Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews. They keep me going. Ignoring politics, I'd like to ask you all to be safe. Wear your masks. Stay home when you can. Wash your hands and don't touch your face. This country is one big germ cocktail and flu season is upon us.

Enjoy!

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xXx

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Date Posted: 11/14/2020

Trigger Warnings: Language and a little smooching

The Way Forward - Chapter 8: Mix And Match

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Tuesday, April 26 (Continued):

Conference Room, Hitachiin Studios:

"Excuse me," Haruhi pulled her phone out, "I had an interview last week for 'Dog's Life Magazine' as a leadup to the national dog show. It was highly inappropriate, and I believe you all should hear it."

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Interview recording played [Chapter 5]

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The room went apeshit

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"Publicity Stunt!?"

"Darling of the pet industry?"

"Is he kidding?"

"He said you weren't making the decisions?"

"Seriously – what the fuck?"

"You dated Ootori for a year?"

The last question hit me out of the blue, and I remember saying, "Please." My hands were over my ears, and I refused to let the tears fall.

Kaoru grabbed the meeting and quieted everyone down. "Let's go through this carefully. We're all angry at the reporter but put that aside for now. We need damage control."

He looked around the room and realized that Sato-san, Petto Chinmi's council, was the only lawyer at the meeting. "Sato-san, what legal issues do you see?"

I stopped my lawyer with a look. "Before we go any further, you need to know what I did after the interviewer was escorted out of my office by security, and how I resolved this issue."

The few strange looks directed at me were disappointing. Did they think that I hadn't done anything about this? That I didn't have a clue how to go forward?

I told them about my phone call to the editor, our new agreement, and how I approved the final article. "As for the 'Dog's Life' article, there's nothing to be done."

Kaoru was stunned, and Hikaru burst out laughing. "Way to go, Haruhi!"

Finally, Yuzuha-san said to me, "Your solution was perfect, Haruhi. In fact," she smiled around the room, "I believe it's just what I would have done."

"Now do you believe me?" Gorou-san asked, and I nodded with a smile.

"May I see the final article?"

"It's the one we approved on Friday, Endo-san."

"Excellent. I was confused when I heard that interview and couldn't connect it with the approved article."

Kaoru took the meeting back again. "Sato-san, do you see any legal issues now?"

"No. I read the contract, and everything has been fulfilled. The magazine comes out the Friday before the show and will be at the magazine's booth as well as ours. Unless the article that is published isn't the approved version, there are no issues."

"That just leaves us with the reporter." Yuzuha-san's grin was pure evil.

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xXx

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Sushi Restaurant, Near Petto Chinmi:

I'd cleared this restaurant long ago for security and was honored and surprised when Haruhi-sama asked me to join her Petto Chinmi team for lunch.

It's a small, family run sushi place. A place any member of my team could afford. Right now, it's full of businessmen and women from the surrounding offices. They do a brisk business, and their oldest daughter is an excellent server with a bubbly personality.

When I was on this detail long ago, the other Host Club member's security teams told me Haruhi-sama was the most unusual primary to have. She acknowledges her security staff. Includes them in her planning and follows instructions with no complaint. She also cooks for them. I didn't believe it until she served my team and me breakfast on the first day. And this was when her father was alive, and they didn't have much money.

Goto-san looks even more surprised than I am. As the Morinozuka security representative for Haruhi-sama stationed at Petto-Chinmi, his duties rarely take him outside the offices, as Haruhi-sama usually has her food delivered if she's working over a meal. He's especially uncomfortable sitting at the table with the office team.

"Does Petto Chinmi have any special follow-up actions from the meeting?"

"Not really." Tanaki-sama looked at his notes. "Gorou-san will confirm the correct article comes out in the magazine, but there's no reason to suspect it won't. Goto-san has already sent out notices to the warehouse and stores with the reporter's picture. He's not to be allowed on the premises, and no one is to answer any of his questions."

"I've already contacted Morinozuka Security for a deep background investigation," I reassured her.

"Thank you, Eiji. Please make sure the bill comes to Petto Chinmi. The interview was for the company, so we'll pay for it."

"Of course, Haruhi-sama." She's a class act.

"Good." Haruhi-sama's eyes were a flat glare. "I never want to see him again. I still don't understand why he did that."

"We may never."

"As for the other actions being taken, Morinozuka security will be notifying the rest of the other families' security teams about him. He'll be banned from any contact with the Haninozuka's, Morinozuka's, Suoh's, Ootori's, Hitachiin's, Houshakuji's, Shido's, Watanabe's, Cho's, Sugahara's, Kasanoda's, and Himura's."

I checked off the names as I listed them. He insulted the elite of the elite of Japan and will face the consequences. Idiot.

"Excellent." She lowered her voice and whispered to me, "I assume the Ootori's because of Yuki."

"Yes," I whispered back and saw her fisted hands relax.

The national dog show was the topic of conversation for the rest of the meal.

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We'd parked at the office and walked to the restaurant. On the way back, I noticed a GO salon I'd never seen before. Tucked back down an alley behind a flower store, the sign was easy to miss.

Maybe I should play a game?

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xXx

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Afternoon, Watanabe Flagship Salon:

"Are you fucking kidding me? Pedicures? This is your idea of a date?"

"Will you shut up. I won the bet, and we're having pedicures." I smirked at him. "Be glad we're not getting waxed."

"You're fucking killing me, Bu."

.

Alright. So maybe this isn't that bad. I'm sitting here with a drink. Yeah, ok, it's juice and not a beer, but whatever. My feet are soaking in hot water, and the annoying crap that's been spinning in my head is shutting the fuck up.

Bu has really cute feet. I've never noticed.

"Did you hear from Kono about that reporter?"

"Nope."

"Tetsuya told me about this reporter that came at Haruhi hard with a bunch of bullshit for a simple article."

"Like what?"

"Asking all this crap about Ranka's death, saying she didn't run her own company, implying all her rich friends help her with everything, and then asked her about dating dickless for a year."

"Dickless as in…"

"Yep." Didn't want to say 'Ootori' in public. Really don't want to ever say that sack of shit's name again.

"Shit. What did she do?"

That's when the massage chair started. "Mmmmmmm." Damn that feels good.

She tossed her hair and smirked at me.

I told her everything that I knew about the interview and what Haruhi did after. "She's fearless."

"So why did you hear about this from Tetsuya, and why would I hear about it from Kono?"

"Morinozuka security passed it on to all of our security details. All the families are banning the reporter from everything."

"Hell, yeah. Don't mess with our friends."

Oh shit. Now this nail chick is rubbing my feet. Gotta keep the grin off my face and the glare in my eyes. But that's real damn hard when she moved to my calves. Do these things always feel this fucking good?

How have I never had one of these before?

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Well, would you look at Asshole over there. He's doing his best, but it just isn't good enough. I can totally tell he's enjoying himself.

Next thing you know, his eyes will roll back in his head.

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I finished my juice, and another appeared right away. There's no pampering like this at the compound. I call for another can of something and one of the fellas throws it at me.

The nail part didn't suck, but that leg massage…

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xXx

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Afternoon, Bun Bun's Offices:

The main push of the hiring event was over. Tanaka-san, my CEO, Nakamura-san, my CIO, and Matsumoto-san, my COO are briefing me on today's events.

"We decided to contract out the website for now. It needs immediate rebuilding, and I can't get a new team up and ready that quickly."

"Makes sense." I pulled another piece of cake towards me. "What's the timeline?"

Nakamura-san went through the steps and timeline for the website, electronic security, and new ordering systems. I got lost quickly, but that's why I hire experts. I asked him to use less technical language and understood right away.

I wonder if Haru-chan has this much fun at her company. Nah, she doesn't have cake.

Matsumoto-san and I discussed the product development team at length. If we don't have good cakes and cookies and cupcakes and pastries and pies, having a bakery is stupid.

I met several of the new hires throughout the day. The team is shaping up well. Cho-chan will be so happy.

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xXx

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Late Afternoon, GO Salon:

Eiji deployed us around the GO Salon and sent me in with Fujioka-sama. I'd been on her detail since she moved in with the Morinozuka's and found the detail boring. School, work, out with friends. So far, the most interesting thing I'd done was guard her in a GO Salon in Karuizawa. Now we were trying out one near her office.

Since I'm the only one on her team that can play at a level that won't arouse suspicion in a salon, I'll be going in with her.

The stale smell and worn carpet didn't give me much hope, but the hostess was nice, and the manager introduced himself to Fujioka-sama.

"Welcome to my GO salon. I'm the owner and manager, Hatano."

"Fujioka Haruhi." She smiled and bowed. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the hostess's eyes widen in shock. Clearly, she recognized the name.

"Welcome, Fujioka-san. Please come in. What type of game are you interested in?"

"Is someone available for a teaching game? I have a weakness or two that need work."

As he led her towards a table with three men in their forty's, the hostess said to me, "I apologize for my father ignoring you. We have so few women and girls come in; he's excited."

I smiled and introduced myself. "Ebisu."

"Hatano."

"I'm an average, casual player. Can you recommend someone for me to play, Hatano-chan?"

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I was introduced to the three men at the table. The one not playing turned to me. "Teaching game? Why don't we play a quick game to see what your level is?"

"Thank you."

I'd never played someone with quite this approach before. He kept me on my toes, but I'm sure he was going easy. I made it almost to end game before I resigned.

"Not bad. Now that I know where you need some work, we can have a productive teaching game."

This is what I needed. Something quiet. Something that requires my entire mind, so my thoughts don't spin.

.

I did my best to not look like I was staring. Fujioka Haruhi. Here, in my father's salon.

I never thought I'd see her in person. I want to be just like her.

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xXx

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Late Afternoon, Hitachiin Studios:

"Alright, girls. These racks have all the pieces of the 'Every Woman' line in all the different colors." I gestured to several racks. "We need to find your outfit for the show this weekend."

"Wow! You designed all these?" Yuki asked in wonder.

"He sure did." Hika came up behind me and tossed his arm around my shoulder. "Isn't my little brother the best!"

I gave him a mock glare and shoved his arm off. "Yes, I designed them all." Walking over to the racks, I waved my arms. "Let me give you a rundown of how this will work."

Mao handed me a water bottle, and I continued after a big gulp. "All my pieces are sold separately, so you can buy just one piece of a suit, like a skirt, and a shirt to match. Or you can buy the entire suit."

"Interesting concept." Keiko-senpai had come over and started looking through the suits. "Mix and match."

Naoko pulled Yuki over and they both looked through the scarves. "What made you think of doing it this way?"

"Haruhi, of course." I smiled thinking of all the stores she showed me. "She and I did extensive research in commoner stores, and Mao and I looked through just about every women's magazine that exists. So much was focused on price and getting as much out of one piece as possible."

.

Kaoru and I had already come up with a plan for the girls, so I wheeled out the racks for them.

"Ladies find your nametag. That's your outfit for Saturday."

After they'd all grabbed their clothes, they started to compare.

"I get it." Cho-senpai squealed and spun around. "We're all wearing the same suit. Gray with white pinstripe."

"Exactly."

Kaoru walked them through it. "The five of you are wearing the same suit, simply different pieces. I want to show how the same suit with different shirts and scarves can be done in five unique ways, one for every day of the week."

"This matches my emerald earrings perfectly," Renge said, holding up the green shirt.

Kaoru cleared his throat. "Renge, you can wear your engagement ring, but all other jewelry worn by any of you will be commoner jewelry. Don't worry," he held up his hands to stop the outbursts, "I've selected them to not only work with your clothes, but your personalities."

"What about shoes?"

"Shoes, too." He glanced at me, and I gave him a thumbs up. "All the models will be wearing garments from my line and jewelry and shoes from commoner stores. The goal is to show 'Every Woman' in Japan they can afford to look great."

"Are my shoes pink to match the shirt?"

"Yes, Cho-senpai. I wouldn't dare dress you in anything but pink."

"Yea!" She bounced on her toes and clapped her hands. Could she be any more perfect for Honey-senpai?

"Why don't you all go try them on. Since these are standard sizes, we may have to adjust up or down a size. I made my best guess."

Kaoru and I watched them head for the changing rooms.

"I've never worn off the rack before."

"True, but these clothes are so nice."

"And I'm wearing pink."

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I knew I would be late, but not this late.

"Sorry, Kaoru," I called, running into the studio. That treadmill is helping. I couldn't run like this before.

"No worries. The girls are just finishing their photo shoot."

"Another photo shoot?"

"This is for the program, not advertising. I can't afford their rates." With a wink and a kiss on the cheek, he handed me a set of clothes. "Go try these on. We'll need some pictures for the program."

I stopped and stared at the other girls on my way to change. Amazing. All one suite with different shirts and scarves.

"Haruhi." Kaoru came up and nudged me. "Get going."

"I had to stop. That gray pinstripe is one of my favorites. It goes with anything."

"Absolutely. That's why I chose it for them. As a group, they showcase an entire week in one suit."

"Haruhi, where have you been?" Renge asked as they surrounded me.

"I was at the office ironing out details about advertising and the national dog show." I reached up and fingered Yuki's lapel. "You all are beautiful."

"I know." Naoko came over and snuggled up against Kaoru. "My man knows how to dress a woman."

"Thank you," he said and kissed her.

"Break it up, Kaoru. You know you're mine."

"But Hikaru, there's enough of me for both you and Naoko."

I turned to a changing room. "Whatever."

.

By the time Haruhi came out, we'd all changed and several of the girls had left. I was sitting on Kaoru's lap, and we were whispering things that would make our friends blush and our parents completely collapse.

"Well, Kaoru?"

"Perfect. You'll look great on the catwalk."

Haruhi glared and put her hands on her hips. "I can't believe you're going to do that to me."

I can't believe he's not letting me on the catwalk. I'm his girlfriend.

"There's nothing to worry about. We'll do a practice walk to make sure you're comfortable."

"Not sure I'll ever be comfortable with this." Her smile made her look ill. "But I'm learning."

Hikaru offered her his arm. "Come on, Haruhi. Let's get you changed, and we'll leave these lovebirds alone."

.

Naoko's hands trailed fire up my bare back, and I didn't even try to hold back a low moan. "Don't stop."

"Never."

The studio was dark, but the moonlight through the windows lit up her face. I'm so lucky.

I cupped her face and kissed her with everything I had.

But she pulled back.

"Naoko?"

"Why can't you escort me on the red carpet?"

I thought we'd settled this. "I designed the line, and Haruhi is the face. I have to escort her. It's the only way that makes sense."

"Hikaru couldn't do it?"

"No. He'd have to pretend to be me, and I'd be him. Then you'd be linked to him. It's not right." I ran my fingers through her hair. "I'm the designer. It's not fair to me for him to do that."

"I guess." The sadness in her voice made me cringe. We've talked about all this before. Why is she still asking?

My lips left a warm kiss on hers. "I'll only be dancing with you at the afterparty."

"You better."

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xXx

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Evening, Shido Estate:

"Naoko, Keiko, and I are walking the red carpet together. Along with Cho and Renge, we're dressed as five days with the same suit. Mix and match pieces."

I smiled but tried to not make it look indulgent. She can't feel like I'm patronizing her. "That's exciting. Will you be answering press questions?"

"No. Kaoru just wants us posing. He'll handle the interviews."

"Good choice," Kyoya mumbled. I had to agree.

The Shido's decided to host a weekly family dinner to help Yuki-chan get to know us and as another way for us to get to know each other. I plan to take her on a walk through their gardens after dinner.

Fuyumi, the concerned guardian, asked about an afterparty.

"Hosted by Moyasu* on their third floor. It's where the last few Hitachiin afterparties have been held."

"Doesn't Morinozuka Takashi own that?" Umeji-san asked.

Yuki nodded. "But not many people know that. He's kept it quiet."

"No surprise there," Kyoya said.

The maids brought out the next course, and dinner conversation turned to school.

"Do you have everything you need to start Ouran next week, Yuki-chan?" I'm surprised Kyoya asked, but he is trying to be less of a dick, and he did write that contract to help Yuki.

"Yes. Thank you, Kyoya-senpai." How can anyone not fall for that sweet smile. "I was fitted for the new uniform, and it was delivered today. Naoko and I went to the 100-Yen store for kawaii school supplies. And books will be there for the first day of classes."

"What's the new uniform like?"

As she described the uniform, my mind drifted to our time in Hawaii. The discussion we had about our fathers was a break-through and brought us together over common ground. But I can't stop thinking about that kiss on the beach.

I sound like a teenaged boy talking about his first kiss. Oh well, that's what it felt like.

"What about you, Akito?"

I pulled my attention back from fantasy land. "Registered for classes and books are ready. Started reading ahead and found a couple study groups. I'm looking forward to studying the specialty I've wanted from the beginning."

Kyoya nodded and finished his bite. "Good. It's about time the people in this family do what they want."

"Uncle Kyoya! Uncle Kyoya!"

"Yes, Sota-kun?"

It's fascinating how his voice changes when he talks to our nephew. Kyoya actually becomes a human with a heart.

"I'm starting school too! At Ouran. Elementary school." The kid was bouncing in his chair, so excited he waved his fork in the air and rice flew across the table.

"Sota. Be careful with your fork."

"I'm sorry, Mom." He grinned at Fuyumi, sorry he did it, but not fazed by her words. "I am starting school too."

"And do you have your uniform ready?" Kyoya ruffled his hair. "And your supplies?"

"I do. I do. I'm all ready. I can't wait!"

Yuki-chan flashed Sota-kun a big smile. "And because the elementary and high school start close to the same time in the morning, we'll be riding to Ouran together."

"Wow. That's great! I'll get to ride with Yuki-chan!"

The two of them talked non-stop about the trip to Ouran, with Yuki-chan answering all kinds of questions. Having her around has helped Sota-kun move away from Fuyumi a bit and become more independent.

When dessert was served, Sota-kun dove into his ice cream without missing a beat of their conversation.

"Oh!" Fuyumi's hand went to her stomach while the other covered her mouth.

Instantly the doctor in me leapt to attention. "Are you alright? Are you in pain?" I grabbed her wrist to take her pulse.

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At first, I didn't know what Akito was talking about. Pain? I realized he meant the baby when he tried to take my pulse.

"Sorry," I said, pulling my hand back, "I'm fine. I just remembered something."

All three men at the table had the same silly relieved look on their face. It was hard not to laugh.

"I still need to call Haruhi-chan and ask her about different female-oriented charities."

"Haruhi-chan? I want to see Haruhi-chan!" My son has sharp ears.

"No, Honey. I only need to ask her some questions. We'll talk over the phone."

"I want to see Haruhi-chan. It's been foreeeeever." Now he's starting to whine. Great.

"We'll see, but you have to stop using that tone of voice."

"OK. I can be good!" He instantly sat up straight and smiled. "I can be good for Haruhi-chan."

Kyoya stood up. "If you'll excuse me, I have a business call I must return." I know he's still upset about Haruhi, but he'll get over it eventually. He doesn't have a choice.

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When we finished dinner, Akito-kun asked if I wanted to take a walk in the gardens. Sota-kun insisted on coming as well.

"Weeeeee!" he screaked as he swung from our hands.

I'm not sure how it happened, but our walk quickly degenerated into a game of tag.

"Got you!"

Akito-kun scooped me up and spun around. My head tipped back as I laughed. Then everything stopped as our eyes locked. And his lips met mine, soft and warm.

"Ew! Gross!"

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xXx

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Evening, Morinozuka Gym:

"Excellent, Fujioka-sama." Haruhi-senpai finished her reps with the dumbbell and switched to stretches. "Thursday is our final session. I'm pleased with your progress."

"Thank you. When we started all of this, I wasn't sure I'd heal completely, my arm hurt so badly."

"It was a difficult break, but you've put in the work."

Satoshi and I cornered the physical therapist to ask what type of defense training we should start with. "As long as you start slowly, and she stretches first, there shouldn't be problems. Fujioka-sama is fully healed."

"Did you hear that, Haru-chan!" the Alien called. We get to start teaching you self-defense again next week!"

"I'm looking forward to it, Honey-senpai." However, her nervous smile told us how she really felt.

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xXx

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Wednesday, April 27:

Morinozuka SUV:

Eiji had the day off, so his second in command, Miwa-san was taking me to Petto Chinmi. I've finally gotten used to the SUV but riding in a car in general still spooks me. Chika showed me how to download podcasts onto my phone, so I listen to those to take my mind off the driving.

As we climbed into the SUV, Miwa-can introduced me to the new guard on my team. "This is Naka Nobuo. He's taking the place of the guard that transferred to Satoshi-sama's team."

"It's good to meet you, Naka-san. Please let me know if there are any special instructions you have for me."

I must have shocked him because his mouth slightly opened, and he stared. I heard his teeth click together before he said, "Please, Fujioka-sama, let me know if you have special instructions. I'll adjust to accommodate your needs."

I couldn't stop my chuckle. "You're new to the team, but you'll quickly learn I do things differently. The only special instructions I usually have are when I need to hold a meeting in private. Besides that, I follow your instructions. It's easier that way."

He bowed low. "Thank you, Fujioka-sama."

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xXx

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Petto Chinmi:

Phone call between Fuyumi and Haruhi:

Fuyumi: "Haruhi-chan, I apologize for calling you at work. The staff at the Morinozuka estate said you were at the office."

Haruhi: Why is Fuyumi calling me? Did something happen to Yuki? "It's no problem, Fuyumi-san. How can I help you?"

Fuyumi: There's a tightness in her voice. Maybe I should have sent an email like Kyoya suggested. "I was hoping to pick your brain about a charity idea I have. Would you like to come over for dinner tonight? I know Sota would love to see you."

Haruhi: "What type of charity?" That's low, using Sota-kun to get me over there.

Fuyumi: "Something to help women. I'm not sure where my money would be the most needed. Single mothers? Education? I don't know, and I'm hoping you can help me."

Haruhi: "I have plans tonight with a friend."

Fuyumi: "Oh, how about tomorrow night?" Is she putting me off, or does she really have plans? It's not like Haruhi to lie.

Haruhi: I don't want to do this. Kyoya-senpai and I had dinner over there several times. Will she want to talk about him?

Fuyumi: "Haruhi-chan? Are you still there?"

Haruhi: "Yes, I'm still here." I'll just ask her. "Will Kyoya-senpai be there?"

Fuyumi: That's her hesitation. I'm an idiot for not realizing. "No, he won't. It will just be me, Umeji, Yuki-chan, and Sota."

Haruhi: It's for a good cause. "What time?"

Fuyumi: "How does seven sound?"

Haruhi: "That's fine. I'll be there."

Fuyumi: "Thank you. I appreciate your help."

.

xXx

.

Late Afternoon, Haruhi's Room, Morinozuka Estate:

I feel so much better after playing a few games of GO. Fortunately, there are a couple of players there that are just above my level, and I'm learning a lot. Takashi better watch out the next time we play.

"Haruhi-senpai?" Chika poked his head through my open door.

"Come in, Chika. Can I help you with something?" I led him to my sitting area, and we both made ourselves comfortable.

"Last week, I had an interesting conversation with Kasanoda-senpai."

Ritsu? Strange.

"He asked me to purchase his shares of Petto Chinmi."

"He what?" I wasn't sure I heard that right. Ritsu and I had discussed this. "Ritsu was going to be my silent partner until I saved enough to buy them from him."

"He was worried and explained to me that a yakuza owning public stock was one thing but owning part of a private company was another." Chika shifted in his seat like he was uncomfortable with the subject.

I took a deep breath and blew it out. "Ritsu really should have discussed this with me."

"He realized that, but once he decided, he want to get the shares out of his hands quickly. I bought them that night with just a few clicks of my phone."

"Fine." I shook my head. "What's done is done. I'll buy the shares for what you paid plus 5%. That's what I've been offering if that's alright."

"That's fine."

"I don't have the money right now, so let me know if you want me to buy them in pieces or wait until I have the total."

"May I ask why you don't have the money? I know you have substantial investments." His cheeks turned pink. "I apologize. That's none of my business."

"It's alright. I'm buying them using my salary, and don't have enough saved yet." I massaged the back of my neck. Where is this tension coming from? "I know I have the money the Morinozuka's gave me, but everything I own of Petto Chinmi so far, I've bought myself. I want to own it on my terms."

"That makes sense. It's the same reasoning as your donating from your own money."

"Exactly." I smiled, thankful he understood.

He stood up and pulled out his phone to check a text notification. "Sorry about that." He's always so busy with his investments. I'll never understand the market enough to do that. "I'll get you an invoice for the total I paid, plus 5%. You can pay me when you have the entire amount."

"Thanks, Chika."

.

xXx

.

Commoner Movie Theater, Tokyo:

That's her, Fujioka-Haruhi. Is she on a date? She can't be. She said she was single in that one interview.

Did she lie? But she's so innocent and sweet.

.

"That's the Hitachiin model over there getting popcorn."

"Wow. I've got to get a picture!"

#FujiokaHaruhi #HitachiinModel You won't believe this! She's at a movie with a date! [picture of Haruhi and Naoto getting popcorn]

.

"Mom, look! It's that dog lady!"

"It's not polite to point."

"But it's her."

"Yes, but it's not polite to point."

.

"You're new guard, Naka-san?"

"He transferred in today from Satoshi's detail."

"Seems good at his job."

"So far. I trust the Morinozuka's and their security teams. They'd never employ someone who was substandard."

"True. They train them all, right?"

"Along with the Haninozuka's. Their security officers are highly sought after."

The house lights were still on, and I turned to see her profile. The lines around her eyes and on her forehead have disappeared since we left her estate. I knew this would be a good idea.

She must not be hearing the whispers about her. How does she stand it?

The news about her grandparents was a surprise. Having family around is always a good thing. Hope they help her out of her slump. Odd that they'd wait this long. I'm not worried, though. The Morinozuka's will protect her from anything and everything.

.

xXx

.

NEON:

As usual, Satoshi's got his harem gathered around him. How he manages to keep track of the faces and names, I'll never figure out.

Chicks. One's enough for me.

"Ritsu, look at this."

Bu gave me her phone, and Haruhi was tagged in several pictures. "Shit." She's out with that dog guy. Looks like dinner and a movie.

"Did your security do a background on that guy?"

"No. The Morinozuka's did. That asshole is definitely not yakuza. I'm sure they found everything."

Bu leaned back in her chair. We'd taken over a couple tables in the VIP section. "I didn't think she's be dating again so soon."

"Yeah. I thought it'd be Mori-senpai, not that idiot. A dog breeder? Really?"

"He's a commoner. They share a background."

"Hey!" Kaoru called, joining us at the table. "What's up?"

I showed him the tweets. "She's going to hate that. It's hard enough getting her to accept the attention at events."

"We've all gotten used to it." Bu grabbed her phone back and changed the search to #NEON. "Looks like we've all gotten tagged tonight."

"Where's Naoko?" I asked, looking around.

"Lady's room."

The server came up with new drinks for all of us. Satoshi came up, grabbed Kaoru's, and downed the whole bottle of water.

"Damn, I needed that. Those girls keep me jumping."

"Hey. Get your own." But there wasn't much time for him to complain. Another bottle was set down in front of him in seconds. This server is terrific. She'll be getting a great tip from me.

.

I was coming back from the restroom when I saw Hikaru on the dance floor. "Look at that!"

The entire group turned to see what I was pointing at.

"Shit."

"Way to go, Hikaru-senpai."

"Anyone recognize her?"

He was dancing with a girl we didn't know, and they were all over each other. Then he had his tongue down her throat.

"Dipshit better be careful," Shinobu shook her head. "There will be pics all over the internet tomorrow."

"As long as it's Hikaru tagged and not my Kaoru." I sat down in his lap and kissed him.

We all watched him lead her off the dancefloor and into a photo booth. They closed the curtains but didn't pay for pictures.

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xXx

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Thursday, April 28:

Afternoon, Morinozuka Estate:

"Good luck at the world cup." I waved to Takashi and Satoshi as they walked out the front door. "Where is it again?"

"Istanbul."

"Too bad you're going to miss the fashion show."

"No way, Haruhi-senpai. I'm glad to be missing it."

Takashi turned, his face expressionless. "Wish Kaoru luck for us."

"I will."

"Come on, Taka. Let's go so I can kick your ass."

.

"What's wrong? You've been weird all morning."

Taka showed me a picture on a tweet. Haruhi-senpai and that dog breeder guy. Looked like they were on a date.

"I saw that too. You think they're dating?"

He just shook his head, not in a negative, but like he had no idea. It was followed by a huge sigh.

"Nothing we can do about it. Security checked him and he's clear. Besides, he's taken her out before, and it was just as friends."

"Hn."

.

xXx

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Evening, Shino Estate:

Dinner was delicious, as always when you have a private chef. Fuyumi-san kept up a steady stream of small talk throughout. School, Kaoru's line and my modeling, and other random things. Yuki and I told her all about the fashion show this weekend, and I caught her up on the dog show.

After dinner, Sota-kun dragged me upstairs. "You have to see my new uniform, Haruhi-chan! I'm going to Ouran."

"Ouran's a wonderful school. I know you'll learn so many things."

Fortunately, I talked him out of putting it on, but he did show me the uniform, his school supplies, and told me all he knew about his teachers.

We sat down at a huge table covered in Lego. "Uncle Kyoya took me to Lego Land and bought me these." He held up a dinosaur. "Aren't they great!"

Kyoya-senpai? At Lego Land? He'd always been good to his nephew, but not like that. Not in public. Then I remembered the sandcastle. "I'm sure you had a lot of fun," I said and ruffled his hair. "What have you been building?" He rattled on about jeeps, dinosaurs, buildings, and all the little accessories the people have.

"Haruhi-chan?" Oh, no. Those sad eyes. I think I know what he's going to ask.

"Yes?"

"Why don't you visit anymore?" He crawled into my lap and hugged me. "I miss you."

Dammit.

"I've missed you too, but I've been so busy with school and my job." That sounds like such a bad excuse. "I'm sure it's been wonderful having Yuki living here."

"She's fun!" Sometimes you can distract children and other times they have laser focus.

He was just starting to tell me about his trip to Hawaii when Fuyumi-san called from downstairs, "Sota. It's time for bed," I left his room when his nanny came in.

.

I had dessert served in the lounge where Haruhi-chan and I are going to talk. This way she's more comfortable, and I can take notes.

"I can't believe how big he's gotten."

I handed Haruhi-chan a cup of tea. "I know. My baby boy is going to Ouran. Seems like yesterday we brought him home from the hospital."

My hand found its own way to my stomach. It's been doing that a lot lately. "Did Sota tell you the good news?"

She leaned forward and shook her head. "No. What good news?"

"He's going to be a big brother."

"Oh, Fuyumi." She gave me a hug. "I'm so happy for you and your family."

"Thanks. We've been trying for a while, and it worked about two months ago."

Just then, the maid came in with dessert and served it out. Now for the real reason she's here.

"Thanks for being so patient. I thought discussing charities would be easier by ourselves. Umeji's not interested, and we'd never get Sota to sit still."

"No problem. I assumed that was the reason."

I set up my notebook and dove in. "I inherited some money from Yoshio, and we don't need it. As you know, he wasn't a good father. In fact, he was horrible. I want to take his money and do something with it he'd hate, plus do some good along the way."

Haruhi-chan nodded. She'd flinched when I'd said his name. His victims didn't just include his family.

"I thought something that empowers women either in their homes or the workplace would be appropriate."

She stared at her dessert for a minute. "There are many different organizations throughout Tokyo and all of Japan that fit that description. I'm most familiar with workplace issues, as that was the subject of my school project last year."

"Wonderful. I knew you were the right person to ask."

"I'll email you a list along with any information I have on each of them when I get back to the Morinozuka estate."

"Thank you…"

I heard the door close and footsteps coming our way.

"Fuyumi, here are the…"

The sound of Haruhi-chan's plate shattering filled the room.

She gasped, "Kyoya-senpai?"

.

xXx

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Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Ouran High School Host Club. I do, however, own any original characters and the plot of this story. I also do not own, nor am I making any money from, the following: Olympics, Lego, Duplo, any real restaurant, business, food product, or really anything else that exists.

Author's Note:

Fun chapter, little filler, little fluff, little smooching.

Any ideas about what that reporter was trying to do? We haven't seen the last of him.

Haruhi finds a hobby. (Guess I should warn you, I've watched Hikaru No Go and been reading a lot of fan fiction for it. That's the inspiration for her hobby. Don't worry, she's not going pro or anything weird like that. Just a way to be by herself.)

I'm enjoying writing Sota but have little experience around kids (none of my own and my nieces and nephews are far away). I hope I'm writing his age appropriately. I know he shouldn't talk baby-talk, but I hope the dialogue rings true.

So, was that a date?

And what's up with Hikaru and that girl?

Sorry about the cliffhanger…Ok, not really.

*Moyasu – Japanese for 'Burn'. I finally named Mori's first nightclub. The crazy exclusive one.

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Next Chapter:

Haruhi's reaction to Kyoya. More about his father's coded papers. And the entirety of the fashion show!

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