Chapter 11: The House That Built Me

I know they say you can't go home again.

I just had to come back one last time.

Warm air whipped through Sam's hair as she galloped around on the back of her favorite horse, Raindrop. It was early in the morning. Dawn was just starting to break into beautiful yellow, orange, and pink lights over the hills. She definitely missed that sight. It's something you can't see very often in a big city like Tokyo.

Ma'am I know you don't know me from Adam,

But these handprints on the front steps are mine.

As the sun completely came over the horizon Sam steered Raindrop away from the view. Since the girl could hardly sleep a wink last night she was up bright and early. Needing to get the impending doom of her farm off her mind she had decided to get the animals all up for the morning, and get the chores started. Daddy will certainly be pleased when he comes out to see that they're all complete and he can just take the day to focus on what's ahead. Having finished all of her tasks she decided to take Raindrop out for some training.

The pair entered the arena and stared down the 3 distantly placed barrels. It's been a while since Sam had done barrels. Small amounts of nerves still get to her even though those two had placed top 3 in most races during their glory days. No matter how much trust you can put into someone, person or animal, there is always the chance of something happening. That was a hard lesson for her to learn when she broke her arm at age 11 from a misstep of her beloved horse. Regardless of the past and her nerves, she still has complete faith in her companion. Which is why excitement flared in her chest as she kicked her heels against the horses sides while making a clicking noise with her mouth to signal for the horse to move.

They shot out on the dirt ground like lightning, moving fast and direct. Samantha leaned into the first turn with Raindrop. The turn was so tight she could probably reach her hand out and touch the ground. And just like they were coming out of slow motion the two were right side up again and circled the last two barrels. The girl grinned once they finished. It felt great to be doing this again. It was like they never missed a beat - ugh, she should have clocked their time.

"Alright, you show ponies, time to bring it in," a voice called from the fence. It was her brother. "Ma's almost done with breakfast."

"Morning, Jordy," Sam greeted her brother as she dismounted her horse and led it back into the stables.

"Morning. You should probably get your friends up," he nodded before heading back towards the house.

Sam nodded before steering Raindrop out into the pastor. After removing the riding gear she began to head towards the house. As she entered the smell of bacon, pancakes and other delicious breakfast items. She better get the boys up to enjoy this with her. Her legs moved up the stairs two at a time. Once on the top level she made her ways towards the back bedroom where Tamaki was sleeping.

Up those stairs, in that little back bedroom

Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar.

And I bet you didn't know, under that live oak

My favorite dog is buried in the yard.

The room was dark, and hard to see the occupants. However, she knew that wherever Kyoya was, Tamaki would be. Lord, only knows why. Sam knew it was dangerous waking Kyoya up, much like herself, but a smirk formed on her face anyway.

"Rise 'n' shine, cowboys," Sam chirped as she yanked the curtains open to let sunlight in.

Kyoya growled and threw the blanket over his head. Tamaki just squinted and the brightness and raised a hand to shield his eye to see their morning alarm clock. His mood shifted upward as he saw it was his girlfriend. She was smiling at him in front of the window. The sun glowed like a halo around her. His breath was taken and found the illumination to be fitted. She looked like an angel, and he was lucky to have her as his.

"Morning, T," Sam playfully ruffled her boyfriend's hair. "Can you wake the demon up, while I get the others?" Tamaki was still groggy, and speechless from her beauty. He was only able to give her a simple nod. This made Sam smile.

"Good," she said before giving him a soft kiss. "Mama almost has breakfast ready. You do NOT want to miss her homemade pancakes."

As Sam retreated from the room she arose the other boys and Haruhi. The host club got ready and made their way down to the breakfast table. It was like a feast! Mama claimed that she was better prepared for her guests this time around. They were very grateful, and breakfast went on uneventfully. That is, until Tamaki had to open his mouth.

"Yua-San, you mentioned yesterday that you knew my family - my father specifically. How is that so," Tamaki asked.

All eyes fell onto the older woman. Even the curious eyes of her son and daughter-in-law. No one besides her husband really knew that part of her life. It was all left behind when she fell in love and moved to America. Well, the cat had to come out of the bag sometime. Especially now.

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it,

This emptiness inside me might start healing.

"As you can tell, I'm not originally from here," she started.

"What gave that away," her son sarcastically snorted. Yua playfully swatted at him.

"My maiden name is Okami," she informed them, causing small gasps from some of the hosts.

Sam intently listened. She rarely heard her grandmother talk about her past before Papa Jaxon. Now she somehow knew the Suoh's. The world shouldn't be this small.

"Okami, as in Okami…" Hikaru started, but was finished by Yua.

"Okami's Toy Inc. Yes. An empire built by my grandfather," she said with a small smile.

"That's one of the biggest incorporations in Japan next to," Kaoru started.

"Ootori Enterprises. It is indeed," Kyoya finished as he raised an eyebrow in surprise. Usually he is better prepared for encounters like this. However, he was completely unaware that Akio had a second daughter.

"Things had to be a certain way in our household. We were the next generation. The ones who continued one the legacy. Father wanted us to be the perfect little girls. He wanted us to be well mannered, behaved, and obedient. We were to marry wealthy, successful men who could help us flourish the company. My older sister married at the age of 18. I, on the other hand, hadn't found anyone of interest yet," Yua explained.

"And my father," Tamaki injected. "How did you know him?"

"I knew your father when he was just a young child. He was quite the little scoundrel. That boy must have been flirting with women since before he could walk," she chuckled causing the others to laugh as well. "Our father's worked on some projects together so we would see one another on occasion. At this time Jimmy had traveled to Japan for an agricultural convention," she smiled.

"Who's Jimmy," Hani-senpai chimed in.

"My papa," Sam informed them.
"Jimmy Jaxon," Hikaru asked skeptically, Americans were so weird.

"Actually it's James Jaxon. However, everyone called him.."

"JJ," Dan finished his mother with a sad smile as they made eye contact.

"By chance we just bumped into each other, literally," Yua chuckled at the memory. "He was lost on his way to the convention. Now, I'm not sure about you ladies, but when a handsome man with a foreign accent asks for help I gladly volunteered to assist him," she laughed before gesturing towards Samantha. "I know she understands."

Sam blushed hard when called out by her grandmother in front of everyone.

Out here it's like I'm someone else,

I thought that maybe I could find myself.

"We were like magnets, and could hardly stay away from each other that entire week. My father was not pleased when he found out who I was sneaking out to see. He forbade me from being a part of the family if I disobeyed and continued contact with this man. When Jimmy saw how upset I was he simply said that I could leave with him. He wanted me to have more than one option. He also said that whatever the decision he would understand. That was the nail in the choice. However, I was still distressed over the situation. That's actually when Yuzuru-san gave the greatest advice I believe he has ever given - "Choose what you love the most." He was the hammer that drove the nail into my decision. I decided to choose me, and my freedom. So I left with Jimmy to America. Since then I have been disowned by my entire family, written out of the will, and was robbed of my inheritance. But the craziest thing was that it never bothered me, and still doesn't. Because I was given the freedom to truly be me and do what I love while here. That's something I never had back in Japan."

If I could just come in I swear I'll leave.

Won't take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me.

"Mamaw, I don't know what to say," Sam said slowly, trying to overcome her shock.

"There's nothing that needs to be said. I'll never regret my decision," Yua smiled.

"I know, but -"

"We gotta go!" Jordan said quickly as he busted through the door. "Rain's in the prediction for this afternoon so they pushed the auction up."

Chairs could be heard scraping against the floor as they all suddenly got up. It was a quick rush around the house to gather some things before leaving. Everyone packed into the vehicles and were quickly on their way to the auction site. Sam's heart was hammering so fast that her hands were starting to shake. Tamaki quickly grasped one, and brought it to his lips for a gentle kiss. Sam sent him a glance and a smile before anxiously looking forward again.

Mamaw cut out pictures of houses for years.

From 'Better Homes and Garden' magazines.

They noticed the large crowd as they pulled up. It looked damn near like the entire county was there. Which shouldn't be surprising since this was probably the most drama they've had in a long time. And from a well liked family of the community no less!

"Damn vultures," Dan growled as he made his way to sign in.

Sam focused on her breathing. Her entire life was riding on this auction. If they lost the ranch they would lose everything. Mama, Daddy, and Mamaw wouldn't have a home. SHE wouldn't have a home. As much as she loved Jordy they could not all squeeze into his 1 bedroom apartment. They'd kill each other in less than an hour. This was like watching her childhood go up in flames before her eyes. Thankfully, Tamaki was by her side and never let go of her hand.

Plans were drawn, and concrete poured,

Nail by nail, and board by board.

Papa gave life to Mamaw's dream.

Everything slowed, and became quiet besides the ringing in her ears once they started the auction. She had never been this scared in her life. All she could do was watch on with tears refusing to fall from her eyes. Daddy kept up the fight. He wasn't going to lose their home due to his prick of a brother. At one point though, daddy had hit his max. The tears started to fall down as she watched her parents panicky going over their financial options. Her friends gathered around her to comfort her. She pleadingly looked up into the purple eyes as tears continued to streak down her face.

"Tamaki," Sam said, sounding so broken. He brought her close to her.

"There must be something we can do," he said quickly before turning to search for his best friend. "Maybe we can use the club's funds to-"

"SOLD for $200,000! May the winner please go to the auction booth to fill out your paperwork," the announcer called.

Tamaki was suddenly grasping dead weight as wept in his arms. He didn't know what to do. It tore him up just seeing her like this. He just wanted to hold her, and make all of her troubles disappear. However, he knew this was something that needed more than just a hug.

"Alright! Which one of you dirty, backstabbing, low lifes just stole our livelihood right out from under us!?" Liz yelled at the crowd.

"Liz," Dan softly said as he gently grabbed his wife's arm with what little energy he had left. He just let his family down.

"No Dan! These people call themselves our neighbors, but this sure as shit doesn't seem very neighborly to me," Liz spat towards the crowd with venum.

"Ma," Dan's voice cracked as he looked towards his mother for some help.

"I'll go see what I can do or find out. Your brother has refused to talk to me ever since your father's passing. I doubt he'll do it now," she turned towards the booth. "He's always been a selfish one whenever he doesn't get his way." Yua started off towards the booth.

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it,

This emptiness inside me might start healing.

Out here it's like I'm someone else,

I thought that maybe I could find myself.

Her watery eyes looked up as she heard someone clear their throat in front of them. It was Kyoya. He was standing there not really sure of himself, which was a first.

"I know this doesn't seem like the best time, but I wanted to apologize to you. For what happened at the beach house. When I thought I was looking out for both of my friends it turns out I just ended up hurting them. I should not have done things the way I did, especially after what you had been through earlier that day. For all of that I am sorry. I know you said that it'll take alot for you to trust me again, or even to be friends again. All this time I've been trying to come up with a way to make it up to you. I'm hoping this might-" Kyoya was cut off as he was grabbed by the shoulder, spun around, and brought into a big embrace by Yua.

"You bought our ranch," she exclaimed in happiness.

"What," the entire host club said in shock.

"I couldn't just stand by and watch your home be bought out from under you. Tamaki was too much of a ditz to realize our power to help. I knew it would be too late by the time the idea struck him, so I took matters into my own hands."

"You used the club's funds to do this," she whimpered in happiness. This was the kindest thing Kyoya could ever do for her, besides apologizing.

"Actually… no." He said.

"What," she asked confused.

"I used my own money to purchase this. On the plane I was doing some research and realized how large the agriculture business had become. Especially with products being bought in or exported from the United States. I saw it in my best interest to seize this opportunity and start growing the agricultural business for Ootori Enterprises. However, we are going to need some help since we are run out of Japan. I figured since you all know the land, animals, and marketplace the best we could hire you to manage and maintain things here in the U.S." Kyoya explained.

Before he could say anymore Sam left Tamaki's arms and wrapped hers around Kyoya. He froze at the action and looked down at her in surprise.

"Thank you, Kyoya. Thank you so much! You have no idea how this truly means to my family and I."

"Family hug!" Tamaki shouted as he gathered everyone in for a giant hug.

If I could just come in, I swear I'll leave.

Won't take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me.

Daddy clapped his hand into Kyoya's and shook it firmly. "This truly means a lot to me, son. We'd be more than happy to partner with Ootori Enterprises."

"WOOHOO!" Mama shouting with excitement. "Let's go back home to OUR house and celebrate!"

The group happily piled back into the two vehicles. Smiles never falling from their faces. Sam decided to ride with her parents and grandma. They drove off ahead of the host club since Jordan had to stop and fill his tank. The adults happily chattered on the drive. Sam just stared out the window exhausted, but ecstatic. Everything could finally get back to normal. She still had her home to come back to once she finished her year in Japan. Sadness suddenly spiked in her stomach. She would eventually have to leave. No more nightly sleepovers with Haruhi or daily kisses from Tamaki. What is she going to do without them?

Her thoughts were suddenly broken as Dan cursed and slammed on the breaks. Her head jerked forward to see what was going on only to catch a glimpse of her dad flying himself out his door. She drug her eyes up to see the reason. An orange glow flickered across her face. She too threw herself out of her door quickly.

"Samantha, no!" Liz screamed for her daughter. "Stay back!"

The ranch was on fire, and everything was chaos. The house, storage shed, stables, barns, everything was ablaze. She sprinted as fast as her legs would allow towards the heat. Her heart pounded and all she could think of was the animals. She had to set them loose to give them a fighting chance. Sam flug the chicken coop's door open as she ran past, allowing the hens to quickly evacuate. Not only did she have to save the animals, but also make sure her father was alright.

"Daddy," Samantha screamed over the roar of the flames.

"Get the cattle! I'm going to the stables," he yelled back.

Off she was in another sprint. She wiped the sweat from her brow as she ran. Fire would lash out and burn her around some corners. The adrenaline in her veins helped to ignore it. The American hurtled herself over one of the cattle fences and weaved her way through the herd to get to the gate that led out into the open pasture away from the house.

"Go!" She yelled at the herd as she flung the gate open. They all stood there frozen in fear. None of them would move. "C'mon! You need to LEAVE," she yelled again. No one moved.

You leave home, you move on, and you do the best you can.

I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am.

Suddenly a giant mass of fur came flying over the fence. It was Daisy! Sam felt terrible for not even thinking if her own dog, who was napping inside when they all left, was alive! Daisy instantly hopped straight into her work and started to herd the cattle towards Sam. The dog barked and nipped at the cows ankles in order for them to get out of their shock and save themselves.

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it.

Once the cattle were out to safety, the duo began their dangerous journey back towards the front for a final check for animals or Dan. Daisy never left her human's side. The pair managed to weave their way back towards the front with only a few burns and some singed hair. They sped up their run as they saw Daddy holding her weeping mother along with the rest of her loved ones. Most were crying - even host club members, especially Tamaki. When Dan returned with Sam they all dreaded the worst. Which is why the sight of seeing Sam and Daisy sprint towards them very much alive made them all cry harder.

"The animals?!" Sam breathed heavily as she stopped in front of her parents.

"All out thanks to you," he spoke, also out of breath, before hugging his daughter tightly. The pair was sweaty, singed, and covered in soot from their rescue mission.

When he left her father's embrace she was instantly brought into another by Tamaki who was shaking. "Please stop doing this to me," he cried into her hair.

This brokenness inside me might start healing.

They all held one another as they watched on. Tears falling from her eyes the second time today. Except this time they were completely helpless. There was nothing they could do as they took in the sight of the firefighters attempting to put out the fire.

Out here it's like I'm someone else,

I thought that maybe I could find myself.

As she watched the fireball continue she just couldn't get over the shock. Who could have possibly done this? Why would they do this? Did someone truly hate their family this much?

If I could walk around I swear I'll leave.

Then it struck her. She knew exactly who did this! Her grandmother's words echoed in her ears, 'He's always been a selfish one when he doesn't get his way.' Suddenly the only fire burning wasn't just in front of her, but within her. How could her uncle do this?! They were family!

Won't take nothing but a memory,

Sam stood up suddenly and looked towards her brother who was comfortingly petting Raindrop and Flash. Raindrop made eyes with her former rider. It was like she could sense this energy change in her. Sam ran towards her horse and leaped on. In any other situation she could have thought that was awesome and rub it in everyone's face, but she was too focused. This was going to be a rough ride being bareback.

"Sam," her brother shouted in surprise.

From the house that…

"Hiayh!" Sam kicked her heels into the sides of Raindrop and off they went. Sam held onto Rain's main for some stability as her horse galloped faster than she ever had.

"SAM!" A chorus of voices yelled for her as the pair took off down the gravel road before cutting into a field to save time. She was going to make her uncle wish her never messed with her family.

Built me.

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