A/N: This is quite the long chapter you guys, the longest one so far actually. I'm just loving the feedback I'm getting from you all (so let's call it a 'reward' and not me getting carried away yeah? Brilliant.)

Before I go, quick question for all my readers: Which pairing are you rooting for? I know I have some HikaHaru fans out there and a couple TamaHaru, but what about ya'll in the back? Any of us rooting for some HoneyHaru or MoriHaru? Can I get a HikaKao out there? (which would be weird, cause you know...he's dead T_T) Let me know!

Chapter Ten
Your Beats

"Come on Haruhi you can't just keep making up excuses."

"I told you I have to study, I'll lose my scholarship if I don't get the top score on the exam. If I go to Italy you two will keep me up all night with your stupid pranks and I'll end up failing."

"Please?" I look to my left to see Kaoru Hitachiin making what could be the most convincing pouty face of all time. Those amber eyes are as big as plates, "No, and you pout just like your brother."

"My brother pouts like me." He replies, springing himself back onto the blanket laid out for us as a part of the Hosting 'end of year' special. None of the guests have arrived yet, but when they do Kyoya's sure to have us all lined up to greet them.

I'm dressed in a ceremonial kimono that's in a coordinating color of the other Hosts, which supposedly is designed to give the guests a sense of periodical history from Japan's feudal era.

To me it just seems like another way to waste an outstanding amount of money.

"Hey, didn't we already dress up like this for the cherry blossoms?" I ask, trying to change the subject of going anywhere alone with the twins, even if they did go through the trouble of getting me a passport I still can't just go to another country on a whim.

Kaoru's eyes remain closed as he lays sprawled across the soft cotton fabric, "Different era Haruhi, and don't change the subject."

Damnit, Kaoru never let's me off the hook.

The March air is so fresh here at Ouran, and even though Honey and Mori will be graduating soon it's nice to have one last Hosting event together.

I sigh while looking down at the orange-haired boy, his soft features seem to be glowing under the spring sun. "Kaoru, why would you even want me to go? Hikaru's been angry with me for more than a week now after I left you guys to go get Tamaki before he went to France."

"He's not angry with you, you know how he can be when it comes to the people he's close to. He was scared of losing Tamaki and even more scared of losing you after you jumped off that bridge-"

"I did not jump!"

"Whatever, the point is he's all tensed up and just doesn't know how to express himself right now, he'll get over it though I promise, now come with us please."

I let out a hearty laugh before he sits up next to me with curious eyes, one eyebrow is cocked slightly upwards and soft lips are pursed ever so slightly. "No, maybe another time."

He looks to be feigning a frown, but remarkably recovers before responding. Glowing pale skin beams in my direction, carrying a smile that could melt ice. "Fine, but Venice is my favorite place so you'll have to come sometime with us! I'll show you everything there is to see Haruhi. Museums, fashion shows, the best café's you could ever eat at, whatever you want!"

I sigh at his enthusiastic offer. The twins are always getting me to do whatever they want with them; can't I have one moment of peace?

"Kaoru, I'll come another time, just not now OK?"

Off in the distance I can see Mori talking to Hikaru, and for the first time in days the older twin flashes a smile to the giant before him. I can't help but smile at the sight of him looking so happy.

Next to me Kaoru turns around to spot whatever I'm staring at. He casually laughs before turning back to face me.

Before I can say another word his hand gently grips my chin, pointing my head directly at him, his amber eyes softly reflecting an image of my own. A smile reaches his face as he leans in to my body, touching his forehead to mine. His necklace clings against my frame with an innocent chime, and I can feel my heart beat just a little faster alongside the sound.

His eyes are closed, but the power he expertly wields is much stronger than anything eyes could communicate. "You promise?"

In the distance I can see Hikaru looking over to Kaoru and I sitting on the grass. He begins to stand out of his chair before walking to us; it's the first time he's paid attention to me all week.

"Hey Kaoru, you better not be trying to steal our Haruhi all to yourself!"

I close my eyes and smile, realizing that Kaoru planned his move perfectly to get Hikaru's attention. Slowly, I press my forehead into the younger twin's, silently communicating my gratefulness to my levelheaded and tenacious friend.

"Promise."

Light bleeds into my world once more, and I find myself lingering on the glow behind my eyelids, willing them to bring back old memories.

Sadly my eyelids unkindly chose to remain silent; stealing the visual of a time I wish would've lasted forever.

I open my eyes before disappointedly before coming face to face with another set of beady black ones.

It takes a moment for me to recognize what I'm seeing. "…Usa-chan?"

I grab the large stuffed bunny set in front of me and push myself up into a seated position onto my bed. Beyond the door I can hear hushed whispers of unannounced Hosts, normally I'd be irate at this intrusion, but they are more than welcome on this day.

At ease that nobody is in the room with me, I hug the bunny to my chest before setting it down on its place of origin. I push myself off the bed and toward the mirror in my room, taking note of my appearance when I do so. My newly cut hair is whirled in all directions from sleeping so soundly, and I'm still wearing the clothes that Hikaru had given me the day before.

…Hikaru!

I sprint across my room remembering the text I had sent last night. Knowing Kyoya I'm sure what happened has been relayed to Hikaru by now.

I look at my phone to see that no new messages have come in, and after pushing back the sting of defeat I glance toward the time, only to find that it's already four in the afternoon.

"Ah!" I exclaim at the realization of sleeping almost fourteen hours. I don't think I've slept more than eight in the past five years!

I manage to shred off my clothes and replace them with much more plain looking ones from my own wardrobe. Despite having a mess of hair and lack of shower I decide to face whatever Tamaki could have planned on the other side of that door and step out into the hall.

I've made it no more than three steps before I'm tackled by an exuberant Honey.

"Haru!" He cries, clutching one arm to my neck and the other to my head. He's still shorter than everyone else in the Club, but now that we're standing so close I am astonished to see that he's grown quite a bit since graduating.

He speaks in quick-burst sentences "I'm so sorry we're late-I've missed you so much-how have you been-did Usa-Chan surprise you Ithoughthewouldmakeyoufeelbe tter and-"

A steady hand pulls him by his collar before he's able to finish, "Mitsukuni, give her space."

A frowning Honey looks up at his indifferent cousin whose towering above him, "B-but Takashi, Haru needs us!"

Mori smiles down at the blonde before nudging him toward the living room. He looks at me next, pausing briefly before pulling me in an embrace.

"Everything is going to be fine."

I'm stunned by this sudden display of affection and I'm sure the poised 'wild type' is well aware of it. However I'm able to mutter a small 'thank you' before he pulls away, his complexion as pink as Honey's favorite cake.

Another voice calls from the living room, "Haruhi! We've prepared a meal for you!"

I can't help but cringe slightly at the thought of any meal "prepared" by a pair of rich, bored Hosts. Despite this Mori smiles at me before motioning to follow him into the living room.

Set before us are six huge platters filled with food, all of which manage to cover the table below them entirely. Tamaki, Kyoya, Honey, and Mori are all looking at me with an anticipated smile as I sit down to join the Host gathering, taking note of a certain orange-haired boy's absence.

"I hope you don't mind." Tamaki says before grabbing utensils, "I figured you could use your family at a time like this."

Tentatively I pick up my chopsticks and pick up a piece of sushi, unaware of where exactly this food could be coming from. Of course it tastes divine, the best I've ever tasted in fact. I can feel my stomach start to grumble in appreciation, oblivious to the fact that I'm still being looked upon.

"This isn't my family." I say between bites of sushi.

I correct my unintended bluntness at the sight of Tamaki's watering eyes, "But it is really thoughtful of you guys, I hope it wasn't too much trouble."

Honey smiles before taking a huge slice of cake onto his plate, "It's no trouble at all Haru!"

Although it's comforting to be surrounded by my friends I can't help but look around the room in search for the missing puzzle piece, "So…Where's Hikaru?"

Tamaki flinches from my comment; the flowers from Hikaru are still resting peacefully in their vase on the counter. My heart begins to beat rapidly at the thought of last night…Hikaru, I really wouldn't blame him for avoiding me.

"Right here."

Like a response to my thoughts a familiar voice rings through my doorway, causing my eyes to shoot in its direction. Long legs, thin frame, amber eyes, and…

Dark hair?

"Hi-ka-ru?" I say his name as if testing it out. "What did you-"

"Yeah I know it's dark." The boys says, taking his shoes off and walking over to us, "I meant for it to be a light brown, but it came out as this ashy auburn-ish color. I figured I'd just go with it."

He takes a seat directly to my right, his figure being followed by the curious eyes of four Hosts. Unwavering of everyone's attention, Hikaru brings his hand to his face before turning to me, mouthing the words 'Thank you' with an indistinct glow in eyes.

I return the gesture with appreciation, smiling from ear to ear.

"Ahem."

Everyone turns their attention toward the glasses clad figure at the head of the table. "If everyone's all settled, I'd like to talk about what's happened. With your permission of course Haruhi."

My smile fades as I nod slowly to him, knowing full well of the subject matter.

"As we know, I'd sent the Ootori force out with a task to find the driver behind the accident. It had taken longer than I'd expected, but two nights ago I was made aware of the identity, or rather-identities."

Hikaru's eyebrows furrow as my breath begins to hitch, Tamaki's eyes are still pointed directly at me. "Unfortunately one of these individuals was not who we had expected, and last night Ranka-Haruhi's father-was taken into custody."

The memory is still fresh in my mind, and I stifle a shudder as he continues. "Now, I've had my family attorney take the liberty of finding the best defender possible for your father Haruhi, and our candidate has already proven himself worthy of the job. Unfortunately we can't have any direct ties with the Ootori name itself but I assure you he's competent to say the least, he was able to not only relocate Ranka into a safer holding area until his trial, but it has come to my attention that he was also able to persuade him into confessing that he was in fact not the driver, despite our previous notions."

I sigh gratefully, but remain perplexed. "Then why is he still being held?"

Kyoya pushes up his glasses skillfully in order to hide his features. "He wasn't driving when the accident occurredHaruhi, but he was somehow convinced into taking the wheel afterward, therefore making him an accomplice. Not only that, but it took him a few hours even after custody to finally admit the identity of the actual driver, which turned out to be a coworker and apparent friend who had been giving him a ride home at the time. We've taken the actual offender into custody, however considering the death of a high profile member in society Ranka is still looking at a rather hefty sentence. We'll do what we can, and I can assure you everything will be taken care of, but you will probably have to be on your own for a while."

Tamaki interjects valiantly, "But you don't have to be all by yourself Haruhi! I'd gladly stand by your side during this time."

"Me too! We can all keep you company Haruhi, and you're welcome to stay at any of our homes!" cries Honey

Mori nods.

Kyoya reveals his eyes to the group once more, "At your request of course."

I look around the room at all the expectant faces before my gaze falls to Hikaru. Amber eyes are staring directly into me with a reassuring grin plastered on his well-defined face. Something seems wrong though…shouldn't he be angry?

Shouldn't I be angry?

"How long?" I say, turning back to face Kyoya.

"Right now? The lawyer anticipates he can get a sentence of three to five years, which considering the charges is very gracious."

I swallow hard, failing at the feeble attempt to not tremble and cry yet again. What am I going to do now?

Suddenly a reassuring hand reaches over underneath the table and squeezes my knee, sending a shivering ray of warmth up my spine. I stop myself from turning to my right, and instead take a deep breath before responding.

"OK, I can do that long, I really appreciate it Kyoya." he relays a tight smirk at my gesture, leaving me to turn to face everyone else. "Thank you all, I'll be fine staying here alone though."

Tamaki looks deflated, "Please let us take care of you Haruhi!"

"No Tamaki, I don't need it. Besides it wouldn't exactly look good if I were to stay with any of you."

The other Hosts gesture excitedly; Tamaki resumes a comfortable pouting face.

"That's not all Haru! Tell her the rest Kyoya."

The raven-haired teen pulls out a notebook seemingly from nowhere, and begins scribbling into it furiously. "This was going to wait until Friday, but seeing as we're all together I figured we could hold the Host meeting now. First being that we'll be auditioning new Hosts on Wednesday, with a recent string of demand we're thinking of adding two to three new members as well as a possible new assistant-"

I smile at the sound of familiarity, the rest of the Hosts are enthralled by Kyoya's droning over daily affairs.

"Also there are two other pressing matters. The first being an end of year event, in which we will need to start preparing for now if we want as large of a turnout as last year. The other is concerning the matter of winter break-"

Tamaki interjects before he can finish, "We want to go on a uh…Kyoya?"

"Your words were a 'family vacation.'"

"Right!"

"What do you mean by vacation?" I ask.

A set of glasses reflect my blurry figure, "Each of us could come up with a place to go, and we could decide from there which would be best for the Club. It would be a way to integrate the new Host as well as acclimate them to the way the Club operates outside of Ouran."

"Not to mention us being all together again!" Honey chirps.

"Yes, I suppose that could be considered as a factor."

My index finger presses to my lips in a thoughtful sort of motion, I do have a passport now and am caught up in all of my studies…a break could be nice.

I look up to see five sets of eyes on me, colors shifting from bright amber to ebony black, and I realize that the one determining aspect in this plan is my opinion. I shrug to offset the mood, "Fine."

The lighter haired boys (including one recently auburn-haired) each reveal a smile in my direction; the pair of dark haired teens feigns interest.

"It's decided then." Tamaki says, slapping the table with his hand in a finite sort of fashion. "As the Host Club King I elect that the location of our family vacation be none other than New York, America!"

Why does he always act so chipper around the other Hosts? Just last night he seemed so much more…down to earth.

"Why not Sweden?" Honey chimes. To no surprise Mori nods in agreement.

I look to Hikaru expectant of a response and see his nose scrunch in thought. "Bali?" he says, mirroring the card he'd written the previous night.

Kyoya's still scribbling in his notebook from each of the Hosts requests, his eyebrow's slightly furrowed from having to deal with so many personalities. It's pretty obvious this 'vacation' idea wasn't his own.

Glowing pale skin beams in my direction, carrying a smile that could melt ice. "Venice is my favorite place so you'll have to come sometime with us! I'll show you everything there is to see Haruhi. Museums, fashion shows, the best café's you could ever eat at, whatever you want!"

"Alright" Tamaki says after a moment. "We could each pick places at random using the hat and paper folding trick! Let's all-"

"What about Venice?" I mutter almost-silently.

Tamaki's mouth is agape at my suggestion.

Honey smiles fervently and while Mori remains stoic there appears to be interest reaching his eyes.

Hikaru raises an eyebrow, probably in realization of what exactly I'm suggesting.

A pair of onyx eyes point in my direction, "Venice?"

"Italy."

"I'm aware of the location of Venice."

Suddenly my shy suggestion becomes even more reluctant. This is the first time I've asked the Hosts for anything other than food. I look down at my hands resting in my lap, which are clenched slightly from nervousness. "Well I've never been to Italy and it seems like it would be-"

A voice stirs to my right, "It was Kaoru's favorite place."

My voice barely speaks above a whisper now, "…Yeah."

Two fingers push up thin frames, "Well then. What about Venice everyone?"

Three heads nod.

"Hikaru? Would that be alright with you?"

I look to my right expectantly; I hadn't even considered the implications of stirring up memories for the older twin.

I'm greeted with nothing more than a generous smile, one that hasn't seemed to fade from his face since he walked in. "Venice is perfect."

Tamaki speaks up this time, wielding what looks to be discontent despite the smile on his face. "Then it's decided, we'll go to Italy. We'll celebrate the family we've lost, and welcome new members in the process."

Forever the diplomat, Kyoya closes his notebook in response. "I'll begin making preparations."

"Yay!" A boisterous Honey breaks the mood; seemingly unaware of the brief mourning we'd all just taken part of at the mention of Kaoru's name. "Haru, can we watch a movie tonight? We'll make snacks and CUDDLE."

His last words seem unintentionally overwhelming, peaking volume at the mention of contact between each of us. Even Mori looks slightly surprised at the outburst of his cousin, but manages to save the offer, "Neither of us have to be to work tonight, I've ordered dinner already."

I look down at my empty plate, stomach growling once more despite the feast that had just filled it. I haven't eaten that well in a while. "That's fine, you can go pick a movie to watch if you'd like."

In a flash of blonde Tamaki and Honey both race to the living room, shouting demands at the other once they reach their destination. Hikaru looks to me before holding out his hand, the contact of our fingers sends a shiver up my spine. "Let's go." He says.

I sit between a tall blonde and an all-too quiet auburn-haired boy, and together join in the best gift that I could've been given by these wonderful and crazy friends: A distraction.

I suddenly cannot wait for winter.

An illuminated screen reflected a soft light onto the former Hosts delicate face. Eyes that look as though they were filled with cream awake to the sound of static pouring into the dimly lit living room.

He sits up, slightly irritated from interrupted slumber, and makes an attempt at embracing his surroundings. The environment brings only a small recollection to his mind, and it's only until he sees the sleeping image of his overgrown cousin that he began to relax.

"I must've fallen asleep," muttered the barely conscious Honey, his eyes still threaten to flutter with the lingering sleepiness that usually would've consumed him.

The blonde attempted to stumble off of the couch he had been laying on, only to find the motion awkward and unforgiving. The former Host had only grown a meager three inches since graduating, but it was enough to make a noticeable difference in his movement.

He suppresses a gasp as his body stumbled across the living room, taking care of the others who were sleeping on the floor. Kyoya, he noted, was nowhere to be found.

He did a mental count of the other Hosts; it was a protective instinct he found difficult to suppress. Takashi had fallen asleep on the other side of the couch he had been laying upon, his cousin's soft eyes were closed just barely as if preparing to awaken on a moment's notice.

Tamaki was resting on an armchair across the room, his mouth was starting to form a tiny pile of drool on the armrest. Honey couldn't help but giggle at the sight, knowing that the young 'king' would be appalled at the thought of something as unsavory as drooling.

Then there were the other two.

Small lips curled into a frown at the sight of the two youngest Hosts. Haruhi was fast asleep on the hard floor, her arms flailed about in a way that signaled unrest, yet she seemed to be at peace for the moment.

More disconcerting however was the newly dyed auburn-haired boy, whose arms were wrapped around Haruhi's thin frame. His nose was buried in her fine hair, which only added to the inappropriateness of the imagery. Honey could only sigh at the sight, assuming minor disappointment.

The small blonde walked toward the sleeping boy silently, stepping over the girl he was wrapped around. His palm moved to the boy's shoulder, nudging him only slightly as to not disturb Haruhi.

Amber eyes fluttered at the motion, pausing for a moment to address the scene. Hikaru stretched slightly before nuzzling his nose further into Haruhi's neck, sighing softly as he did so.

Honey took note of how content he had looked in that moment.

In an instant the auburn-haired teen flinched when his eyes finally met Honey's, awaiting a punishment he was sure to receive. But the small figure only smiled at him, signaling with his fingers for him to untangle himself. Hikaru did so accordingly, but not without a blush covering his entire face.

Honey bent down slowly, pushing his arms under the sleeping girl with a soft ease that revealed some mastery behind it.

He lifted her in his arms effortlessly, leaving behind the perplexed looking adolescent sitting upwards on the floor. Hikaru had not seen this side of Honey, and couldn't help but notice the hurt in his eyes that was inset just above his ever-present smile.

It would seem as if him and Tamaki weren't the only ones who were enthralled by her presence.

Honey walked down the hall toward Haruhi's room. The girl was still fast asleep, moving only to wrap her arms around his neck-which he told himself was only a reflex.

He had to remind himself quite a few times after that it was 'only a reflex.'

Despite being a master of the fighting arts he could only feel powerless in her presence, words turning to liquid at the mere mention of her name.

Try as he might Honey knew he would never master the secret to obtaining the one sweet he would never have.

When he had finally made it to her room Honey felt himself sigh once more. He lowered her down to her bed as easily as he had lifted her off the floor, pausing to memorize the image of her sleeping figure.

Without even thinking he moved his hand and caressed her cheek, moving in a soft rhythm back and forth until he found himself mesmerized by his own actions. He knew it was anything but honorable to display affection toward a sleeping, but he decided to allow himself to indulge in this depravity just once.

When he was satisfied with the thought of making her more comfortable Honey moved to grab the stuffed bunny he had left for her. He hugged Usa-chan to his chest, reveling in the fact the bunny now held a new smell of the person he had always felt close to.

He laid the toy next to Haruhi once more, willing that she would find as much comfort in it as he had.

It was only until he had almost left the room that he noticed something lying on the floor, a tinge of white that contrasted to the darkness around it.

Ever the curious one, Honey found himself picking the object out from underneath a discarded pair of jeans. It was an envelope, small and unassuming.

He looked on the front, the word 'Hikaru' was etched in light blue ink on the cover in Kaoru's course this only peaked Honey's attention.

The blonde checked behind him to make sure that Haruhi was still asleep, and with as much carefulness as he could manage, opened the envelope. Inside was a handwritten note, along with a few pictures. Honey stared at the pictures with interest, cream-filled eyes lifting from one to the other.

There was a photo of Takashi and himself smiling, in the background an illuminated Ferris wheel spun. Honey remembered the likeness belonging to a trip they had all taken to the carnival, a memory that was held close to his heart.

Another photo captured a stoic Kyoya, pushing up his glasses while looking away from Tamaki, who was running toward the nearest bathroom. The blonde was green by that time, astonished that something so fun looking could induce so much nausea. Honey let out a silent laugh.

The third picture was a group photo; Tamaki, Mori and Kyoya stood in back while the twins, Honey and Haruhi were in the front. The twins held a perfectly symmetrical pose while a smiling Honey had his arm wrapped around a surprised looking Haruhi; everyone in the back looked as is they were ready to leave.

The final photo contained Hikaru, Kaoru, and Haruhi. One of them (Honey could only assume Hikaru) had one arm wrapped around Haruhi while the other arm held a large piece of cotton candy up to her mouth. Haruhi's mouth was open in a large smile as she bent down to take a bite of the pink fluff. On the other side of her was Kaoru, who was the only one facing the camera. His head was resting on Haruhi's shoulder, displaying one of the most elated smiles Honey had ever seen the younger twin contain.

The blonde put the photos inside of the envelope, choking back tears brought about by his fallen friend. He decided against opening the letter on account of respect for Kaoru and put the envelope neatly back in its place.

Honey looked once more at the sleeping figure, heart constricting at the pain he knew she was going through. Her lips were parted slightly by now, and she seemed to be mumbling nearly incoherent sounds in her sleep.

"Goodnight Haru." Honey said, exiting the door.

As he walked back into the living room he found Hikaru to be staring at him in confusion. Honey chose to ignore him and laid back down on his previous spot next to his cousin, only daring to close his eyes after he heard the auburn-haired teen lay down himself.

Honey made a promise to himself as he laid there in the dark, one that would be remembered till the day he left this earth.

He vowed to protect her, the frail girl sleeping in the other room.

For if he could not be the love she wanted, he would be the shield she deserved.