Kosaku's heart dropped at the young lady's announcement. "What's wrong with my wife?" he asked, stunned at the news. The young lady just shook her head and hurried away. He looked around the office trying to decide what to do.

"Go to your wife," Chisato said calmly. "I'll close up the office for the rest of the day. If I need help, I can ask Fuyumi."

Giving her an appreciative, though shaky, smile, Kosaku dashed out of the office and down the hallway.

As soon as his footsteps were no longer heard in the corridor, Fuyumi peeked into the accounting office. Chisato waved her to the other chair at the table. A little confused, Chisato asked, "Are you related to his wife since your daughter has the same name?"

"No, we're not related in any way," Fuyumi explained. "We first met about five years ago when the Itos were hired to help out at Hinansho. Kosaku, as you know, is the accountant. Hibiki worked with Shima at the front desk. She was good at it, but she's rather shy so she pointed out that childcare was lacking. She and Kosaku had just found out they were expecting."

Chisato hummed. "That's one way to notice there's a problem; have a need."

"Anyway, Hibiki suggested setting up a childcare center here at Hinansho. The Hinans' agreed with her recommendation and insisted that she be the head. They even arranged to minimize hurdles so she can obtain her degree through online courses and hands-on training while running the center. She has an assistant and four full-time workers on a rotating schedule. In addition, there are a number of interns from the University."

"Any idea what could be wrong?" Chisato asked worriedly.

Fuyumi thought for a moment. "Well, she is pregnant with their second child, though I don't remember her having any problems with her first." She paused for a moment. "It could be stress because of Seiji's death."

"Were you guys close?" Chisato asked, tidying up the papers and folders on the table.

Fuyumi pushed a folder back and forth between her fingers. "Just before Ren was born, Hibiki's parents moved away because her father's job transferred him to Busan, South Korea. Seiji and I became like surrogate parents, or at least older siblings."

Kosaku hesitated when he saw Hotta standing outside Hibiki's office. "Is she okay? What happened?"

Hotta turned to face him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Aoi said she complained of a headache earlier this morning. About fifteen minutes ago she started feeling dizzy and Aoi called the security office."

Frantic to see Hibiki, Kosaku tried to push around Hotta. "I need to see her and make sure she's okay."

"Just wait here," Hotta instructed, holding him firmly by his shoulder. "Aijima and Kenji are getting her ready to transport to the hospital."

Kosaku paled at 'hospital' and braced himself against the wall. He looked at the floor and took several deep breaths trying to quell his growing panic.

Dropping his hand from Kosaku's shoulder, Hotta murmured, "Don't worry. Kenji has medical training. He already called and spoke briefly to Hibiki's doctor. They agreed that she should be taken to the hospital as a precaution so her condition can be evaluated." Noticing Aijima and Kenji moving the gurney toward the door, he stepped aside and drew Kosaku with him.

As they were about to follow, Kosaku stopped. "What about Ren? I know he's fine in the childcare center, but what if we're not back before it closes?"

Aoi stepped out of the playroom and into the hallway so Ren wouldn't see his father and cause a commotion. "I'll arrange for Fuyumi to pick him up and keep him overnight. I'm sure her girls will be thrilled to have Ren over."

Sighing in relief, Kosaku murmured, "Thank you." Then he followed Hotta to the waiting transport and climbed in. Settling beside Hibiki, he held her hand and tried desperately to ignore the feeling of impending doom.

Chisato and Fuyumi were securing the last of the files in the cabinet when Fuyumi's cell phone rang. "Good afternoon." After a brief pause, she replied, "Call me at closing time. The girls and I will come pick him up."

Looking at her quizzically, Chisato asked, "Is there a problem?" She locked the cabinet and secured the key in the portfolio case Kosaku had given her. It contained a chart of accounts and other basic information about the Hinan financial matters to help her get up to speed.

Smiling, Fuyumi replied, "Not a problem, exactly. Kosaku asked the childcare center to contact me about keeping Ren overnight." Shaking her head, she chuckled. "Ageha and Hibiki will be thrilled. They love having him sleep over."

Glancing around the office, Chisato nodded her head. "It looks like everything is put away for today. I guess I'll go back to my room." Her voice was a little wistful.

"Why don't you come back to my apartment? I'd really like to get to know you better." Fuyumi grinned and offered, "It's lunch time and the kids won't be home for several hours."

Hesitantly, Chisato replied, "I'd like that."

"Then let's go." Fuyumi pulled her out the door and locked it behind them. "Just let me lock up my office."

OHSHC

It was one o'clock in the afternoon and Nishi Goro sat at a table in his office near Tokyo University. His expression was one of grim determination as he added the last of the photos to the final file. In addition to the one he was working on, there were five rather thick folders laid out on the table. "Inspector Yoshinaga should have all the evidence he needs to see that these six are prosecuted for their crimes."

As he slipped the fourth folder into a manila envelope, his phone rang. "Yes?" A grin spread across his face as he listened. "You found the last one and they're all at the Foundation in Paris? Excellent!" After ending the call, he whistled jauntily as he put the last two files in envelopes. Then he piled all six envelopes into a box that he would personally deliver to Inspector Yoshinaga at their scheduled meeting later.

Perhaps he was deriving too much pleasure from his current assignment, but the six former Ouran School Board members deserved everything they were about to get. "Shizue can't protect them now and they will no longer be in any position to exploit and terrorize children."

Nishi stood up and walked over to the window. Looking out over the University campus, he thought, "Four of the Hinans and their significant others will be back next Monday. Hopefully, it will be a quiet year for them." He chuckled at the improbability of the Hinans and quiet in the same sentence.

He turned around and looked at the box on the table. "Now Shizue is down seven puppets. First, Yuzuru removed himself from the equation. Next, the six board members will be too busy with their own problems. That just leaves Yoshio Otori and Hayato Mikoshiba—not that either of them would appreciate being called puppets. Oh yeah, I forgot about Akito, her newest chew-toy." Checking the time, Nishi decided to head out to get some lunch before meeting Inspector Yoshinaga.

OHSHC

Yoshio slammed his fist down on his desk as he read through the collection notice that he had just been served. "Who is this YAM Collection Agency? And how do they have the gall to serve me with such a notice? Those vendors should feel privileged that I use their services and products!" he yelled. "The very nerve of them, expecting me to pay them. Do they realize how much benefit they derive from my patronage? They should be bowing to my every whim."

Outside his office, maids exchanged terrified glances and scurried to get as far away as possible. They didn't want to be anywhere in sight when Mr. Otori exited his office. Given the shouting, they knew he would come looking for a target on which to take out his rage.

Inside the office, Yoshio reached for the phone. He was about to dial when he remembered that his Black Onion Squad no longer existed, so he threw the phone across the room. He stood up and started pacing, ranting under his breath. "I'll make YAM Collections regret ever trying to shake me down like this." As he paced, he picked up various items and threw them against the walls.

OHSHC

After lunch and a very pleasant hour or so chatting, Chisato had decided that she was feeling fatigued and should go take a nap. While waiting for the children to get home from school, Fuyumi spent some time identifying weak points in the Otori and Mikoshiba holdings. "All that land planted in opium poppies by the Mikoshiba Group is pledged as collateral on three separate loans, one of them held by a Suoh bank. I'd be willing to bet that none of the lenders are aware of the other two. I'll have my broker buy up those mortgages. Later I'll decide if I want to call the loans one-by-one or all at once."

She was still sitting at the dining room table reviewing investment reports when Masaya, Hibiki, and Ageha arrived home from school. Hearing the girls' excited chatter, Fuyumi looked up and said, "There are snacks for you in the kitchen."

Hibiki and Ageha cheered while Masaya rolled his eyes at their antics. As they passed the dining room table, they hung their school bags on the backs of the chairs. While they were in the kitchen, Fuyumi collected her files and locked them in her desk.

As the trio sat down at the table, Fuyumi said, "By the way, we're going to have an overnight guest tonight."

"Who?" Hibiki and Ageha chorused.

"We will be picking Ren up from the childcare center and he will be staying with us overnight. His mother wasn't feeling well today." Fuyumi smiled as the girls bounced in their seats.

Finishing his snack, Masaya picked up his dishes. "If you'll excuse me, I have homework," he grunted flatly.

"Of course. I know middle school can be a big adjustment." Fuyumi stood up and took the dishes from him. "You go ahead. I'll take care of these." She gestured towards the boy's room with her chin.

Masaya gave her a lop-sided grin. "Thanks, Mom." Grabbing his school bag from the back of his chair, he headed to his room.

Hibiki and Ageha exchanged a glance before Hibiki asked tentatively, "Can we help you make dinner?" The pair of girls looked at Fuyumi pleadingly.

"Sure, that sounds like fun." Fuyumi nodded toward their dishes and then toward the kitchen. "Let's get these things cleaned up first. Then we'll see what ingredients we have to make dinner."

Since Ren would be joining them for dinner, they decided to make onigiri because they knew it was his favorite and easy for the three-year-old to handle. They had just finished when Fuyumi received a phone call reminding her it was time to pick up Ren from childcare.

Fuyumi tapped on Masaya's bedroom door and called out, "Masaya, we're going to get Ren. When we get back, it will be time for dinner."

"Okay, Mom," was the muffled reply through the door.

OHSHC

Chisato had just woken from a nap when she heard a gentle tapping on her door. She answered it to find Rene waiting with a smile.

"Good evening," he said gallantly. "I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with Yuzuru and me?"

Smiling, she replied, "I'd like that. Just let me get my key."

After she locked the door, Rene offered her his arm and he escorted her back to his apartment where Yuzuru was putting the finishing touches on dinner. When the pair entered, Chisato called out, "Something smells divine."

Yuzuru chuckled as he came out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dish towel. "Completely Rene's doing. I'm just putting together a salad to accompany it."

As the trio settled down to a delicious dinner, Rene asked, "So how was your first day as assistant accountant to Kosaku?"

Chisato considered her answer for a moment. "Abbreviated and rather eventful."

"Really?" he asked puzzled. "In what way?"

"Well, just before lunch, Kosaku was called away because his wife was ill." To herself, she murmured, "I wonder how she's doing?"

"I hope it's nothing serious," Yuzuru commented. "I haven't gotten much of a chance to get to know her, but she seems like a sweet young lady."

"I haven't even had a chance to meet her yet," Chisato responded.

Dinner continued in silence for a few minutes before Chisato asked, "So, Rene, how did things go with the bride?"

With that prompting, Rene launched into a humorous description of his day taming a bridezilla and her equally overbearing mother.

OHSHC

Ageha, Hibiki, and Ren were building a blanket fort in the living room while Fuyumi worked on her investment research at the dining room table. Masaya was in his bedroom playing his video game since he had finished all his homework.

Fuyumi's phone rang and she answered it absentmindedly as she noted a Mikoshiba subsidiary as a potential easy take-over target. "Yes?"

"Good evening, Fuyumi. This is Kosaku."

She stopped typing and gave all her attention to the caller. "Kosaku, how is Hibiki?"

Tiredly, he replied, "She was diagnosed with preeclampsia."

"How bad? I remember my doctor being worried about me with that during my pregnancy with Masaya."

"The doctor wants her to limit her activities and get as much bed rest as possible."

"I can see how that might be a little difficult with a rambunctious three-year-old in the apartment," Fuyumi said with a chuckle. "Do you need any ideas on how to work that out?"

There was a pause as Kosaku collected his thoughts. "I think it should work out with Ren continuing to go to daycare every day. I may have to adjust my work schedule to help Hibiki out more."

"Then it's a very good thing Chisato joined your office today," Fuyumi pointed out.

"That's very true," Kosaku said, the tension in his voice relaxing slightly.

"And Ren can come spend the night here on occasions if Hibiki has an especially restless day."

"Thank you. That means a lot to us." There was a muffled conversation in the background when Kosaku paused. "I have to go. The doctor wants to keep Hibiki overnight for observation and they've come to take her to a room. I'll see you tomorrow at the office."

"See you tomorrow. Give Hibiki our love. And don't forget to take care of yourself as well!"

"Will do," Kosaku promised.

OHSHC

Early Friday morning the twins knocked incessantly on Haruhi's door. "What?!" she demanded as she yanked the door open dressed in shorts, a Classic Blunders t-shirt, and house slippers.

Grinning mischievously, they each grabbed an arm and dragged her in the direction of the elevator. She dug in her heels, straining to escape without hurting them or herself. "Guys! Really?!"

"Yes, really," the twins said in unison as they sandwiched her between them on the elevator, each twin with their hand on the opposite side of her waist from where they stood. "We're taking you to our studio so we can get some ideas about what elements you want on your wedding dress."

"Do your fiancées know what you're up to?" Haruhi questioned as they shoved her into the car waiting in the garage.

Atsuhiro turned around from the driver's seat and grinned at her. "Good morning, Haruhi. I haven't seen you in a while."

Scowling, she responded, "You're in on this too?"

Grinning, Atsuhiro informed her, "Well, I had to be fair. We did this to Kyoya yesterday."

As the twins climbed in to sit on either side of Haruhi in the back seat, Hikaru said, "You wouldn't believe what it took to get around Tachibana. I had to do some quick changes so he would think I was both of us while Kaoru lured Kyoya to the car by pretending Tachibana was waiting for him there."

"I plan on keeping my guard up for a while," Kaoru added. "Who knows when one, or both, of them will attempt to get back at us?"

Haruhi rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, steadfastly ignoring the three chuckling men during the entire length of the drive to the Hitachiin Studios.

When Atsuhiro stopped the car, it was met by Estee and Coco. "You did it!" they squealed. "You got her to come."

"In house slippers, even."

As soon as Kaoru opened the car door, Haruhi pushed him aside and climbed out. "They didn't give me much choice—dragging me out of my apartment without warning." She leaned back against the car, crossing her arms as she turned a pointed gaze at the twins. "One of you at least locked my door, I hope?"

Hikaru and Kaoru exchanged a glance and shrug before they broke out laughing, pounding their fists on their knees. "Of course, I locked your door," Hikaru assured her, grinning.

The twins and the Beringar sisters surrounded Haruhi and herded her into the studio. They spent the next three hours coaxing Haruhi to try on wedding dresses and tell them what she liked and didn't like about each one.

"While they're busy sketching out some ideas for you to look over, why don't we girls go have some fun with the pieces from the Fall Line?" Estee asked, gesturing toward the photography studio.

Haruhi hesitated before saying, "I'm really not that into fashion…"

"But it will be so much fun," Coco interrupted.

Estee smiled, "What I really want to show you is the set-up Hikaru created so I can take the pictures while modeling at the same time. It's absolutely incredible."

Haruhi huffed. "No wigs, no makeup, and no skimpy outfits."

"Deal," the sisters chorused.

Coco flicked through the rack of outfits while Estee set up the camera. "Haruhi, you will look darling in these," Coco squealed, shoving the hangers into her hands.

Rolling her eyes, Haruhi took the garments and headed behind the changing screen.

For the next hour, the sisters had fun showing Haruhi how to pose and change for a modeling shoot. Eventually, they started striking ridiculous poses and laughing.

Holding her sides as she laughed, Haruhi said, "This reminds me of the Host Club and some of the shoots we used to do for the photobooks."

Hikaru and Kaoru were drawn to the photography studio by the sound of the girls' laughter. "Hey, no fair having fun in here without us," Kaoru called.

"That's right," Hikaru added. "We're in there slaving away on designs for your wedding dress and you're in here willingly playing dress-up. You never did that for us."

Haruhi replied with a smirk, "I thought that was why you dragged me here today—to play dress-up." She struck one of the modeling poses Coco had shown her—one hand on her hip while combing the other through her hair.

Kaoru whistled. "Great job, Coco. I see you taught her your signature pose."

Before the conversation could continue, Haruhi's stomach growled loudly. She turned pink and covered a laugh. "That's what you guys get for kidnapping me before breakfast and not feeding me."

Embarrassed and chastised, Kaoru gestured between himself and his brother and said, "Let us go pick up lunch. There's a great sushi place nearby. It shouldn't take too long." Before Hikaru could protest or suggest he stay with the ladies, Kaoru grabbed his arm and dragged him out the door.

Coco clapped her hands excitedly. "I know what we can do while they're gone."

"What?" Estee asked tentatively, eying her sister suspiciously.

"We can put on swimsuits from the Summer Line and hit the pool." Coco was practically bouncing with excitement.

"No way," Haruhi stated firmly, crossing her arms. "There is no way I will put on a swimsuit they designed." She shuddered. "I remember some of the 'suits' they tried to get me to wear for Host Club beach outings. They were barely more than a couple of strings."

Then Haruhi headed back behind the changing screen to put on her own clothes.

"Aww, you're no fun," Coco pouted.

Estee breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Haruhi. Those swimsuits are too skimpy for me…and I'm from France where they have nude beaches."

Haruhi wandered over to the table where the twins had been sketching. She spent the next fifteen minutes examining each sketch in minute detail. Haruhi hummed appreciatively. "The guys did a great job with these designs, incorporating the elements I like."

Stepping up beside her, Estee picked up one of the sketches. "You're right. These are incredible for the short amount of time they were working on them."

Coco looked over her sister's shoulder. "Ooo, those are gorgeous." She looked at Haruhi. "Which one are you going to choose?"

Running her finger along the table under the line of sketches, she took her time deciding before she pulled three of them closer. Tapping each one in turn, she said, "I like the collar on this one paired with this bodice. Adding this skirt would make it perfect."

She was startled as the three designs were yanked away and Kaoru declared, "I can make that happen."

Estee and Coco gasped and lunged at the twins. "Don't scare us like that."

Hikaru held up his hands. "Hey, we just got here with the food."

"At least you were productive while we were gone," Kaoru commented as he collected the three designs with the elements Haruhi wanted. He absentmindedly walked off to a corner table, picking up a sketch pad along the way and muttering to himself.

"Don't mind him," Coco said with a wave of her hand. "He'll join us for lunch after he comes out of his creative trance."

Setting the bags from the restaurant on the table, Hikaru said, "So, let's eat."

OHSHC

Saturday morning, Fuyumi decided that she wanted to have the whole group over to her apartment for dinner and a cuddle pile before Rene, Haruhi, the twins, and the Beringar sisters moved back to their University apartments on Monday in preparation for the start of classes. She also insisted that Rene invite Chisato to join them.

Everyone was excited by the idea. Even Mitsukuni and Reiko arranged to come from the second farm and spend the night. They all agreed to meet at five for dinner and see what happened from there.

OHSHC

After a relaxing dinner with plenty of pleasant conversation, the group arranged pillows and blankets around the living room. Reiko had brought a fragrant tea blend that she had been working on so she could get everyone's opinion. Haruhi and Chiharu carried the trays for her so she could pass out the beverage.

Ageha and Hibiki giggled happily at being allowed to join the grown-up tea party. Masaya shrugged and took a tentative sip. His frown melted as the pleasant taste surprised him.

Fuyumi sipped the tea and surveyed the scene. She contemplated, "I needed this. After Kosaku's Hibiki was taken to the hospital, I've been having nightmares about something happening to me and the kids being left all alone. This is the best reminder that they will be taken care of and loved." She smiled softly as the twins teased Rene and Kyoya pretended to ignore his pleas for help.

Mitsukuni and Reiko settled into their blanket on Fuyumi's right. Reiko said quietly, "Thank you for inviting us."

Mitsukuni added, "It's been good to have time to ourselves at the farm, but it can feel so isolating at times. We need to be intentional about getting together like this so we stay connected."

Smiling, Fuyumi squeezed Reiko's hand and then patted Mitsukuni's knee. "I couldn't agree more. Family time is very important."

Rene finally escaped from the twins and plopped down between Chisato and Haruhi. "So, Chisato, how's the new job going?"

"I'm really enjoying it. I'm especially glad that I can take some of the pressure off Kosaku with Hibiki forced to limit her activity. We're adjusting as things come up, but we're both comfortable with making changes," she replied happily.

"You know, Chisato, if you would rather live in an apartment than one of the hotel rooms, you could use mine," Haruhi offered. "I'll be away at University most of the time. Even at Christmas when my dad and Shimura come to visit, there's plenty of room."

Chisato considered the offer for a moment. "I'd like that. Thank you."

"No problem. You can move in tomorrow morning before you go to work." Further conversation was interrupted when Takashi and Chiharu stood up.

Chiharu clung to Takashi's hand as he waited for everyone's attention. "As you all know, we are getting married at Christmas in a traditional wedding and you are all invited to the reception." He paused for the congratulatory expressions to taper off.

"We have also been talking about our future. As I have mentioned a number of times, I want to become a forensic accountant. That requires that I have at least two years of experience with an accounting firm before I can even apply for the forensic program." He paused to see if anyone had any questions. When there were none, he continued, "The program takes two years. It will require us to live in America during that time. Chiharu will be searching for and hiring her replacement while I am completing my work experience." He glanced down at Chiharu and then back at the group. "We just wanted to let you know now so it won't come as surprise when we make short trips to America between now and then to locate housing for our time there."

Kyoya stood up and approached the couple. "If you need any help, I have contacts in America that it would be my privilege to introduce to you."

He had barely finished making his offer all the others came to offer well wishes and advice as well. As he moved away to let others get close to the couple, Haruhi walked over and put her arms around his waist, laying her head against his chest.

He smiled down at her and whispered, "This is what family is all about."

She nodded and pulled his head down to kiss him soundly. They ignored Masaya's muttered protest and the girls' squealing.

11