Disclaimer: I do not own "Ouran High School Host Club" or any of the characters in this wonderful manga/anime in any way.

A New Family

Previously in chapter thirty five: "No, I didn't have the monitor on so that I could get some sleep. I was up until sunrise this morning doing some research. I knew I could count on you to get things done for me, as usual."

"I see. So is there anything else you need me to do today?"

"Nope, that's why I said that if you wanted to take off early, you could. I have to admit that I would rather monopolize your time myself, but I haven't any legal needs that would keep you. At least not right now. By the way, I did send the second months fees to your firm so that you can work for me for another month at least."

Chapter Thirty Six

"Ok. I also called them to let them know that I was back in the country yesterday. Nakahara-san was quite surprised by the bonus that you've been sending them. I'm sure he would be happy if you kept me for a long time. The money that they are making while I am doing little more that babysitting the princess is apparently a hefty amount. Oh, before I forget, was there anything else you needed me to do other than that list?"

"No, the list was everything. Tomorrow, however I do have need of you in the evening. But as for today, I expected you to take a while because of the will being so long."

"You forget who you're talking about. Just because I didn't spend all day every day typing on a laptop in high school like you did, doesn't mean that I don't have a decent typing speed. Thank you very much."

"Ok, then you're free to leave if you like. Or you can hang out here with the two of us. I actually wanted to show you something that involves you, but isn't work related."

"Eh, what did you want to show me?"

"Follow me." He took the princess from Haruhi and led the way to his office. "Here, read this. You might find this interesting." He handed her a sheet of stationary with the name of Otori Mitsumi imprinted on the top.

Haruhi read the sheet handed to her with trepidation. A sigh of relief crossed Haruhi as she neared the bottom of the page. She learned that she was not hated and felt relief wash over her. Mitsumi had never really talked to Haruhi about how she felt about the woman who had known her husband for years more than she had. Kyoya would not give up Haruhi's friendship and that had concerned her that his wife would grow to dislike her. She learned that it wasn't to be. Mitsumi had even gone so far as to agree with Kyoya that if anything ever happened to the two of them, it was a toss-up between her sister and Haruhi to care for her infant daughter.

"Kyoya?"

"It's her own words… her own handwriting. It will stand up in court. I am not the only one that sees that you should be the princess's guardian if anything ever happens to me. And as you can tell, Mitsumi didn't hate you. If anything, she was jealous that you and I were still friends, no matter what came up. We worked through any problems and remained friends. That was something that she and I hadn't worked out. So does this eliminate some of your concerns?"

"I guess so. That still doesn't mean that we're jumping into anything. But yes, it relieves some of my fears regarding your daughter."

They were interrupted by the door. The maid knocked on the door to inform Kyoya that it was his sister-in-law once again. He ordered her to be brought into his office as he relieved Haruhi of the page she was holding and explained to her who she was about to meet. When she walked into the room, Kyoya introduced the two ladies to each other. Haruhi instantly offered her condolence for the loss of her sister.

"Kyoya-san, may we talk in private?" she asked, unaware that Haruhi would be told anything that would be said anyways. Kyoya wanted to keep no secrets from her.

"What is this in reference to? Why do you feel that we shouldn't speak in front of Haruhi?"

"It's regarding custody of your daughter."

"Even more reason why she should be involved in the discussion. Haruhi has agreed to represent me if I have to go to court to fight for my daughter. She is also who I have requested as guardian in my will should anything happen to me."

"Fine, if you insist, I just came to let you know that I spoke to my mother. I like you Kyoya-san, so I wanted to let you know what to expect. Mother is convinced that the baby is not yours. She's going to be requesting that to the legal system ask for a DNA testing and use that to take her away from you."

"I'm sorry, but I already had the DNA testing done. She is mine, and by the gods, I will be damned if I'm going to hand her over to someone who basically threw her mother away. Your sister and I may not have had the best damn relationship, but they gave less of a damn about her than me. There is no way in hell that I will allow my daughter go to that kind of home. She's not leaving my home and that is that. If she ever leaves my home before she's an adult, it will be over my dead body, and even then she will be going to Haruhi's until they move in here for my daughter to be cared for in HER home. No one is going to take my daughter away from me."

"As long as you stay focused and determined, I guess there isn't anything I can do. I just wanted to let you know. Mother's version of Mitsumi's life and Mitsumi's version are drastically different. Like I said when I first walked in here, I like you. I know that my sister certainly didn't want to let her child go to our parents. If it comes down to it, and you end up going to court, call me. I will be here to back you up the best that I can, just as long as you don't keep me out of the baby's life."

"Kanae-san, I won't do that. You are Haruhi's aunt. I won't keep you from her. I won't keep your parents from her either, but like I said, I will be damned if I'm going to let them take her from me. But thank you for offering to help. We will keep it in mind if it comes to that." Kanae kissed her niece, shook Haruhi's hand, and hugged Kyoya before preparing to make her way out of the house. Kyoya followed her out to speak with her in private for a moment, leaving Haruhi to ponder what she had learned.

When he returned, Kyoya showed Haruhi a few more excerpts from Mitsumi's diaries and letters. It was an emotional ordeal for Haruhi. She hadn't expected to glean such deeply emotional information in such a small amount of data. She knew that Kyoya wanted her to assist with bringing up the little girl, and now she would have ammunition when she's asked about the little one's mother.