I apologize for the long update. I can't believe it's been over a week since I posted anything...

I've had some horrible writer's block, not to mention an INSANE amount of schoolwork. And as much as I wish my writing was my priority, college comes first. But I finally managed to crank something out for you guys.

As far as the next story goes, this is the current score:

Dream Weaver: 21

That's Amore: 27

Living in a Fantasy: 11

Against All Odds: 16

Now for the current story. It's not the longest chapter, but enjoy:


"Well, I guess he had it coming," Kyouya relented. Tamaki and the twins had just finished their excessively showy explanation of what had transpired during his absence.

"Of course he did! No pervert will be coming within five feet of either of my precious daughters again!" Tamaki shook his head.

Mori looked over to me, rubbing the knuckles on his right hand. They were red and slightly swollen, light bruises forming across the backs where his hand had come into contact with the guy's jawline. I tenderly took his hand in mine, being careful not to put to much pressure on it, and brought it to my lips. I kissed each knuckle individually before letting it rest gently back at his side. Then I pulled him into a hug to say thanks.

"Ah, the young in love. I remember when I was first in love…" Hikaru joked, looking off into the distance. He pulled his brother into his arms, placing his hand under Kaoru's chin to tilt his face up slightly. Gazing into Kaoru's eyes he continued, "But now nothing could compare to my love for you Kaoru."

"Oh, Hikaru," Kaoru blushed back.

Off to the side Haruhi scoffed at the display, rolling her eyes. "Do you really have to do that here?" she asked, her hand on her hip.

"Would you rather us love you?" the twins separated, coming at Haruhi from either side. She took that moment to escape, running back to the water. The twins took off after her, in pursuit of their fleeing "toy".

"Get away from Haruhi you devil spawn!" Tamaki raged, following closely behind.

I sat back down on my towel, chuckling quietly as I watched Haruhi none too gently push Tamaki into the water. Across from me Kyouya sat back down, his drink in one hand and his black notebook in the other. Does he travel nowhere without that notebook? I thought to myself as he set his drink down and penned a few words. I craned my neck, hoping to catch the slightest glimpse of what he may be hiding, but a figure stepped into my line of vision blocking my view.

"Shizu-chan! Come join us in the water!" Hunny jumped up and down hopefully.

I looked up into his excited eyes, about to agree to join them, when I remembered what I was wearing – or rather the lack of what I was wearing. The idea of baring so much skin made me uncomfortable and nervous, especially in front of Mori. I bit my lip, my mind battling between giving in or saying no. I looked to where Mori had sat down next to me; his face remained indifferent, but his eyes said "please". I sighed – I could not say no to him. Reluctantly I shook my head saying, "Ok."

Mori's mouth twitched into a smile while Hunny leapt onto my back. "We're going to have so much fun Shizu-chan!" he cried, jumping back down to the ground. He sprinted off towards the water where he proceeded to tackle Hikaru. Beside me, Mori moved so his shoulder was touching mine.

"Do you want me to wait for you?" he asked me.

"It..s ok. I'll m…meet you th…there," I replied. He leaned over and kissed my cheek before getting up and walking to the water's edge. I could not help but smile as I eyed his form. Mori was not only the most handsome guy I had ever met, but he was also the most caring, gentlemanly, beautiful soul as well. Somehow I had been lucky enough to end up with him.

"He really likes you, you know," my thoughts were interrupted. I turned to see Kyouya glancing at me over his notebook.

"I keep an eye on all the hosts, you must have realized. I've hosted with Mori-senpai for three years and he's never shown so much as a hint of interest towards the girls. But now, with you, he smiles and speaks more freely. I don't tend to intrude upon any relationships the other hosts might have, but do try not to break his heart," he paused.

I must have been gaping because Kyouya raised an eyebrow at me. I quickly shut my mouth and nodded a swift yes.

"Good. Mori's rates have been going up since he's been more emotionally open therefore we're getting more business. A distraught Mori would be horribly counterproductive," he finished, turning back to his notes.

I rolled my eyes. Of course there were ulterior motives behind his want for Mori's happiness. Still, I knew I would never break Mori's heart. My worries were that he might break mine.

"Come on Shizu-chan! The water's great!" I heard Hunny calling. I remembered then that I was supposed to be joining them. I held a finger up to say I would be there in a moment. Quickly I stood up, untied the halter of the dress, and with one last sigh I pulled the cover up off. I shivered as the air hit my bare midriff. Throwing my arms across my stomach in an attempt to cover as much skin as I could, I made my way across the warm sand. As I stepped cautiously into the water, I heard someone whistling.

"Wow you look hot Shizuko!" Hikaru winked at me. A second later he was spluttering under the water, Tamaki glaring down at him.

"Don't you call my precious daughter hot, you perv!" he shouted as Hikaru resurfaced.

"Oh come on, like you weren't thinking it too boss," Kaoru came up behind Tamaki, leaning on his shoulder. Tamaki's face turned tomato red and then he hastily retreated. Putting my face in my hands I rubbed at my temples. This is exactly what I didn't want.

"Takashi, doesn't Shizu-chan look great?" Hunny said as he swam up to me. "Umm…uh…y…" I heard coming from just to my left. I turned and saw Mori staring at me. He gulped timidly, his face and ears red as he rubbed the back of his head. I let out a little squeal and ducked under the water to hide my body, embarrassment seizing me. After a few moments, I rose just enough for my eyes and ears to be visible above the water. Mori was kneeling before me.

"You look amazing Shizuko," he whispered to me. "Please don't hide."

Nervously I emerged out of the water. Mori smiled and took my hand, leading me further into the cool ocean. I could still feel my cheeks burning under his gaze, but I was slowly starting to feel more comfortable with my outfit choice. The seawater felt splendid against my warm skin, the air was fresh and clean, and I knew I needed to loosen up and relax. This was a vacation after all; I was meant to be enjoying myself. I decided then and there I was going to have some fun.

Taking a cue from the twins, I held a finger up to my mouth for everyone to be silent then mimed pushing Mori. I could see the twins' eyes gleaming mischievously as they gave me the thumbs up. I tugged gently on Mori's hand to stop him; he turned around eyeing me curiously. I smiled as sweetly as I could, motioning with my finger for him to come closer to me. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he bent down, expecting me to kiss him. As he leaned in, I put my hands up as if to lay them gently against his chest, but instead I pushed him directly into the water.

Mori, being rather a tall human being, fell none too gracefully backwards, creating a large splash. Haruhi and Tamaki, being the closest, shielded their eyes from the oncoming wave. Off to the side, Hikaru, Kaoru, and Hunny burst into laughter. The twins came over and each high fived me.

I waited for Mori to resurface, but after a few moments without seeing him I began to worry. Just then I felt something brush up against my leg, and the next thing I knew I was being pulled under. Someone grabbed me from behind, and if I hadn't felt those familiar arms wrapped around me just moments before, I would have panicked. Together Mori and I broke the surface of the water.

"That's what you get for tricking me," he said sternly, but then broke into a grin.

That time I really did kiss him when he leaned in. We remained lip-locked for a few moments until we heard some catcalling and cheers. Breaking apart we turned to see two heads of red hair withdrawing quickly. Mori and I looked at each other, devilish gleams mirrored in our eyes, before pursuing them.

The rest of the afternoon followed much in the same manner. I had all but forgotten my bathing suit woes by the time the sun began to set. Deciding it was time to find some dinner, our group headed back to shore. We toweled off then made our way to our respective lodgings to change and clean ourselves up.

After we each showered off, Haruhi and I helped each other dress for the evening. Haruhi ended up in white jeans and a flowing yellow cap sleeved shirt with a light pink palm frond pattern and a pair of gold sandals. I opted for a strapless maxi dress with a white top and light blue bottom and a pair of white sandals. We left our room to see the boys already waiting for us. They were wearing similar outfits consisting of dark jeans and collared shirts, but Hunny's was light pink and Mori's was dark blue, their typical colors.

"I'm so hungry!" Hunny flopped onto the couch. "I hope they have a lot of cake!"

"We should go see if the others are ready," Haruhi moved towards the door. When she opened it, however, Tamaki was already there poised to knock.

"Well I guess they're ready boss," Kaoru said from somewhere behind Tamaki.

We all crowded out the door as Kyouya and Tamaki lead us down the dock towards the main building where the restaurant was. Suddenly they stopped though, and some voices I had hoped to never hear again rang out against the night sky.

"Oh look, it's the group of idiots from earlier."

"And look, they're hoarding the girls again. 2 girls for 6 guys, now that's not fair is it?"

I tensed and instinctively reached for Mori's hand. He grabbed on to it and pulled me behind him. Beside me the twins stepped defensively in front of Haruhi.

"I think it would be best if you kindly left us alone," Kyouya answered them, his voice tinged with annoyance.

"Oh you really think so glasses?" the ringleader stepped forward shoving Kyouya in the chest.

Kyouya just sighed. "If you keep this up you are only going to make fools of yourselves again." He shook his head and pushed his glasses up. "I don't know why we didn't just report you for harassment earlier."

I could hear the guy growling. His anger was rising perceptibly and he appeared on the verge of attacking Kyouya. Kyouya kept his cool however, merely sidestepping the three guys and motioning for us to follow him.

The trio looked momentarily shocked that they hadn't phased their target at all, however they quickly recovered. One lunged forward at Kyouya, but out of nowhere something darted out and pushed him back. The guy stumbled and fell into the dark waters. Seconds later, two similar splashes could be heard.

"No one messes with my friends!" Hunny said, wiping his hands together then placing them on his hips.

"Well done Hunny-senpai!" Tamaki pulled him into a bear hug. "You've saved us all!"

Tamaki set the giggling Hunny back down. "Does that mean I can have extra cake now?"

"I think that can be arranged," Kyouya said, looking at his watch. "We should hurry though. We don't want to be staying out too late."

We all agreed and continued on our way. We didn't make it very far however when an audible gasp and a quick shriek sounded from the back of the group. The sound of a body colliding harshly with the water could be heard next, followed by a terrified cry.

"Kaoru!"


Oh no what happened to Kaoru?!

Review and you'll find out soon!