Haruhi sat in the car. It was fancier than what she was used to, but still simpler than the guys. Despite being the heir to a wide empire, and the bride of one in a similar station, Mel was very awkward about opulence. She seemed almost irritated by it. Her uncle toned things down to make her more comfortable. That was why she insisted on using one of her uncle's cars instead of something from the Morinozuka fleet. Still, the vehicle was rather luxurious. The back had two rows of seats facing each other. Each one had soft cushioned seats and a tiny fridge in the corner held chilled drinks.

Her attention was caught when Mel began to read off a few words from a spiral in her lap. They were going to Mel's house so they could take the opportunity to further discuss the haunted house. At that point the layout and tour had been decided. Every tour would last about fifty minutes. Several horse carriages would take tours from building to building. The gardens would be made up into a haunted forest and several buildings would have their own themes. They planned on having it the week of Halloween. Since so many advanced tickets had been purchased, they were going to have it 3 nights. Halloween and the two nights before it. They would start at sundown and run until just before sun up.

"I found some expert makeup kits rather cheap. The shop keeper is giving us a discount because we are going to purchase about two dozen from him. Along with various other props." Mel said as she scribbled.

"Two dozen?" Haruhi asked. Mel stopped scribbling and looked at her.

"Well we need at least two of them for the vampire tour guides. That's about ten people. We need at least ten for the zombies, and at least five for the werewolves. Another two are for the murder victims. The rest are for the various monsters and characters we will have throughout." Mel counted off.

"I didn't realize we had so many." She answered amazed.

"The host club is in on it. The kendo club was very happy to help and pretty much the entire D section has volunteered."

"This is really shaping up to be fun."

"Yup. Yumi is doing the makeup, with a few hand picked volunteers. She wants to be a professional makeup artist after she finises school. Says this will be great practice. Very talented girl. That reminds me, what roll were you up for again?"

"Whatever is needed."

"Could you be one of the vampire tour guides? We need one more and you would be absolutely adorable." Mel exclaimed. Haruhi rolled her eyes.

"You are getting to sound just like Tamaki sempai." She sighed. Mel chuckled softly. Saying the name reminded Haruhi of her earlier thoughts. "You never did tell me why there was a rumor about you and him."

It was Mel's turn to sigh. She put the notebook down and fiddled with the pen in her hands. Eyes were downcast as a few papers were shuffled and separated. Almost as if she were trying to wait out a clock. Haruhi waited patiently. When it became apparent that the there was no intention of changing the subject, another sigh escaped her lips.

"Well. The truth is the rumor was that we were engaged. It never really went that far." Mel answered. The younger girl processed the statement.

"Wait. What do you mean not that far?" Haruhi pressed. Mel seemed a bit embarrassed. Finally looking up, the feint blush was splashed across her cheeks.

"Tamaki and I were a couple for about two months." She finally admitted. The look of shock could not be hidden as Haruhi stared at her friend. Strangely, there was not even a hint of jealousy about her with Tamaki. It was just pure surprise. Never in a million years would she have imagined Mel being with anyone other than Mori. They seemed made for each other.

"But, the engagement?"

"Was not continuous. The engagement was announced, but Akuma pissed my grandfather off and he broke it after a month or so." Mel explained. The blush seemed to deepen. Haruhi stared for a moment, before a laugh forced its way out of her throat. A smile hit Mel's lips as she saw her friend was not mad. In fact, she seemed just the opposite.

"I'm sorry." Haruhi apologized between laughs. She realized how rude she was acting. "It's just so strange."

"How so?" Mel asked curiously. Waiting for the laughter to die down, Haruhi took a deep breath.

"Mori is just so different from Tamaki. Its almost like night and day. The idea that you would be attracted to both types is bizarre." She admitted. Looking over, a thoughtful look was on the older girl's face. After a moment she leaned in.

"Actually, it wasn't so far fetched at the time. You know Tamaki is a really great guy. Any girl would be lucky to have him." She whispered conspiratorially. Leaning back into her original position, she continued. "Let's just say he provided comfort during a really painful and confusing time."

Sorry about the short chapter. I just moved and my computer is still in storage. This is being typed on a friend's laptop. I have another chapter mostly written on mine, so thank you for your patience. As soon as I move into a more permanent settlement I will update again. It can be anywhere from a few weeks to a month. The next chapters will be a real treat though. They are going to focus on Mel and the host clubs past. Again thank you for your patience. Can't wait to see you all again!