CH. 26 Concerns and Regrets

Honey

I came to visit Haru-chan like I promised Hika-chan and Kao-chan. When I got there I noticed something was off. Her security gate wasn't locked and her front door was slightly ajar. This didn't look good at all.

My instincts kicked in and I carefully creeped around to catch whoever decided it was a smart idea to invade my friends home. Not a smart move. If there was anyone inside Haru-chan's house I wasn't going to let them get within fifteen feet of her. There was no way I would allow anyone to harm her.

The house was quiet when I pushed the door open just a few inches in to slip inside. Nothing really looked too far out of place had this been an ordinary house but knowing this was Haru's, there would be a perfect system of organization. Someone was sneaking. I could tell. A few papers were ruffled through on the table where she kept her mail and every drawer I came across was haphazardly closed. Who ever was here was good at sneaking around but are no match for me.

I caught sight of a shadow down the hallway and a puff of steam. The smell of strawberry soap and steam picked up as I made my way in that direction. With my back pressed against the wall, I poked around the corner only to run into Haru-chan wrapped in a towel.

She screamed about the same time I stepped into her view. I reached out for her, gripping her elbows so she wouldn't lose her balance. She in turn pushed my arm back.

"What the hell are you doing sneaking around my house?" She snapped at me. Her eyes were wide with fear but it was turning into a very recognizable irritation. I must have really scared her.

I help up my finger to my lips before moving them to hers. Confusion stopped her before she could speak again.

"Someone is here." I said in a low voice. My eyes narrowed when I noticed a moving light, like someone nudged a lamp or something. "Stay here."

I guided her to stand behind me. There was no telling what would happen. Haru apparently felt my tension. She sucked in a breath and wrapped the towel around herself even tighter.

I moved silently. Without a doubt they must know I was here. Haru-chans scream was a dead giveaway. I hoped I was quick enough to catch them. The sounds of ruffling paper was all the proof I needed that the invader was there. I rushed in to her study not bothering with silence any longer and was met with nothing.

Nothing.

Just an open window. "Damn! They got away."

"Honey..." Haruhi's voice was shaky and right behind me. She was terrified with wide eyes and her hands firmly clutching the fabric around her. I followed where her gaze fell to a photo on her desk. Strategically placed right in the middle... with a letter opener stabbed right into it.

The sick bastard was trying to make a point. He didn't have the guts to go further than scare tactis, which I was grateful for but even this invasion of privacy and security was enough. Far more than enough.

Poor Haru didn't deserve this. Momoka and Kimiko didn't deserve what happened to them. No one in our group deserved to be targeted the way they have been. Especially our girls. They were innocent of all wrong doing and they were the ones paying for these petty jealousies and revenges.

She was still standing there in the doorway, frozen to the spot. She looked so tired and cold. Her damp skin was breaking out in goose bumps and a slight shiver ran through her little body. With a deep breath I made my way back to her. Taking her into my arms, I led her out of the room.

"Come on." I said trying to smile, hoping that I could try to bring a little light hearted humor to calm her no doubt frayed nerves. "Let's get you warmed up and find you something cute to wear. We can go back to my home for the night and I can have Rei-chan make us so tea and cookies."

There was no way in hell she was staying here. She wasn't safe. Not at her own home with high tech security. Not at the Hitachiin Mansion where what remains of the protesters are still haunting.

Rei-chan had me convinced that no harm will come to her but I can't take that chance. She would stay with me, or she would stay with Kyo-chan. This will never happen again. Not to any of our girls.

I'm going to make sure of it.

Haruhi

"You have got to be fucking kidding me!" Hikaru screeched like a banshee from the other side of the phone line. "I'm going back. Don't.. No... Give me the damn phone!"

I held the receiver away from my ear while I rested my other hand on my belly and I sent a silent plea to whoever was listening that our child wouldn't inherit his god awful temper. Granted it was warranted. Hikaru was on the brink of murder based on the guttural sounds and high pitched screeches that could be heard while he ranted. I knew he no longer had the phone.

"Haru?" Kaoru's voice came through clearly just as I heard a crash on the other end along with some elaborate and descriptive swearing in the distance.

"What did he break?"

I imagined a fiery little redhead throwing his toys across the room and stomping his feet to get his way. Yes, that was most likely my future. Angry Hikaru, angry mini-Hikaru. Just great.

"Nothing important" Kaoru said quickly before changing the subject away from the mayhem that was no doubt in progress.

"Look, we are coming home. I set up a team to keep things going while we are gone. Don't go home, stay with Huninozuka. Don't be alone. I'm so sorry we left." His voice was starting to waver before he paused to breath and steady himself. "I knew this was a bad idea."

I wasn't going to argue. The timing was terrible. Why did it seem like the entire world was crashing down around us all at once?

"Just be careful. Honey is saying that the Ootori Police haven't found any clues or traces of who ever was in the house but they think it's gotta be someone from Komitsuzawa's snoop team."

Maybe Komitsuzawa himself but I didn't want to tell them that. Knowing the twins, they would beat his door down and take no prisoners. Then we were would we be? Ouran Circle responsible for the murder of several financial rivals?

I had to close my eyes to push that thought out of my head. This is such a mess.

"I'll try to keep him tied up if I can but I swear Haru, if anyone touches you they will be lucky to see prison."

I believed him.

"Will you be back in time for the case?"

"Hey, I'll be there tomorrow if we can get a flight tonight." He spoke softly. "Be careful. It's almost over but I get the feeling those assholes don't know when to quit. They might plan one more strike against anyone."

I agreed with him. There is no telling what would happen in the next couple weeks. I was just glad Honey was willing to open his home to me. It was secure here and after he made a few call on our trip, I knew that the remainder of the Circles girls were with members who could easily protect them. Even Mei and her baby were placed under the care of Ritsu and his gang.

We would all be protected but I couldn't be sure that the guys would take themselves into the safety consideration. Especially my dumbass lover, father of my child.

"Kaoru, just promise me you will keep him in line. The last thing I need is to see you on the news." I knew my voice was giving away the extent of my exhaustion. It had been a very long and emotional day. I was just ready for it to be over.

There was a soft knock on the door. I turned to see Reiko standing in the doorway with a tea tray in her hands and a somber expression. She regarded me carefully but didn't say anything.

"No promises." Karou joked. "I'll let you know when we are on our way."

"Thanks, Kao." I said my good byes to him and hung up the phone.

I stared at the phone for a few moments to let the entire conversation replay in my mind. I was so tired that I worried I would miss some fact, some clue in our conversations and collection of information. So far, it was as it always was. The suspects hadn't changed. The motives were consistent. The only thing irrational in this entire debacle were the tactics our opponents were using. Why on earth were they so excessive? Did they really want us destroyed that badly? What was the point?

It was Reiko who broke the silences when she placed the tray down on the table across the room from me. She gave me a gentle nod of the head as a greeting.

"Mitsukuni doesn't wish to believe my curse spared your life." She said in a calm even tone. Her eyes didn't reach mine but instead focused on pouring tea for the both of us.

I pulled myself to my feet. "He's worried. I'm sure it wasn't personal."

She nodded and held up a teacup for me. She didn't hand it over right away, instead she gave me an amused look. "Sit. You should stay off your feet."

I rolled my eyes and gave her glare that held only mild irritation, "I look forward to the day you get pregnant and I can tell you what to do."

I grumbled to myself about how much I was getting sick of being treated like a baby instead of the person who was having a baby. My frustration was irrational at this point. It didn't even matter who I spoke to, the "bitchiness", as Hika called it, was directed to anyone these days. I took a deep breath and did my best to reign in my agitation.

"Sorry, I'm just not used to being this … helpless."

Reiko gave me a sad smile. "I understand." She followed me as I returned to my seat bringing with her a smaller dish from the teatray with a covering over it. "Mitsukuni is concerned, of this I am aware, but it seems that I might have miscalculated."

"What do you mean?" I took the tea she offered me as soon as I sat and sipped it slowly.

She placed the tray down on the coffee table near us and smoothed her dress . She gave me another slow once over. I felt exposed whenever she did that. "I didn't take into account emotional stress."

I was about to ask her why it was so important but she held up her hand. "He was right. I didn't consider the toll of emotional and mental turmoil and the affects such emotions place on the baby. I failed you Haruhi. For that I apologize"

Her expression, which was normally passive, now held a sadness I've never seen before. It took a moment before it hit me.

She and Honey must have had an argument.

All my irritation fled and I put my teacup down. "You don't have to apologize."

I reached out to touch her arm and gave her my best reassuring smile. She, to my surprise, returned it even if it was a hesitant emotion. She looked lovely when she smiled like that.

"Thank you Haruhi." She said softly placing her hand on mine.

Her attention returned to the tray in front of her. She reached down with her free hand to lift up the cover showing off a small strawberry cake. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Mitsukuni always said you made a fantastic strawberry cake so I thought..."

"I don't think he meant it quite like that, Reiko." I shook my head, still laughing.

"Oh I know exactly what he meant." Her lips turned up and the amusement reached her eyes. "However, I do not think we will be baking any time soon."

Now that was an innuendo I never thought it would hear and it brought out yet another laugh.

Kaoru

I feel so useless.

My brother is lost in his own thoughts since we boarded the plane back home. We got lucky that there were a few cancelations when this plane was announced as delayed. Still I wish there were faster ways to return.

Nothing mattered right now. Not my fashion line, not Hika's game. Nothing except getting back home to our best friend. We never ever should have left without her. It brings back so much guilt. Knowing what I know now, what Haru told me about our other baby, this was history. It was replaying all over again but this time with Hika's baby.

I would never forgive myself for leaving her alone. Especially if she or the kid got hurt. We can't lose her and if she were to get hurt or lose the baby, it would break her. It would be the end.

Hikaru sat next to the window seat, glaring out into the lights that glittered the landscape below. His face was grim and set into an intensity that frightened even me at times. My poor brother. I can only guess his thoughts, twin physic abilities be damned. There really was nothing I could say to comfort him.

There was nothing anyone could say to comfort me.

I picked up my cell phone and stared at the useless damn thing. I couldn't even call Haru from all the way up here.

I finally gave up my pretense of calm and let my head slam back against the cushioned chair. Hikaru's eyes looked my way for a moment, then snapped back out to the void. Back to his own thoughts...

Hikaru

Fucking bastards. Those god damn pieces of shits.

She never did anything to any of them. Why the fuck are the targeting her?

Was it because of her smart ass remarks to the bitch who wanted that dumbass blond idiot. He may be our friend now but I swear if I could take back ever agreeing to joining those fools to protect my brother and Haruhi then I would. I really would.

I felt Kaoru throw himself back against the chair, his eyes squeezed shut. I knew he was trying not to cry but I couldn't comfort him right now. Not when I'm just so damn angry.

It's not his fault. It's not Haru's fault.

Hell... It's not even their fault. The Circle didn't didn't cause this to happen. They were doing just fine without any drama aside from the usual before that woman started meddling.

Suoh didn't stand a chance.

The lucky bastard is now married and out of Tonnere's reach. What I don't get is why she won't back down. What the hell is going on in her head that she needed to create such an elaborate scandal. Why did she bring Komitsuzawa and his goons into the mix.

Yeah I get why that asshat got involved. I would gladly join Kyoya in ruining him all over again. Only this time I wouldn't stop with just a few bits of property.

Then adding that little model to the mix to fuck with Kao's fashion show? Sure I get that they need her testimony and shit but come on! They can't just let it slide.

Look at what happened!

Haru's home was invaded. She was vulnerable. She was alone. ALONE!

All I can think of was the last time we left her alone when she was pregnant. When she tried to convince us that it was nothing but a lie. She doesn't think I know but I do. The way Kaoru treats her now, after going to the clinic so long ago... Things just changed between them.

I knew something was wrong with the way she told her story. That it was all a misunderstanding, that she was late with her period or some shit like that. I didn't pry then because I wanted to believe that it was just that. I didn't want to process that my best friend and my brother would have lost something that important. No, I was far to busy processing the fact that they slept together.

I wanted to be mad about that. It was easier to be mad at that.

Coming home, I finally had accepted the facts.

Stupid really. I should have just called her out. It would have saved us so much trouble. Maybe we would have fought less if she had just been honest. I wouldn't feel like I was being lied to all the time. I would be less angry. Less distrustful.

Kaoru sniffed and made a noise that sounded like a choked back sob.

I sighed. There really was no point in being so angry. It's my biggest flaw and I know it's there. I'm trying. I really am trying to be stronger for them.

Kaoru is everything to me. My brother, my other half. If anyone in this god damn world knows how I feel it's him. I shouldn't feel bitter, things are different. We are different.

Haru is ours. She always will be and we will get home to her. The baby will be fine this time. I have to believe the kid will be strong. He's a Hitachiin and she is not a scared teenager with the world on her shoulders.

She is Haruhi Fujioka. Badass ex-law nerd and one hell of a smart ass. She has changed so much since we first met that dorky little dweeb. She may still be a bookworm but I've been hit with one of those deadly tombs mid tantrum. She can hold her own and I just need to remember that.

"Hey," I tried to get Kao's attention but when he looked at me with those watery eyes I knew this was just one more fucking emotional mess for us both to deal with. "Kaoru, get over here."

I lifted my arm rest and held an open invitation for him to rest against me. He did, and he sobbed right into the fabric of my shirt.

"It's gonna be alright." I said. My voice was still rough and grouchy but he knew, he always knew, that even angry, I will always be there for him and our Haru.

A/N: I worried some of you with my silence. I apologize for the long writing absence. I swear I am alive and well. The kids are good. Crazy but good. When it comes to writing, I can't promise anything as of yet. I can however reassure you that I am ok and I do tackle projects when I can. My writing is improving thanks to my hours on tumblr with my lovely RP partners.

I have sadly fallen away from the Ouran fandom, but I am tackling away at what's left of my Ouran stories. I refuse to leave these unfinished. I owe it to you all after all the support. I would love to see more of you write KaoHaru stories. That poor ship is so lonely still. Yes I do poke my nose into the writing once in a while. I never completely abandon the fandoms, I just drift in and out.

I hope to be back soon. I'm going to re-read this story and see if I can fill in some gaps. If you have noticed any holes feel free to contact me here, in review or pm, or you can find me on tumblr under BD-Z.

Love you guys