Hunny remained quiet beside them as well.
After ordering them all some tea, she tried to pull her hand free from Mori's to get her wallet out of her purse. He tightened his hold refusing to let go of her hand. She looked at him from under her lashes, he still looked as panicked as he had when he first entered her classroom. She didn't have the heart to ask him to let go.
"Umm…Hunny-senpai, do you mind getting my wallet out of my purse?" she asked him.
"Don't worry about it, Haru-chan, it will be my treat," Hunny said pulling his own wallet out of his pocket.
After getting their tea they found a table in the back corner of the cafe.
"So, what happened, Takashi?" Hunny asked quietly.
Mori took a deep breath and told them what he had learned so far.
"And you haven't heard from Aunt or Uncle yet?" Hunny asked.
Mori pulled out his phone and shook his head seeing it blank.
They all jumped when the phone rang in Mori's hand.
He looked at her. She squeezed his hand in support.
"It's all right, senpai, we're right here," she said softly.
The sweetness of her voice overwhelmed him. The uncharacteristic panic filled him once more, choking off his throat. His phone continued to ring. What if they told him his brother didn't survive the accident? Mori and Hunny just stared at her.
She gently pulled the phone out of his hand and answered it.
"Haruhi, is that you dear?"
"Yes, Mrs. Morinozuka," she said.
"Oh, thank goodness Takashi is not alone through this. I've been so worried about him."
"No, he's not alone, me and Hunny-senpai are with him," she said.
"They have finally found out exactly where he has been taken too and we are on our way there now. Could you see that Takashi gets there safely. It will give me peace of mind to know that he is not alone."
"Of course, Mrs. Morinozuka," she said.
She continued the conversation than hung up the phone.
"How…how is he Haru-chan?" Hunny finally asked.
"They don't know, they are on their way to the hospital now. He has been taken to the hospital I was in after…well, you know," she said. "Come on, let's get to the hospital and find out whats going on."
Hunny called for his driver who met them immediately outside. Mori still had yet to let go of her hand. As soon as they entered the hospital they were met by Mori's parents.
"We were told a doctor would be with us shortly," Mr. Morinozuka said as he held a crying Mrs. Morinozuka.
They all turned to the door as it swung open. Haruhi was surprised to see Kyoya and Tamaki walk in.
"I am sorry for your wait," Kyoya said to Mori's parents. "As soon as Tamaki informed me of the accident we contacted the hospital immediately. The only thing I am aware of is that Satoshi-kun seemed to have suffered a head injury. Upon hearing that, I took the liberty of calling in the top neurologist in our employ. I am sorry for the wait, but he is examining him now."
"My father called me as soon as he found out Satoshi-kun was involved," Tamaki said. "I called Kyoya to find out what was going on, but he wasn't aware of anything yet."
"Thank you both for your concern. I greatly appreciate it," Mori's dad said.
Before either guy could respond, the doors opened up and a doctor entered.
"Mr. and Mrs. Morinozuka, I am Dr. Midorikawa. I have read your sons charts, and the results of his CAT scan. He has suffered some head trauma, but the good news is it does not look to be too extensive. I have seen people recover with much worse. These first forty-eight hours will be crucial. If he makes it through this critical time, he should be in the clear. It will be about a half an hour until you all can see him. He is being settled in his bedroom now."
Mori felt himself fall into some unfamiliar abyss of despair. The last time he lost control of his emotions like this was when Haruhi was in the hospital. He had to run out of the hospital to avoid everyone seeing him cry. He felt very much the same way right now. Before Haruhi and Satoshi's injuries he had not lost control of himself or his emotions since he was a little kid. He felt himself losing it now.
Mori was a sensitive guy on the inside even though he showed very little emotion on the outside. He cried plenty of times, he was human after all, he just never did it in front of others. Not even Mitsukuni. He did not want to fall apart in front of everyone in this room, especially his father.
He had to get out of here. He had to find a place to escape to before he crumbled, but he didn't want to let go of Haruhi's hand. It was the only thing keeping him together. Her calm, quiet support was the only thing linking him to his sanity.
"Takashi," his father said sharply.
This was not good. If his father noticed something then his defenses were crumbling completely. He held tighter to Haruhi's hand and rushed them out of the room. He found a smaller, empty waiting area and pulled her inside. He sat down on a small love seat and pulled her on his lap. Something wasn't right. She still wasn't close enough for him. He didn't want her mad at him, but for once in is life he was reacting instead of thinking. He put his hands on her tiny waist and shifted her until she was straddling him. He buried his face in her neck and pulled her flush against him. He sighed in contentment now that there was no space between them. No space for the reality of what was happening to beat up against him and continue to assault him.
Haruhi was beyond shocked by Mori's actions. Mori was not a physical man. He was not one to touch and drape the way most of the other former hosts were. She didn't know what to do, didn't know how best to comfort him. Did he just need to be held? Did he just need silent support? Did he need words of wisdom? Did she have any words to offer him in this situation? She ran her hands into his short spiky hair and caressed her fingers over his scalp the way a mother would to soothe a child.
He could feel her warmth. He could hear her heart. Her fingers ran through his hair. Her soothing touch broke the damn that had closed his throat and he fell apart under her touch.
Haruhi was still trying to decide what to do when a sound broke through her thoughts. She frowned. She heard it once more. It was a sob. A tiny sob. Just one small sob followed by another and another until Mori broke down completely crying in her arms. She knew now what to do. No words were needed in this moment. She pulled his head even tighter against her and held him close. The sounds of his sorrow broke her heart.
Haruhi held him gently as he flooded her shirt with his pain. As his tears died down, he felt uncomfortable. It felt so good to be in her arms, but now that he had lost all control in front of her he was embarrassed to look at her. He kept his face hidden as he reconstructed his pillar of control.
Takashi's parents went to look for them since the half an hour was almost up. They wanted to go see him as a family.
"He has been crying," his father said in shock as they looked in a room and found them.
"I just hope he doesn't push Haruhi away now that he's cried in front of her," his mom said.
"Let's watch," his father said curious about this interaction between this tiny girl and his normally stoic son.
Once Mori had quieted down, she moved her hands from his scalp to the sides of his face. She pulled on his face hoping to get him to look at her. Tears still slid silently down his face.
"Shhh, Mori, it's going to be okay," she whispered.
He looked at her wanting to ask how she could say that when his brother was fighting for his life, but no words would come. She gently wiped his tears away with her thumbs.
"Sa..toshi," his name came out a broken whisper.
He felt her hands tighten on his cheeks, though her touch was still gentle as she wiped the tears that remained.
"Have faith, Mori. Satoshi is a Morinozuka. He has generations of warrior blood flowing through his veins. Your brother is a fighter. All of Japan acknowledges he is one of the best. Your family name commands respect. Even this injury will bow to it," she said fiercely.
Her passionate confidence and faith washed over him. All the what ifs that were plaguing him melted away as her words pulled him from the dark despair that threatened to overwhelm him. He crushed her to him. He had never felt this way before. He never felt comfort in depending on someone else.
He loved her.
He's known it for years, but he always felt like her protector, he never thought of her as his. It felt so good to be completely himself in front of someone else, felt so comforting to breakdown without fear of judgment. There were always expectations put on him. He always had to be strong. His father and uncle expected him to always present the stoic image of the Morinozuka and Haninozuka name.
Mitsukuni always turned to him, depended on him to make decisions for him. Satoshi too looked up to him as the calm, collected, big brother to model himself after. Even the former hosts turned to him when they needed strength or back up. He loved being a protector, it was in his blood. It never bothered him to be depended on, but he never had anyone to depend on himself…until now.
He would never believe that this tiny, little girl with no martial arts skills, no way to defend herself, could be his rock when he was falling apart. Haruhi was the one person who never expected anything from him. She just welcomed him and sheltered him in her arms. This is what true love was like. True love was depending on each other, balancing each other perfectly by being strong when the other one couldn't be. He needed her. He knew it now more than he ever did. Too many thoughts were going through his head. He would cling to her through this ordeal and when Satoshi was fully recovered he would find a way to let her know what she meant to him, how much he needed her, how much she needed him too.
"Thank you, Haruhi," he whispered as he held her even closer. "Thank you for being here."
"You're welcome. I'll always be here for you."
He sighed in contentment as he tried to find his center and channel all his thoughts into positive energy to surround his brother.
Mori's dad gasped.
"Did you see our sons eyes? I suspected it, but I see it clearly now. He is in love with her."
His wife chuckled beside him.
"I do see it. I wish you could see the look in your own eyes when you heard her speak of your family name. I think you fell in love with her a little bit yourself," Mrs. Morinozuka said laughing.
He smirked unable to deny the pride he felt at her words of Morinozuka strength. Their was wisdom in her words about Satoshi's strength.
"She would make Takashi a fine bride and she honors the Morinozuka name. She is fascinating. No wonder she caught the interest of Ohtori Yoshio," Mr. Morinozuka said.
"That interest has not left him according to Mitsukuni. He is still fighting to have her in his family. Haruhi is still trying to untangle herself from that web," Mrs. Morinozuka said.
"I fear no one, least of all Ohtori. We train his secret police and the security staff in all his resorts and hospitals. The Ohtori's need us, not the other way around. I loose nothing if he gets upset with us."
"You would lose a lot of contracts," his wife reminded him.
"There is a waiting list for our services and training. Why do you debate this with me? I thought you liked her," he said eyeing his wife.
"I adore her. I just wanted to point out that the path to her is not a clear one or one without consequences. Besides, you sound like Ohtori when you said she would make a good bride."
"I am insulted, wife. I am nothing like Ohtori. I would never talk Takashi into pursuing her if he had no interest and I wouldn't want him to deceive her into going out with him to please me. He needs to please himself, not manipulate to please me. All I am saying is perhaps we should see how this plays out before we return to our discussion of choosing a wife for him."
"Haruhi would be a valuable gem for any family, and she would be perfect for Takashi," she said.
"I agree, only Takashi can decide if she is the one. I will not interfere," he said.
"I think we should go. He is in good hands with Haruhi," his wife said tugging on his arm. They walked back to the waiting room they had been in.
Haruhi continued to caress his face making soothing sounds as she did so.
"I'll be right back," she whispered, climbing off his lap.
"No," he said grabbing her hand. "Don't leave me."
"It's okay, Mori-senpai, I'll be back in a few moments I promise," she said then quickly went into the bathroom in the room.
She entered the bathroom hoping to wet a paper towel to sooth his face. Luckily she found a folded pile of clean towels. "Rich bastards," she muttered taking two of the towels from the pile.
She wet one of them with cold water and retuned to Mori. She sat back down in his lap. She gently wiped his eyes, his face, his throat, and the back of his neck. She repeated her actions with the dry towel. She folded the wet towel and draped it across his eyes hoping to sooth some of the swelling. She removed it after a few moments, and patted his eyes with the dry towel.
"Better?" she asked quietly. He nodded. "It's past a half hour now. Are you ready to go back?"
He grabbed onto her hand and stood up. She said nothing and followed him out of the room.
Once they returned to the others, Dr. Midorikawa told them they could go in and see Satoshi.
Takashi's grip tightened on her hand the moment they stepped into the room. She could understand why. Satoshi was very battered and bruised, and he looked like he was hooked up to every machine possible. It was not easy for her to see him looking so vulnerable in that hospital bed, so she could only imagine how difficult it must be for his family.
The time passed in a flurry of activity. Hunny-senpai's parents arrived along with Hunny's younger brother Chika. Haruhi knew that chika and Satoshi were as close as Mori and Hunny. He looked like he was barely keeping himself together. It was a strange sight since he was not one to show his emotions or cry as easily as his older brother.
She was quickly introduced to Hunny's parents, but now was not the time for her to get to know them as they focused on getting the information they wanted about Satoshi.
"Let's get some coffee and we can fill them in on everything we have been told so far," Mr. Morinozuka said to his wife.
"Takashi, will you stay with your brother until we get back?" his mother asked him.
He nodded his head, never taking his eyes off of his brother.
"Well, Tamaki, I think we are just in the way here," Kyoya said as he headed for the door. "Haruhi, would you be needing a ride home?"
Mori's hand squeezed hers. She looked at him. He had not even turned in her direction, but she could tell by his hold he did not want her to go yet.
"No, thank you,senpai, I think I'll stay a little bit longer," she said.
Kyoya looked between her and their connected hands before nodding unhappily.
"If there is anything I can do Mori-senpai, please let me know," Tamaki said.
"I don't want to leave him, but what about school?" Mori said quietly.
Haruhi looked at him, then looked at Tamaki.
"Could you see if your father could arrange for Mori-senpai's work to be emailed to him. Could you explain why he won't be able to make class?" Haruhi asked.
"Of course, I will arrange everything. My father was quite upset about the accident, he will do whatever he can to help your family. I guarantee it," Tamaki said.
"Thank you," Mori said quietly.
Tamaki merely nodded and followed Kyoya out of the room.
"Kyoya," Mori said taking them all by surprise. "Thank you for calling your top neurologist."
Kyoya looked surprised, but masked it quickly.
"You don't have to thank me, senpai, you are my friend," Kyoya said. He also looked in Haruhi's direction as if including her in that statement as well. She said nothing as he left with Tamaki.
A nurse entered the room, checked some vitals, and was filling out a chart. She looked at the three of them left in the room.
"Talking to them really helps. It's been proven that they hear you and find comfort in your voice," she said as she continued writing.
Haruhi looked at Mori who sat there staring at his brother. She looked at Hunny, but he seemed to be dozing off in the chair he was sitting in. She reached over and took Satoshi's hand with her free one.
"Satoshi-kun, it's me Haruhi. We're all here, well Chika's not, but he was," haruhi said quietly. She continued to talk to him about everything and anything that came to mind. She continued talking until the adults returned to the room. She felt her phone vibrate in her pocket.
Hey, you were supposed to call me and explain that picture I saw in the paper. You're not avoiding me are you? - Hikaru
I am not avoiding you. Mori-senpai's brother, Satoshi was in a bad accident today. I am at the hospital-Haruhi
Oh, shit, tell Mori-senapi we are on our way-Hikaru
Okay, be careful-Haruhi
Mori looked at her as she put her phone away.
"That was Hikaru, they wanted me to tell you they are on their way," she said.
He looked at her in surprise. She squeezed his hand.
"You don't have to look so surprised, senpai, they are your friends," she whispered.
He looked as if the thought never occurred to him. She knew he considered them all friends and that he would do anything for them, but he was too unpresuming to realize they felt the same way in return.
It was just before lights out when Hikaru and Kaoru arrived.
"Hey, Mori-senpai, how's Satoshi" Kaoru asked.
Mori just gestured toward the bed without a word.
"He has a head injury, the next forty-eight hours is critical," Haruhi said.
Hikaru raised one perfectly arched brow when he noticed their linked hands.
She glared at him warning him not to say anything about it. They sat beside them chatting about school, their latest designs, what ever came to mind to keep the mood light. Suddenly, Hikaru asked about the morning paper.
"So, now's as good a time as any to explain that picture in the paper," he said quietly.
"There's nothing to explain," she said aggravated. "Kyoya kissed me, a photographer happened to be there, he snapped the picture, and it wound up in the paper. End of story."
"And Kyoya-senpai thinks he's going to win you back by forcing himself on you? What is he thinking?" Hikaru said angrily.
"I don't now and I don't care," she said.
Luckily their conversation was interrupted when a nurse came in and said it was lights out time and visiting hours were over except for immediate family.
Hunny stood up rubbing his eyes.
"Haru-chan, do you need a ride home or are you gong to go home with the twins?"
Before she could answer Mori tightened his hold on her hand and whispered one word…
"Stay."
She looked at him.
"You want me to stay?" she asked.
He nodded his head.
"Then I'll stay," she whispered.
She noticed the relief flicker across his steely grey eyes.
"Thanks for the offer, Hunny-senpai, but I'm going to stay," she said remaining beside Mori.
"Okay, Haru-chan," he said with a sweet, knowing smile. "See you tomorrow, Takashi."
"Hn," Mori said.
The doctor came in to remind everyone visiting hours were over. Mr. Morinozuka glanced in her direction and said, "The four of us are his immediate family. I am going to be taking my wife home to get some sleep so it will be just the two of them staying tonight."
"Very well, we will notify you of any major changes," the doctor said.
"Thank you," he said then looked at Mori. "Are you all right to stay here, Takashi?"
Mori nodded his head.
"Haruhi, are you all right staying?" Mrs. Morinozuka asked.
"Of course," she said.
The woman smiled at her kindly.
She kissed Mori on the forehead, then surprised Haruhi when she bent down and kissed her softly on the cheek.
"Thank you, dear," she said.
"It's no problem, Mori-senpai spent his time at my side in the hospital. Now it's my turn to return the favor."
Once everyone was gone, Mori let out a long breath, and wiped his hand down his face.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"I will be okay when Satoshi wakes up," he said quietly.
Kyoya decided to stop by the hospital before his first class. He stopped in the doorway. Haruhi was sleeping in a chair, one hand holding onto Satoshi's hand, the other clasped tightly in Mori-senpai's. Feeling a presence behind him he turned to find his father.
"Care to explain this?" his father asked gesturing toward Mori and Haruhi.
"She is his friend. You know how Haruhi is," Kyoya said without explaining anything.
"And you?" his father questioned. "Are you falling prey to the weakness of friendship?"
"Why would you say that?" he asked.
"I am well aware that you called in our top neurologist. Did you do this as a friend?" he asked.
"Of course not, Father, the Morinozuka's are important to our business. It benefits us to ensure their son gets the best of care," Kyoya said in his cool, detached voice.
"Indeed, good thinking, Kyoya," his father said. "And are there merits in allowing him to borrow Haruhi?"
Kyoya didn't answer.
"I was quite pleased by what I saw in the paper, even though as an Ohtori you should practice a little more discretion. I am not so sure I am pleased with this cozy scene."
"Excuse me, Father, I must leave for class," Kyoya said looking at his watch.
"But of course," his father said stepping out of his way.
Kyoya walked down the hallway wishing his father would stay out of his business for once in his life.
The day was filled with visitors, once Tamaki found that she was staying along with Mori, he made another call to his father. The chairman agreed to have her work forwarded to her as well and asked that she tutor Satoshi to catch him up on whatever work he would miss though his recovery. She was the smartest student to graduate from Ouran under Kyoya, so he was depending on her to help Satoshi get back on track.
The twins had visited, talked to Mori, then said they had to return to school. They reminded him they were only a phone call away. They were treated to one of Mori's rare smiles. The visitors came and went, and before she knew it, it was late afternoon. Mori had gotten up to go to the bathroom. His mother quickly took his seat beside her.
"Haruhi, dear, my mind is filled with worry for Satoshi. Can I impose on you to take care of Takashi for me? He would never admit it but he needs looking after right now and he seems so comfortable with you."
"Of course, and it's no imposition at all," she said.
"You're so sweet. Can I ask you to take him home and see that he gets some sleep before returning?"
"Sure."
"Okay, follow my lead," Mrs. Morinozuka said.
As soon as Mori walked back in the room his mother started talking.
"Takashi, why don't you and Haruhi leave here for a little bit. You could both use a shower and some sleep."
Mori looked hesitant, so Mrs. Morinozuka looked at Haruhi.
"Mori-senpai, we would feel better if we freshen up, and Satoshi-kun would not be happy if he found out your weren't getting any sleep."
He nodded reluctantly, and he followed her out of the room. After stopping by her apartment for some clothes, they went straight to Mori's house. After they each showered, Mori laid down in his bed. Without any words he scooted over and opened his arms. She could see the faint bush on his cheeks, she could feel her own cheeks heating. He made no demands, he made no requests, he was just silently asking her to be there for him.
Mori felt his heart hammering in his chest as he silently held his arms out for her. She stood at the side of his bed blushing. Had he gone to far? He was just about to mumble an apology when she kneeled onto his bed, and crawled into his arms.
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close against him. He placed her head into the crook of his neck as he placed his chin on the top of her head.
He felt himself instantly relax as the feel of her, the smell of her enveloped him. She smelled so good. She placed her hand on his chest. He felt his heart beat accelerate at her touch. His eyes grew heavy as he held her against him. He bit down on his lower lip to prevent himself from telling her he loved her. Things were going so good, she was here in his arms, right here, right now, he had no wish to scare her off at this point.
Haruhi heard Mori's breathing change. She knew the second he fell asleep. She gently caressed his chest. It felt so right here in his arms and he smelled so damn good. She was ashamed of herself for having such thoughts when his bothers life hung in the balance. She had no idea if he was finding comfort in her as a friend or if he felt something more for her too. She longed to ask him, longed to tell him how she felt, but she couldn't not at a time like this.
She smiled as she felt her own eyes grow heavy with sleep. She felt content. For the first time since she started to think of him as more than just a friend, she began to hope that maybe he felt the same way too.
When she opened her eyes it was dark outside. She looked up to find Mori still sleeping. He was so handsome, his stoic face softened in sleep. She reached out and lightly caressed his cheek.
"Haruhi," he whispered in his sleep.
Her heart hammered in her chest, he was sleeping, sleeping, and yet he whispered her name. The hope she had felt earlier only grew. She quietly got out of bed and made her way down to the kitchen. She noticed the cook and asked for a favor.
"Do you mind if I borrow your kitchen to make some bento boxes for the Morinozuka's, I'm sure they would appreciate some home cooked food over the hospital food," Haruhi said.
"Don't trouble yourself, Miss Haruhi, I can make up whatever you need,"' the cook said kindly.
"I don't mean to intrude on your space, but I find cooking very therapeutic," she said.
"I understand," the cook said. "Feel free to use whatever you like and don't worry about any dishes you use, leave them here for me to clean up. You just get back to the hospital with Master Takashi when you're done."
"Are you sure, I don't want to leave a mess."
"It's no problem at all," the older woman said kindly.
Mori woke up and reached for Haruhi. What he felt was nothing but cold sheets beside him. He woke up with a jolt fearing he had only dreamt of her in his arms again. He quickly went down stairs looking for her. When he didn't find her in the sitting room he sat down with a sigh. He could have sworn she was really in his arms.
"Miss Haruhi is in the kitchen, Master Takashi," one of the maids said as she past the room. He jumped up and headed toward the kitchen.
There she was chopping, cooking, and softly humming a tune. He felt instantly relieved. Seeing her like this made his heart skip a beat. He could see his future before his eyes. He could see himself coming home from work to this sight; Haruhi with an apron preparing dinner for himself and their children. His heart fluttered in his chest. He wanted that future. He wanted it more than he ever wanted anything in his life.
Before he could utter a word or make a move toward her, she turned around and dazzled him with her smile.
"Mori-senpai, did you sleep well?"
He nodded his head unable to form any words.
"Here, sit down," she said guiding him to a chair. She placed a cup of tea in front of him and fixed a plate of food for him.
"Thank you," he said savoring every bite of her home cooking.
"I thought your parents might like something different from another cafeteria meal," she said as she began packing a few bentos.
He smiled. This was one of the many reasons he loved her. She was so thoughtful, so kind, so earnest in everything that she did. He thought he had already completely fallen for her years ago, but he realized now he was still falling. When he would stop he didn't know, nor did he care.
As soon as they arrived at the hospital, Haruhi placed the bentos on the table and his parents began to eat.
"Oh, Haruhi, dear, this is delicious, thank you so much for thinking of us," Mrs. Morinozuka said.
"Yes, it is delicious, thank you," Mr. Morinozuka said in between eager bites.
"It's no problem," Haruhi said as she took a seat beside Satoshi.
Mori took the seat beside her and grabbed her hand. She took Satoshi's.
"Hey, Satoshi-kun, we're back," she said softly to him. She could swear she felt a slight movement.
"Uh, senpai, maybe I'm just imagining it, but I could swear I felt his hand move slightly. There, I just felt it again."
She was busy looking at his face while Mori was watching his hand carefully. He did see a tiny movement in his pinky as Haruhi held tight to his hand.
Mori looked at his face just as he saw his brothers eyes fluttering open. The first thing they landed on was Haruhi.
"Haruhi-senpai, what are you doing here?" Satoshi asked.
His parents jumped up from the table as Mr. Morinozuka buzzed for the nurse. Haruhi turned to Mori with a big smile on her face. Mori returned it. Her heart beat faster as she was caught in his gaze.
Hunny stared at the two of them as they stared at each other. He felt his own heart flutter just looking at them. He smiled, yup, it was just a matter of time.
A/N (again): Sorry again for the long wait. If you have stuck with me please tell me what you thought of this chapter. I know that Mori was really out of character in this one, and even though I strive to always keep characters as true to themselves as I can, I do believe certain circumstances make us all act out of character from time to time. This was my version of what Mori would be like if he broke down and allowed himself to need Haruhi. I hope this was worthy the wait. Please let me know your take on it. I would really appreciate it. Arigato!