Disclaimer I do NOT own Ouran High School Host Club or its characters/places/etc., Bisco Hatori does.

Author's Note: I apologize in advance if there are any mistakes with wordings, spelling, grammar and punctuations or if the flow and plot are unsatisfactory! I'm very extremely new at this writing thing. :)
Please, feel free to read and review! Constructive criticism is incredibly welcomed, I'm all for comments that will help me improve! (Please refrain from being blatantly rude...I'm a sensitive soul)

Chapter 11:

With a last scratch of the pencil to full paper, she set her utensils to the side clenched her achy fingers and spread her arms out up and wide, tilting her head to either side to stretch her neck as she was rewarded with blissful tiny pops running the length of her elongated spin. Muffling a demanding yawn she stood with an air of accomplishment. Finishing all of the exams like she just did, with the confidence she had throughout the entire process, it was like a gigantic weight had been lifted. She was tired, her head buzzed with the use of so much information, but she took her completed work to the desk of her principle with pep in her step and a smile on her face.

He looked up from a valley of drying miniature architechtual peices, blinking away the sleep that threatened to overtake him, confused before the situation dawn on him perking up the middle-aged headmaster immediately.

"You're done!" He ran a perfectly manicured hand through chestnut locks before gesturing to the only open area for her to set down the work. From sit to stand in a swift motion, he cricled to the front of his desk, leaning against the edge.

"Yes, sir!" She nodded her head eagerly, his excitable nature was contagious and she found her pride shining through her features in the form of a face-aching smile.

"Very good! Commendable! See, this is why you are our precious honor student! So smart!" A grand gesture for every small sentence, she felt as if she might eith end up rolling her eyes or laugh in his face, but on his last word, his arms went wide and she braced for impact.

"Sir." Saved by the attentive secretary, Haruhi breathed a sigh of relief. "Was Fujioka-san able to complete everything? The teachers are curious."

Yuzuru polished his stance, giving a little cough before switching from enthusiastic principle to serious headmaster.

"Why, yes. Fujioka-san has just completed. Everything is right here," giving a little point to the stack of papers amidst the tiny structures, looking like a little village around a snowy crop-field, he shot the pony-tailed secretary a business smile, "on my desk." Haruhi could almost here his mentality giggling like a toddler.

"Right." The brunette assitant quirked a brow and tilted her head to the side, her hair forming a straight line from the back of her head behind her shoulder, amusement evident in her careful enunciation. "You're meetings have been rescheduled for tomorrow."

"Oh." His chestnut locks fell into shadowed eyes as his face cracked into a palpable pout and he poked at the pointed tip of the Eiffel Tower. "Very well."

"Um." Haruhi gave a hasty bow, unsure if she stayed any longer she could hold back what would be a very disrespect line of actions. Laughing and snorting at her super powerful and wealthy headmaster didn't seem like a very good idea. "Thank you for this opportunity! I'll be going now, good day!"

Shuffling over to the couch, she made quick work of her utensils and bag, securing it over her shoulder and walking swiftly out of the grand office into the empty halls. Following the running carpets and shiny floors to where ever they would take her, she realized quite abruptly that she did not want to go home.

She didn't know whether or not she wanted to see the hosts either, but soon enough found herself standing outside of the large white double doors, hand perched on the twirling, weaved metalwork of the ornate handle and staring at the sign declaring a closure. They weren't there, she was a mix of relieved and disappointed. Surely they had been wrong in their behavior, but during the short intermissions between subjects of tests, she could see that in their own way, they were concerned. A little bit late, but concerned none the less. She at least wanted to let them know that she wasn't as mad anymore.

Rolling her shoulders and shrugging, she let another option play through her mind. It was intriguing, new and she'd be able to see Neko... Umehito before she went home for the day. Her stomach fluttered at the notion, flipping and tickling up her chest making a toothy grin escape.

~O~O~

"...Being drained of life energy by dull repetition... Ready to give up virginity in soulful sensual experience... What?...Ready to give up basic, carnal desires for spiritual pursuits and enlightenment." He scoffed and snorted. "Ok, so apparently I'm dull and ready to sex someone up then become a eunic." Snapping the book closed he hung his head letting his palms hold the weight. "Silly conclusion, but it doesn't help me any."

Groaning, he sat further back into the wingback chair, his arms draped the padded arms, his fingers ran over the texture in frustration. No one had shown for club, the exams may have made their meetings slip their minds and he really couldn't blame them. They didn't have that much planned for this short week and everyone seemed excited to practice in solo for break. Raising a hand to his face, he rubbed both eyes simultaneously with his thumb and forefinger.

'You know you should talk to the coven. They told you you would know your task when the time came.'

Sweeping off the raven locks, he shook out his flaxen tresses letting the mess of ebony fabric fall from his head to lay at his back. Only few candelabrum were lit, their effulgence reaching limited distances leaving the vast stone room in a murky golden splashed with dancing shadows cast by the furniture: chaises, small circular tables couches, the shelves full of materials and cursed items.

Two tapered black candles illuminated the desk that Nekozawa occupied, doubling as an alter, Bereznoff sat atop a pedestal center, idols and instruments twinkled the flame's reflection from their silver and shiny surfaces on either side of the cat divine, and directly in front of the mentally exhausted teen, many books sat closed in a pile with a singular cone of patchouli incense burning in a single layer of molten red, the mind-clearing smoke billowing from the tiny stack like an angry miniature volcano ready to punish.

"I guess I have no other option if I want to figure it out." Closing his eyes, he let his head lay against the soft padding of the chair, closing his eyes to meditate. "I almost don't want to know."

Absorbed in his thoughts, he didn't hear the low creak of the main door echoing through the corridor, nor did he hear the faint footsteps approaching the main room. She peeked around the stone archway, eyes still adjusting to the pitch of the room, and stepped lightly into the room, taking in what she could of the sights surrounding her. Somehow her feet had taken her across the room and to the high wing-backed chair of the blonde dark-prince.

He was exquisite in the low radiance of the flames, sharp features beautifully molded into something akin to fine art. His flawless ivory skin glowed as she followed the lines from his upturned profile to the vulnerable trace of his neck, swallowed by the harsh contrast of inky material that consumed him. The troubled furrow of his ashen brows called to her, the need to comfort him strongly building, her hand reached out before she could think of what to do or say to announced herself.

Her fingers found his loose golden locks, sweeping stray strands from his face. He didn't need to open his eyes to know who it was, and she was pleased when he moved in to her touch, face softening with the contact.

"Long day?" Her voice came low and husky, uncontrollable in such company. She found herself drawing closer, enjoying his nearness, the concept of having been away from him for so long a foreign and unwanted thing as she ran fingers and palm of her other hand along his jaw to cup his smooth cheek. Blue eyes, sparkling like fine crystal in the dancing light of the flames, fluttered open framed by ashen lashes and he turned to look at Haruhi.

Her mocha eyes and soft vanilla skin reflected the brilliance ethereally while shadows gliding across her face cast her in provocative mystery. Luscious pink lips parted slightly and he found himself stealing glances at them, remembering the feel of their downy brushes as he pushed the heavy chair back and out to face her.

He prepared to stand, hands pressed against the cushioned arms of the seat but was taken back by her nearing form. Her knees laid to rest on either side of his hips, fingers ran tingling trails from his nape to scalp, tangling in his freed locks, pulling him closer to her. Leaning her forehead to his she absorbed the dazed look in his eyes, heady, the tip of her nose trailed the bridge of his until her lips were hovering just above his mouth gaped in pleasant surprise.

"I missed you." The words whispered over his lips with a dizzying heat, sending fire to his core and inadequate air to his lungs. Her head dipped lower gently pressing a curious caress with the plump curves.

Releasing his tight grip on the cushions he slid shaky hands from her hips and up her back, drawing her closer as he claimed her mouth, catching the pink velvet between his with an eager curiosity of his own. He let go all the tensions of his worry in the tender movements, tasting citrus on her soft lips, running his tongue along her parted entrance she opened to him.

Intoxicating was the musk and herb that filled her senses, his hands massaging patterns on her back through the thick fabric of her jacket. Battling and yielding to the strokes of the slick muscle against her own, she pulled away reluctantly, resting against him as he trailed feather light brushes against her heated cheeks.

Her body was its own inferno in the chilly basement club room, wrapped in strong arms impressing his deep emotions with every stroke of fingertips against her body. The uniform jacket was too much for her, skin burning, she couldn't breathe. Quickly she shrugged out of the constricting material with a sharp gasp at the new sensitivity, feverishly her hands pushed at the thick cloth covering Nekozawa's firm chest, wanting him as free as she felt, needing to feel more of him.

Trembling hands draped her own in their attempt to shed him of his jacket, heavy lidded eyes searched her own amongst half pants, his lips were swollen with her kiss. She lick at her lips absently as his throaty tone intrigued her further.

"I-I don't want to take advantage of you, Haruhi." She felt her lips curve into a small smile and she bit at her lip with his charming thoughtfulness. Leaning forward, she circled her arms around his body under the thick fabric she was just wrestling to grip at the back of his broad shoulders, pressing a small kiss on his jaw and sighing against his neck, the breath sent a small chill to ripple through his heated nerves. "This has been a stressful time for you... I don't want you to go through with anything that you aren't ready for."

He was right and she begrudgingly admitted it, but she never could have imagined how much it would hurt to be pushed away, even as gently as he did. Then again, she was grateful for his sense and consideration. She wanted to blame the lack of lights and the exhilaration of being done with all things test, but that would have been a lie. It was him; his kindness, intelligence, selflessness, the mystery that surrounded him... Everything about him beckoned her, but this was new territory and if anything, they needed to take this, whatever it was, calmly and gradually see where it would lead.

She drew away slowly, trailing the tip of her nose along the sharp bone of his jaw, and back to catch his gaze before catching his lips in a sweet embrace. Hands slid from under his jacket to support herself as she steadied herself on the floor, grabbing her own jacket while she tried to hide her flushed cheeks.

"You're probably right." Her teeth bit at her lower lip as she stopped to take in his disheveled state with a covert approving eye. She cupped her mouth and giggled nervously as she remembered something and pointed lazily with her cloth-filled hand. "And, it seems I forgot about someone."

'I wasn't exactly complaining.' A lazy snicker rolled through, clearing out the remaining lusty clouds of passionate ardor.

"Ah, I should probably get going." Haruhi stuffed her arms back into her jacket while Nekozawa moved from the chair, silently thanking the powers that be for his all-concealing robes, to take Bereznoff from his stand. "I'm sorry... " She said hushly to the floor as she fiddled with the buttons of the blazer.

He stiffened at the tone of her words and spun immediately, the forefinger and thumb of his free hand found her chin tilting it, gently encouraging her to look at him.

"You have nothing to be sorry for." He could feel the heat in his cheeks rise as the thoughts of what they could have been doing raced through his thoughts, he swallowed past the lump in his throat. Seeing her uncertainty, he knew he should say something more, his mind was going in a million different directions and none that would be too helpful to form a coherent insightful sentence, so he decided to go with honesty and hope for the best. "I-uh-I... It's n-not that I d-didn't w-want to..."

Visually witnessing the emotions crossing his face as he thought was definitely what she needed as a pick-me-up. Being able to see his face and exactly how much expression he showed was so much different than the enigmatic shrouded arcane teen he was the majority of the time. Like night and day; Nekozawa was walking night in the daylight, and a dazzling bright beacon surounded in pitch black. He was an incredibly unique individual, delightfully captivating either way she looked at him. The corners of her mouth broke into a wide smile as he continued on.

"...I've never-" She bit her lip again and rolled to the balls of her feet to stop his sentence with a parting kiss.

"I've got to go shopping." Chuckling to herself, she backed away a few steps enjoying the goofy startled grin on the boy's face. "I'll call you later, Umehito."

Parting with a small wave and a happy smile, she turned and navigated the room with the ease of adjusted eyes, turning down the corridor and out of the door on her way to the market. Nothing in the house meant nothing to cook and no real reason to invite him over later for dinner. Moving with more fervor, she reached the main entrance practically at a jog.

~O~O~

Crumpled and folded in his sweating palm, a picture of his target was nestled as he swept through the unfamiliar streets while quickly scanning the faces of every female that he passed. Ache from the straining squints clawed at his frontal lobe while he rubbed his slack fist against the gap in his brow and he stopped to post against a light pole lining the concrete walk. Birds sung sweetly against the swaying breeze that rustled the leaves of trees in the distance as building after building had flowed by, outlined with metal fencing, cars and the joyous play of children with their watchful parents.

She had to be somewhere in this area, judging from the list of schools she attended, this neighborhood was in both districts. Letting a low groan slip and dropping his fist he continued on at a leisurely pace. My sources told me that the old man would be speaking to little Ume today... I can't give him the chance to decline. He WILL carry out the ritual and I will be rewarded.

Setting his tumultuous smoky stare to examine the feminine faces once more, he continued on his circular path once more with deranged conviction, ruined photo digging into the calloused flesh of his fingers and hand. A growling exhale escaped his sneering lips. She's an evasive little bitch, I'll give her that.

~O~O~

"Kao." Hesitantly wavering, Hikaru spoke without breaking unfocused golden orbs from the crude sketchings in front of him. "Do you... Do you think I should apologize... By myself?" Troubled, his faced was etched with lines of guilt to mimic the emotions eating at him from the inside, he beseeched his brother in a regretful rasp. "Would it even help?"

Light poured in from the large window of their office, interconnected between their two separate rooms, though only one was regularly used. The willowy drapes hung in delicate folds to frame the picturesque scene of the grounds in shimmering layers of silvers, reds and creams. Kaoru looked toward his twin, both shadowed and out-shined by the light and view behind him, but the tone of his voice made it very obvious what sort of heart wrenching expression his duplicate was making.

Pushing from his own work space nearest the multiple entries, he moved toward the boy wanted to comfort, encourage and in another setting, strangle him for suggesting to possibly anger their missing third even more. But knowing Haruhi, even with the few times they actually paid attention, she would at least appreciate the sentiment. With a small sigh, his fingers gently embraced the sagging shoulder of his elder twin.

"It couldn't hurt for us to apologize together." The thin line of his lips pressed together more tightly curving into a forced smile as he bent down eye-level to the similar face. "But, it won't promise forgiveness."

The sting of his own words coursed through his chest in frozen knots, pounding against his lungs painfully making it difficult to catch a breath without a sob. Biting down, he fought the aching sensation knowing his brother was probably feeling the same.

Their Haruhi, one who had garnered both of their acceptance and affections, was not something to be shared, but both were willing to pretend despite growing emotions and the chilling numb that filled them when she'd speak to one before the other. The spite had grown into a silent competition and the warring over her had turned into a game, chocolate-eyed brunette as the toy in the center of their brotherly dispute. They played the game well enough to make it look friendly to the other and to those on the outside, but each knew the stakes. One or none. Thinking of one being the bearer of the prize hurt, but having reality slap them into knowing they both lost out, that was an all-encompassing torture. The younger twin straightened, walking on dazed legs to place a hand upon the glass, eyes drawn to the beauty of the flowers as his duplicate took to a hard stare at the matte white door.

"We have to try." It wasn't planned, it came without awareness, both brothers' hushed mutters filled the spacious work room to different directions among the inspirations and failures of artful drawings and crumpled wads.

"We also can't push it." Knowingly, Kaoru added, allowing his fingers to slide down the glass, smearing against the vibrancy of the captivating view. ...And if nothing else, we'll always have each other.

~O~O~

"Unnggg!" Dramatically he groaned, spinning dramatically and dropped to his face and stomach along the line of the white couch. "I need to see her, meilleur ami, surely it wouldn't hurt to stop by for a quick greeting, oui?"

It was like his nerves were buzzing about under his skin, crawling like bugs, the fear that something was amiss between the brunette and her cloth-clad captor. As much as the want to run to her apartment clenched at his gut, his mind couldn't shake the very real memory of her betrayed and disgusted features. So he would listen to Kyoya, the only one who seemed to have his head on straight when it came to their princess incognito.

"Tamaki, I still have work to complete." Steady flow of key tapping interrupted, his slate orbs, behind ominously flashing lenses, narrowed on the limp blonde invading his couch. "At this point, I really don't care what you do. If I'm not there, she wont associate your shortcomings for mine."

Stress was building deep in his core, beneath his calm and often cynical exterior. Deadlines had to be met before nightfall and as much as he didn't want to admit it, he was fretful of her sudden absence. He had to complete his number crunching and look over Nekozawa paperwork before heading anywhere near her. He needed to be sure that that there was nothing he could use as incentive for his odd senpai to give up. Smoldering as the thought of Nekozawa and Haruhi together was, if there was nothing he could use then he'd have to go a different route. Even more pressing, he had to locate the girl.

With a rumbling sigh and more force behind his typing, he returned to the text and numbers, speeding through calculations and side-notes while the amethyst-eyed blonde crept out of the spacious multi-level room, light footsteps echoing on the polished floors as he slid around halls and down the staircase leading to the foyer and out of Ohtori Mansion. Pressing a few buttons on the screen of his phone, he waited for his car to arrive.

~O~O~

The thinly padded floor of the schools dojos stood relatively empty after school had let out for the day. Students and members of the karate and kendo clubs had taken the short week and exams as an excuse to head home and relax extra days before break began. That was perfect for two wanting to work out their inner conflicts on the mat.

Walls lined with various pads and bamboo weaponry, shelves empty of personal effects aside from two sets of school uniforms and shoes, echoed the battle yells preceding the landing of blows and huffs of recovery.

"Takashi." Ground out of the intensely concentrated countenance, devoid of the youthful playfulness the petite blonde normally portrayed as the top of his foot forcefully dug into the vulnerable ribs of his sturdy opponent. "Do you think he was telling the truth?" Leg trapped between Mori's side and the impenetrable grasp the massive hand had on him, he dodged the punishing right punch, using the momentum to twist his body to land a jumping back kick to his cousin's temple and freeing himself at the tall boy's falter.

"Yes." Mori rumbled lowly as he rolled to the side nearly missing a downward strike, retaliating with a sharp elbow to the lolita's back. "He doesn't seem the type."

Pushing up from the ground to a squatted stance, Hani threw himself into a backwards bicyle kick, missing his target by a mere hair's breadth, resetting in a wide defensive stance as Mori transitioned from his previous kata. Small arms fell limp out of position as honey-brown eyes softened with regretful concern.

"But, even we hurt her." Hani murmured as he tried to steady his breathing, falling back on the mat he draped his hands over his stomach while he stared at the roughly textured ceiling quelling the burn of his eyes and the pain in his chest that was not caused by the brawl.