Despite the nagging feeling in the back of her head and chest, Kodo was able to go through the actions and motions of what she referred to as 'life' for the next couple of days. She didn't feel excitement, anxiety, happiness, anger, any sort of strong emotion like that. If anything, she felt slightly depressed, but mostly empty. And to top that off, Kyouya was avoiding her left and right. He didn't even make eye contact with her at school or during club activities. The others took up her time, and it felt they were trying to make her feel better with their over attentiveness to which she couldn't complain. But it wasn't the same without Kyouya.

Near the end of the hosting shift she anxiously waited for the others to leave so she could talk to Kyouya alone, but found he was leaving first. Without a second thought she chased after him, silently going through the doors in hopes the others didn't see her. Walking on her toes so her shoes didn't make noise, she followed Kyouya to the end of the hall when he stopped and turned to face her.

"You should return and finish up for the day."

"Why are you avoiding me?" These thoughts were boiling around in her head since the day of her mother's funeral.

"I'm not sure I know what you mea-"

"You know exactly what I mean! Since you walked away with your dad at mom's fu.." she couldn't say the word. "Ceremony, you've barely said a word to me, and you won't even look me in the face. What is going on?"

He opened his mouth slightly before closing it. "You're holding me up, I need to leave." Turning, he took a step forward toward the stairs.

"Kyouya!" Racing up, she grabbed his sleeve, but he was quick. Jerking his arm away from her, he turned to look at her with a cold, almost hateful glare.

"After today you'll be a sister to me. Don't act so close like it's anything more."

It was his tone more than his words that frightened her. "What do you mean!"

His head turned again so he was facing forward, staring down at the staircase. "Congratulations on your engagement meeting today. I'm sure you'll make my brother very happy." Without even another breath, Kyouya was down the stairs and out of sight.

The shock of his words kept her frozen in place, jaw unhinged. B-brother? This meeting was supposed to be with Kyouya, right? Although thinking back on it, they didn't say his name specifically. What was she supposed to do now? Rushing back to the club room, she burst through the doors much louder than she'd anticipated, and everyone turned to stare at her.

"Kodo?" Haruhi was the first to speak.

"What is it?" Tamaki followed up.

"Your cheeks are red, Pu-chan.. did you run a long way?" He was silent for a second as he saw her saddened expression. "Oh!" Grabbing Usa-chan, Hani ran up to her and pushed it into her hands, wrapping his arms around her waist. "It'll be okay! We're here for you."

"No."

"Huh?" He looked up at her, wandering what she meant.

"No.. not-" Sinking to her knees in front of him, she shook her head. "Nevermind." Placing her hands on his shoulders, she gently pushed him away. "I- it's okay." A fake smile grew on her face she looked at him what felt like a soft expression while her inner self was trembling hard in anger at Kyouya and frustration that she felt like she had to hide it.

"Kodo?" Hikaru and Koaru approached her, concerned looks on their faces. For once they said her name.

"What's up?" She looked up at them.

"What happened with Kyouya-senpai?"

Her teeth grit. "He had to go."

Mori stood and walked up to her before stepping to the side and walking through the doors.

"Takeshi?" Hani followed.

"We should go too. You have training today."

"Uh.. oh. Oh! Yea. Pu-chan, it'll be okay, we promise!" He smiled and took Usa-chan back. "It won't be the Host Club otherwise!"

Tamaki followed after them quickly. "That's right! The Host Club strives on helping others, no matter who or how small! We'll get to the bottom of this Kodo, no matter what!"

That was amusing, but she could only muster a small scoff in laughter. "Thanks, but really. I'll be okay."

Haruhi seemed skeptical at first but after she and Kodo were alone, she knelt down in front of her upper classman. "You like Kyouya-senpai, don't you?"

"Huh!" Kodo looked at her, cheeks red. "D-don't be silly. He's so- cold, and calculating and assumes all the time! I- I hate him.." But the look on her face said otherwise as she looked to the side, looking as though she were about to burst into tears.

"It's okay, to be afraid. Life happens so quickly sometimes we can't keep up. But meeting these people and being with them has taught me so much. Like, experiencing new things and helping others because it's the right thing to do. They're chivalrous, it's how they are. We're like family."

"I can't- I can't keep up. Everything is moving too fast, you guys are the only thing that seems to stay the same, and now that I like him, I feel like I'm breaking this sacred family of you guys apart. It's my fault.." Uhg, she said it out loud! That she liked him! Hands covering her face, she kept her head down. She felt like she'd finally lost everything.

"Don't be like that, Kodo-chan. If you want something, then go for it! You can't hold back now. I learned that from Hani-senpai. If you don't go now and chase after him, you may never get another chance to again!"

Looking up slowly, Kodo met Haruhi's gaze with her own. "But why? I didn't- even realize, but- that meeting today, is for Kyouya's brother and I.."

"Can't you say no?"

"..." She hadn't thought of that. "I could.. ask for Kyouya-kun instead?"

"I don't see why not."

Standing quickly, Kodo wiped her face as she sniffed. "I could- right?"

Haruhi stood as well. "Go with what your heart tells you."

She couldn't help but smile a little. "You should hang out with Tamaki-kun more often. He's rubbing off on you!" Turning, she grabbed the door handles but froze. She couldn't do it. She couldn't move. "What if.. he doesn't.. like me?"

"How do you know, if you don't try?" Placing her hands on Kodo's shoulders, she pushed her into the doors. "Go!"

"Huh?" The door handles moved on their own as the doors opened. The hallway was empty.

"Go, Kodo-chan! Go get him!" Haruhi pushed her again, and Kodo's feet moved, slowly at first. "Don't listen to your doubts."

"Don't.. listen to my doubts." Looking up, her legs began moving a little faster. "Don't listen to my doubts. Don't listen to my doubts. Don't listen my doubts!" Her speed picked up, and she felt her feet hitting the floor faster and faster as they began to match the rapid beating of her heart. Doubts. That's right. It was her doubts and fears that prevented her from doing so many things. Her doubts in herself in running her father's companies. Her fears of rejection when confronting Kyouya's family. I won't settle. Mom, I will take charge, and I'll reach out and take life for myself! I want you- to be proud of me! Turning the corner sharply, she was suddenly confronted by someone who seemed to be as out of breath as she was. "Ah!" Looking up, she saw it was Kyouya, panting softly, eyes widened as he stared down at her. The others were behind him, jogging up the stairs.

"Kodo-"

"Kyouya-"

Her doubt returned like a ton of bricks as she stared at him. His presence right there in front of her made her nerves twitch. Uncertainty filled her head and she almost had half a mind to turn around and walk away. She could feel her body start to shrink as she wanted to go back. Don't listen to your doubts! Haruhi's face returned to her mind, as well as her mother's.

"If there were ever a time you wanted to make me proud, now's the time, kiddo."

"Mom!?"

"Go."

As Kyouya's mouth was opening, Kodo felt an invisible force push her from behind and she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around him tightly, her face pressing into his collar. "It's you.." Was all she could muster.

"M-me?"

"I want- it, to be you." She whispered. "Today."

His hands rested on her shoulders as his head leaned down toward hers. "Say no."

If there was ever a way to change her situation, she knew she'd have to do that, but facing his father wasn't exactly something that sounded appealing. But his hands, they were trembling on her shoulders, though his voice was steady.

"Say no today."

Her stupid comebacks would be the death of her. "What benefit would you have from that?"

"Idiot!" He hissed in her ear as he pushed her away. The look on his face was frustration mixed with.. hurt? Something she couldn't put her finger on, but she knew she'd said the wrong thing. "If you can't figure that out-" He stopped mid-sentence before placing a hand over his face. "Nevermind." Turning on his heel, he stormed off, pushing Tamaki with his shoulder as he passed, shoes clicking quickly on the stairs and echoing.

"Kyouya.." Her hand raised after him, a familiar feeling of falling into her doubts and fears returning. Sure she hated it, but it was a sort of relief she'd unconsciously grown to find comfort in. Perhaps she felt if she didn't try, she wouldn't risk being heartbroken to begin with, and if it fell through, she would save herself the pain. But this was.. different. Don't listen to your doubts! Pushing forward, she raced down the stairs after him. "Kyouya!" This was her future, and if she didn't- if she didn't do this, she may not get another chance again. Especially if it was his willing brother who she was meeting.

But here she was again, chasing Kyouya down. She thought, for a second, she'd had him; but he was slipping through her fingers. I can't let him go. Not again! She was becoming desperate. Heels clicking loudly on the marbled floors, Kodo felt a surge of energy go through her as she chased after him. Bursting through the main entrance, she struggled with her breathing as she looked around.

"He's getting in his limo!" It was Hikaru and Koaru.

"Huh! What are you guys-"

"We can't let him get away! Hani-senpai, call Kyouya's father!"

"Yes!" Hani opened his phone.

"Mori-senpai, chase that limo down!"

"What! He can't run after it!" Kodo shouted at Tamaki.

"Yea." Grabbing Hani, Mori dashed to his own limo and climbed in before the limo's tires squealed on the pavement after Kyouya's own car.

"There's an hour before the meeting starts." Kodo glanced at the clock tower. "I should get home."

"Leave it to us!" Hikaru and Kaoru grabbed her, dragging her to their limo.

"Hey, wait!"

The twins paused just long enough to give a thumbs up to Tamaki. "Take care of Haru-chan, we can take care of this from here!" With that, they had Kodo in their car and drove off in the direction of her house.

"Huh.. huh... T-Tamaki.. senpai.." Haruhi was panting hard as she slowly jogged up behind him. "Did they.. make it?"

He turned and looked at her. "Yea. They said they have it under control."

"If.. Kodo isn't encouraged, she may give up again.."

"Again?"

"She's the kind of person not to take risks, despite how she acts. It's why she couldn't take over her father's businesses, and why she couldn't confess to Kyouya-senpai. If she isn't pushed, she may give up and marry Kyouya-senpai's brother because it's the safe, pre-set option."

Tamaki shook his head. "We have to go too, then! Come on!" Without hesitating, he grabbed Haruhi's hand and took off for his limo. "I'll call Hikaru and see where this is taking place!" He dug around in his pocket for his phone.

"Eh.." Haruhi couldn't help but turn a little red at his hand holding hers. What was this feeling?

-x-

"A-are you sure, this is okay?" Kodo asked, stepping forward in a traditional kimono, hair pinned up in the back. "I feel stiff."

"It's a good look!" Hikaru and Koaru gave her the thumbs up.

Somehow, they'd manage to not only get her to her house, but also to the place they'd be meeting before the time was up.

"If it's stiff, that's not right. "Kaoru inputted. "You should be able to have pretty much access to everywhere inside the kimono except the midsection."

Her arms raised up high and her sleeves slid down to expose her skin. "I.. guess."

"Don't do that, you'll release the hidden contraption!" They said together.

"What contraption!"

"Eh.. to activate the whoopie cushion." Hikaru reached into her sleeve by her shoulder and pulled a string, and somewhere at the back of her kimono a 'plfft' noise was muffled into the cloth.

"You've got to be kidding me."

They both laughed.

"What else did you do to this thing!" She started patting down her body.

"Nothing, nothing!" They laughed before turning her to look in a mirror. "Here!"

"Make sure," Hikaru started.

"To keep your back straight," Kaoru continued.

"And to keep yourself as proper as possible!" They said together.

"Eh.. right." She swallowed hard. "I really need to talk to my father."

The twins looked at each other for a brief moment. "Here, why don't we get him for you? Typically when a meeting like this comes up the people who sit in the meeting don't see the woman before she goes in. So, he'll be standing behind this door." They pointed before walking out. "We'll knock when he's there!"

Kodo was alone again. Staring into the mirror, she sighed before looking away. It wouldn't be so bad, right? If she married Kyouya's brother? He'd still be successful and she could still live richly. Her thoughts from earlier were starting to fade as she sat down on a stool and stared at her hands in her lap. She could find happiness in an arranged marriage, right? Kyouya's sister did.

A knock on the door caught her attention and Kaoru's voice called out, "He's here, tell him what you wanted to say."

Exhaling, she got up and leaned against the wall by the door. "Hey, dad." She gulped again. Uncertainty filled her chest as she thought about what to say. "Sorry to bother you like this, I know you don't like to be bothered." Heart slamming in her chest, she felt her hands start to shake. "And I know that- that this is- kind of late to say, but.. I don't think this whole- meeting thing is a good idea." She could feel her chest aching from the way her heart was slamming around in it. "I didn't realize it was Ohtori Akito that I was meeting. I know he's a successful man, but honestly..." Kodo could feel her heart tightening as her throat made it hard to breathe. It wasn't too late, she could change her mind! Don't listen to your doubts! "I think Ohtori Kyouya is a better match for me." It was out. She said it. And she believed it.

"And why is that?" His voice was low, but inquiring.

"He already owns your assets." There was no reason to lie. "We're about the same age, we already have a- friendship, and- I-" If she said it, would she sound like a naive young kid with her brain in her heart instead of her head?

"You like him."

Her head hung. "I do, but.."

"But?"

"I don't want.. to enter a relationship with his brother. I want- I want to have a relationship with Kyouya-kun!"

Shuffling was heard and for a moment she almost opened the door, but Kaoru entered. "He walked away."

Her lips pursed. "Just like him." Looking to the side, she felt defeated.

"Come on, it's time to go into the room." He tugged at her arm and lead her to the door before brushing her off and pushing her in.

"Ah-!" She could barely react. It was set up like a traditional Japanese room, with very modern elements like sleek lighting and reflective surfaces. This had to be Kyouya's father's doing, her father was way too poor. Speaking of her father, he was already sitting down at a low table with Kyouya's father on the other side, both waiting for her. Akito sat by his father, looking off to the side. So it was decided. Her father wouldn't agree to what she had to say. Feeling her heart sink, her body mirrored the feeling as she sat on the cushion next to her father. This was why she didn't take risks. This feeling exactly was why she never tried to attempt a major project. What a horrible ache- it made her want to puke.

"Shall we start?" Kyouya's father asked as he politely cleared his throat.

"Yes." Her father responded.

Her eyes never left the polished surface of the table.

"Stop." Akito spoke, catching their attentions, including Kodo's. Shaking his head, he seemed to have an almost pitied look on his face. "I cannot marry her."

"What?" Kodo's father's worried voice was raised higher than it should have been.

"She's in love with my little brother Kyouya, not me." After bowing to his father then to Kodo's father, he stood and walked around them. "I can't get between them."

Eyes widening, her face went quite red as she stared at him. Was it not her father that she'd spoken to!? Their voices were similar.. oh man..

"I see." His father sighed before looking to her father. "Perhaps you should consider this option then?"

Kodo looked to her father quickly, who's lips were pursed like hers had been.

"At this point, I'd rather not risk any more embarrassment!" Huffing, the man crossed his arms.

"Da- father.." She placed a hand on his arm. "There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Please allow this to happen." She tried her best formal Japanese in hopes he'd listen. Smiling softly at him, she was willing with her chest for him to agree. He was stubborn after all.

After a sigh, he nodded before looking at Kyouya's father for assurance. The other man only nodded once in response. It made Kodo wonder what made this man agree to it. Oh right, she was going to be very rich after getting married.

"Ah, I don't think- stop pushing, Tamaki-!" Kyouya was pushed into the room and the door shut quickly behind him.

Looking up at him, Kodo felt her cheeks redden. He looked really attractive in that formal kimono. Without even a second thought, Kodo went forward on her knees, placing her hands palm down on the floor and pointing inward toward her nose as she almost touched her face to the back of her hands. "Ohtori Kyouya, will you let me make miso soup for you every day?"

The entire room went quiet before eruptions of laughter from the adjoining room met their ears. Even Kyouya's father fought back the temptation to laugh. But surprisingly, it was Kodo's father who ended up laughing the hardest.

"Hey- I- I'm serious here!" She looked up quickly to Kyouya, who's eyes had widened, cheeks flushed. "Will you marry me?" She mouthed as attempting to speak was drowned out by everyone else's laughter.

His face softened as he knelt before her, taking her hand in his. "I think the proper way is for me to ask."

"That's not the point!"

"I'm not sure I would have it any other way."

Her face went red as she looked away. "So.. you- you will?"

"I will."

A/N: I have no idea how traditional Japanese meeting arrangements go. SOOOOO you get this.

IS IT THE END.

OR IS IT.

Knowing me I'll have to do SOMETHING to tie up loose ends. UHG MORE WRITING TO COME I GUESS.

huhuhuhu