The commute to Haruhi's home was quicker than I imagined it to be, but it was long enough to bitch about the hosts and get it out of our systems. It was fun to be on the train with her, even if we were both a little annoyed at the boys. Her apartment was part of a block-long grouping of units. Basic, but charming.

"Thank you for having me." I said as I walked through the front door and kicked off my shoes.

"Oh, yah. Of course." She replied, dropping her bag on the low table in the main living space.

"I'm sorry to impose like this." I sighed, following suite. "I just couldn't stand another minute with Tamaki today." As if on cue, my cell phone started ringing. I looked at the caller ID before sending him to voicemail.

"You've been staying with his family, right?" Haruhi asked while pulling out her homework for the night.

"Yes, kind of. The Suoh's have two Tokyo homes and Tamaki stays at the second one. It's still an insanely large piece of property, but nowhere near as grand as the main estate. I've been fortunate enough to be able to stay there. I don't know how I'd be able to afford anything on my own right now." I explained. She stared at me thoughtfully as if trying to figure out how to word her next question. I could hear it before the words left her mouth.

"I'm just curious… You and Tamaki grew up together, right? You were childhood friends? Neighbors?"

"Yes. You want to know shouldn't I have some kind of crazy wealth like the other families of Ouran?" She nodded slowly. "My parents did. My mother was a model and artist, and my father was a wannabe artist who turned real estate investor when my grandparents threatened to cut him off emotionally and financially at 18 years old. I grew up next door to Tamaki and his mother, but my father passed when I was a child and after my mother passed a few years ago, all that money has been tied up in trusts, with lawyers, and a selfish step-father who thinks he's entitled to everything my family worked for. So, now I'm focused more on how I can make my own way in the world and provide my own wealth for a future family rather than fighting to get back what my parents earned."

"That's admirable." she said with a smile. "I'm going to be a lawyer, like my mom. I lost her when I was young, but she was a great lawyer."

"I bet she was! Just like I bet you will be, too. I was curious as to how you ended up at Ouran, you seem much too studious and aware of the world!" I laughed. She chuckled as well. "I know that my being here was unexpected, so can I treat you to dinner? I try not to spend too much of my earnings, but being a pop star can lead to having a nice credit card!"

"Oh, sure. That'd be great. There's a place nearby that delivers. I'll give them a call." She replied as I handed her a card.

"Perfect! I can put on some tea for us as a study treat!"

We spent the rest of the evening studying, chatting, and enjoying some delicious takeout. After a shower, I changed into some clothes borrowed from Haruhi and settled in for the night with my notebook full of song lyrics.

"Are you working on something new?" Haruhi asked while packing her lunch for tomorrow.

"I think I almost have enough for a new album." I told her, feeling excited about the work I'd been putting in. "I'll just need to find a place to record and then start working on a release strategy. The only probably with a new album is that then people want to see a tour… and I just don't know if I'm ready to be on the road again."

The truth is, I don't think I'm ready to be away from Tamaki… Not for any extended period of time at least.

"Could you do a delayed release? Just do one single at a time until you're ready?" She asked.

"That's a great idea, Haruhi! I promise I'll let you hear everything first!" I couldn't help but smile as she tried to maintain her excitement.

"Haruhi! I'm home!" I heard someone exclaim as the door opened. I looked up to see who I assumed was Haruhi's dad, dressed in a gorgeous gown with beautiful long hair. "Oh, did I stumble into a sleepover! Haruhi! Why didn't you tell me!?"

I stood from the table and bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for inviting me into your home. I'm Lori!"

"Lori? Lori Robin!? Oh! Haruhi is your number one fan!" I heard Haruhi groan in response to her dad. "Call me Ranka! You've been helping Haruhi with the Host Club, right?"

"That's right! You have an amazing daughter." I smiled at him.

"She's just the cutest!" He cheered, engulfing my friend in the biggest hug.

I'd like to think my dad would gush over me the way Ranka did for Haruhi. It reminded me of Tamaki and his dad as well. I kept my smile locked on my face and refused to let them see the sadness and envy in my heart.