HI! I JUST WANT TO APOLOGIZE FOR TAKING SO LONG TO UPDATE. I ENDED UP STARTING ANOTHER OURAN STORY WITH A DIFFERENT SORT OF TWIST. I'M NOT SURE IF YOU'LL LIKE IT BUT I'D BE HONORED IF YOU CHECKED IT OUT. ITS CALLED 'ROSES AND RAINSTORMS'.

I'M REALLY NEEDING YOUR GUY'S HELP. I HAVE LITTLE IDEA OF WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH THIS STORY. ITS GETTING TEDIOUS WHICH IS UNDERSTANDABLE AFTER WRITING 24 CHAPTERS SO FAR. A LITTLE PUSH WOULD BE GREAT. :)

DISCLAIMER: YADA YADA. YOU KNOW I DON'T OWN OHSHC. :( WISH I DID THOUGH.

ENJOY!

Haruhi's POV:

"More champayne Mrs. Ootori?" A butler asked again before refilling Kyoya's mother's cup. I sighed, feeling like an idiot in this gown. It was a deep shade of blue, strapless and form fitting. A thick line of what looked like real diamonds were sewn right on to the part of the dress bellow the chest. I had a wig on that was done up in an elaborate bun on the top of my head with little wisps of hair hanging to frame my face. Mrs. Ootori walked gracefully beside me through the Spring ball wearing a golden gown that trailed behind her. Her hair was done up similarly but she were a tiara in her hair. (A/N: You can find pictures of both Haruhi's dress and Mrs. Ootori's dress on my profile. :D)

For the past hour, I had been following her around as she greeted all the guests. The only time I left her side was to say hi to the host club when each of them arrived. After talking with each of them for a few minutes, they'd wonder off towards the food or to talk with people they knew. The only host I was desperate to see though, was Kyoya. I had been secretly looking for him in the crowd for the past forty-five minutes and I could never catch sight of him. It made me practically shake with fear. What was happening? He was supposed to be back by now.

I remembered all too well the look on Mr. Ootori's face when Kyoya and I showed up together for the ball. His father acted kind but his eyes told me how angry he was to see us together. He couldn't even make a scene because guests were already arriving at the time. Before Kyoya and I could safely get away though, Mr. Ootori took his son's arm and told him he wanted to speak to him privately.

FLASHBACK

Kyoya looked at his father, his eyes calculating, as if processing his request. After a second of hesitation, his father's face changed to a reddish shade, showing his anger ever so slightly. Kyoya nodded his head. "I'll be right with you. Let me take Haruhi to my mother. They can enjoy the ball together."

Mr. Ootori looked at me with open hostility. "Very well." Turning on his heal, he left us alone in the foyer. We watched the dancing quests flutter by in the next room for a moment. I could see Mrs. Ootori speaking with somebody near the arch. Fear was tightly gripping me. I looked at Kyoya with wide eyes.

"I expect to see you again in an hour or less." I ordered. "Don't take any longer."

He smiled sadly. "I promise. Don't worry yourself. Everything will be fine." His words would have reasured me if there wasn't so much fear in his eyes. Grabbing his shoulders, I pulled his down and crashed my lips into his. His imediately responded by lifting me up and holding me in his arms. We were probably making a scene but I didn't care. We pulled away for air, our faces slightly flushed. That kiss was filled with more saddness then I could bear. It felt like... he was saying goodbye.

I glared at him as his put me back down, my hands still digging into his shoulders. "One hour or less. I mean it." I refuse to lose him. "If you aren't back by then, I'm going to go looking for you."

His eyes looked pained. "I'll try to be back by then. Please. Stay with my mother." Without waiting for my response, he took my hand and rushed me to the arch. His mother looked at us, her eyes going from worried to fearful. She rushed forward and gently guided me to her side. His mother hugged him tightly for a moment.

"Be careful."

"I will." He whispered. He gave me one more longing look before turning and walking in the direction his father had left.

"Kyoya!" I called, unable to help it. He turned around, his eyes still pained. Running to him, I wrapped my arms around his waist. "I love you."

He hugged me back, one hand resting on my back and the other on the back of my head. "I love you too. Please don't leave the ballroom. Never go off on your own. Promise me."

"I promise." And I'd keep that promise unless I thought he was in danger. He left then, leaving me with a feeling of extreme emptyness. He better come back... I can't stand it... I can't lose anyone else...

"Haruhi dear. This way." His mother said softly. She took my arm and linked it with hers. We walked back to the waiting party guests with faux smiles on our ash colored faces.

END FLASHBACK

I sighed and looked at Mrs. Ootori with troubled eyes. "It's been an hour." I whispered.

"I know. Just give it a little more time." I could tell she wanted to run off and look for her son too but if we ran off in a panic, it would alert the guests. I glanced around the room again and caught sight of Fuyumi walking into the room with a man on her arm. Her husband no doubt.

Before I could go completely insane, I finally saw him. Pointing in his direction, it put both me and Mrs. Ootori at ease. He was walking towards the large stage with his father. Kyoya's two other brothers were already up there. Once on the stage, Kyoya took his place beside his brothers and his father went to stand behind a podeum. Even from this distance, I could see the bruising on one of Kyoya's brother's faces. It must be the second eldest who was nearly beaten to death. "Welcome!" He said, the noise echoing off the room and silencing everyone. "It's been a cold winter but spring has finally arrived. I hope everyone is enjoying the ball. Before we proceed with the festivities, I have an announcement to make."

He paused and murmurs filled the room, everyone was curious. Mr. Ootori smiled and spoke again. "As you all know, I am not as young as I used to be and it is with that knowledge that I try my best to provide for my family and leave a legacy for my children." He gestered towards his sons. "For my three sons, Ichiro, Jiro and Kyoya, I have set high expectations and each of them has exceded them. Regardless, only one has stood above the rest. Today, I announce who will take over my empire."

He paused as applause filled the room. I applauded too, wishing that I could run up and drag Kyoya off that stage so we could run away from here. I had such a horrible feeling that I couldn't explain. When the noise died down, Mr. Ootori continued. "So it is with gread pleasure that I bequeathe my medical company and all smaller businesses to my eldest son Ichiro." The room filled with applause again. I couldn't believe it. He was leaving everyting to his eldest. What was he leaving for his other children?

He raised both hands and the room went silent. "And before we continue with our evening, let me make a final announcement..." He paused and motioned to his sons again. "My two youngest sons, Jiro and Kyoya, have requested that they be excused from the public eye. This will be their final appearance before both retire to the countryside. Please make your goodbyes brief. Thank you."

Several things happened at once. First, a shot was fired from somewhere in the room. Kyoya's father, who had been trying to walk off the stage, paused. His knees buckled and he fell down the stairs. I screamed but it was drowned out in the chorus of screams that began to fill the room. Before anyone could move to help him, another three shots were fired. My heart stopped. Not only did Ichiro fall to his knees... but so did Kyoya. Jiro's face twisted in horror as both his brothers fell to the ground. N- no... "Kyoya!" I screamed but the panic was so loud around me, I couldn't even hear myself speak.

As everyone in the room ran for the exit, I ran for the state. Fighting, clawing my way past everyone around me, I tried with all my might to make it but the crowd wouldn't let me through. My wig fell off as I tried to duck under someone's arm. Looking around the room frantically, I saw two police officers wrestle a man to the ground and pull a gun from his hands. I was finally able to get out of the crowd when I was almost to the arch that led to the foyer. A few on hand doctors were already leaning over the three bodies.

"Kyoya!" I yelled again, my scream echoing off the room. All the guests had made it outside, their yells of fright now sounding far away. A couple police officers rushed to me. I could tell right away by the logo on their uniforms that they were from the Ootori family's private police squad.

"Miss, you can't be here. We need to escort you out." One said.

I fought against their holds on my arms. "No! Please! Kyoya! He's my feonce!" I cried, tears streaming down their face. I could already hear several ambulence sirens outside.

The police stopped and stared at me with wide eyes. "You are master Kyoya's feonce?"

I nodded, trying not to blush and give myself away. "I am. Please... Tell me he's alright."

I wasn't sure if they believed me. I was greatful when Mrs. Ootori ran into the room and rushed right to my side. One of the police officers looked to her. "Mrs. Ootori. Is this woman your son's feonce?"

She looked at me. "Yes sir, this is Haruhi Fugioka. She's engaged to Kyoya."

The officers released me. Mrs. Ootori pulled me into her arms like my mother would when I was scared. The doctor leaning over Kyoya. looked at Mrs. Ootori. "Kyoya's alive but I don't know if he's going to make it."

"My husband..." She whispered. "And Ichiro? How are they?"

The stretchers were brought in then. Kyoya was placed on one and wheeled out. The doctor that had been checking on Mr. Ootori rushed to us and escorted us from the room. He gestered for us to sit on the blue sofa in the foyer. "I'm sorry... Yoshio and Ichiro did not make it."

I heard Mrs. Ootori make a choking sound. Wide eyed, I turned to her and patted her back, afraid she might be having trouble breathing. She leaned to the side, dry heaving for a moment before slumping onto the sofa. She had passed out. The doctor gave me a simpathetic look. I didn't know what to do. I could barely move, barely think. Was Kyoya going to make it? I felt like passing out myself.

A minute later, Mrs. Ootori came to. It took her a moment to organize her thoughts. When she had finally placed everything together, she really did throw up. When the green color on her face left, she looked to me. "I want to see my son." She whispered. I looked towards the doctor.

"Has the ambulences left yet?"

He nodded. "We can have a car take you to the hospital." I nodded and the doctor went to inform someone. A few minutes later, the doctor returned. "The car is waiting out front."

I looked at Mrs. Ootori, wondering if she could make the trip. She looked so frail. She might pass out again on the way. She nodded and I gently helped her up. When we were safely buckled in the car, she turned to me. She took a deep shuttering breath. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She shook her head and looked away.

We arrived at the same hospital I had taken my father to the day the ceiling in the old apartment flooded. As Mrs. Ootori and I exited the car, I saw Kyoya on the stretcher as they rushed him inside. Sadly, two more covered stretchers were pushed in much slower, signifying that the people on them had died. It took us a long time to make it to the doors. Mrs. Ootori stumbled and leaned on me for support, her strength gone.

The doctors in the waiting room rushed forward right away to help us out. We were escorted to a private waiting room where Mrs. Ootori was able to lay down on a chaise. Before a nurse who had just brought us water could leave, I grabbed her sleeve. "Wait. Kyoya Ootori. The patient that just arrived. Where is he?" I asked, desperate.

She turned slightly, her eyes simpathetic. "He's undergoing surgury. They're trying to remove the bullet without damaging any vital organs. I'm sorry. I'm not allowed to tell you anything else." She bowed before breaking my hold on her coat and left.

My legs buckled under me. Kneeling on the tile floor, I wrapped my arms around myself. "Why is this happening?" I whispered.

The voice I heard next brought some comfort to me. "Haruhi!" Looking up, I saw Tamaki, Hikaru, Kaoru, Honey senpai and Mori senpai running for the private waiting room. Tamaki was the first to reach me. He picked me up and spun me around the room, knocking the breath right out of me. "Haruhi! You're alive! I was so scared!"

"Tamaki? How did you guys know where I was?"

"Well after the gunshots, we ended up getting pushed from the room by the mob of people. After everything calmed down, we ran back in and was told by a doctor that you and Kyoya's mom had followed the ambulence to the hospital." Hikaru explained.

"So we followed you guys!" Honey senpai chimed in.

Staring at their worried, anxious faces did nothing to make me forget why I was here. I crumbled in Tamaki's arms. "The doctors don't know if he's going to make it..." I whispered.

There was complete silence for a long time. By the time I had pulled myself together, Tamaki was already caving in on us all. He sunk to the floor, taking me with him. A second later, I felt two sets of arms circle around Tamaki and me, then two more sets of arms. All six of us kneeled on the floor together, hoping... praying... desperately searching for something to hold on to. If Kyoya died, so would I. So would Tamaki. So would all of us. The host club wasn't just a club. We were a family. If one of us fell, so did the rest of us...

Approaching footsteps broke us all out of our moment. We warily looked up. A doctor stood in the doorway, his face worn with worry. He nodded. "Master Kyoya is going to be alright. It will take some time for him to completely heal so we cannot release him from the hospital for two to three days at the earliest."

A collective sigh filled the room. Before another word could be said, we heard someone running for the room in high healed shoes. Fuyumi burst in. "Where is my brother?"

I pulled myself from the group huddle and hugged Fuyumi. Her eyes looked so scared. "He's alright. The doctor says he just woke up."

At this news, she calmed down considerably. "Oh thank God... what's wrong with my mother?" She asked, her eyes now on the sleeping woman.

"She fainted."

Fuyumi rushed to her mother's side. "Mother? Are you alright?"

Mrs. Ootori groaned. "Oh..." She was silent again, her mind racing for the reason why she was asleep in a hospital. When she pieced it together, she shot upright in her seat. "Kyoya! Where is he?"

"He's alright mom." Fuyumi reasured her. She turned to me, her eyes greatful. "Thank you for taking care of my mother."

The doctor interupted. "If you would like to go see him, we can permit people to visit two at a time. Family first."

Fuyumi and Mrs. Ootori stood up together, Fuyumi supporting her mother's weight. I sunk into a nearby chair, anxious for my turn to see him. Ten minutes later, they returned with the doctor. "Kyoya's feonce and one other visitor may go next." The doctor said.

My face lit up when every host turned to stare at me. Standing up, I looked at the floor as I walked for the door. "The twins can visit him together and so can Honey and Mori senpai so Tamaki, you come with me." I told him.

While we followed the doctor down the hallway, Tamaki stared at me with a thoughtful expression. "You know." He said. "I can really picture it. You as a Mrs. Kyoya Ootori." My eyes widened, suprised by his words. He continued. "I mean, yeah I really do like you Haruhi. A lot. But it's not like I'm going to force my affections on you." He smiled kindly. "I'm happy for you both."

"Wow... that's the most serious and sincere you thing you've ever said." I couldn't help but be honest. I was touched by his words. Maybe he was growing out of that childish part of himself and taking things more seriously.

"And as long as I get to be your father, I'm fine with anything!" He announced loudly, getting several stares from other people in the hallway. On second thought. Maybe some things never change. I shook my head and linked arms with him.

"You know what senpai? You're just too much sometimes." I said jokingly, earning one of those bright, contagious smiles from him.

When we walked into Kyoya's hospital room, his tired eyes shot open as wide as I've ever seen them. He reached an arm out towards us. "Both of you, over here now."

Shooting past Tamaki, I practically fell right into Kyoya arms. He hugged me with the little strength he had and I finally felt real relief. He was okay. Pulled back, my eyes searched his face, trying to memorize every part of it. "What did the doctors say?"

"The bullet missed all vital organs but it caused a lot of blood loss. After they removed the bullet, I had to get a blood transfusion. I'm fine. I promise."

I grabbed his shoulders again tightly, the glare coming back. "I almost lost you. Do you have any idea how scared I was?" I know it wasn't even remotely his fault that someone decided to try taking out the Ootori family but I couldn't help but feel furious.

He chuckled softly as he ran his fingers through my hair. "I apologize."

I shook my head before hugging him tightly again. We just stayed there like that until someone cleared their throat. "Stop hogging my daughter young man. I don't care if you're going to be my son in law or not, I still have first dibs."

I figured I'd hear that from Tamaki but no. That voice was from my father. Pulling away from Kyoya, I saw my dad standing in the doorway. "What are you doing here dad?"

My dad, all decked out in a little black dress and heels, limped up to us, crutching under each arm. "Well when I saw on the news that someone had gone on a killing spree at the Ootori mansion, I was terrified. And did my daughter answer any of her calls? No! So I drove down to the mansion and nobody would tell me where 'Kyoya's feonce' had gone. So I had to go to the first Ootori hospital I came across and practically threaten the receptionist into telling me where you were."

I sighed, feeling guilty. "Dad, I'm so sorry. I didn't have my phone on me."

He closed the distance between us and hugged me till I couldn't breath. "Don't you ever scare daddy like that again!" When he pulled away he looked at Kyoya. "And my dear boy. Don't you look aweful. Is there anything I can do for you? Perhapse I could have Haruhi make you some soup and bring it by."

"Thank you but I'm alright." Kyoya smiled warmly at me. "But I really am curious. Who's idea was it to tell the hospital that you were my feonce?"

I blushed. "Uh... yeah, well..."

A few minutes of hugs and well wishes later, we had to leave so Hikaru and Kaoru could have their turn. By the time visiting hours were over, I was exhausted. After all of Kyoya's family and all of the hosts had left, I went to check on Kyoya one last time before going home. He was close to sleep when I walked in the room. Regardless, he opened his arms for me. When I got close enough for him to get ahold me, he pulled me down so I'd sit on the bed beside him. He sighed. "I hate hospitals." I murmured.

I laughed. "Funny thing to say considering you wanted to take over a medical business."

He chuckled. "It's all about which side of the fence you're on. I'd rather be the doctor than the patient." Leaning down, I kissed him quickly before getting up.

"You do need sleep though. I'll be back with soup early in the morning. How's that sound?"

He sighed and pulled the cover over his arms. "Alright. Hurry back."

Shutting off the light, I glanced at him one more time before walking down the hall and right out the building.