Disclaimer: The characters of Ouran High School Host Club anime and manga belong to Bisco Hatori who is an absolute genius in my humble opinion. I am merely a fan with a vivid imagination.

Chapter 11: Trying Times

Haruhi was sitting between her husband and mother in law in the front row behind the prosecutor's desk. Being in the familiar setting of the court was soothing but being on the 'other' side of the divider reminded her of university field trips to observe trials. She was nervous to see her father again; she hadn't seen him since she stared into his crazed eyes as he strangled her. Her hands began to shake and she felt them being taken by Satoshi and Sakura, both squeezing her hand reminding her that she was not alone.

The court room filled up with various people, other witnesses, students from law school, curious members of the public and the Ouran Host Club with the families. It wasn't often you had 5 of the most powerful families of Japan in the one place; so the media section of the room was overflowing as the reporters jostled for prime position. Though several row behind her, a silver haired man with keen black eyes stared resolutely at the women in the first row seated between the Morinozuka matriarch and the second son. 'That must be Haruhi' he mused.

A door off to the side of the room opened and out came Ranka flanked by two guards. He shuffled to the prisoner's box and was quietly led inside. One guard remaining with him the other guarding the door. He looked dishevelled and unlike himself, for one he was in the male prison suit and two he hadn't shaved. Ranka kept his head down and didn't attempt to look around the room. Haruhi's breath caught in a quiet sob. Never in all her 24 years does she ever remember seeing her parent looking like that. Satoshi quickly drew her into his arms and rubbed her back whilst she struggled to compose herself.

Another door opened and the court clerk gave the command "All rise for the honourable judge Hiro Yamada." The judge stood at his spot and banged his gavel "Be seated" He ordered. The court clerk read out the charges and that this was a trial before a judge as both parties had agreed to waive the right to a jury. Judge Yamada asked if both parties were ready to proceed and received the affirmative answer.

The prosecutor began his opening address giving an overview of the attack and subsequent arrest. He also stated that due to the compelling medical evidence that the defendant is suffering from a serious mental collapse that they were prepared to accept his plea of insanity for an undetermined stay in a prison mental health facility of the courts choosing.

The defences opening statement was to the effect that his client was suffering a complete mental breakdown that caused him to act so out of character as to attack his only child. He was prepared to receive help at the prison facility at the courts discretion. Also that he was heavily medicated and was unable to assist his council by directing his defence. There was agreement to the terms the prosecution put forward.

Judge Yamada asked for the witnesses to begin giving their statements with the prosecutor calling on Mitsukuni first. This continued for several hours as the first responder paramedic and police officers had to give their evidence. By the time they got to the emergency room staff it was time for the day to end. The judge called for an adjournment till the next day and dismissed the court.

The silver haired man sat quietly though out the proceedings. He was intending to approach her today and get the ball rolling but something held him back. He decided that he would attend tomorrow and would probably approach her then. Unknown to the silver haired man he had not gone unnoticed as just another member of the general public. A pair of glasses flashed dangerously as a figure in the shadows took notes. 'Hmm it would appear that Toshi-san is ready to make his move, well we will just see about' that smirked Kyoya.

Haruhi was in the tub unwinding from the emotionally draining day that she had endured at her father's trial. Satoshi heard the phone ring and picked it up "Moshi, Moshi, Satoshi speaking." Kyoya's voice came on the line "Satoshi-san are you able to speak freely I have an update on the Toshi family but do not wish to add to Haruhi's stress right now." Satoshi moved to the study and then replied "I am alone for the moment Kyoya Senpai, you are free to talk. Anything I can handle for her right now would be good, despite the support I give I still feel powerless to truly help."

Kyoya felt for the younger man, he was essentially left to play a support role right now as Haruhi had to work through the emotional and other ramifications of that night. Not a pleasant place for a warrior like Satoshi to be relegated to but an essential role none the less. "I understand Satoshi but you are doing what none of us others are able to do, help her rebuild her world. Stand with her against the typhoon of change she is in right now. You know she wouldn't let the rest of us support her the way she allows you to. Your family are the first who have truly seen her break down emotionally. I don't think Tamaki, the twins or I could or would have been able to cope seeing her that way. To us she has always been so strong."

Satoshi made a non committal noise and asked "What is her grandfather up to Kyoya Senpai?" Kyoya responded "He is planning on approaching her at the trial. I tracked down the private detective he used and he has plans to use her marriage to you to manipulate your family into business with him." A mirthless laugh came over the phone giving Satoshi chills "Well he can try but we both know that he won't succeed. I have information that seems to indicate that his wife may not share his views. I think we may need to allow the mothers their chance to protect Haruhi. Between your mother, Hani Senpai's , the Twins mother and Madame Souh I believe Madame Toshi may well and truly have her eyes opened to her husband's machinations. The money is hers by the way, which is an interesting point of note."

Satoshi started chuckling which then turned into a full belly laugh which Kyoya hadn't heard since before Haruhi was injured. "Kyoya Senpai, heaven help her if she doesn't listen to our combined matriarchal force. Those ladies are intimidating in their own way, which is almost more than the menfolk in their lives. I almost feel sorry for her. Do what you have suggested if it is required. If we can run interference tomorrow at the trial and delay any confrontation with Toshi San then I am all for it. I will not have her stressed further by a grandfather who wants to cause trouble." The last coming out as a growl.

Kyoya smiled "Oh I believe I can arrange for his delay to allow you and Haruhi to make a clean get away tomorrow. I believe from what the legal team have said, it is just Haruhi's testimony to go before summaries and sentencing. Do not worry Satoshi, we protect our Host club family." The two men hung up and Satoshi returned to find his wife almost asleep in the bath.

"Come on honey you have a big day tomorrow. Let's go to bed" Haruhi gave a small smile "You know if this were any other set of circumstances that could be taken a number of ways" Satoshi grinned, glad to see the first small sign that her fighting spirit was returning to her.

A/N: Hi Readers I am back and hoping to update a bit more regularly in the not too distant future. I am in the process of moving states so I have been a little preoccupied.