Haruhi answered the next call. Her eyes widened. "Father!"

"Hello Haruhi, my darling girl!" Ryoji greeted from the other line. He sounded very happy. "Daddy misses you. How are you?"

"Fine," she answered.

"I was on the phone with Kyouya-kun," started the bisexual casually "he said an interesting thing today."

She tensed. Her expression darkened as she imagines what kind of fury she should unleash on the Shadow King. Oh, her wrath should be feared. "Really?" she forced her voice to stay calm.

"He's worried about you," said the ecstatic father. "Imagine that! He's worried! I totally approve if it's Kyouya-kun."

Haruhi's mouth dropped open. She immediately wondered what kind of strategy Kyouya had to tell that to her father. There were certainly no merits in showing interest on her. "Really, Father, don't joke."

"No, really," Ryoji's voice turned serious. "He confided to me earlier that he didn't like the thought of you alone at home. In fact, he's offered to stay in the apartment next-door to keep an eye on you!"

"WHAT?" Haruhi yelled in surprise.

"Didn't he tell you? That's strange. But he'll be staying there until I get back. It's flattering when you think about it. Who would've thought that he's sweet?" He remained oblivious to his daughter's sputters and gasps. In fact, he chose to ignore it. He was very fond of Kyouya and the dark-haired man got his vote if there was a race for his daughter's hand in marriage.

"He's not sweet," snapped the black-haired girl.

"My, don't be so mad, dear. He'll stay out of the way, I'm sure. I just called to tell you that and to say that I love you," Ryoji answered soothingly. He really felt glad that one of the hosts cared about her that much. It was unexpected but welcomed. "Don't stay up too late. Eat your dinner and I'll be back before you know it."

Two more days, she thought sadly before she pushed it away. She'd learned to deal with the loneliness. There was no way she'd let it consume her. "All right, Father. Don't drink too much."

"Yes, baby girl," said the bisexual happily. But even if she was slowly blossoming into a young woman, she'd still be his little girl. So he delighted in the knowledge that he was still the number one man in her life. "Bye now."

"Bye," Haruhi murmured as she snapped her phone shut. Sighing, she looked around and noticed it was dark. Feeling unusually cold she entered the apartment and locked the door behind her. It was time to start making dinner anyway.

A glance at the refrigerator told her that she was running low on groceries. But because she was feeling tired and lazy, she decided to go to the supermarket tomorrow instead of today. She didn't bother making an elaborate meal. There was only her to eat it anyway.

Her mind wandered while her hands worked. Kyouya was moving next-door. Tamaki's mother was getting better. School was after two weeks. A baby was growing inside. She smiled sardonically.

If she wasn't a strong young woman, she would've broken down underneath all that stress. Haruhi thought that she was doing remarkably well considering the circumstances. She wasn't going to cry over spilled milk. Instead she would focus her energy on finding compromises and alternatives to save what she could.

After all, she had another person who was going to depend on her.

Her eye caught her mother's photo. She turned her back on it, feeling shameful. The smiling face of Kotoko Fujioka seemed to tell her that her mother knew what was going on. She was suddenly glad that her mother rested in peace. It was scary to think what her mother's reaction would be like if she found out that her only daughter was going to be a teenage mother instead of a lawyer.

She bit her lip. To become a lawyer was her greatest childhood dream because Kotoko was a formidable and talented young lawyer. She admired and respected her mother's strength and will. Taking impossible cases and helping poor people, her mother had been an unforgettable public figure. Her mother was a perfect epitome of the woman she wanted to be.

When her mother was dying, she promised herself that she will become a lawyer. She didn't want anyone to forget her mother. If there was anyone more good and kind than her mother, she didn't know.

Kotoko was the reason why she worked so hard to get into Ouran. Her mother had studied there when she was Haruhi's age. So she took it to her heart that if Kotoko could do it then she could. But she didn't count on getting pregnant on her junior year.

"You know, Mother," Haruhi said aloud. She didn't care if other people thought she was crazy. It was the only way to relieve her loneliness when she was young. Talking to her mother had always left her a feeling of peace. "I don't know how Papa will take it if he finds out. I'm scared. I'm also sorry that I've disappointed you…"

She finished setting the table. Her eyes stared straight into her mother's portrait. Hands clenched in her sides, she breathed deeply. "But I'll need your help, Mother. Give me strength and courage to do what's right for us. For this baby will be your grandchild, did you know that? So don't be so mad at me. Help me make everything all right."

Haruhi looked down. She wondered in belated surprise why she set the table for two. The doorbell rang. Frowning slightly, she went to the door and unlocked it. The door revealed a casually-dressed Kyouya.

"Kyouya-senpai," she said, blinking in shock. "What're you doing here… again?"

"Are you going to let me come in or what?" he asked pointedly. She moved aside and he entered the apartment. He closed the door behind him as though he'd done that a thousand times. "I'm staying next-door. Didn't Ranka-san tell you?"

"Yes, he had," Haruhi answered through gritted teeth. She stomped all the way back to the dining room where their dinner waited. So that was why she cooked for two. "He forgot to tell me that you'll be eating here as well."

"It's an accepted custom for neighbors to greet new neighbors with gifts of food, am I right?" the Shadow King said as they sat down opposite each other. He noticed the angry red flush on her cheeks. "I think this is suitable payment for my baby-sitting."

"Baby-sitting?" Haruhi nearly spat out her tempura. She glared at him, feeling annoyed and insulted. Though common sense told her that getting mad at Kyouya was like getting mad at a rock, she ignored it. "I didn't know you're so interested in me," she said sarcastically.

Kyouya raised an eyebrow and continued to eat in silence. She was a good cook. He smiled in satisfaction. The rest of the host club would die if they found out that he was going to eat in her house regularly. It was good revenge, in his opinion.

She glared at him again.

Ranka-san didn't even bat an eyelash when he stated his intentions. The bisexual was fond of him; he even trusted him. It was pure calculation in his part. By staying next-door to Haruhi, he was going to keep an eye on her and show Ranka-san that he had honorable intentions. He was going to endure the discomfort because he knew that he'd win in the long run.

His father didn't even bother to pay attention when he said he'll be going away for two days. The chauffer would report everything anyway. Kyouya had spent all of last night crafting a plan and arranging everything to suit it. He always believed in being prepared.

Kyouya knew that she was worried. She was terrified, lonely and very worried. The father of her unborn child was gallivanting in France while she stayed to face the consequences. It was not hard to sympathize with her.

"Shall we tell the others?" he asked casually. Her cheeks flushed again.

"No, not yet," Haruhi said tentatively. She stared briefly into his eyes before she lowered her gaze. "I don't think I'd want them to know."

"They'll know," Kyouya said decisively. "They're not stupid enough not to notice. Unlike that idiot, they're smart."

That's what scares me, she thought wearily. Mori and Honey would be supportive. But the twins would be livid. They won't rest until Tamaki comes home and takes responsibility for it. She didn't want to bother anyone else.

It was enough to have Kyouya for now.

"I know," she said quietly. He watched as her expression changed. She shot out of her seat and ran to the sink. He saw her double over and start vomiting. With a weary sigh, he got up to help her get through the late bout of morning sickness. He silently cursed the nausea for not staying in mornings.

She didn't say anything when he helped her sit down. It felt awful. Her stomach had suddenly turned upside down after almost finishing her meal. She felt her eyes well up. That was such a waste. Then she blinked when he offered a handkerchief.

"Don't cry," he said quietly. She looked at his outstretched hand and offering. He wasn't looking at her at all. Snatching it, she quickly wiped her eyes and tried to stop her sniffling. "What do you want to eat?"

"I want an apple," Haruhi choked out.

"An apple," he repeated.

The Shadow King regretted asking her that question.

"Yes, I want one. Please," she said and breathed deeply to calm down. The fierce and sudden craving for the red fruit consumed her. She wanted one now. "Do we have any?"

Kyouya stopped himself from snapping just in time. He counted a slow one to ten to remind himself that this was not the usual deadpan and impassive Haruhi Fujioka who could masquerade as a man. This new creature was Haruhi Fujioka who was pregnant and unhappy. She wasn't in the right state of mind so he wasn't about to pick a fight.

Getting up, he checked the refrigerator. There were no more fruits available. In fact, the refrigerator looked rather bare. He blinked and looked over his shoulder to the dark-haired girl. Then he returned his gaze on the empty refrigerator.

He didn't say anything about it. In fact, he didn't know what to say. The refrigerator at home was always packed and full. There was a chef who lived with them. There were maids to serve them. Seeing this pathetic sight tugged at his heart.

"I'll go out for it," he said suddenly.

"Do you know where the convenience store is?" she asked. He stopped in his tracks. So she was right. He didn't know! "I'll go with you."

Haruhi grabbed a sweater from a closet and followed him out the door. They locked the apartment and walked out of the compound together. It was a warm night. She was used to walking alone on the dark streets; she didn't feel remotely afraid. But walking with a man she knew and albeit grudgingly trusted made her feel secure.

They arrived in the convenience store in good time. But the moment that they stepped inside the air-conditioned store, her expression changed. Noting her green pallor, he escorted her just outside the store.

"What is it now?" he asked, exasperated.

"It smells bad," Haruhi said as she removed her hand from her mouth. Her greenish shade was fading somewhat. "It makes me sick all over again."

"What?" Kyouya was flabbergasted.

"It makes me sick," she repeated patiently as though explaining to a two-year-old that two and two made four.

He breathed as deeply as possible to prevent himself from blowing up. Turning his back on her, he reentered the store. Muttering to himself he grabbed a handful of apples, milk, bread and cheese.

Kyouya saw her sit on a bench outside, looking lonely. She glanced at the round moon now and then. He wondered why he allowed himself to be roped into this mess again. After paying for his purchases, he went to her.

"Thank you, Kyouya-senpai." Her smile went straight to his heart.

He stayed quiet as he sat down beside her.

"It smells too good," she said as she held the apple close to her face. He watched her in the corner of his eye. She ate the fruit with gusto as though she hadn't suffered from anything earlier.

"Don't eat too fast," he cautioned in spite of himself. "Take small bites."

She looked at him, eyes wide. He reddened. The shadow king wasn't glad that there was a street light right behind them. "I heard that it will help you stabilize your appetite."

"Oh," Haruhi murmured before taking another bite.

"Don't go to the grocery," he advised. "Your sense of smell is heightened at this time. Don't be surprised if you get nauseous all the time."

"How do you know this stuff?" she asked, rather surprised. He turned his gaze to her and watched her take bites out of the juicy red apple. Looking away again with a furious blush, he damned himself.

"I'll work in the hospital business. It's my job to be informed. I also researched your condition in the Internet," Kyouya answered quietly. He let out an exhale. "It's my job, remember?"

Haruhi lowered her eyes. She wished that she thought of that. It was obvious that she needed to rely on other sources to get information. After all, she had no mother to ask. She'd better be prepared in the future. "I know. Would you like an apple?"

Kyouya snatched it out of her hands.

She giggled. It was still a puzzle on why he was helping her but she didn't care. Because she knew that deep inside, Kyouya was that kind of good person.

They ate in perfect silence like an ordinary couple. Noisy city sounds filled the air. Warm summer wind removed the need for the sweater. It felt surreal to Haruhi. She couldn't imagine what tomorrow looked like.

oOoOoOo

Waking up the next morning, she wondered if it was all a dream.

But when she saw the fully packed refrigerator, she thought wryly that it was all a nightmare. With a sigh, she opened the door to her dark-haired senior who didn't look like he had a good night. He was carrying a backpack, a briefcase and he was wearing flip-flops.

"Good morning," she greeted politely.

He grunted in reply. She guessed that he was the one who had gone grocery shopping in the supermarket in her place. They had parted at around eight pm after he had walked her to the door. Then she promptly went to bed. Now it was obvious why he didn't stay long with her.

"I could give you a spare key," Haruhi offered. She rolled her eyes. "It's only logical, don't you think? If you're going to eat here until tomorrow then you can spare me the trouble of having me open the door every time you come over."

He stared at her before nodding. It made sense actually. He made his way to their bathroom and said over his shoulder, "I'll take a bath here, all right? The shower in my place isn't working."

Haruhi didn't bother to protest. She washed her face in the sink and then proceeded to make a hearty breakfast. The sounds of the shower running were rather reassuring. It reminded her of the days when she cooked breakfast for her father before school.

She finished setting the table and called, "Senpai, breakfast is ready."

Her cheeks heated up when the dark-haired man entered the living cum dining room without a shirt on. Shorts slung low on his lean hips and a towel around his shoulder; she was again treated to an after-shower sight of the shadow king.

Acting as though he didn't care, he sat down.

She didn't look up throughout their breakfast conversation. Her heartbeats accelerated when he got up. But instead he walked over to the fridge to pour a glass of milk for himself.

"Where are you going today?" Haruhi asked politely. She'd rather make small talk than stare at the divine sight that was Kyouya Ohtori.

"I'm going to work," he answered carelessly. "I've got an internship. I mustn't be late today. Can I change here as well?"

She nodded mutely.

Haruhi cleared the table, washed the dishes and settled in front of the television with an open notebook. He walked out of her bedroom, dressed and ready. His hair was combed out of the way, shirt and slacks neatly pressed and his socks were new. She'd always had the impression that he was the one who cared about his image the most.

Kyouya stopped when she got up. She headed towards him with a determined expression. He stiffened as she reached up…

"Your tie is crooked," Haruhi said pleasantly. He didn't move while she adjusted the strip of cloth until she was satisfied. She stepped back, pleased. He stared down at her, bewildered. "I-I'm sorry…"

"Thank you," he said shortly. "I'm going now."

She watched him move as he put on his shiny black shoes, entranced. His back looked so strong and so firm. She wasn't used to seeing men in the entryway so early in the morning. Her father didn't dress like a man; he walked in high heels. So seeing her dark-haired senior wear manly shoes was a new experience.

"Take care," Haruhi said automatically.

Kyouya glanced at her, surprised again. A tiny smile flitted to his lips as he got up with his briefcase in hand. "Don't open the door to strangers. See you later."

Haruhi wondered what that vague fluttering feeling was as he walked out the door. She shook her head and went to work. The house must be cleaned, the laundry washed and homework done before he came back.

With a smile, she wondered if it was the same feeling a wife felt when her husband went away to work.

oOoOoOo

Honey and Mori visited that afternoon.

They brought tea and cakes. She smiled wryly; it was not an accident. They thought she didn't see it but she did. Their uneasy glances, the wariness in their eyes and the unusually buoyant conversation warned her.

"Sorry for not visiting last time," Honey said with a sweet smile. "The Haninozuka family had a fighting tournament, Haru-chan! I won again!"

"That's great, Honey-senpai!" Haruhi said, grinning. "Did you face Yasuchika-san again?"

The brown-haired young man nodded, chewing his beloved cake. He hugged Usa-chan tightly. "I can eat as many cakes as I want for another year! Until he beats me, I can eat as I pleased!"

Mori nodded, silent as usual. He didn't need to ask if she wanted the strawberries. She smiled when he leaned forward and pushed all of them into her plate. The tall, dark-haired man may look dark and brooding but he was actually kind.

It was strange that though she hated sweet foods in general, she ate the cakes without hesitation. In fact, she was surprised that she'd developed a craving for it.

"You look different, Haru-chan," Honey observed.

"I do?" she blinked.

"Yes, you do!" said Honey, chuckling. His brown eyes were sparkling. "Takashi said he noticed so I must notice too. So I do! You look very pretty."

Haruhi bit back a laugh. She'd been called smart, intelligent and witty but never pretty before. Smiling, she said, "thank you Honey-senpai."

"Are you making a baby, Haru-chan?"

She spat the cake out.

"Why'd you ask?" The dark-haired woman asked, shocked. Her amber eyes went wide like saucers.

"Oh, I don't know," Honey said, feigning stupidity. For a moment, he dropped his childish and naïve demeanor "because you've been so nauseous all the time. You've fainted, vomited and even refused Hika-chan's offering of ootoro once."

Haruhi looked around, panicking. She met Mori's kind eyes. His expression remained blank and neutral. She didn't count on them finding out at once. That was not part of the plan. She could deal with Kyouya but she couldn't possibly juggle Mori and Honey as well.

"You don't have to hide it from us, you know." Honey said quietly. He grabbed her hand and stared straight into her eyes. She stared back and felt her body go languid. "Haru-chan, we're your friends."

"Honey-senpai…" she murmured; a sob got caught in her throat. "Please, don't."

Her back bumped into Mori who sat directly behind her.

"So it's true then," Honey said, staring at her guilty expression. He smiled weakly. "Who would have thought…?"

"Honey-senpai, please," Haruhi said in a beseeching tone "please don't tell anyone about this. It would ruin us all."

The compassion she found in his face was not what she expected. He knelt before leaning forward to hug her. That was the first time that he acted like a young man in front of her. His arms wrapped her tightly; his chin rested on her shoulder.

"Don't worry so much," Honey said gently. "We only want to know. We'll help you, won't we Takashi?"

Mori nodded. "Ah."

He let her go, smiling tenderly. She couldn't help but smile back. His tone was gentler. "You can tell us, you know."

"I'm pregnant," she admitted. Her face reddened when Honey jumped forward to hug her again. It was so tight she was turning blue. Mori unhooked Honey's arms gently to let her breathe. His expression was slightly readable this time- glad.

"You're really making a baby!" Honey said gleefully. He swung Usa-chan around the air, dancing. His smile was so bright. "Who's the father then?"

"Um…" she started to say, groping for words.

"Haruhi, I'm coming in."

The door opened.

She tensed up. No, she didn't want to look around to see…

Honey's face changed.

Mori frowned just a bit.

Kyouya stepped into the room with a look of surprise. He didn't expect to see his seniors there.

"KYOU-CHAN'S THE FATHER!"

Honey's voice rang inside the apartment. Mori looked as though he didn't want to believe it. The shadow king blinked as he tried to digest what was happening. Haruhi hid her face in her hands.

It was all falling apart.

"Good afternoon," Kyouya said coolly. He sat down and set his briefcase under the table. After adjusting his glasses, he turned to them. "So I am. Now what's wrong with that?"

Haruhi fainted.

oOoOoOo

Tsuzuku...

oOoOoOo

Author's Notes:

Thank you to Ms. Evangeline Calera who pointed out that Japan's academic style is different from the American one. Sorry for that! –guilty smile- But for this particular fanfiction, I'll take the liberty of assuming that Ouran adopted the American educational curriculum somehow. I hope you all don't mind... I didn't think it would matter much. XD

And thank you too for following the story. It makes me glad to know that people read this, unconventional as it is. Your reviews push me forward so keep them coming. Rest assured that I'll do my best! Yosh!