Author's Note: Thank you to all of my faithful readers. I'm so excited you've all hung in with me this long. It gives me the motivation to keep going. 56,174 – this story has had that many views. WOW! Keep reviewing. I love hearing your opinions. They keep me on track

Disclaimer: Don't own it, never will.

.

xXx

.

Date Posted: 6/2/2018

Trigger Warnings: None that I can think of

Chapter 48: Meditation

.

Monday:

After that security report last night, I'm not convinced we're as safe as Mori-senpai thinks. Hopefully, I'm being overly cautious.

They did follow the car with the phones. We've run every diagnostic we can think of and there is no evidence that my father has hacked them. That surprises me. We are keeping them for incoming text messages only. Burner phones will be provided if any calls need to be made.

Some of my father's security did try to breach the first ring of security. They never even got close to the Retreat. Doesn't mean they won't keep trying.

.

xXx

.

Everyone's so quiet for breakfast this morning. Tamaki keeps looking at Haruhi. What happened in the hot springs last night?

I think I'll have Ishikawa-san bring up the security cameras and take a look. Did he break our agreement?

I need to apologize to Haruhi. I believe I was completely in the right telling her there would be no trap. That I knew best about her security. I went about it the wrong way. I'll talk to her after breakfast.

"Haru-chan? Do you like the pancakes?"

"Yes, Honey-senpai. I think they are better than mine – maybe I could get the recipe, Mori-senpai?"

"Hnn"

.

"Haruhi, could I talk to you?"

"About what, Mori-senpai?" I'm still upset with him. I know he's the security specialist, but he can't just dictate what I can and can't do.

"Security." He gestured to the hallway, "Please follow me."

"This isn't a security office." We were in a room decorated in calming colors with pillows scattered on the floor and a fountain in the middle. "Where are we?"

"This is a meditation room. We won't be disturbed in here." He sat on one of the pillows near the fountain, "Please sit."

"No."

"Haruhi, please sit." There was a tone of regret and exasperation in his voice. Where was he going with this?

I picked a pillow against the wall, "There, I'm sitting."

His shoulders slumped and he sighed. He sat there looking at the floor for several minutes.

"Mori-senpai?"

"Haruhi, I want to tell you I'm sorry." It's about time!

"Does that mean we are setting a trap? We shouldn't do that here."

"No. I'm not sorry I overruled you regarding your safety. I'm not sorry I overruled your plan for a trap. I was not willing to risk your safety."

What? If he's not sorry for that, then? "Just what exactly are you sorry for, Mori-senpai?"

"I'm sorry for the way I went about it. I should have never disregarded you like that in front of the others. I should have explained to you directly."

"Darn right you should be apologizing for that. You just dismissed me in front of everyone. Twice. Do you know how that made me feel?"

He just hung his head again, and I got angrier. "I was embarrassed. I was humiliated in front of everyone. You didn't even speak to me – you just turned to the others like I wasn't even in the room. Those are not the actions of a friend, Mori-senpai."

"No, they are not."

"Look at me, Mori-senpai." Could he not even face me? Did he feel that bad?

He raised his head and I gasped. His eyes clearly showed sorrow, regret, and something else I couldn't make out.

"I'm sorry, Haruhi. I'll never disrespect you again. Please forgive me."

"Mori-senpai, I realize you are the security expert here. If you had explained the situation clearly and with respect, I would have come to the same conclusion. After yesterday and considering everything, I already figured it out – no trap – it's not worth it."

"Thank you, Haruhi."

"I'm sorry I was so petty while we were cooking. You didn't deserve that."

"Well, it was kinda fun to have you order me around."

I quirked an eyebrow, "Really? In that case, come sit by me."

He came over and sat on the pillow next to me. I took his hand and put my head on his shoulder. "I'm glad we talked, Senpai. You're my friend and I don't want to lose you. Thank you for looking out for my safety."

"Always."

.

That went better than I thought. She definitely had a point – what I did wasn't respectful. I'll never do that again.

It feels great to have her head on my shoulder and her hand in mine. I don't ever want to lose this. Her friendship is invaluable to me.

We'd be good together. We'd support each other and our strengths complement each other. Maybe this is what my parents want to talk to me about.

She dozed off watching the fountain. I leaned my head on top of hers and settled down to enjoy this while I had the chance.

.

xXx

.

Meanwhile…

"Kyoya, can I talk to you…In private?"

"What do you need, Tamaki. I'm working on getting my father away from Haruhi." Does he really think I have time for his silly antics?

"I need to talk to you about Haruhi. Please, Kyoya."

"OK, my room."

.

"What is it, Tamaki? Spit it out."

"Last night, I asked Haruhi to be my girlfriend."

Fuck. Is he kidding? Have I lost her? No – I'll get her. There is no way she is slipping through my fingers.

In my coldest, deepest voice I asked, "You broke our agreement? No romantic decisions for Haruhi. Remember?" He at least had the decency to look embarrassed. Good – he should be and worse.

"But, Kyoya, I couldn't help myself. After that thug punched me he said I never asked Haruhi to be my girlfriend. He was right and last night in the hot springs was the perfect time."

Wait…What? "You asked her in the hot springs? With Renge and Kaoru there?"

"No, they'd left." Why was he giving me puppy eyes? I'm not forgiving him for this.

"It was just the two of you, alone in the hot springs, wearing only towels, and you thought it was the perfect time? What the hell, Tamaki. Are you insane?" What happened after he asked her? What did they do in the water? Shit.

"Sit and tell me what happened – word for word. Don't leave anything out," I ordered, pointing at a chair. I need to stop reacting until I know everything.

I stayed quiet as he told the story. At least Haruhi had figured it out. But, why the hell did she have to kiss him. Tamaki, Kaoru, Kasanoda, and Hikaru (not that that one was her fault). I guess it doesn't matter if they kiss her first, as long as I kiss her last. And kissing better be has far as it goes with any of those idiots.

"Kyoya? Is she right? Can I be her friend and still do all those things?"

"Yes, Tamaki. If that kiss didn't feel right, friends is perfect. You both will be good friends." Yeah, good friends. Nothing more. Then less time with her once she and I are dating. All this is good news. Kaoru and Tamaki are just friends. Hikaru is off the table completely. My competition is down to Kasanoda, Mori-senpai, and Honey-senpai, and I can't imagine Honey-senpai being a big hurdle.

"Then I'll be the best friend I can be to her. We'll always be friends. It will be wonderful. My darling Haruhi – my friend! We'll take walks in the park, go out to dinner, watch movies, study. It will be amazing."

Idiot. "Don't get carried away. Don't regress. Everyone likes the Tamaki you are now. And stop calling her 'my Haruhi', she isn't yours."

I opened the door and gestured to the hallway, "Now get out of here. I have to deal with my father."

.

xXx

.

Back in the meditation room…

I woke up and realized I'd fallen asleep, again, this time leaning on Mori-senpai. I sat up abruptly.

"Sorry, Senpai. I didn't mean to fall asleep." I hope I didn't drool on him.

"No problem. I dozed a little myself."

"Yeah, we're all tired with this going on." I looked up at him, "Are we really safe here?" I could feel myself shaking. I had a horrible dream last night. It took Kaoru forever to calm me down. I'm so glad he was there.

"Yes, Haruhi. We are safe here. We will be safe this week, and after Kyoya enacts his plan and neutralizes his father, we'll still be safe."

"Thanks, Senpai." I'm really comfortable sitting here with Mori-senpai. He's a wonderful friend. Even when we have a disagreement, we both want the best for the other. "Can we sit here for a little while longer? It's calming here."

"Of course. I often search out the meditation room to find my center."

"Thanks."

.

"Has anyone seen Mori-senpai or Haruhi?"

"No, Kaoru, I haven't."

"Renge-chan, Kao-chan, I think I know where they might be. The meditation room. Follow me." That's where Takashi goes to find peace. He could have taken her there. She's been so upset lately.

"Takashi? Are you in here?" I opened the door and found the two of them leaning against the far wall and each other, holding hands. What?

"Hello, Honey-senpai. Mori-senpai was showing me the fountain and helping me calm down. I'm so stressed I feel like I could jump out of my skin."

She looked so sweet there. And calm. "It must be working, Haru-chan. You look rested." Why couldn't she be with me calming down? "Do you want some cake?"

"Actually, Honey-senpai, a big bowl of strawberries sounds really good right now." She turned to Takashi, "Do you think they have some in the kitchen?"

Takashi nodded. They got up and we all walked to the kitchen.

.

"Where are Ritsu, Tamaki-senpai, and Kyoya-senpai?" Did they get lost in this huge house?

"Kasanoda is blowing off steam swimming laps. Kyoya-senpai is working on the plan for his father. Last I heard from the Boss, he was talking to Kyoya-senpai."

"I'm going to check in with security," Mori-senpai murmured as he walked out the door.

"I think I'll take my strawberries to the pool and talk to Ritsu."

.

"Ritsu? Want some strawberries?" I noticed the last time we went swimming, but even more now…his muscular back really is…attractive.

"Sure." He sat down next to me and grabbed a couple. "What did you do last night while we were going over boring security?" He gave me a silly grin.

I told him about the hot springs and Tamaki-senpai. He tensed when I said I kissed Tamaki.

"What? You kissed that idiot? Why? Why would you do that?" His face was getting red. He was angry.

"Don't get angry. Let me explain. There was a good reason."

I continued describing the conversation and relief flooded through his face. "Wow – you got him to realize that he loves you as a friend? Really? That's great! I didn't think anyone could do that.

"Congratulations," he reached over and hugged me – got me all wet. "One less of those jerks sniffing around."

"What does that mean?" Sniffing around? Huh?

"Haruhi, we've talked about this. They all are attracted to you. Now you've eliminated Kaoru and Tamaki-senpai. Who's next?"

"What do you mean, 'who's next'? They are all my friends. Kaoru and Tamaki-senpai just needed reminding."

He sighed and looked at me for a few minutes, studying my face. It seemed he was deciding on a course of action. I just sat, eating strawberries.

Finally, he broke the silence, "Morinozuka-senpai, Kyoya-senpai, and I want you for our girlfriend. We all like you a lot and want to have you for ourselves. We're selfish jerks, we can't help it."

"What about Honey-senpai?"

"He thinks he loves you, but it's the same as Tamaki. He's just mixed up a bit."

"Mori-senpai, Kyoya-senpai, and you. You're the only one that's said anything to me about it." This is confusing, getting this dumped on me. "What am I supposed to do – choose?" That's totally unfair. What's the matter with these guys? I only have Ritsu's word for this. I don't doubt his honesty, but maybe he's mistaken.

"No, you don't have to choose. You never have to choose any of us. It's up to you. You shouldn't feel pressured to feel that way about us."

He sounds so sincere. "What about Mori-senpai and Kyoya-senpai – they've never said anything. How do I know you are right about them?"

"I am. I'm a guy and I can just tell. I'm letting you know so you aren't surprised later." He laughed at me. I probably have a weird look on my face. This is all so bizarre. "Are you going to eat those? If not, I'll finish them off."

I had forgotten all about the strawberries. I'm lucky I didn't drop the bowl. "I'm going to eat them, but I'll share."

"Thanks."

.

xXx

.

Why is lunch so odd? Haru-chan keeps looking at me, Takashi, and Kyo-chan. Did we do something? I don't think I did. We all are working on the security. Maybe that's it; I'm sure she's worried about her safety.

That can't be it. Kasanoda-chan is also involved in security and she's not looking at him.

"I'm going to go take a nap." She stood to leave.

"Haru-chan, aren't you hungry? You barely ate anything."

"I'm not hungry, Honey-senpai, just very tired. I didn't sleep well last night."

"No kidding. It took forever for you to calm down after that nightmare."

"Yeah, I know. Thanks for helping me with that, Kaoru." She smiled at him and I realized that must mean they are still sleeping in the same bed.

"I'll be back down in a couple hours. We can do something fun then." She walked out of the room. She really did look tired.

.

"Nightmare, Kaoru? Are you still sleeping in her bed?" What the Fuck! "Just what is going on with you two?"

He scanned our faces and replied, "Nothing. We are both having trouble sleeping so we share a bed. I explained all this to you. All we do is sleep. I don't even kiss her goodnight on the forehead. You all need to calm down."

"Calm down? Calm down, he says." Tamaki glared at Kaoru, "She should not be sharing her bed with boys!"

Mori-senpai banged his fist on the table and stood up. We all jerked our heads to him – what is he up to?

"Tamaki, explain why you were alone with her in the hot springs, kissing."

From the look on Kasanoda's face, it was clear he already knew. She must have told him. They are entirely too close.

"How do you know that, Mori-senpai?" There was a definite tremor in Tamaki's voice.

"I checked the security cameras."

"Wait! Mori-senpai, are you saying you have security cameras in the hot springs? Where people could be naked?" Kaoru's more upset than he should be. We all have cameras in our houses. "Do you have them in the changing rooms too? What the hell?"

Tamaki was on his feet, leaning over the table towards Mori-senpai, "That is a huge invasion of privacy. What will happen when Haruhi finds out?"

"There are no cameras in the changing rooms or any guest room or bathroom in this building. Cameras in the hot springs can be turned off if the occupants wish."

"I believe we should have been informed of that, Mori-senpai." Not that I mind. We have cameras everywhere in our house. My father insists on it. How else is he going to spy on us? It comes with the Ootori name.

"Well I'm glad he didn't. How else would we know that this idiot put the moves on Haruhi?" Kaoru was also on his feet, pointing at Tamaki. "You better explain yourself, Boss."

Tamaki ran his hands through his hair. He was fidgeting with his silverware, sure sign of him being nervous. I wonder how the rest of them will take this news.

"First off, she kissed me. And, second, we're just friends." He held up his hands in surrender. "Please let me explain. If you don't like it, you can kill me after."

He told the story almost word for word what he told me. His audience's faces went from anger to confusion to denial to relief. Relief that he was just a friend. Relief that Haruhi didn't feel that way about him. Relief that she convinced him.

"So, we're just good friends. I still get to do all the things I wanted to do with her when I wanted her to be my girlfriend…walks in the park, going out to eat, shopping, watching movies, studying…"

"OK, Boss. We get it."

"Are we done with this? I need to get back to setting up my father's take-down." I stood and walked out.

.

xXx

.

"Takashi? Can we talk?"

"Meditation room."

.

"You heard Tama-chan's story. Do you believe it?"

"Yes."

I couldn't look him in the face, I was too embarrassed. "Takashi, I thought I was in love with Haru-chan."

"You thought?"

"I wanted her to be mine. I wanted her as a girlfriend. But, after hearing Tama-chan's story, I realize I'm just like him. I want to do fun things with Haru-chan, and I thought she'd be a great girlfriend to do them with." I looked him in the eye and took a deep breath, "When he talked about kissing her, that's exactly how I would feel. It would be very awkward to kiss Haru-chan. And do other things? No. I can't even picture it.

What does this mean?"

He ruffled my hair and explained, "It means you will be great friends, and nothing more. It doesn't need to be more. You can have the relationship you want with Haruhi by being her friend. I know she wants you to be."

"Thanks, Takashi."

I jumped up and skipped out of the room, "Yea! Haru-chan's my friend."

.

xXx

.

"Kyoya-senpai? Can I talk to you for a minute?"

I turned around and she was in my doorway, looking at me with those huge brown eyes. I needed to get this next phase done, but how can I turn those eyes away? How can I turn those legs away – cute shorts and a sleeveless shirt? Kaoru sure knows how to dress her.

"Come in. Sit down." She shut the door behind her and sat in the indicated chair. Why did she close the door?

She looked nervous. "I wanted to thank you for all you've done." She squirmed in her seat and I put my hand on her knee to calm her. Her skin is so smooth. "Thank you for standing up to your father.

"It's hard for me to picture your relationship with him. It's so different from my own with my dad." She looked down at my hand and covered it with one of hers. "Whatever your relationship is, it can't be easy to stand up to him. I just wanted you to know I appreciate it, and if there is anything I can do, please let me know. I want him out of my life as much as the rest of you, probably more."

"I'm glad to do it for you. He should be my problem, not yours. I'm just glad you're safe until this plan goes into effect." She flashed me her natural smile. It does make my stomach flip. I wonder what it would be like to lean in and take her lips….

"Kyoya-senpai? What's wrong? You're staring at me. Do I have wrinkles on my face from my nap?" I pulled away as she started to rub her face, trying to smooth it out I guess. That was close. Probably not the best time either.

"No, Haruhi. Nothing's wrong. I was just thinking." Thinking about kissing you.

"Oh, OK."

"I might take you up on your offer later tonight. I have a few things you can do to help with my father." And, we'd get to spend some more time alone.

"I want to help. I want him gone." The look of determination and anger in her face was priceless. She is going to be a great lawyer someday.

"I'll let you know."

"Thanks, Senpai." And she left the room. She left me in a fantasy; I'll never get anything done for a while. Might as well go downstairs and see what everyone is up to.

.

xXx

.

They decided on an Air Hockey tournament. With eight, they drew straws for brackets and started the elimination round into the semi-finals. Some definitely took this more seriously than others…

Kaoru/Renge Match…

"Renge, you have to aim for the goal. Just getting it over there isn't the point."

"I'm trying – I've never played this stupid game before."

It was a slaughter.

Tamaki/Haruhi Match…

"Just to warn everyone – the last time I played this, I kept hitting the puck off the table."

"How did you manage that?"

"It's a gift."

She only launched the puck once. Honey managed to catch it before it hit Renge in the face.

Tamaki let his friend win, and actually wasn't too obvious about it.

Kasanoda/Honey Match…

Don't let him fool you. Honey is very competitive in lots of things – not just martial arts. Kasanoda is no slouch either. Their game took forever, neither giving an inch.

"There is no way you are winning this, Senpai. I play the fellas all the time."

"I never lose, Kasanoda-chan."

"You will this time."

Winning by one point, Kasanoda. Someone (Renge) whispered about cake and broke Honey's concentration. She said it was an accident.

Mori/Kyoya Match…

As much as he liked winning, Kyoya didn't want to take this seriously. He was talked into this because they needed an eighth person. He'd rather watch. But he couldn't just give the match to Mori.

"I thought you didn't want to play, Kyoya."

"I can't just stand here and let Mori-senpai shoot straight down the table. Where's the fun in that, Tamaki?"

It wasn't a slaughter, but Mori did win by a clear margin.

Next were the semi-finals. They drew straws again for the brackets, wanting to mix it up.

Mori/Kaoru Match…

While Kaoru had the experience, Mori had the reach. It was a hard-fought battle.

"It's like you're rushing the net in tennis. Your arms are so long, you can hit it back as soon as it clears the line."

"Deal with it."

When it came down to it, reach won over experience, but only by two points.

Kasanoda/Haruhi Match…

To say Haruhi was nervous to play Kasanoda, was an understatement. Kasanoda was not going to let her win; she had to fight for it. One puck that she launched off the game smacked Tamaki in the arm. The second hit the far wall. And the third was caught by Kyoya.

"How the hell are you getting them to fly across the room? It's hard to play that bad."

"We all know I'm not good at games like this, Ritsu. I embrace my inner incompetence and enjoy myself."

"I'm glad you enjoy it without winning."

It was a slaughter, but Kasanoda got a hug at the end.

Finals: Mori/Kasanoda Match…

The finals match was exciting. Kasanoda was a fiend and wouldn't give Mori an inch. Mori, meanwhile, made returning the puck look effortless with his reach.

They each had their own cheering section and all the yelling and screaming could be heard throughout the building. The staff smiled at their antics.

"Ready to give up yet, Senpai?"

"No. Are you ready to lose?"

"No way in hell."

This game went on the longest. The number of times the puck went back and forth without scoring was insane. Slowly, one fought for point at a time, the score crept up.

Match point came up. Mori's cheering section decided to play a trick on Kasanoda. Renge, Tamaki, and Honey snuck behind Kasanoda and right before he took a shot they jumped out and yelled, "Boo."

Idiots.

Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect. Kasanoda, well trained to not flinch, didn't even move as he made his shot. Mori, however, was not expecting it and let the puck through to his goal while distracted.

They all cheered and laughed. Kasanoda declared it a tie.

It wasn't quite time for dinner – a video game tournament was declared. Only Kaoru, Tamaki, Kasanoda, and Honey wanted to play. Renge, Haruhi, and Mori watched. Kyoya went back to his laptop.

.

Dinner was interrupted by everyone's phone going off

Picture: Haruhi in the host club locker room, changing her shirt to a fresh one without tea stains.

Text: Nice figure, slut.

"I've had enough of your father, Senpai. This won't work anymore."

Is she typing a response? "Haruhi? What are you doing?"

"I'm responding to your father. I can't take this."

Text: Leave me alone. I'm not going anywhere.

"Are you insane? Haven't you ever heard the saying 'don't poke the bear'? I have no idea what he's going to do in response."

"Kyoya-senpai, I don't care. I can't be frightened anymore. I have to take my life back." She looked over to Mori-senpai and asked, "I'm safe here, right? That's what you all keep telling me."

"Yes, you're safe. It doesn't mean you should anger him."

"Relax, it's not like I called him a 'rich bastard' or anything."

Picture: Haruhi walking into a boys' bathroom

Text: More where this came from, bitch. I can ruin you at that school.

"Haruhi!" I stopped her before she could type a response. Give me your phone," she hesitated, "Now!"

"Why? Responding felt so good. I should have been doing this from the beginning rather than lying down and getting trampled on."

Mori-senpai, who was sitting next to her, grabbed her phone and handed it to me.

"No more responses."

"But, Mo…."

"No more responses."

"OK." She was pouting. It was cute, but not the expression on her face that I wanted to see.

"Haru-chan stop pouting. Kyo-chan and Takashi are right. Don't antagonize people that are already half insane with rage. He could lash out in many ways without even coming here."

.

Yoshio: That little bitch. Does she think that she can cross me? No one defies me and gets away with it.

What shall I do to retaliate? Burn her apartment to the ground? Have her father's bar robbed? Ruin them financially? Have children's services take her away from her father and put her in an orphanage? So many possibilities…

.

Mori and Kasanoda let their security know to be even more alert.

.

"Let's watch a movie, Haru-chan. Something funny."

"OK, Honey-senpai. I'll get the popcorn."

So now I'm here in their own personal movie theater. Rich Bastards. Not only do they have their own private hot springs retreat, but inside it they have a game room, pool – in addition to the hot springs, and a movie theater. None of this is even necessary.

I have no idea what movie they put on. I'm too tired to watch it. I'm lying here with my head on Kaoru's lap and he's playing with my hair. I'll just close my eyes…

.

"No! No! Run! Run faster!" … "Help!"

"She's really thrashing around. What should we do?"

"Calm down, Tamaki-senpai. This is like the dream she had last night." I leaned over her and tried to wake her up. "Haruhi? Haruhi? Wake up. You're safe here. No one is chasing you. Wake up. You won't get hurt."

She finally settled down and her eyes flew open. Once she saw me, she flung her arms up, grabbed me, and pulled me to her.

"Kaoru. It was awful. I couldn't find dad. I couldn't find any of you. I was just running and I could hear an evil voice in the background." She started to cry against my chest. I rocked her making soothing noises.

"Shit. Is she having those every night?"

"Not every night, Kasanoda, but the one last night was worse than this one."

She cried herself out quickly and sat up. "I'm OK. Just frazzled from the dream. You can start the movie again."

Tamaki turned the movie back on. Haruhi liked getting back to normal after one of these dreams. She was sitting on the other end of our sofa, watching the movie with empty eyes.

.

We took a break in between movies and Haruhi came over to me.

"Kyoya-senpai, can I help tonight?"

"Yes, come up as soon as you can."

.

About a half hour into the second movie I looked around. Everyone but Tamaki and Renge was asleep. They were over on a sofa by themselves, whispering madly.

I walked over and said, "I'm going to read in my room. The movie isn't interesting to me."

"Good night, Haruhi."

"Good night, Senpai. Might as well let them all sleep. They can go to bed when they wake up."

And I took off for Kyoya's room.

.

xXx

.

"Haruhi, I've set you up as a buyer in one of my companies. You are going to be buying stocks in my father's companies. I'll show you how."

"One of your companies?"

"I own one large conglomerate company. It owns several smaller companies. You're going to buy for one of those."

I handed her some papers and a die. "The papers show how to do the buying. I emailed you a link to your stock account."

She held up the die and raised an eyebrow, "Chutes and Ladders?"

"Very Funny. For each purchase, roll the die and whichever number it lands on, buy that number times 1,000 shares. I've got most of what I need; you're sweeping up the balance. Don't buy shares in all those companies at once. Wait a random amount of time between 15 and 30 minutes.

"You look confused."

"Not about what I'm supposed to do. Your instructions are very clear. I'm just not sure why."

I sat down next to her on the bed, "I'll explain this part of the plan to you. All I ask is that you don't share it with the rest of them. I'll loop them in when it's time."

"Sure, Kyoya-senpai. It's your plan."

"Thanks, Haruhi," I put my hand on her knee again. "This part of the plan involves my father's companies – the companies that make up the Ootori Group. I'm basically buying them all." She looked at me funny. "Yes, really. This part has been in the works for years, I just pushed it up. I was going to finalize it by the end of the school term, but things changed and I had to do it sooner."

She was staring at me. I forget how naive she is about business and how we 'rich bastards' work with huge amounts of money on a daily basis.

"You are buying your father's companies? How does that work? Where do you get the money? I don't understand."

I took the hand that was on her knee and held her hand. "The money comes from me. I received a sum as an inheritance. Through careful investing and aggressive maneuvers, I doubled that amount several times. I also invested my leftover allowance. I don't mind spending money on important things, but I'm careful with it.

"As for buying the companies, I need to hold the majority share. In some of the smaller ones, that's more than 50% of the shares. In the larger ones, it can be less as long as it's more than the biggest voting bloc. It's obviously preferable to get more than 50%, but can be ridiculously expensive and overkill.

"Once I have that majority share, I call a meeting of the Board and basically vote myself in as Chairman. Then I'm running the company with a Board that basically has to follow my lead.

"Then I own the company, not my father. I kick him out. Some of the smaller ones are owned by my brothers. They've been incredibly simple to buy out. My brothers may fancy themselves as business men, but they are running those companies into the ground."

"Wow! I had no idea." She looked a little shell shocked.

"Haruhi," I used my other hand to tilt her face toward mine, "I want you to be part of this for several reasons. First, you should have a part in neutralizing my father after everything he's done to you and your father. Second, you should get used to working with businesses and stocks and large amounts of money. Like it or not, if you continue to hang around with us, you'll be exposed to all this. You might as well understand it. And third, it's enjoyable to have someone help me. I've been kinda lonely doing all this all by myself."

"I'm glad to help, Senpai. It's always good to learn new things, and this might help later, depending on the type of law I go into."

There we were, holding hands and I had her face looking right up into mine. The timing was perfect. Her lips were mine for the taking. But, is now the right time?

I leaned forward, kissed her cheek, and whispered, "Thank you, Haruhi." Pulling back I used my normal voice to tell her, "You can do the purchasing on your laptop in your room, or you can bring it in here."

Damn, she looks beautiful when she blushes. It's even better knowing I put it there.

"I'll bring my laptop here, Senpai. If I have any questions, you'll be right here to answer them."

.

Was that a spark I felt?

Kyoya-senpai kissed me! I know it was just on the cheek, but wow! It was weird; he barely ever touches me. Not like some others who would be all over me if I let them. Was it just a friend kiss or the start of something more?

.

"Should I just set up my laptop on the bed, Kyoya-senpai?"

"That's the best place. There's only one desk in here and I need it."

"OK."

She lay down on her stomach, propping herself up with her elbows. No shoes; waiving her feet back and forth. It's going to be a long night.

.

xXx

.

Thoughts were as varied as the people thinking them…

Kyoya: She fell asleep waiting for the next time to buy. Look at her. She's so angelic laying there. I can't believe I used that word with some of the thoughts of her that have roamed through my head recently. But, it's true. There's something so pure and innocent about her. Something that I would never want to ruin. She's blunt to a fault and strictly honest, with a brain like a whip and eyes that can stare right through me.

I want her to be my wife. I want her to help me rule my empire. She doesn't want either of those things. She doesn't want a romantic entanglement or a business; she wants to be a lawyer like her mother. The question becomes, do I want to convince her that she wants what I want for her, or do I convince her that I can help her get what she wants, or do I back away and see what happens. I may not need a wife for a while, but I'm going to have an empire by Friday.

The kiss on the cheek was the right move. Slowly. Don't scare her. She can be like a frightened animal. I do need to keep her from Kasanoda and Mori-senpai. She shouldn't get any time alone with them.

Kaoru: I wonder how long Haruhi is going to be helping Kyoya-senpai. She wasn't in her room when I came up for the night. When I found her, she told me to go on to bed and she'd be there when she finished.

It's good that she's helping Kyoya-senpai deal with his father. She should have a part in that – maybe it will help with the nightmares.

Not sure what his motive is – if it's pure or not.

Kasanoda: I heard Haninozuka-senpai skipping down the hall laughing about how Haruhi is his friend. I think Morinozuka-senpai straightened him out on his feelings toward Haruhi.

One more down. Two to go. Of course they are my strongest competition. I think at this point the best action to take is to make sure no one gets her. She'll need time to get over all this crap and find her regular life again. Time to put the hosts in their place.

That's it! I should join the Host Club and keep my eye on her. Would they let me? I bet if I asked Haruhi, she'd get them to. Shit – what would Pops say if I was part of a Host Club? What would I do about the gardening club?

Honey: Takashi really helped me understand my feelings toward Haru-chan. I understand what boys and girls do together, but I never pictured me doing that…ever. Maybe as I get older, but never with Haru-chan. That's just too weird.

I'll be her friend and keep her safe.

I can tell Takashi wants to be more than her friend. But, so do Kasanoda-chan and Kyo-chan. Should I push her towards Takashi or should I remain neutral? Maybe just get in the way if the other two start pushing her? I want to be her friend. I want to honor her request to not interfere with her life, but I'm Takashi's friend too.

Mori: It's a relief that Haruhi and I made up, and that she understands why I did what I did. I just want her to be safe, but I have to remember that she's a logical person and will listen to reason. I also can never disrespect her like that, either alone or in front of people. It doesn't matter how worried I am, nothing is worth losing her friendship.

Mitsukuni has never had a close friend that's a girl. He needed a push in the right direction. I knew he wasn't attracted to her like that. It's good that he came to his senses on his own.

Kasanoda and Kyoya are my rivals now. Kasanoda is honorable, but to a different code than mine. Kyoya is manipulative and untrustworthy. Do I trust them to keep to our agreement? Not Kyoya. Haruhi shouldn't be left alone with him.

Tamaki: Haruhi is my friend. It's wonderful. My friend Haruhi! When all this mess is over, we'll go shopping and out to eat. I'll start picking her up in my limo to take her to school. It will be great. I have to remember to keep calm and not pout. I don't want to lose her friendship.

Hikaru: Kaoru is my brother and best friend, but he doesn't understand. He doesn't understand at all. Haruhi and I are meant to be together…forever.

I've thought and thought about what I did at the dance club. It was wrong. It was the wrong way to go about it. Next time I'll do it right. Next time I'll have more time.

Renge: Tamaki-senpai is such a loon. He says he doesn't want to kiss or more with Haruhi. Does he want to do that with anyone? I always told myself that I wouldn't be surprised if he turned out to be gay. If he is, at his rate of self-awakening, he'll be middle-aged before he figures that out.

He's so blinded to his own feelings. Now that Haruhi is not a romantic interest for him, will he open himself up to other possibilities?

Between Kasanoda, Kyoya-senpai, and Mori-senpai, why do I get the feeling that Kasanoda's motives are the purest? I'm not sure what kind of couple he and Haruhi would make. There would have to be an awful lot of looking the other way.

Ranka: I'm so glad Haruhi called me earlier. I'd been so worried. Ootori-sama better get what he deserves. I'm depending on Kyoya-kun to get him to leave my darling daughter alone. He's just using her as a pawn in his vicious game with Kyoya-kun. I love Haruhi with all my heart. I don't understand how some fathers can be that way – to not care about their son. It's tragic.

This beach house is fantastic. Knowing that she's safe lets me relax and enjoy it. It will probably be my only chance to be pampered like this.

Ishikawa - Security: This sure is a huge undertaking for a commoner. Although, she might soon be Mrs. Takashi Morinozuka. That would explain everything.

Yoshio: Yes, that's a good punishment. I'll start gathering that tomorrow. She needs to learn to not talk back to me. That bitch is lower than dirt and doesn't deserve all this effort. I should have used a more direct approach, but I didn't want to draw attention to the Ootori name over this. I need to finish this quickly. Blackmail always does the job.

Haruhi: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

.

xXx

.

Author's Note: Chapter a little shorter than the last couple, but the end was a natural break.

I really don't know anything about buying out a company. You'll just have to go with it. The idea to have her buy stocks is also in another story (the objectives and circumstances are different). I tried not to make them too alike. If you get a chance, check it out. It's one of my favs…"At What Price, Love?" by Storz.

Interesting stuff going on. Honey is now off the table. He was always the most obvious 'just friends'.

Had to put the fluff in there. The air hockey tournament was probably only funny to me, but hopefully it didn't suck.

We're getting down to the wire – only a couple days until Kyoya launches his plan. More details coming up.

.

Next Chapter: Back in the hot springs, Renge and Haruhi becoming friends, more about the plan, and maybe a twist.

.