Chisato stood by the back of the car with her hands on her hips, glaring at one of the men loading her luggage into the car. "Rene, for the last time, you don't need to escort me home."

Atsuhiro suppressed a chuckle as the two verbally sparred. After checking to be sure the bags were secure, he closed the trunk and headed for the driver's seat.

"I know I don't 'need' to, but I want to," Rene protested as he held the car door for Chisato. "My brothers were around all the time, so I feel like I didn't really get a chance to talk to you while you were here." He looked at her pleadingly. "Besides, I want to see your family again."

Climbing into the car and buckling her seatbelt, she surrendered to his puppy-dog eyes. Waving him into the car, she huffed, "Very well. You can ride along. I guess it will give Atsuhiro someone to talk to on the way back."

With effort Rene resisted the urge to wiggle and clap his hands. As the car pulled through the gates of Hinansho, he asked, "So how have things been going at work?"

Fuyumi looked around the apartment in consternation. "It looks like this place was hit by a tornado, a horde of pillaging Huns, or the twins during a photoshoot. Amazing how two small girls can make such a big mess." The sofa was buried in clothes, two suitcases lay open on the floor on either side of it. There was a pile of shoes on and under the dining table. The dining room chairs were pushed over to the corner near the television to support a blanket fort where Hibiki and Ageha giggled at the antics in the anime they were watching.

Masaya came out of his bedroom and asked, "Hey, Mom, what should I pack for the trip?"

Feeling overwhelmed, Fuyumi took a deep breath to try to formulate an answer when there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it," Masaya offered, seeing the distressed expression on his mother's face. He opened the door and cried, "Uncle Kyoya. Just the person I need. Can you help me pack for the trip? I have no idea what to bring." Masaya grabbed Kyoya's hand and pulled him through the living room to the bedroom.

Shaking her head, Haruhi closed the door and walked over to pulled Fuyumi into a hug. "We suspected you might be feeling a little overwhelmed, so we came to offer our services to help you pack for your trip."

Fuyumi clung to Haruhi for a minute as she took several deep breaths. "Thank you so much. I felt like I was drowning with no lifeline in sight."

Haruhi squeezed her gently before moving her hands from Fuyumi's back to her shoulders. Looking around the apartment, Haruhi said, "Let's start with the shoes. It will be lunchtime soon and I'd rather not have footwear in my food."

Laughing, Fuyumi turned to look at the table. "I agree. I don't know why the girls brought out every pair of shoes. They should only need four each: a pair of slippers, dress shoes, sandals, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes." Picking up the suitcase at the left end of the sofa, she called, "Hibiki, come choose your shoes for the trip."

"Do I have to? We're right in the middle of an episode of 'Fruits Basket' and it's our favorite one," Hibiki complained as she crawled out of the blanket fort.

Haruhi said bluntly, "That's what 'pause' is for. It shouldn't take long to pick four pairs of shoes and take the rest back to your bedroom. You too, Ageha."

Pausing the video, Ageha dramatically flung a blanket aside as she strode out of the fort. "Oh, if I must."

Covering her mouth to hide her smile, Haruhi thought, "She reminds me so much of Hikaru and Kaoru when you asked them to do something they didn't want to."

Within five minutes, the chosen shoes were packed, the remaining shoes returned to the girls' bedroom, and the girls were back in their fort watching the anime.

Looking at the girls, Fuyumi chuckled as she commented, "So much drama for five minutes of work."

Haruhi shrugged. "I have to admit, I don't really remember much about being ten."

"That's because you never really were that age," Fuyumi said soberly, nudging Haruhi's shoulder with her own. "You went from five to twenty-five when your mother died."

"At least you were here for Ageha, so she didn't have to go through that," Haruhi said quietly.

Fuyumi placed a hand on Haruhi's shoulder. "I have been thinking a lot lately about how to thank you for creating the Hinan family. I don't know where we would be without it."

Smiling softly, Haruhi whispered, "It just seemed so necessary after the Ouran Fair my first year. I had no way of knowing just how far reaching the need would be." Taking a deep breath, she waved a hand at the sofa. "For right now, we need to deal with this. We should be able to finish just in time to start lunch."

"Right," Fuyumi responded. "Let's get to work."

Masaya plopped down on his bed as Kyoya closed the bedroom door. With a strained expression, Masaya admitted, "I have no idea what to pack. The last time we took this trip, Mom packed everything for me."

Leaning against the wall, Kyoya nodded in understanding. "That trip was at the end of your second year of elementary school. Now you've finished your second year of middle school and it would be unseemly for your mother to do your packing for you."

"I wish Dad were here to help me," Masaya said wistfully as he pulled a suitcase out of his closet.

Crossing the room to where his nephew sat, placing a hand gently on his shoulder, Kyoya murmured, "I too wish he was here. I can't imagine what you've been going through for this past year."

With pursed lips, Masaya replied, "Given the monster gran…Yoshio turned out to be, it wasn't a loss to have him out of our lives. Especially since Dad's death was his fault."

Settling down on the bed next to Masaya, Kyoya placed his elbows on his knees and leaned his chin on his folded hands. "I'm going to ask you to do something very difficult." He paused to gather his thoughts. "I want you to forgive Yoshio—not for his benefit, but for yours. I don't want his actions to make you bitter."

Masaya jumped to his feet and faced his uncle with a betrayed expression. "You can't be serious! You want me to forgive him?" He stomped back and forth across his room. "Do you approve of what he did? He killed my Dad!"

Patting the bed beside him, Kyoya silently waited for Masaya to sit down again.

Crossing his arms defiantly and scowling in protest, Masaya dropped onto the bed.

Choosing his words carefully, Kyoya said, "I am not asking you to condone Yoshio's actions. I only ask that you realized that he is the way he is and he's not going to change. I want you to be able to let go of your bitterness towards him. He will still have to live with the consequences of his actions—including losing you, your mother, and your sister."

"How?" Masaya demanded. "Have you?"

"It was not easy," Kyoya admitted. "But I have, with Haruhi's help. She made me realize that my hatred for him was only hurting me and Yoshio was winning because he was still influencing my life."

Masaya stared at his hands that were fisted in his lap. "I…I won't make any promises, but I'll think about it."

Kyoya wrapped an arm around his shoulders and gave him a side-hug. "That's all I ask. I just want the best for you." Releasing his nephew, he ruffled his hair. "Now, let's see about getting your suitcase packed for this trip."

Grinning, Masaya murmured, "Let's do it."

Hikaru lounged on the sofa with Estee snuggled in his arms. Kaoru sat in the facing armchair with Coco on his lap holding a notepad and pencil. Kaoru leaned his head against the back of the chair and closed his eyes. "I will be so glad after we graduate next year. It is so hard to send company representatives to the Fashion Weeks with our lines and not be there ourselves."

"I know what you mean," Hikaru responded. "The best Comicons are in October and February. It's so hard to connect with interested buyers when we can't be there in-person."

Estee tapped Hikaru's nose. "At least we've already made arrangements for Comicpalooza in July. Houston, Texas should be interesting."

"And VERY hot, from what I heard," Coco commented.

"The convention center will be air conditioned and we're staying at the attached hotel," Kaoru assured her as he sat up straighter and kissed her cheek.

"Oh, can you believe that Fuyumi and the kids are going to take the same trip they did when the Shidos picked Ageha up from London?" Hikaru asked incredulously. "Why would she want to do that to them?"

"I heard Fuyumi talking to Kyoya about making the arrangements," Kaoru answered. "Actually, the kids asked to do that trip. They want to do it to remember all the fun they had with Seiji."

Hikaru relented. "I guess that makes sense." He paused for a moment before asking, "When do they plan to leave?"

Coco perked up. "I heard them talking about leaving the day after tomorrow. One change from the original trip is that they will be taking six weeks rather than ten days. They will be spending the first two weeks in London to do some sightseeing that couldn't be done last time because of the bombing."

The two couples exchanged looks. Estee murmured tentatively, "I wouldn't mind going to London to visit the memorial again. And maybe spend a week in Paris?"

Turning puppy-dog eyes on Kaoru, Coco pleaded, "Could we? Pretty please?" She folded her hands under her chin.

Kaoru and Hikaru locked eyes and had a silent conversation before Hikaru answered, "Let's go talk to Fuyumi about traveling with them to London. If they don't mind, then we can talk to Kyoya about altering our travel arrangements. We could even spend an extra week in Hollywood and come home with them."

Coco bounced to her feet, clapping her hands excitedly. "I can't wait to get to Paris. We'll get to see Marinette, Adrien, Nino, and Alya."

Estee stood up and pulled Hikaru to his feet. "No time like the present."

Laughing, the quartet headed down the hall to Fuyumi's apartment.

OHSHC

Atsuhiro parked the car in front of the Ogarashi home. "I'll just wait in the car for you, Rene. You take all the time you want."

"Are you sure you don't want to come in?" Chisato asked as she climbed out of the car.

"I'm fine. I brought along the mystery novel I've been reading." Atsuhiro held up a book with his finger marking a place near the middle.

"Don't be surprised if you are suddenly overrun by my younger siblings asking a million questions," Chisato warned.

"Duly noted," he responded absentmindedly as he lost himself in the novel.

Rene retrieved her luggage from the trunk and followed Chisato to the door. When she opened it, she was immediately greeted by her youngest brother throwing himself at her and yelling, "You're home!"

Laughing, Chisato caught him and replied, "I was only gone for a day. You make it sound like it's been months." She was brought up short when she realized that her family were not the only ones waiting for her. "Kitajima, Kohinata, Fudo. I didn't know you were coming over today," she greeted her late father's co-workers.

Fudo stepped forward and took her bags from Rene. "Well, we just wanted to stop by to check on everyone before we left for a two-week training session in Hokkaido." He turned and carried them to her bedroom.

Blushing, Chisato murmured, "That's very thoughtful of you guys." After a pause, she continued, "Where are my manners? This is my friend, Rene. It was his graduation party I was attending."

Kitajima bowed. "A pleasure to meet you. How do you know Chisato?" Kohinata and Fudo, who had returned from depositing Chisato's luggage, waited in anticipation for his answer.

Shrugging deprecatingly, Rene responded, "We met at the Hinan Hospital. Dr. Morimoto of the counseling center thought I might be able to help Chisato adjust to the diagnosis she received last year." Noticing Fudo's tense posture, Rene continued, "We became friends and she worked at Hinansho with the Hinan family accountant for a few months to stay close to Hinan hospital for treatment while her doctors here in Yokohama were getting ready to take over her care."

Chisato didn't notice that Fudo relaxed at Rene's explanation and looked at her with a soft expression but said nothing.

"You understand that we have to vet any men showing an interest in Chisato—on behalf of her father, of course," Kitajima remarked.

Rene smiled. "It's good to know she has people looking out for her. She is very special."

This time Chisato was watching as Fudo bristled as Rene proclaimed her 'very special.' "What is with Fudo? I've never seen him act like this before?"

The conversation was interrupted as Chisato's siblings crowded around Rene, all talking at once. Chisato's mother waved for Rene to have a seat so she could serve him a cup of tea.

Quietly, Fudo asked Chisato, "May I speak to you outside?" Puzzled, she nodded and followed him. Once they were alone, Fudo demanded, "What are his intentions?"

Confused, she said, "Rene is just a friend."

"Does he know that's how you feel?" Fudo inquired, his hands opening and closing at his sides as he struggled to keep his temper in check.

"Of course," Chisato replied. "Look, he's ten years younger than me. He's more therapist than love interest. In fact, that's the degree he just graduated from university with, psychology with an emphasis in grief counseling."

Fudo relaxed and leaned against the wall, breathing a sigh of relief.

"What's going on? Why are you asking all these questions?" Chisato asked, trying to figure out Fudo's behavior.

Taking a deep breath, he dropped to one knee and took her hands in one of his. "I have watched you grow and mature. I have fallen in love with you, and I hope you love me as well." He paused to reach into his pocket and pull out a small jewelry box. "Chisato Ogarashi, will you marry me?"

Stunned, Chisato looked into Fudo's eyes and saw the love and sincerity shining there. She choked back a sob. "How can you ask? Knowing my condition?"

He stood up and pulled her into his arms. "Remember, my family members are all involved in the medical field. I understand your condition and it doesn't change the way I feel about you." Kissing the top of her head, he asked again, "Will you marry me?"

Chisato slipped her arms around his waist and clung to him as she considered her options. Looking up at him through misty eyes, she asked, "Can I ask Rene a question before I answer you?"

A lump grew in Fudo's chest as he nodded and released her.

Opening the door, Chisato called, "Rene, could you come out here a minute?"

Rene stepped outside and looked between the couple. He saw the hostile expression that Fudo was trying to hide and the open anguish on Chisato's face. "What do you need?" he asked, concentrating on Chisato.

Twisting her fingers together, she looked at her feet. "Does my condition make it impossible for me to marry?"

Smiling softly, Rene took her hands in his to stop her fidgeting. "There is absolutely no reason you can't get married. As long as your intended is fully aware of the condition and potential challenges." He dropped her hands at faced Fudo. "Please take good care of her," Rene said before heading back into the house. Before closing the door, he called back, "Don't be too much longer. Everybody is asking what you two are up to."

Chisato turned to Fudo and flung her arms around his neck. "Yes, I will marry you." Then she pulled his head down and kissed him.

OHSHC

Kyoya sat at his desk in his office at Hinansho concentrating on his computer. "So much I want to get done this summer before the wedding. I just wish it didn't include so much travel. Everyone is still on edge after what happened last year." He rubbed his forehead, trying to forestall a headache. He was startled by a knock on the door.

Leaning on the doorframe, Haruhi smiled softly at him. "Interested in having dinner with me?" she purred.

Raising an eyebrow, he teased, "How could I resist such a tantalizing offer? Do you think my fiancée will approve?"

Haruhi sauntered to his desk and sat on the corner. Leaning over seductively, she whispered, "What she doesn't know, won't hurt her, will it?"

"Oh, but you don't know my fiancée. She's sure to find out," Kyoya replied, standing up and caressing her cheek gently, hovering just out of kiss range. "But I think I'll take the chance and have dinner with you. Where shall we dine?"

Slipping off the corner of the desk, Haruhi placed her hand over Kyoya's on her cheek and turned it to kiss his palm. "I have things all prepared in my apartment." She lowered her gaze and looked at him through her eyelashes.

Swallowing thickly as he tried to reign in his desire, Kyoya murmured, "Just let me shut down my computer." By the time he saved his files and turned off his computer, Haruhi was standing in the doorway beckoning him with a single finger.

After turning off the lights and checking the door to be sure it was locked, Kyoya allowed Haruhi to lead him to the elevator. Once the doors closed, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her neck from her ear to her collarbone. "You really shouldn't start things you have no intention of finishing," he growled softly.

"Whatever do you mean?" Haruhi teased as she ran her fingers through his hair, tipping her head back to allow him better access.

Kyoya pulled away when the elevator dinged so they would not be caught in a compromising position when the door opened. "Just in time," he thought with a sigh of relief as Ageha and Hibiki burst in.

"We're having dinner in the private dining room with HE and KC," Ageha announced. "They are going to London with us. Then they're going to Paris while we go to Florida."

Fuyumi stepped aside to let Kyoya and Haruhi exit before she and Masaya entered the elevator.

"Good luck," Haruhi called to Fuyumi.

"I'll need it," Fuyumi replied just before the doors closed.

Haruhi wrapped her arm around Kyoya's waist while he rested his arm on her shoulders as they walked down the hall to Haruhi's apartment. As soon as they were inside, Haruhi locked the door.

Kyoya raised a questioning eyebrow. "Do you have some nefarious plot that you don't want interrupted?"

Clasping her hands behind her back and rocking on the balls of her feet, she hummed, "Maybe?"

Laying a hand on his chest, Kyoya gasped mockingly, "I thought we were just going to have dinner."

Moving close to him, she whispered, "Who knows what that might lead to?" Then she turned and led him to the dining table where a delicious candle-lit dinner awaited them.

Halfway through the excellent dinner Kairi served in the private dining room, Kaoru asked hesitantly, "Are you sure you don't mind us tagging along to London with you?"

"We could always travel later on our own," Hikaru offered.

Looking at Ageha, Fuyumi assured them, "I think it's a good idea. It would be good for you to be there with Ageha when she sees the memorial for the first time. There's no way of knowing how she'll react or what she'll be feeling."

Fixing her brothers with a serious expression, Ageha added, "It really is something we should do together. With Estee and Coco, too, because their parents are there as well."

Perking up, Hikaru said, "We can even show you the sights we saw on our graduation trip. It will be a lot of fun."

Masaya muttered, "It will be good to have a couple males around for at least part of the trip as well."

Smiling indulgently, Fuyumi said, "So let's start planning. We leave in two days."

After Haruhi and Kyoya finished dinner, she sent him to relax on the sofa while she cleared the table. A few minutes later, Haruhi joined him in the living room. Instead of sitting beside him on the sofa, she straddled Kyoya's lap and ran her fingers through his hair while kissing him passionately.

Haruhi smiled to herself as she felt Kyoya's body respond to her ministrations. "Don't worry," she whispered. "I will keep within our boundaries. I just wanted to show you how much I love you. I don't want there to be any question in your mind while I am preoccupied studying for the bar exam."

Kyoya's hands rested on her hips as Haruhi massaged across his shoulders, down his arms, and up his chest. She kissed him again as she gripped his shoulders.

Taking a shuddering breath, Kyoya reached up to tangle his fingers in Haruhi's hair as he deepened the kiss. "I cannot believe how much I love this woman. How did I ever get lucky enough for her to agree to marry me?"

Haruhi moaned softly, pressing closer to Kyoya as she tugged his shirt tail out so she could slip her hands under his shirt. Her fingers skimmed his sides and dug gently into his back as she tried to keep her passion in check.

Slipping his hands under Haruhi's shirt, Kyoya marveled at her smooth skin as he stroked her back. When his hands reach the clasp of her bra, he broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers. "I want you so much, Haruhi. I hope you know that I love you."

Almost reluctantly, Haruhi slipped her hands out of his shirt and cupped his face. Stroking his cheeks with her thumbs, she stammered, "I love you. I know the next four months will fly by as I study for the bar exam, and you do all your traveling for business." She moved her hands down to his chest and smiled at him.

Kyoya ran the back of his finger down Haruhi's cheek, gazing deeply into her eyes. "You aren't worried about me traveling?" he asked, watching her expression intently.

Taking a deep breath, she replied, "I'll always worry. Especially after what happened last year. But we can't live our lives in fear. All I ask is that you are here for the twins' birthday in June and our wedding in August." Gently Haruhi climbed off his lap and pulled Kyoya to his feet.

"What did I ever do to deserve you?" he asked in wonder as they stood wrapped in one another's arms.

OHSHC

Mitsukuni and Reiko had returned to their home at the second farm right after Rene's party. Takashi and Rene were at work. That just left Kyoya, Haruhi, Shima, and Chiharu to bid the world travelers bon voyage.

Kyoya and Haruhi helped Atsuhiro load the luggage into the cargo area of the transport. Shima and Chiharu were helping Fuyumi get the kids into the vehicle and buckled so they could leave as soon as the bags were loaded. Trunks for the fashion shows had been sent ahead so Kaoru was checking the Milan shipping status, Estee was checking New York's, and Coco was checking Hollywood's. The cosplay trunks were currently at the airport's freight depot, safely stored and awaiting shipment in July.

Looking up from his phone, Kaoru announced, "The Milan shipment arrived at the airport and will be delivered to the venue, as scheduled, the day before we arrive from Paris." He breathed a sigh of relief as he slipped his phone into his pocket and glanced around the circle.

"The Hollywood shipment already arrived at Kyoya's property," Coco reported. "It has been secured and will be awaiting our arrival."

Estee frowned as she read the notice on her phone. "There appears to be a delay on the New York shipment because of a potential hurricane. They were re-routed to Chicago, but it should be waiting for us when we arrive in three weeks. I'll have to keep an eye on it to be sure."

With the luggage all secured, Atsuhiro climbed into the driver's seat. The twins and the Beringar sisters buckled themselves into the seats in the back. Before closing the door, Haruhi called, "Have fun. We'll see you in June."

After watching the transport pull through the gates and head to the airport, Chiharu sighed, "I guess I should get back to work."

"Kyoya, we need to go over my assignments and your itinerary for your business travels this summer since you leave for Mr. Li Hui's compound in Hong Kong tomorrow morning," Shima stated as she headed to Kyoya's office.

"And I need to get back to studying for the bar exam," Haruhi added. "I should also think about packing for my week at the Hokkaido resort."

Placing a hand on Haruhi's shoulder, Kyoya stopped her before they entered the lobby. "You know I'm going to miss you, right?"

Smiling up at him, she replied, "And I will miss you as well." She pulled his head down so she could give him a soft kiss. "But we'll both be busy and it's only for a little while."

11