In business, timing was everything. A deal closed too early could be every bit as disastrous as one closed too late. Anyone could open a business and eke a living out of it but real success, the type with true merit, lay in finding that perfect moment of synchronicity between the right idea, the right people, and the right time.

This was not that moment.

"So, in conclusion, Ootori-san, our web property will be a cross between TMZ and the Wall Street Journal." The tawny-haired man's words ran together faster now the end game was in sight. "Covering the hidden relationships, the personal relationships, between businesses in a breezy, off-beat manner using a multi-platform approach that appeals to a younger, modern readership."

"Thank you for the summary, Ukyo-san. I did read the prospectus you sent." Kyoya flipped through the pages of the spiral-bound report emblazoned on every page with a gaudy 'BizzFeed-dot-jp' logo. The extraneous 'Z' alone was enough to give him a migraine and that was before grappling with the potential copyright infringement.

Why on earth had he established a policy of handling all potential new business stemming from Ouran alumni in person?

"What you haven't told me," he drawled, coming back to the matter at hand, "Is why you want to invest your time and energy in this…" Gossip rag. Tabloid. Scandal sheet. "…enterprise in the first place."

Ukyo Chikage froze like a hamster suddenly realizing the length of rope he was playing with was a cobra. "Ano.." His brow furrowed with disbelief that the question bore asking. "B-because it would make a lot of money?"

Kyoya sighed heavily. Done right, it probably would. It would also make an enemy out of every prominent family in the country. Possibly in all of East Asia.

Definitely not a project his father would approve of.

But, more importantly, it was vulgar. Just because people – commoner or aristocratic – had an innate desire to be both titillated and outraged by the secrets and scandals of others didn't mean he was required to satisfy it.

Kyoya turned his predator's gaze on the taller man sitting to Ukyo's right who had slumped imperceptibly even further in his chair during his partner's answer. "And you, Sakyo-san? Are you in this for profit as well?

Sakyo Tomochika flushed. "I do think it will make money, but…" Ducking his head, he smiled ruefully. "To be honest, being part of the newspaper club was one of the best parts of my life, even if our president could be…"

"Unhinged?" Kyoya offered.

"….demanding." Sakyo's sigh held more than a hint of longing. "I just want to be part of something that makes me feel that way again."

"Your family owns one of the largest magazine publishing empires in Asia. Had you considered taking the idea to them?"

Sakyo shrugged. "I'm just the son of a branch family – a salaryman they put wherever they have a slot they need a warm body to fill. If they liked the idea, they'd give me a small bonus and turn the project over to somebody else. Although…" He blushed a deeper red. "This isn't exactly the type of thing they would be interested in."

Kyoya lifted an eyebrow. "Quite. I doubt many established companies would be interested in something guaranteed to make many powerful enemies and I agree with them. I see no merit in having my name be associated with something this… tawdry." He gave Ukyo a smile thinner than the edge of a knife. "As former Ouran students, I heard your proposal out as a courtesy. Thank you, but I decline."

"Tawdry!" Ukyo jumped to his feet. "You've invested in Houshakouji's pornographic drawings and partnered with a yakuza brat and you're calling my idea tawdry!"

"My secretary will see you out." Kyoya ignored the outburst and pressed a button on his desk to summon her.

"Forget it. Come on, Tomo, we're leaving." The blonde stormed out, almost colliding with the woman just opening the door before brushing past her. His taller friend gave an embarrassed bow and turned to follow.

"Sakyo-san." Kyoya held him back after his partner had left the room. "I saw some of your photographs at the Ouran Art Auction, they were quite good. I even bid on one myself." He pulled a business card out of the top right-hand drawer of his desk. "My mother would like to talk with you about donating your work for some of her charity auctions."

He held the card out, waiting to see if the man would take the bait.

Sakyo teetered on the balls of his feet for a second before striding forward to accept it. "Your mother has excellent taste – it's an honor she considers my work good enough."

"I sympathize with anyone who feels limited by their circumstances, but this project is beneath someone with your talents." Kyoya held his gaze. "Come back when you have a better idea, one you can fully stand behind, I'll hear you out then."

Sakyo's face lit up and he bowed before allowing the secretary to usher him out. "Thank you, Ootori-san. I will."

After they left, Kyoya opened his laptop to update his files on the two men. One set of comments was considerably less flattering than the other.

~oOoOo~

Hours later, a polite knock on his doorjamb pulled his attention away from reading the financial report on a company one of his clients was considering acquiring. Just as well, he'd have to recommend they pass on the opportunity. Despite promising profits last year, a detailed analysis showed a fundamental flaw – their product was simply inferior to that of an upstart competitor. Some things no amount of restructuring or management adjustments could fix. After adding that item to his never ending 'to do' list, he looked up at his secretary.

"Kaicho, your 4:00 appointment is on their way up." The woman in the doorway appeared unfazed by the earlier altercation. But then, that was half the reason he hired her.

"Thank you, Hayashi-san." Standing up, he walked around the desk and followed her towards the lobby.

As they stood waiting for the elevator to complete its journey, Kyoya considered the middle-aged woman beside him, dressed as always in an office worker's black suit without a speck of lint and a perfectly pressed white blouse. Her presence was, in its own way, another example of timing. Had he launched his fledgling company earlier, Hayashi Nanako would have still been at home with her three children and a husband who brought nothing to the relationship but debt. Had it been any later, she might have already resigned herself to working at one of the low-paying, part-time jobs available to divorced women with little work history.

As it was, when he'd shown up the day of the interviews to find her there three hours early, resume in hand, and a look in her eye suggesting she was assessing his suitability to be her boss, he'd known it to be one of those perfect moments of synchronicity he had built his reputation, and his wealth, upon. Where other companies only saw her age and marital status, dismissing her as too old for lower level positions and unable to work long hours due to family commitments, he had seen a sharp mind, an iron will, and someone desperate enough to take part of her salary in stock options.

With her assistance, the small firm Kyoya had founded two years ago thrived and grew to add five more analysts and a second general affairs assistant. Offering an unusual mix of services – part angel funding, part financial and management consulting – his team routinely handled transactions in the billions of yen and his success had landed Kyoya the #1 spot in a leading economic magazine's recent list of the 'Top 30 to Watch Under 30'.

To say that Ootori Yoshio had not been happy when his youngest son had proposed leaving the family company, at least on paper, would be an understatement akin to describing Mori as of 'above average height.' It had taken all of his persuasive talents to convince the Ootori patriarch to allow it, although he had some help from his brothers who saw this as him conceding the race for heir instead of recognizing it for the alternate path it was.

In the end, his father had been won over by two things – first, that contracting Kyoya's expertise as needed was more cost-efficient than providing a full-time salary and, second, that it was yet another arena for the Ootori name to garner respect and influence.

That Kyoya would be successful and bring merit to the family was not something either man questioned.

But, what his father didn't realize was that, while the Ootori Group was still one of Kyoya's most prominent clients, he'd carefully grown his revenue stream so that it was not his biggest. It never hurt to have a fall back plan just in case the funding ever dried up. For whatever reason.

*ding*

Kyoya allowed his usual business mask to relax as the elevator doors opened on two familiar figures.

"Kyo-chan!" Honey bounded out of the elevator, stopping just short of hugging the younger man. "How was Shanghai?"

"It was… interesting. I'll review my findings further during our meeting."

Hayashi bowed low to each newcomer in turn. "Haninozuka-sama, Morinozuka-sama. Welcome, I have the conference room ready, please follow me."

Honey drew up next to her on the way. The woman's face softened as the sweet-natured host drew her into a conversation about her children that lasted until the men had been settled around the table and provided with water (Kyoya and Mori) and a sugary-sweet soft drink (Honey). Confirming everyone was comfortable, she slid into her seat and Kyoya called the meeting to order.

"Gentlemen, we'll begin with a discussion on the viability of expanding 'Honey Bunny's' cafes into the Chinese market. Please turn to page one in the report in front of you…"

~oOoOo~

"…Hayashi-san, please let the record note that all recommended budget adjustments for Q3 have been accepted and will be passed on to the management team." Kyoya looked up from the stack of bound reports before him. "Now, before we deal with the last item on the agenda, is there any new business."

The cousins looked at each other before turning back to their kohai. "Takashi and I don't have anything to add, Kyo-chan. You covered everything."

"Hn."

Kyoya inclined his head in acknowledgement. "Hayashi-san, if you will please bring in my surprise?"

Rising gracefully from her seat, she bowed and sailed out the door.

Honey's eyes grew wide as saucers. "Ooooh! Kyo-chan, is this what I think it is?" He bounced up and down in his chair like the twelve year old he resembled.

Kyoya gave an enigmatic half-smile. "Honey-sempai, despite my reputation otherwise, I have no mind reading abilities and can't speak to what exactly you might be thinking."

At their junior's teasing, Honey pouted and Mori's lips curved up for a fraction of an instant.

Hayashi returned quickly, accompanied by a younger woman. Each one carried a tray containing two round mid-sized cakes and four plates of cake samples. The women carefully placed their cakes in the center of the conference table and arranged the samples in the same left-to-right order in front of the two visitors before withdrawing.

Kyoya suppressed a smile at how Honey was visibly struggling to resist plunging into the feast before him. He hurried to begin his explanation before his sempai's will broke down completely.

"As requested at our March meeting, I've researched Honey's idea of a cross-promotion between 'Honey Bunny's' and Mori's wildlife sanctuary. Focus groups consisting of regular customers in the 18-35 female demographic showed strong support for the idea both in theory and when presented with examples. Before you are the highest scoring of the options presented."

Using his hand, he indicated each cake in turn, starting from the one on the left. "First, a panda - marble cake with vanilla frosting."

Honey inhaled his sample while Mori dipped his fork in for a tiny, precise bite. The dessert gourmand's happy nod and muffled 'mmmmmmm' was a ringing endorsement.

Kyoya indicated the second and third cakes in turn. "A nostalgic tanuki cake - traditional Japanese shortbread with a rich chocolate icing. And a red fox – red velvet with sweetened cream cheese."

"Oooooh – I like that one. Very sweet."

Kyoya made a note that the cake might be too rich for anyone other than a sugar fiend. "And, finally, a signature Honey Bunny's pink rabbit mascot cake – white angel food layered with fresh strawberries and a light whipped cream frosting."

"Yum!" Honey's eyes widened in pleasure. "This one's the best!"

"It's good," added Mori, indicating enthusiastic support.

Kyoya gave a satisfied smile. "I propose we offer these as retail for only one week in each new location they're offered at and then restrict them to pre-order to reduce wastage and give the illusion of exclusivity. We'll set the price point at 4000 yen with additional cost if the customer wishes to specify the flavor. After costs, 10% will go to the wildlife sanctuary."

"30," Mori stated. Obsidian eyes locked with steel gray, neither one budging. "It's profit, you can be generous."

"15" Kyoya countered, "The cakes will be competing with other profitable products and we don't want to decrease revenue."

"25."

"20."

"Hn." Mori nodded sharply.

"Yaay! This will be great publicity for everyone, ne?" Honey reached out towards the cartoonish bunny rabbit cake.

"Mitskuni," Mori grumbled a warning and Honey's hands froze in mid-air.

"It's okay, Takashi." He widened his eyes innocently and fluttered his eyelashes. "I haven't had any cake at all the whole week!"

Kyoya hid a snicker – it was Monday.

Business concluded, he motioned them towards an alcove containing a sofa and chairs he used for more informal meetings. "If the two of you have time to stay, there's a more personal matter I'd like to discuss."

Mori grunted, but allowed himself to be distracted from the argument with his cousin. Honey brought the tray of cakes with him and perched on the arm of the sofa Mori sat on. After fixing them their usual drinks from the bar he kept stocked for such occasions – sake for the oldest host, a nauseatingly sweet wine cooler which the youngest looking one didn't seem to mind pairing with cake, and a whisky for himself – Kyoya settled into the arm chair to Mori's left.

Taking a sip of his drink, he savored the pleasant warmth while allowing the demands of work recede for just a little while. When they'd first launched the café chain together, he'd deliberately scheduled their meetings for late in the day to free them from pressure to return to work afterwards. Between the demands of their businesses and family, it was often the only time they could spend time together socially.

At least, it had been until Haruhi had returned to once again bond them together. Just one more of the countless ways her absence had diminished them all.

"What did you want to talk about?" Honey asked, licking cream cheese icing off his fingers.

"The twin's birthday party on Friday." He paused to be sure he had their full attention. "My information tells me that Kaoru and Stefan will be announcing their engagement."

The loli-shota's eyes brightened. "Really? That's great! Takashi and I think Stefan's really good for Kao-chan."

"It's good Kaoru is settling down," added the man who'd proposed on the third date.

"I agree." Kyoya took a measured sip of his whisky. "However, it is likely to generate some controversy. By announcing this in Japan, Kaoru will be catapulting himself to the forefront of the debate on same-sex marriage in this country. His celebrity status ensures this announcement will attract an enormous amount of media attention. Any company who either directly, or indirectly, appears to endorse him will be drawn into the controversy."

Honey's smile slid off his face. "We understand. Takashi and I are going to go, but if it would be a problem with your family…"

"My father's opinion on this is not an issue." Kyoya cut off his senior sharply. "As a third son, I have the freedom to act without people believing it is on behalf of the Ootori Group. Besides," he pushed his glasses up with one finger, "There are some areas of my life that my father has enough sense not to interfere with."

Yoshio had not gotten to where he was by fighting battles he was bound to lose.

"Hitachiin parties attract as much media as a red-carpet event," Kyoya continued, "In light of the media circus likely to ensue, I suggest the three of us visibly attend together. If the joint owners of the trendiest café in Japan show up as a unit it will send the message that we don't only support him personally but publically as well."

Mori nodded and Honey's smile returned. "You mean support him corporately don't you, Kyo-chan?"

Kyoya gave a half-shrug of acknowledgement. "Marriage equality is showing increasing favorability among teenagers and young people. It wouldn't hurt our brand to be seen to be on the forefront of the movement."

"And you want to protect Kao-chan." It was not a question.

Kyoya could have disassembled some more, said something about how being 'on the right side of history' was a matter of timing. That the climate seemed right to take a progressive stance. That there was only merit to be gained from it.

But what was the point? These two saw through people like they were made of glass.

"Kaoru is a private person even though his work brings him fame," Kyoya replied, conceding the point, "But if he makes the announcement in the US or did it quietly, it would appear as if he were ashamed. He only wants to get married, not become a poster child."

"You plan to change the story," Mori concluded, "Make it be about 'Honey Bunny's' and our support, not him."

"If we're agreed then?" Kyoya brushed aside Mori's accusation, letting it stand. "I'm sure Hana-chan has a spa day planned for her and Reiko. Shall I pick all of you up at Honey's house at seven-thirty? We can swing by Haruhi's after that and be at the party right when the media presence is thickest."

The two cousins' faces stilled and they exchanged a wordless look that somehow spoke volumes. Kyoya felt a chill curl around the back of his spine. "Is there something wrong with my proposal?"

"Haru-chan will already be there." Honey said so gently Kyoya's heart began beating a furious staccato. "Hika-chan confessed to her. They're... they're dating now."

An abyss opened at his feet, the darkness reaching up shadowy tendrils to pull him in.

A sharp pain lanced up his arm, causing the chasm he teetered on to slam shut. Looking down, he saw Mori's fingers wrapped around his right wrist, squeezing a trigger point that forced Kyoya's hand open. Mori deftly caught the glass of whisky which fell from Kyoya's lifeless hand. "You'll hurt yourself," he intoned.

Flexing his hand, Kyoya realized he had been gripping the glass hard enough it could have shattered.

Honey scrambled over his cousin to sit on the coffee table and face his kohai. "It's not serious yet, Kyo-chan," his words tumbled over each other in an attempt to reassure, "They're starting off as friends. If you like her, you should tell her how you feel."

Kyoya simply blinked at the wide, innocent brown eyes luring him into temptation.

"He can't." Honey's head whipped around to gape at his cousin's pronouncement. Mori's eyes drilled into Kyoya. "Not without going against his family."

"My father has made it clear that there are limits to his indulgence in this matter." Kyoya's voice echoed in his ears, thin and detached, and he allowed himself a bleak smile. "I may slip his leash or push my boundaries from time to time, but in the end I'm an Ootori – I'm simply not the type who can break from my family completely."

Sympathy softened Mori's stoic features. "None of us are."

"You should still tell her, Kyo-chan." Empathetic tears clung to Honey's eyelashes. "You should let her know your feelings properly before…" He trailed off before completing the sentence with 'before it's too late.'

"To what end?" Kyoya spat out bitterly. "As things stand, I can't offer her any future. My father would not even permit me to publicly declare her my girlfriend and I won't treat her like a mistress, hiding her away."

The cousins fell quiet, succumbing to the aura of futility roiling off their friend.

"As things stand." Mori's words shattered the gloomy mood.

Honey snapped to attention. "That's right! You said 'as things stand.' You have a plan, don't you Kyo-chan? Something that will make sure your father accepts a relationship." He leaned forward, quivering with excitement. "You should tell her! If she has feelings for you and knows your plan I'm sure she'd be willing to wait."

"No!" Kyoya almost bolted from his chair with the force of his denial. Forcing himself to calm down, he repeated his objection more softly. "No. I don't have a plan."

Not even Mori could keep the disbelief off his face at that.

"But," Kyoya admitted, "I do know a way that would guarantee my father's approval. However, it's a choice she needs to make because she believes it to be best for everyone involved, not for my benefit. I can't, I won't, ask it of her. Not for my sake."

The three men fell back into silence - there was nothing more to say.

~oOoOo~

Kyoya let himself into his apartment, tossed his keys and wallet into a silver bowl sitting on top a table in the entry way and left he lights off. The lights of the city dimly illuminated the room well enough and right now he craved the shadows. Kicking off his shoes, he let them lay scattered on the floor instead of setting them neatly against the step and shed his jacket and tie, flinging them haphazardly across the back of the sofa.

Noel's claws clicked against the flooring as he scrambled down the hallway and scampered to the entry way to twine about Kyoya's legs. Meowing insistently, he butted his head against his servant's calves in a demand to be petted, fed, or both.

Bending down, Kyoya scooped the demanding feline up in one hand, cuddling him against his chest and scratching the little emperor under the chin, and strode across his living room to gaze out the full-length window. The Tokyo skyline lay spread before him but he stared at it unseeingly, the emptiness of his bachelor apartment pressing in on him.

There were more things than business in which timing was everything. Where success was won or lost by finding that one perfect moment of synchronicity. The right people. The right circumstances. The right time. But, for now, all he could do was hope it was Hikaru who was too early and not he who was too late.

A/N: For everyone who wanted to know what would happen when Kyoya found out, or even a hint at his end game, this is for you.

So… WOW. I realized the last chapter would cause a reaction but not how much. Y'all are a very opinionated bunch. I think that is the first chapter I've ever written which has had people respond in paragraphs.

Thanks to all the new (and existing) favoriters and followers whose existence guilt me back to writing when the summer laziness hits. And buckets of thanks to everyone who left a review – whether you are HikaHaru, KyoHaru, or HikaKyo. A few responses below, but not much because I have to bite my tongue to keep from tipping my hand.

Fwgaltx – I might actually take your suggestion of an alternate path if I can figure out a different sequence of events for it than what I have in mind for the main story.

Chalice 13, Storz and Cynthia and Mari-chan – you each make such good arguments for your chosen ship that I jump back and forth between them myself.

Kiyonegirl – welcome and thanks for the review, hope you continue to enjoy

Bard of Innail – Thank you. For me it was almost half a lifetime ago so its faded, but I still remember how that grief felt. My condolences to you as well.

Lady Kaelas – I plan to address what's going on in Haruhi's head in the next chapter.

And thanks to WinglessHawk, Kdfe001, annjudith, Hyuuga Senpai, and Guest (you know who you are)