Author's Note: Welcome back. This chapter is quite a ride, so buckle up.
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xXx
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Date Posted: 4/17/2021
Trigger Warnings: Language, smooching, character death.
The Way Forward - Chapter 30: Growing
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Wednesday, July 6:
Ootori Hospital:
Anytime now. I'm almost ready.
My affairs are in order, and my will is updated. Yuzuru's ready to take over.
It's getting hard to breathe.
"Tamaki," I manage to choak out, and he squeezes my hand, "You've grown in the last year." I hear a beep as my oxygen level drops. "Keep applying yourself." Again, I must pause to catch my breath. "You'll make a good heir."
Tears spill out of his eyes. Those lavender eyes I used to hate so much. It took me too long to admit it wasn't his fault.
"Thank you, Grandmother. I'll make you proud." He squeezed my hand again, and I tried to smile.
Rolling my head took almost all of my energy, but I needed to tell my son. He needs to know. "Yuzuru."
"I'm here, Mother." I felt pressure on my other hand.
"I shouldn't have made you marry that woman."
Is this what you do when you're dying? Admit all your wrongs?
"I wanted what was best for the family, not my son. I regret it."
"Thank you, Mother. Hearing that means so much."
More noises from the machines. Everything's going dark.
"Bring that woman to Japan and marry her," I forced out as the dark took over.
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xXx
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Art History Class, After lunch, Ouran:
The trill of a piano interrupted Sensi lecturing on Greek pottery. Renge checked her phone.
"Sensi," she stood up and stuffed her things into her bag, "I have a family emergency and must leave." Our teacher nodded and continued the lecture.
As she walked out the door, she asked me to get her assignments and told us she would text with updates.
The piano is her text tone for Tamaki-senpai. I'd wish for good news, but the look on her face was obvious. His grandmother took a turn for the worse.
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xXx
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Group Text:
Renge: Tamaki-kun's grandmother passed a short while ago. Neither he nor I will be at the study group or dinner.
Honey: Tell Tama-chan we're here if he needs anything.
Renge: He knows what great friends you all are, but I'll remind him.
Kaoru: Tell him I'm sorry. I know they had their problems, but I'm sure he's taking it hard.
Haruhi: Let us know about the funeral.
Renge: You all will get formal invitations
Renge: Must go. TTYL
Haruhi: We're supposed to study at Renge's tonight.
Chika: Let's meet at your place, Haruhi-senpai. We'll use the library.
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xXx
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Library, Morinozuka Estate:
"What did Renge mean by formal invitations?"
We all looked at Haruhi like she'd grown a second head, before I hit me. She's never been to something like this.
"The Suoh's are the most elite of Japan's elite outside royalty, and the head of the family just passed. The woman that's been the head for decades. It's not really a funeral. More like a political event."
"What's different?"
"First, everyone will need new formalwear. Black from head to toe except for the white shirt under the men's jackets. The Haninozuka's and Morinozuka's will be wearing kimonos."
"Will I be wearing one?"
Chika answered, "Aunt Umeko will insist. She'll take care of it."
"For you girls, black dresses with black jackets or long sleeves, and you'll wear pearls. Remember, black stockings and black shoes, but lower heels and not shiny."
Hika broke in, "And no jewelry except for the pearls and wedding or engagement rings."
"Hikaru," Yuki interrupted, "we all know the customs of a formal funeral."
Chika leaned over to Haruhi and mumbled, "Don't worry about customs. Aunt Umeko will walk you through them and one of us will be with you the entire time. They'll be hundreds of people there."
"Hundreds?" Chika nodded. "Great."
"Does anyone want us to design their clothes?"
"I'll get my own dress. I'll want to coordinate with Akito-kun and the Shido family."
"Mother and Aunt Umeko will handle our kimonos and suits."
"My mother will have a dress made for me, and," Cho-senpai held up a hand to keep Hika quiet, "I know, no pink."
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Yakuza funerals are different, and I didn't say anything. Bu and I know we're not invited. The twin's family would be the only funeral we'd go to, and maybe not even then. It sucks having to sneak into all their estates through delivery trucks, but there's no changing it.
Haruhi's face was pale, and she was tapping her fingers. Morinozuka-san will make sure she's fine at the funeral.
I hate this fucking biology. The only thing I can remember is that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. Whatever the fuck that means.
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Trouble finding victims. Need long-term shelters. Medical and mental health care. Vocational training.
How can my country be so lacking in this stuff? I understand regular people now knowing about this shit, but the government should be on top of this. Doesn't matter that most girls and women trafficked in Japan are foreign. They're here now and it's our people that are doing this to them.
Fuck. We haven't even ratified the UN Protocol for trafficking. Why is there even controversy over this?
I looked up and saw Ritsu staring at me. I can't talk about this now, so I told him I'm working on that civics report. Not sure when I'm actually going to do it.
There are several non-profits that work with victims. They're going to be getting donations from me, starting with the sale of that land. I'll give Chika a list. They need to be used for Tuesday's at Ouran.
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xXx
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Psychiatrist Office:
"Mother, Father, he wants to see you."
Naoko sat down in the waiting room, and we walked in. Now we find out the truth about our daughter.
"You have an engaging and lovely young lady for a daughter. As requested, I've evaluated her overall mental health, and her relationship with the young man."
I reached out and took my husband's hand. After showing him the pictures, he admitted there might be a problem. We discussed it well into the night and came up with a plan for each outcome of this evaluation.
"Over the course of her relationship, she did become infatuated with the idea of marriage and chose him as her target. Naoko-chan is not mentally ill in any sense. She does, however, have an unhealthy obsession with marriage and the social ladder."
I felt my husband's shoulders relax, and I let out a breath I'd been holding. "Recommendations?"
"Taking her out of the current environment will prevent this from going too far."
"Thank you, Doctor. We have a plan."
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Limo Ride Home:
"I told you I wasn't crazy. This is all Kaoru's fault."
"Regardless of blame, your mother and I have discussed this and determined the Hitachiin boy is beneath your social status."
"But…"
"Let me speak, Naoko-chan." Her mouth snapped shut, and she stared at me. Rarely do I use that tone, but she must realize these decisions are final. "Your mother and I will find you an appropriate husband. One that comes from a proper family, not new money."
I watched her mull that over for a few minutes then realize I was offering something better. "Thank you, Father."
"In order to make the best match for you and the family, you will need to move to a more prestigious school. We've enrolled you in Institut Villa Pierrefeu, the best finishing school in the world. You'll leave for Switzerland Saturday and begin classes Monday."
"So soon?" Her eyes welled up. "At least I'll be able to say good-bye to my friends before I leave."
"You may call them, and they may visit our estate, but today was your last day at Ouran. The quicker the move, the better the husband."
The frown quickly fell away, replaced by a small smile. A calculating smile. "I'll be ready, Father."
"Good. I'm sure you'll make us proud."
My wife was right, as she is more often than I give her credit. Phrasing this change as a chance for a better husband immediately got Naoko-chan's buy-in. The school will be apprised regarding her situation, and the psychiatrist will forward his report.
The Morinozuka's, Haninozuka's, and Hitachiin's will be notified of this resolution. There will be no negotiation.
I'll find her a husband that will both help the family and keep her occupied with social functions and babies.
I believe the oldest Ootori son lives in Europe now.
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xXx
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New, American-style Diner:
"Bye, Haru-chan. I'll miss you."
"I'm only going as far as the other table, Honey-senpai. You can still see me."
"But I want us all to sit together."
"Come over here, Honey-kun." Cho took his hand and pulled him to their table. The place didn't have any tables they could pull together for us, so we're split. Those two are sitting with Ritsu, Shinobu, and Yuki.
And me with the twins and the cousins. "Haruhi, sit here." Kaoru and Hikaru pulled me down between them, and each kissed me on the cheek. Kaoru was more clinging since last week, and Hikaru played along.
"Are you ready for this weekend, Satoshi?"
"Definitely. My last chance to kick Taka's ass before the Olympics, and then the team selection. Thought I'd never get here." I didn't either. Seems we've been talking about it for years. I'm excited to see the finals stream this weekend.
"What about you, Haruhi? Ready to flutter those eyelashes and pose for pictures?"
That's right. I've been trying to forget about the fashion shoot on Saturday. "Maybe not flutter, but I'll pose."
Kaoru's so excited about this shoot. It's something they've never tried before because it's the only commoner line they've ever done. "You'll love it. We'll be shooting around the Shibuya station and scramble. I also want some pictures of you with the Hachiko Memorial Statue. You know, the one with the loyal dog? We're tying this into an animal charity."
"How are you going to clear those places for photographs?" Chika looked concerned, but I know Kaoru's got it all figured out.
"We're not. I want pictures of Haruhi walking with the crowds, like the commoners that buy the line. She'll be in a suit, carrying a briefcase, and going into and out of the station, on a train, and walking through the crossing. Maybe getting something to drink out of a vending machine. They'll look like candids. Any issues with lighting or licensed names will be fixed in photoshop."
"It's completely different from any other Hitachiin shoot we've ever done. I can't wait to see it. And it was all my little brother's idea." Hikaru reached behind me and smacked Kaoru's shoulder. "It can't lose."
Who knows how many outfit changes I'll be going through? "Just make sure I'm fed. I'll look grumpy if I'm hungry."
"Don't worry," Kaoru leaned over and nuzzled my neck, "I've got a crate of your tea and a refrigerator full of strawberries and fancy tuna."
"I can't eat tuna all day, I'll get sick. Add some ramen."
"Yes, Ma'am."
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Other table…
"Are you ready for that biology test next week?"
"No." Ritsu took a drink of something new—root beer? "It's next week." He handed me the bottle. "You have to try this." I did. Didn't taste like beer at all.
"Yuck. Too sweet."
"Your loss." He finished it and ordered another. I suppose the sugar will cut the grease in his chili cheese fries. They look like an oil spill. I miss the old diner. At least there I knew what to order. The same dishes here look completely different.
"Honey-kun, I can see you pushing your vegetables under your napkin."
"But Cho-chan, they don't taste very good."
"Let me try." She snagged a green bean with her chopsticks and popped it in her mouth. She looked like she sucked a lemon. "You're right. You can skip them."
"My milkshake isn't very good either," he mumbled under his breath.
"It's too bad we picked this place from the limo window," Ritsu grumbled. "Now we can't blame someone for it."
Yuki played it safe with a club sandwich. "Mine's not too bad. It's hard to screw it up if you order it dry. Haruhi told me to try it."
I should have followed her example. The burger is crunchy, and the fries are soft.
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Other table:
"What's everyone doing Friday night?" I shouldn't have said that with a mouth full of food. Took a drink of soda to wash it down. "Except you, Satoshi. You'll be in Orlando."
"Not much. I'm meeting with a different karate club that afternoon for some sparing, but no plans for after dinner."
"I'll probably study but go to bed early so I'm not a wreck for the pictures."
"Perfect. I've got a great idea." They all groaned.
"Hikaru-senpai, no offense, but sometimes your great ideas aren't all that great."
"Cool it, Chika. Even you'll like this."
"I doubt it, but I'll listen."
"Kaoru and I come over to your place and we hang out. Watch a movie, play a game or whatever. Then we'll leave in time for you to get a good night sleep, Haruhi."
"I like it. Gives me the chance to do Haruhi's nails the night before. Less time in the hair and makeup trailer."
I knew we had her when he said that. I smirked at her calculating face. "I pick the movie."
"Done."
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Other table:
"How are the bakeries doing, Honey-senpai? Akito-kun and I are going to one for a study break on Saturday."
"Yea, Yuki-chan! You'll love it. The balloon guys will at the ten we launched all day. You both can get Usa-chan hats."
"We'll have to pick up Sota-kun before we go so he can get one."
"He'll love it. Ask them to make him a basket too."
I laughed softly and smiled. "I will. Akito-kun wants to try the cake coffee. It's all-over social media."
"I had it last time." Cho pushed away her plate, still mostly full. "It's delicious."
"This sucks." Kasanoda threw his napkin on his plate. "I'm still hungry."
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Other table:
"Everyone ready?"
"Yeah."
"Let's go."
"I'm still hungry."
"Satoshi, you're always hungry."
"So? I think there was a ramen stand across the street."
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xXx
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That Evening, Group Text Message:
Kaoru: Watanabe is moving to Switzerland to a finishing school.
Cho: When?
Kaoru: She moves Saturday. Today was last day at Ouran
Hikaru: YEAH! She's outta here. No more problems
Kasanoda: Good. I didn't want to take care of it. Messy.
Chika: Ha ha. Funny joke
Kasanoda: Who said I was joking. No one hurts my friends.
Shinobu: Mine either. I was going to help
Haruhi: None of that matters now. She's moving to a school better for her goals, and her parents are finding her a husband. We're all better off, including Naoko.
Cho: Haruhi-chan, sometimes you're too nice.
Chika: You haven't seen her learning self-defense
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xXx
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Thursday, July 7:
Suoh Mansion #1:
"My assistant called the tailor for our suits. They'll be ready for Saturday."
Father was running through a checklist, but he's doing it just to fill time.
"Mother's assistant is having the invitations printed and organizing the temple. I just left everything to her and Suoh Public Relations."
He moved to the next one. "We're informing everyone that in leu of gifts, donations should be made to cancer research." That was my idea.
"Father?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you know where Mother is?"
"Not yet. I'm hoping to find something in your grandmother's papers, especially after what she said yesterday."
"Are you going to bring her here and marry her?"
"Definitely. We'll finally be a family."
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xXx
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Late Evening, Huge Warehouse:
"This one's decent. You sure you don't want to keep it?"
"It's a huge fucking hassle to bring in dogs and totally sanitize the place."
I had to agree. Who knows what the hell came through here? For all we know, the walls are filled with drugs. That's an idea. "Hey, Ritsu."
"Yeah."
"If we find anything, call the contact. He'll confiscate it and search for more. He'll do the work for you."
A smirk slowly spread across his face. "Bu, you're a genius."
"Duh."
Security boxed up all the paperwork and did a sweep of the place. The main area was full of cars. As we checked them, they all came back stolen. Then we found drugs in one of the trunks.
"Shit. Guess I'll call the contact."
"Yeah, the building is the only thing here worth keeping."
"Think I could use this for my urban forest company? It's big enough and centrally located."
"Sure. I'll draw up a rental agreement. I won't charge you that much."
"You'd charge me rent, you crazy chick?"
"No, you moron. You can have the building."
I smiled at his surprise. That's my idiot.
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xXX
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Friday, July 8:
Breakfast, Coffee Shop near Petto Chinmi:
Tanaki-sama chose well with this coffee shop. There are no schools near here, so the breakfast crowd is mostly office workers. If anyone has recognized her, they haven't made it obvious. Guarding her here is much easier than the diner, even before it was all over social media.
"The law firm recommends these three production companies. Each has at least one factory that could take over production within a month."
"Do you think we'll need to inspect them first?"
"We're not at that stage yet. I'll contact each group and have them send us a bid. A visit might be included."
"As long as they know we need to get this started soon without being desperate."
"Have you thought about a factory here in Japan?"
So far, these new problems with Petto Chinmi won't impact her security, unless she starts traveling to Seoul.
When I tuned back in, they were discussing the photo shoot next weekend. I know she's not thrilled to be having them back-to-back like this, but as she says, 'it was my choice'.
"The agency obtained permits for the parks we'll be using and will have a trailer there for all your needs as the model."
"Great." She could be a little bit more excited. After comparing the two, this one is definitely the easiest and more fun.
"They've got a dozen dogs and cats to use for different wardrobe changes. You'll be giving one of them a bath again."
"Fine, but make sure they know that I won't wear a wet t-shirt."
"They know. I believe it's a one-piece swimsuit with shorts. I'll send you the information when I get back to the office. We'll have all next week to change any wardrobe choices or setups."
"That works."
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xXx
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Ootori Board Meeting:
The plane ride last night gave me plenty of time to think of a strategy for this meeting, and Fuyumi and I met for breakfast this morning to finalize the plan.
She's showing so much, it's obvious she's pregnant. As she's representing Sota-kun as my heir, the board better not give her any shit about her condition. She could outthink most of them on her worst day. It's too bad she doesn't want to come in as my second in the company.
Fuyumi and I walked into the board room, "Gentlemen, let's get started."
Once everyone had coffee and the agenda, I started and didn't let up. I wanted no chance for any interruptions and sidetracks.
"First, the construction for the Stanford teaching hospital, now known as the Ootori Teaching Hospital at Stanford, is moving forward on schedule. Certain facilities are already completed and are being used. This includes the phlebotomy and the cancer screening labs."
"How involved are you in the day-to-day business of this teaching hospital, Ootori-sama?" Shit. I have to breathe, and he jumped in.
"I receive a weekly, written report on the progress and tour when I feel the need." I've been waiting for this idiot to make a wrong move for too long. Perhaps I can create the right circumstances this meeting to kick him off the board.
"I ask because it seems you are spending an inordinate amount of time on the project."
"I read a report every week and take a tour every other week. I don't see how that defines an inordinate amount of time."
I glared around the table. He had the decency to look down into his coffee cup and stop talking.
"Moving on, we'll now have the pharmacology report. Are we on schedule for the new diabetic drug?"
I, of course, knew the answer to that. I learned early never ask a question you don't know the answer to in a public setting like this. You'll look weak.
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Kyoya wasn't kidding when he said the board wasn't happy. There's no reason he can't run the company and go to school in California.
He shocked me this morning. I haven't seen him look this rested in a long time. Maybe middle school, after he met Tamaki.
The CEO of our biggest pharmaceutical company's going on and on and on about double-blind studies and percentages. Does the board really need this information?
"What are the most prevalent side effects?"
And he's off again with lists and numbers.
I recrossed my legs and took a sip of water. Why isn't there any food in here? I already have to pee.
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We'd broken for lunch, and I cornered Ootori-san. "How's California?"
"Different. I've spent time in America before, but living there is an entirely new experience."
"I don't doubt it. My wife and I went on vacation there about ten years ago. The culture is quite unique."
He'd led me over to the table with his sister. I asked how she was doing.
"Just fine, Ono-san. Hungry more than anything."
I smiled softly and nodded. It would be the height of rudeness for me to ask about the baby since I haven't been informed formally that she's expecting but asking about her health is acceptable. I remember my wife glowing like that thirty years ago.
That reminds me. "Ootori-san, you will get questions regarding your unmarried state."
"I'm expecting them." He stabbed his steak like I'm sure he wants to stab some of the board members. "Nothing has changed."
"Except now you are a university student. Your marriage is overdue." How has he not broken the plate with that stabbing?
"The subject is not up for discussion. I have an heir. That's all they need to know."
I shook my head slightly. "I'm only warning you."
With a big sigh, he said, "I know, Ono-san, and I appreciate it. I just don't want to talk about it."
"I understand."
Lunch was quiet after that.
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"Thank you for coming gentlemen. It was a productive meeting." And I'm glad to see the back of you. Why do I even need a board if I own the majority of the company?
"Ootori-san, if you're having difficulties deciding on a wife, my niece will be graduating next spring. She'd make a good match."
"Thank you, but I'm currently turning down all offers. The Ootori Conglomeration and university are my priorities now." I know his niece, and I'd rather marry Kasanoda.
"If you change your mind…"
"I won't," I broke in, desperate to end this mess, "but I'll remember your offer." Only so I can avoid it.
Fuyumi was the last to leave. "When are you going back?"
"Tuesday. I was hoping to come to dinner Monday."
"Of course. I know Sota will be happy to see his Uncle Kyoya."
"Perhaps he and I can do something fun tomorrow."
"Ootori Kyoya do something fun?"
"Only with my nephew." I kissed her cheek. "I'll call you later tonight and discuss it. Take care."
"You, too."
Now that everyone has finally left, I took the elevator up to the top floor and my office. My to do list keeps growing and there's much to accomplish while I'm back in Tokyo.
As soon as I walked in, I saw the black envelope on my desk. The invitation to Suoh Shizue's funeral Sunday. I would have come back just for it if there hadn't been a board meeting. I hope Tamaki allows me to give him my condolences in person. I called him Wednesday night after I'd heard. We only spoke for a few minutes, but he seemed genuinely glad I called. I miss him. I miss my best friend. Maybe we could meet for lunch Monday.
Her timing is terrible. They had only just started repairing their relationship. Why she didn't tell anyone about her illness sooner. I hope I'm never that prideful. Or never that prideful again.
Enough of this. I have a report from the BOS on cleaning up Yoshio's shit, a briefing on new investment opportunities, and a dinner meeting.
I'm already missing the calm of California.
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xXx
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Quiet Date Nights:
Akito and Yuki, Shido Estate:
"Thanks for this, Akito-kun. A peaceful, quiet dinner is just what I needed after this week." Rather than something fancy, I asked Fuyumi if Yuki-chan and I could have a private dinner on their back patio. I'm happy she likes it. We had to wait for Sota-kun to go to bed first because he wanted to join us.
"How do you think you did on your papers?"
"I'm satisfied. The vampire story took longer than I thought. It seemed to get a mind of its own and write itself. Ended up about a thousand words longer than I'd planned."
"Are you going to let me read it?"
"Maybe." She's precious when she blushes like that.
The only reason I haven't pulled out the ring and proposed tonight is because it's back at the estate. I want to propose so badly, but I also want to do it right. So romantic that we'll want to tell the story to our great-grandchildren, and they'll think we're giant saps.
She set down her fork. "If you're done, why don't we take a walk. I haven't seen the Shido gardens at night in a while."
"Sounds great."
I took her hand and led her down the stairs and out towards the sculpture garden. There's a gazebo there with the perfect sized loveseat. I pulled her down on my lap, and she curled up with her head under my chin.
This is nothing like I expected. I'd never really dated, just went out a few times with a few girls. I always knew Yoshio would pick my wife. It wasn't worth it to get involved with anyone.
Yeah, OK, I had a few one-night stands. Who doesn't? Isn't that what college is for? Then med school came, and I had no time for any social life.
I'm almost positive Yuki-chan is a virgin. Because of her father and his plans for her, she'd hold herself back. If she wasn't, I wouldn't care. Something about glass houses and rocks. The important this is we'll be each other's lasts.
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Honey and Cho, Haninozuka Estate:
"It's a pleasure to have you over for dinner, Cho-chan."
"Thank you, Haninozuka-sama. It's an honor."
"I think after all this time, first names are appropriate. Please call me Kumi and my husband Yorishia."
"Thank you, Kumi-sama."
"-san please."
"Thank you, Kumi-san. Please call me Nomura if you wish."
Dinner was traditional Japanese and delicious. I wish our chef was this good. Father prefers European foods. He thinks it makes him more elite, but he's wrong. He tries too hard sometimes.
"Mother, will our kimonos be ready for Sunday?"
"They will, but the tailor needs to measure you again Mitsukuni. I noticed your slacks seem a bit short."
"Really?" He stood up and tried to look for himself but ended up spinning around.
"Honey-kun, stand still." I knelt down to get a closer look. "Yes, they are too short."
"I'm growing!?"
Kumi-san smiled. "I'm sure it's all the vegetables you've been eating lately."
"Wow. Maybe I should switch to carrot cake." After plopping back in his seat, he held up his water glass and said, "and milk."
"No, Honey-kun. Your body will absorb calcium better from vegetables than milk. You're not a baby cow."
"Oh."
"And switching to carrot cake might help, but that doesn't mean you can forgo vegetables at dinner."
The little pout disappeared quickly. "Maybe I'll grow taller than you, Cho-chan."
"I'd like that." I squeezed his hand in encouragement and put another portion of broccoli on his plate.
"Will you be attending Suoh Shizue's funeral, Nomura-chan?"
"Yes, with my parents." Mother was surprised to receive the invitation. Our family isn't usually included at that level. I assume it's because of my relationship with Honey-kun.
We discussed school, the funeral, and Honey-kun's bakeries for the rest of the meal. He had a hard time concentrating on the topics. I'm sure his mind kept wandering back to his growth spurt.
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Ritsu and Shinobu:
"I won. You owe me a backrub."
Shit. I'm still so angry about those girls that I can't even shoot straight. It's embarrassing to lose to my idiot. "Fine. When do you want it?"
"Right now." That smirk went well with my hairclip. Can't believe he still uses it when he shoots. Maybe I should get him one more like his personality. Like 'Hello Kitty' or something. Maybe just a big bow.
"Fine, but I'm cold. Give me your hoodie."
I held out my hand, and he tossed it over. "No problem. It's not like I'll be wearing my shirt for a while." We locked up the guns and turned off the lights. "The fellas are watching some martial arts thing on TV, so the theater is empty. Let's go there."
"I pick the movie."
"Not a chick flick…" he whined.
"Asshole, when have I ever wanted to watch a chick flick."
"Yeah, alright."
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Damn, she gives great backrubs. Straddling my hips, she's moving her whole body up and down with her hands. There's no fucking way I can get up off this couch. She knows it too. She's screwing with me on purpose.
"You're playing with fire."
"Not yet."
She laid down on top of my back and started sucking on my shoulder. Then her hands came around my chest and rubbed my nipples.
"Now I am."
I tried to flip over, but she'd wrapped her legs around mine, and I couldn't move. "Hold still. I'm in charge tonight." Now there's no way I can get up off the couch without a cold bucket of water dumped on me.
This chick and her mouth and her tongue.
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Shinobu-sama is still on the compound somewhere with the Young Lord. I should have started with the theater.
The credits were rolling when I turned the lights on low. Kono's going to flip when he sees this picture.
The Young Lord is sitting at the end of the sofa, wrapped in a blanket. It's come down off his left shoulder, and he's not wearing a shirt. Shinobu-sama is lying on the couch fully clothed with her head on his thigh. She's swimming in the Young Lord's hoodie. Her arm is wrapped around his leg, and his hand is on her hip.
I'll get him some more condoms.
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Haruhi, Chika, Hikaru, and Kaoru:
"This looks weird, Kaoru."
"It's a French manicure. We won't have to repaint your nails with every wardrobe change this way."
"Oh, in that case, I love it."
They think I'm working on my investments, but I'm really watching them. Haruhi-senpai and I'd finalized the loan papers last night, and I wired the money. The retainer that firm's asking for is reasonable for the amount of work they'll be doing. There's also a clause in the paperwork if she needs more.
Her confidence level reassured me. She takes the hits but gets up and keeps going. Could I do that if I lost both my parents? I think so. Martial arts has built up my strength and courage.
Kaoru-senpai set up a manicure station on the game table, all professional level equipment. Did he learn all this at his mother's shows and shoots?
He's happier than I've seen him so far this week. As big as our group has gotten, it's easy to forget the twins and Haruhi-senpai are so close. He hasn't stopped touching her all night, but not in a creepy way. More like he's grounding himself.
"Now, your toenails."
"Really? Am I wearing sandals?"
"Nope, but one of the outfits is matched with open-toed heels."
"Fine. Whatever."
She sat on the table so he could put her foot in his lap. "I'm not doing a full pedicure, just the nails. Don't have everything I need here."
.
"How about an American western?"
"Courtroom drama." Convenient how they forgot I'm supposed to pick the movie.
"Horror."
"If you three don't pick something, we'll watch the financial news."
"Oh, hell no. I vote for whatever Haruhi wants."
"Me too."
"Actually," I smiled while waiving my hands in the air to dry my nails, "a western sounds fine, but something funny."
Hikaru jumped up and ran for the cabinet. I called after him, "Not 'Blazing Saddles'."
He skidded to a halt. "But it's funny."
"No, it's stupid."
We ended up with 'Silverado'. I hadn't seen it before, but how do you say no to Kevin Kline and Jeff Goldblum?
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xXx
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Saturday, July 9:
Hitachiin Trailor, Near Shibuya Station:
"Well?" I stepped out from behind the curtain, adjusting the lapels of the suit jacket.
"What do you think?"
"It's hot." And itchy. Does he think these will sell?
Kaoru sighed at me. "These are the fall clothes and it's July. You're going to be hot. That's why the trailer's AC is going full blast."
"I'm not modeling a coat today, am I?"
"Nope. We'll do that indoors where we can set up some fake snow."
"Good."
"OK," Kaoru clapped to get everyone's attention. "Final touches on the makeup and we'll get started."
.
Harada-san, the Hitachiin head of security, and I stood to the side watching the crowd. I didn't like the looks of some of the people gathering here.
"What do the signs say?"
Looking through his binoculars, he said, "Black Lives Matter."
"Shit. It's a protest."
"Over on this side too," we heard through the earpieces.
"Will Kaoru-sama cancel this?"
"No, and right now, I'm not recommending it. This will be a peaceful protest, and our police will not react like the American police. There should be no problems, Eiji-san." He trained the binoculars on a different group of people. "Plus, we have the drone."
He's right. There are only a dozen or so protesters. Not enough to cause a panic. And the drone. Hitachiin security insisted, and if they hadn't, we would have. We can keep an eye on her the entire time from up there. I told my team to keep sharp.
.
xXx
.
Ootori Estate:
"It's more modern than I expected."
"Yes, Yoshio didn't care for the traditional. He thought it meant we were stuck in the past."
I led Akito and Yuki-chan into the lounge and introduced them to the architect and designer. "They'll be redesigning the common areas of the mansion and the master wing. While they're doing that, it's the perfect time to redesign your wing, Akito. That is, if you and Yuki-chan plan to live there after you're married."
She blushed and looked down at her hands.
"We haven't talked about it, Kyoya. Today seems like a good time." He rolled his shoulders. "Which wing?"
"East." No one's lived there since Grandfather was the head of the family and Father lived there with Mother and Yuuichi. It's been shut up for over a decade. "Why don't you and Yuki-chan take a look and discuss it. I'll go over the main rooms with the architect and designer."
As they walked out of the room, the designer, an older woman, murmured, "How sweet."
She's right.
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xXx
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Shibuya Station:
The photographers, art directors, ad designers, and I studied the layout of the area long before this shoot. Shooting candids made everything more difficult. We couldn't control the crowd, noise, lighting, and a dozen other things. Because of the expected chaos, we decided on five photographers, all in different positions and all with different priorities.
Two would stay close to her and get zoomed shots. I wanted stuff from the waist up showing off the shirts and jewelry. The other three would be further away shooting her in the crowd. The overall goal, besides getting great shots, was to not draw too much attention or I wouldn't get what I needed.
Because security insisted on a drone, we set it up with one of our professional grade cameras and added another photographer to man it with security. Why waste an opportunity? The best pics could come from there.
Mom gave us advice but decided to stay home with her own projects. Hika came along. He said for moral support, but I think he's really here for comic relief. I need both today. This is the most complex shoot I've ever worked on, and I'm in charge.
"You ready, Haruhi?"
She's standing next to me, rocking back and forth on her feet trying to get used to the shoes. "I guess." Her hand tugged on her ear. "This thing's uncomfortable."
"I know, but this way I can give you direction without yelling into the crowd. If the earpiece is in a shot, we'll just photoshop it out." She's grumpy today even with enough sleep. "Here," I handed her a small plate, "eat some tuna and stop being grumpy."
.
Walk this way. Walk that way. Turn left. Stand by that traffic light.
"Smile."
I stuck my tongue out at Kaoru.
"Funny. Now give me a real smile."
I had no idea today would be so boring. And painful. My feet are killing me. Stupid heels.
"Stop staring at the ground." So, I looked straight up.
"Haruhi!"
Alright…I started looking around at the buildings and signs.
"That's good. Keep it up."
Whatever.
.
Ootori Estate:
"This entire wing would be ours?"
"Yes. There's a master suite, four smaller bedrooms for guests or children, a living area, dining room, offices for each of us, and even a kitchen though not as big as the main one."
"And there's a balcony off the living area." She opened the door, and the sun lit up her face. "And one off the master big enough for lounge chairs and a breakfast table."
I joined her and wrapped my arms around her from behind. "What do you think?"
"Where would we live if we didn't live here?"
I'd done some thinking about this because I wasn't sure I wanted to live in the mansion with all the bad memories. I'm relieved Kyoya's redoing the entire thing. "I have plenty of money. Enough to buy us our own estate, but not this big. We'd have staff and plenty of room for ourselves and children if and when we want them."
"How much will Kyoya-senpai allow us to change here?"
I squeezed her in my arms and dropped a kiss on her head. "If you want to completely gut this entire wing and start from nothing, he'd be fine with it. If we choose to live here, he wants us to be happy." Imagine that. My little brother wanting us to be happy.
Yuki-chan turned in my arms and smiled up at me. "Perhaps we should find out what the architect and designer think."
.
"I want the entire master wing gutted and redesigned."
Akito and Yuki-chan may be undecided, but I know exactly what I want. I led the architect and designer through the common areas of the mansion, explaining the new design concept. Light, airy, contemporary, and palatable to everyone. Something pleasing without being overwhelming. I wanted no trace of Yoshio anywhere. All furnishings and artwork were to go but be donated somewhere.
"The entire floorplan needs to be different. I want it to be unrecognizable when you're done." It's the only way I'll ever be able to live here. "And the master bedroom is not to be located anywhere near where it is now."
"And the décor?"
"Leave it as plain and easy to change as possible. My wife will decorate it after we're married."
.
xXx
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Shibuya Station:
"You look great. The maroon brings out the glow of your skin."
She put her hands on her hips and scowled. "Flattery will get you nowhere. Your clothes make me look good. Flatter yourself."
I handed her a bottle of tea and a bowl of strawberries. "We'll break for lunch after this set." Then I handed her some yen. "This time I want you to walk over to that bubble tea window and get something to drink."
"Then why did you give me this tea?" She held up the bottle.
"Because you won't be drinking the bubble tea. I don't want it spilled on my suit." Right now, she has a drape on. She's too clumsy to trust without one.
Haruhi popped one last strawberry in her mouth and handed the bowl and bottle off to an assistant. Before she could walk away, I grabbed her arm. "Wait. Have the makeup assistant check your teeth. No strawberry seeds."
"Then why did you give them to me."
"They're your favorite. Glutton."
.
I tried hanging out with Kaoru, but he's so nervous he's making me nervous. It's not like his career hangs on this one photo shoot. It's an experiment for fuck's sake. If it doesn't work, scrap it, and move on.
Maybe high school is too young for a major fashion line.
"Buzz my brother with the drone."
"I'm sorry, Hikaru-sama. I can't do that."
These security guys are no fun. Haruhi's right next to Kaoru and Eiji. It's not like they need it for security this second.
There's got to be some prank I can pull on him.
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xXX
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Yoyogi Park:
"This is great, Uncle Kyoya!"
Only if Sota-kun doesn't dislocate my shoulder swinging my arm like that.
I wanted to bring him somewhere today, just the two of us, but couldn't think of anything until Tachibana suggested this. Yoyogi park has a festival and food booths here every weekend in the summer. We'd stopped to watch several dance and martial arts demonstrations, and now we started working our way down the food stands.
"The Takoyaki are yummy."
"And all over your face." I tossed the remnants of my Ikayaki in the trash and knelt down in front of him wiping the batter and octopus crumbs off his cheeks. "Better."
"I want some French fries."
"Aren't you full."
"Nope," and he hopped up and down to prove it.
My head jerked toward the sound of a camera. Great. Now the press has pictures.
.
xXx
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Shibuya Station:
This time, Kaoru had me in slacks, a blouse, and a vest. "This isn't the vest that matches the slacks."
"No, but the pumpkin pinstripe in the brown slacks matches the pumpkin vest. It shows the versatility of the line. Women can buy two suits and mix-and-match the pieces."
That got me a huge smile. "I'm impressed. I thought you only wore a shirt once."
"Oh, I do, but I know commoners don't."
I took a deep breath, and he smiled at me. "Don't say it…"
"Fashion snob." Rich Bastard.
"Yes, I am."
.
"We're going to give you more direction for this part, Fujioka-sama."
We walked up to the Hachiko statue of the loyal dog. Fortunately, there were few people here right now. "Stand next to the statue and put your briefcase down. Then look at your watch, the statue, and around the square. We're not sure exactly what we want, but this ad will be tied to an animal shelter, so we want the statue for sure."
I stepped back and signaled the photographers.
.
xXx
.
Bun Bun's Bakery:
"I can't wait to see what the designer comes up with."
I took her hand and squeezed. "Guess this means I'll have to ask you to marry me."
Yuki-chan's face drained of color, and I knew I'd made a mistake. We're both raw from our childhoods, you'd think I'd remember. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way. It was a bad joke."
Her tentative smile didn't make it to her eyes. "It's ok."
"No, it's not." I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and rubbed her bare shoulder with my thumb in what I hoped was a comforting way. "I'm sorry." The smile after I kissed her cheek did reach her eyes.
I ordered a cake coffee, and she got a pink bubble tea. This place is insanely popular with kids, but I'll never come here on my own.
"We need to make sure we bring a balloon hat back to Sota-kun."
"Definitely. I don't see Kyoya ever bringing him here."
A chime went off on Yuki-chan's phone. "That's Twitter. One of my friends must just have been tagged." She pulled up the app and frowned. "It's Haruhi. She's at a fashion shoot for Kaoru, but it wasn't advertised. Kaoru's trying to get pictures of her in the crowds." I looked over her shoulder and saw a picture of Haruhi-chan walking in front of Shibuya station. "At least it's tagged like they just happened to see her. No mention of the photo shoot."
"Wouldn't the cameras be obvious?"
"They're using small ones and aren't right next to her. Some are using telephoto from further away."
"She looks good."
"Yes. Kaoru knows how to design for a woman's body."
All say he does. He designed some of the clothes Yuki-chan wears.
.
xXx
.
Shibuya Station:
"Almost done, Haruhi. Two more wardrobe changes. You'll be walking through the scramble for them both."
"My feet are…"
"You have flats for one of them." I led her to the trailer. "Get in there and change."
.
I'm relieved we're moving to the scramble. The protest has grown larger than both Harada-san and I expected. There must be a hundred people with signs now plus the regular traffic. They're all standing quietly, holding their signs. The police that gathered are relaxed and keeping an eye on the crowds. There's no sign of problems. It's the size of the crowd I don't like. Unfortunately, the trailer couldn't be relocated. There's just no place to park over there.
"If these pictures work out, Kaoru-sama wants to come back at night for the neon."
"That could be done in the middle of the night or early morning to avoid crowds."
"I suggested that."
We were following the photographers and Haruhi-sama as we walked to the scramble. Just as we left the station and protesters behind…
"BOOM!"
"Haruhi!"
"Kaoru!"
"BOOM!"
.
xXx
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Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Ouran High School Host Club. I also do not own, nor am I making any money from, the following: Olympics, Lego, Duplo, any real restaurant, business, artist, food product, or really anything else that exists. I do, however, own any original characters and the plot of this story.
Author's Note:
I'm sure you saw Tamaki's grandmother's death coming. Hope I did it justice. I'd like to think she'd come around in the end. Guess I'm just a big sap. I looked up some of the traditions for a formal funeral, but I won't be going crazy with it. Too much detail that isn't needed for the plot.
The fact that Japan hasn't ratified the UN Protocol for trafficking is true. For those of you that live in the State, we have.
Hope the resolution for Naoko works. Not sure if we'll see her again or not. I'll keep her in the wings for now.
So, Honey's having a growth spurt. Just think how tall he'd be if he didn't eat nothing but cake. Cho's good for him.
Not sure if I made it clear, but Shinobu and Ritsu are not having sex. Sooner or later Tetsuya's going to stumble across a hundred condoms stuffed somewhere and realize he's been wrong. Doesn't mean they aren't doing other things.
As for the protest, I looked up some that have taken place in Tokyo, and BLM seemed a good one to choose. My big thanks to the Japanese people and their support. I'm trying not to be political, but sometimes it just happens.
Not sorry about the cliffhanger. You'll just have to wait a week. It's all resolved in the next chapter. Dad and I have had this planned for months. Hope you enjoy it.
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Next Chapter:
The bombing…is anyone hurt? Who was the target?
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