Holy crap guys! 54 follows? Ahhhhh! That's WAY more than I ever thought possible (for one of my fanfics XD) Yay! Thank you all for reading and keeping up with the story. I know my irregular uploads may be annoying! I'm hoping I have more time to work on it after all this Senior stuff is done.
Anyway, thank you to anybody that has read, clicked on, browsed through, commented about, glanced at, thought about, followed, favorited and basically given my story a chance. THANK YOU!
*IMPORTANT NOTE* This chapter is somewhat of a filler. I'm sorry if it's boring. I thought it might be necessary to the story.
Disclaimer: I do not OHHC
"So...you mean I'm going to be a grandfather?" Ranka brought his hands up to his face, his expression unreadable. "ME? A grandfather?"
Haruhi nodded. HIs reaction was a bit unexpected. Her father was usually as energetic as Tamaki. Why was he so calm?
"Excuse me for a bit." Ranka slowly stood up and walked into his room. Haruhi gave Tamaki a worried look. He looked terrified. Was her father happy or…?
At first, there was a loud, piercing, scream. Next came indistinguishable shouting. Finally, Ranka emerged. "Sorry about that." He giggled and hugged Haruhi. "I had to hold in my screams in front of you in case it frightened the baby. I'm so happy! We have to go shopping! What do you want honey? Are you hungry? I remember how much of a glutton your mother was when she was pregnant! Oh dear, I practically used all of my paychecks for food." He squirmed in his seat, giddy at the thought of it." You should've seen her. She was inhaling food as if her life depended on it. Oh actually, I guess it did! Hahaha." Ranka bounced up and down. He was finally a grandfather! Soooo many years had gone by that he wondered if the couple had even sealed the deal yet. He was beginning to think that they were uninterested in having kids and had even begun to consider slipping an "excitement" pill in their coffee. Thank goodness that wasn't necessary!
He couldn't imagine how happy Haruhi and Kyoya were. Speaking of which... "Haruhi. Where is Kyoya? Why are you here with." Ranka narrowed his eyes at Tamaki. In response, Tamaki shrunk into the corner. His mushrooms immediately sprouted."This idiot."
"About that…"
"HE DOESN'T KNOW?!" Ranka rocketed out of his seat.
"Well, you see…" Haruhi didn't know how to tell him. Her father would be upset.
"UNACCEPTABLE! Let's go tell him now." Ranka pulled Haruhi up to stand (as fast and gently as her condition allowed him) and practically dragged her towards the door.
"No dad, Kyoya isn't here."
"Well of course not Haruhi. That's why we're going to go find him."
"Dad he's at a meeting right now. We can't bother him."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE CAN'T BOTHER HIM?! IS A STUPID MEETING MORE IMPORTANT THAN HIS WIFE?!" So much for not shouting, Haruhi thought. She knew he wouldn't last long. Haruhi paused, gently removing her hand from her father's grasp. Should she let her father know that a meeting was indeed more important to Kyoya than his wife? No way. He'd kill Kyoya in a heartbeat. Even though Kyoya's workaholic tendencies annoyed her, there was no way she was going to let her child live without a father. "Actually, I was hoping to tell him when we were alone."
"Well... I guess that's reasonable. But I still don't see why you told him." Rank glared at Tamaki, practically piercing him with his stare. In response Tamaki cowerers behind a particularly big mushroom. "Of course, since I am your father I should be one of the first to know but not that idiot."
"Dad." Haruhi gave him a warning look. She knew her dad never really got over the fact that Tamaki was the last to realize she was a girl. Her father was also incredibly offended by Tamaki's habit of referring to himself as her father. As Haruhi often told Tamaki, she already had a father and did not need another one.
What was worse was that Tamaki used it a pretense to get close to her when he was, in fact, too stupid to realize that he had romantic feelings for her. (Ranka's words, not Haruhi's).
"Alright, alright. I'm sorry for offending you, Tamaki." Ranka waved his hand dismissively. SIlly boy. The fact that Haruhi was married to Tamaki's best friend didn't make Ranka trust him any more than before" I'm just a bit overwhelmed right now. Oh, I know! Why don't we drink as a celebration!"
"Dad, I can't drink beer remember?"
"Who said anything about beer?" Ranka raised his teacup happily, indicating that he wanted to propose a toast. "To Haruhi, Kyoya and their future child!"
"Cheers!" Tamaki and Haruhi responded.
"By the way… I'm not complaining or anything but Tamaki seems to be talking less than usual.
Tamaki piped up eagerly. Being silent was killing him! "I just didn't think-"
"Ah, ah, ah. I would like it to stay that way." Ranka held up one hand and sipped his tea. What a wonderful day!
"I'm sorry. The number you have dialed is not available at this moment. At the tone-"
Haruhi placed the receiver back into place. She dialed Kyoya's personal number.
"I'm sorry-"
She threw the phone down onto the counter. Damn rich bastard…
"How am I supposed to tell you I'm pregnant when you don't answer the phone." Upon clearing her thoughts she realized that the phone was off the hook so she placed it correctly.
Discouraged and suddenly ravenous, Haruhi walked into the kitchen. At times like this, she was grateful for the chef. Although Haruhi found it unnecessary, Kyoya had hired a well-known chef to cook their meals. His reasoning was that the guy had all of the experience necessary to make any dish they dreamed of, no matter how exotic. Apparently, he had backpacked through most countries before finally settling down as a chef. And, of course, only the best was suitable for an Ootori. At this moment though, all Haruhi could think about was a soft, warm, chocolatey cake.
"Hey, Gabriel. I know you're already working on the special dinner for Kyoya but do you think you could make me a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting? Oh, and can it have a chocolate filling? And Oreos on top! Oh, and chocolate covered fruit. That would be amazing!"
"Of course Mrs. Ootori but it might take a while." Gabriel chuckled. This was the second time she had made such a specific request. The first time had been an hour ago when she asked for the aforementioned special dinner.
"I don't mind." Haruhi beamed. She opened the fridge and pulled out some chips. Her annoyance was momentarily forgotten as she walked into the living room and plopped down on the couch. Thank goodness for vacations. She munched on potato chips and sat in front of the television. Ahh, those noodles would be delicious right about now….and so would that chicken...and the hamburger… Before her cravings could get the best of her, Haruhi switched the channel, settling on a drama.
An hour and a half later, the staff could only stare in astonishment. Their boss had never taken an entire Sunday to watch television and eat. She was always running around making sure to finish all pending matters.
Suddenly, Haruhi began to sob uncontrollably, alarming the staff.
"Ms. Ootori? What's wrong?"
"Nothing. It's just that...That guy jumped off a bridge for her...and she was supposed to be the one stopping him!" She started to giggle, eventually laughing so hard her tears were falling faster. "It's so unrealistic! Who even watches this stuff?" Haruhi grabbed the remote and turned the channel.
The television began to blare the theme song of what appeared to be an anime. "Kiss kiss fall in love!" Before Haruhi could watch any further the phone rang. She turned off the tv and grabbed it.
"Hello?"
"Haruhi, I won't be able to make it home tonight." Kyoya was talking rapidly. It was as if he couldn't get off the phone fast enough.
"Why?"
"I have to finish the project by the deadline or our submission won't be looked at."
"Why don't you come home and finish it here? I -"
An exasperated sigh. She could practically see him rubbing his temples. "I can't take my entire file cabinet there can I?"
"You can certainly try. Kyoya - "
"Listen I've already wasted too much time on this. My phone will be off tonight. The office will most likely be closed as well so if you need anything call one of the idiots. I'll see you in the morning."
"Wait-" There was a click and a beep. He hung up.
Haruhi stared at the phone in disbelief. The conversation didn't even last five minutes. She set the phone back into its place and walked towards the kitchen. "Gabriel...you can go home now."
Gabriel looked up in surprise. "Mrs. Ootori, I haven't finished cooking the meal."
"It's fine. Actually, you and the rest of the staff can take whatever you want home...Also, please have Kotoko bring up the chocolate cake to my room."
"Of course." Gabriel shifted from one foot to the other. He wasn't trained for what to say when his boss let the staff take such a luxurious meal home. "Thank you."
Haruhi smiled and walked towards her bedroom.
So much for Kyoya's surprise.
"Hello?"
"Good morning my darling daughter!"Haruhi lifted her head from the pillow. Although her vision was still blurry from sleep and a lack of contacts she could make out that the clock read 3 pm. "It's afternoon."Indeed it is! You sure are a sleepy head!"
"Why did you call so early in the afternoon senpai?"
Tamaki shook his head from the other side of the line. This girl needed to get up! "Because Haruhi! You can't keep moping about Kyoya! You need to get up!"
"I'm not -" Haruhi suddenly felt last night's chocolate cake rise up and out of her stomach. She bolted to the restroom adjacent to her bedroom.
"Haruhi? Hellooooo…"
When all of her insides were poured into the toilet Haruhi sighed. How was it possible that morning sickness caught her so early on? She could have sworn the doctor said the average woman began to vomit six weeks into her pregnancy. Then again, at four weeks in she wasn't that far off. 'I wish Kyoya was here. Even if he'd probably stay in his office the whole time." Haruhi reached for the green mouthwash. She sniffed it beforehand, making sure the baby was okay with minty freshness. At no sign of disgust, she poured some into her cup then into her mouth. She instantly spit it out. Indignantly, Haruhi looked down at her stomach. "I thought you were okay with it!"
Haruhi trudged back into her bedroom, rubbing her stomach thoughtfully. Vomiting was hell. Just the thought of possibly heaving the contents of her meals into the toilet made her shudder. 'But,' she smiled 'It's worth it. I wonder what we should name you...'
She sat down on her bed, pensively humming to herself. Suddenly she remembered her pending phone call. Damn...Tamaki was probably going bonkers.
"I'M TELLING YOU SHE'S MISSING! DON'T HANG UP ON ME!"
"Senpai."
"YES HER NAME IS HARUHI FUJIOKA!"
"Senpai!" Haruhi yelled into her phone. She hoped he had her on speaker.
"WHAT? Haruhi! " Eagerly, Tamaki lunged for his phone. "You're okay! Thank goodness I thought you were a goner so I may have freaked out a bit. That reminds me! I have to tell the police that everything is okay! Hold on a sec."
Haruhi rolled her eyes at his silliness. The police would probably block Tamaki's number again.
"I'm back!"
"How did you call them if you've been on the line with me?"
"Well, you see ever since Kyoya left I've been buying phones in hope that he will answer an unknown number! I now have three. Would you like one?"
"No thanks."
"But they're purple."
"I already have a phone. Anyway senpai, what were you saying before I spewed last night's dessert into my toilet?"
"Are you sure you're alright? Maybe we should go see the doctor."
"I stuff my face all night and vomit all day. I can deal with it if it means my baby will be fine. Don't worry, it's normal."
"Do you need daddy to go take care of you?"
"Not really. I-"
"Mrs. Haruhi?"
"Hold on senpai." Haruhi put her phone down and looked at Kotoko. Kotoko was fidgeting with her apron, her face was hot with what Haruhi assumed was a result of being overwhelmed. "What's going on?"
"Master Tamaki is here."
"What?!"
"And the Hitachiin twins...and ...and Mr. Morinozuka… and Mr. Fujioka"
Slightly irritated, Haruhi ended the call with Tamaki and stood up. Before throwing her phone onto the bed, Haruhi checked her call history. No missed calls. No voicemails. There was, however, a long list of calls that she had made yesterday, but that Kyoya hadn't bothered to pick up.
She opened her messaging app. No new messages. In fact, none of her messages had been read. With a twinge of annoyance (why couldn't he just answer her texts? She was willing to tell him through text if he just answered or even bothered to indicate that he had read them.), she pulled up Kyoya's number and typed. 'Kyoya I really need to talk to you. Please call me ASAP. BTW you were supposed to be here in the morning.'
"Kotoko, are you okay? Your face is red."
Kotoko nodded, whispering something about Kaoru's adorable green eyes. Haruhi laughed but was slightly taken aback. She never really noticed that Kotoko had a crush on him. Kotoko's face flushed two shades darker.
They entered the living room and saw the hosts sprawled about. Hikaru eyed Haruhi as she approached them. "I know you're pregnant but you look terrible."
"Thanks," Haruhi responded flatly.
Kaoru peered at Kotoko. "Is she okay? It looks like she's going to pass out."
Kotoko squeaked and instinctively hid behind Haruhi.
"She's fine. Just a bit...overwhelmed."
"Well, I don't blame her!" Tamaki's host instincts turned on immediately. He cupped Kotoko's face, tilting it up to face him. "I agree that we are perhaps the most attractive persons you have ever seen, yet our handsomeness is nothing compared to your breathtaking beauty."
The twins followed suit. They pushed Tamaki away and embraced Kotoko in their signature position. "You know-"
"You don't have to settle for him. After all-"
"Wouldn't you prefer to have two loves instead of one?"
Kotoko glanced at Haruhi, then at the three hosts. She was unsure of what the protocol for such a situation was. Not to mention that breathing was getting increasingly difficult.
Haruhi merely swatted them away. "Don't worry about them, they're always like this. You can go."
"Yes Mrs. Ootori"
Stealing one last glance at Kaoru (he had already lost interest and was flipping through Kyoya's book collection) she exited the room.
Haruhi crossed her arms. "Tamaki senpai I thought I said I didn't need you here."
"Well you see, I was already here when you said that…"
"And dad!"
Ranka jumped. As it turned out, a three-foot plant wasn't the best hiding spot after all. "Yes, honey?"
"I thought you knew better than to go along with their ploys."
"But Haruhi, you sounded so lonely on the phone."How do you know what I sounded like on the phone? Were you at his house?"
"Relax Haruhi." Hikaru sat on the couch nonchalantly. "We were just discussing a few things."
"What things?" Haruhi's aura was beginning to turn ominous.
"Nothing much." Kaoru put a book down carelessly. "Just the baby's welcome home party."
"Oh…" Haruhi's shoulders were suddenly less tense. "That's really nice of you guys... Thank you."
"No problem," Mori said.
"I'm really sorry guys but Takashi and I have to go soon. I still want to cut this cake with you Haru chan! Is Kyo-chan home?"
"No, he's busy with work." Before the hosts could protest and make their usual sounds of disapproval Haruhi continued. "Let's cut the cake!"
"Hey Haru-chan, this is the second cake you've had in two days!" Hunny happily chomped on his piece. Cake always hit the spot!
"Third actually. I guess my future son or daughter is a big fan." Haruhi replied around a mouthful of deliciousness.
"Let's just hope he or she has a metabolism as great as Honey senpai's" the twins responded.
"Of course he will! And if he doesn't, well, at the very least he'll have impossibly good looks." Tamaki said. "Kyoya and Haruhi are two of the most attractive persons I have ever seen."
"Yup." Mori agreed.
The twins shrugged. "She'd be more attractive if she has a little more..." Hikaru's hand circled his chest.
"Shut up! You're being perverted with your sister! She's a married woman!" Tamaki went off on them.
Ranka simply stared. He let Kyoya marry Haruhi because he saw potential. He saw the way the couple could thaw each other's hearts and the way they looked at each other. Neither was the fluffy type of person but both seemed to float when they were with each other. Not to mention that they could have the type of conversations that nobody else could hope to understand. However, he was now unsure of whether he made the correct decision. Could it be that he welcomed the wrong person into Haruhi's life? After all, despite her smiling exterior, Haruhi was miserable right now and he knew it.
"Oh, I'll take that Haruhi." Ranka snatched the strawberry from Haruhi's cake. "I saw that look on your face! My grandchild is repulsed! You know, you weren't a big fan of these as a fetus either. It's amazing to see how fond of them you are now."
Haruhi sighed. "I tried to hide it...I really like strawberries."
"Well, that's too bad because my grandchild doesn't." Ranka plopped the strawberry into his mouth before beginning to chat with the group.
It was only an hour after they left that Haruhi remembered that Ranka hated strawberries.
Ring. He couldn't pick up.
Ring. If it's not important, they'll probably give up right about now. After all, he told them to hang up if he didn't answer by the second ring.
Ring. He cursed. Angrily, he grabbed the phone, waiting for whoever was on the line to say something.
A voice instantly rose. "Kyoya, your flight leaves in an hour. Don't worry about luggage. You can buy any necessities when you land. Your brother will take over the rest of the project you are currently working on. Your assistant will debrief you on this new project along the way." Click.
Kyoya closed his eyes, leaning into his chair. His father just couldn't leave him alone. Another project? Another business trip? He thought he'd get a break after today. That was, ideally, what would happen after every assignment. Kyoya would wrap up (and attain, obviously) the deal then he'd go home.
Chugging the last traces of coffee in his mug (the horribly ugly one Haruhi made for him as an anniversary present), Kyoya stood up. "Whatever. I'll just get this done quickly. Then I can go home and actually spend some time with her." he muttered to himself. It had become a habit of his. He used to write his thoughts down when he was alone but there was no time for that anymore. The sooner he finished all of his business, the sooner he could spend time with her.
Kyoya grabbed his coat and walked towards the door. He was lying to himself and he knew it. As much as he missed holding Haruhi - talking to her, kissing her. - the company had to come first. He would not reject any work given to him. It was annoying but Kyoya knew it was necessary. After all, he had his future children to think about right? There wasn't one yet but when the time came, he wanted to be a good father. And what did a good father do? As far as Kyoya was concerned, a good father secured his child's future. If that meant he had to sacrifice his time at home then so be it.
Kyoya exited his office and called for his assistant. "Mr. Suzuki, make sure the plane has a shower and that there are clothes available for me."
As an afterthought, he added, "And send a message to my wife. Tell her I don't know how long I will be away but that I will call her later."
Kyoya stepped briskly into the elevator with his assistant only a few steps behind.
Mr. Suzuki swiped through his tablet. "The chairman has decided to appoint you to a project in the United States."
"The United States? What the hell does my father want me to do there?" The last two times Kyoya had been in that country were - at best- utter chaos.
"Pardon?"
Realizing he had spoken out loud, Kyoya shook his head slightly. "Nothing, carry on."
The elevator dinged and Kyoya stepped out. Mr. Suzuki was still talking but Kyoya couldn't process anything. His father knew better right? After the last visit…. No, there was no way his father was going to carry on with his previous plan. He wasn't stupid. Kyoya stepped into the limo, motioning his assistant to follow.
"Mr. Suzuki, let me see that information while you contact my wife." Kyoya handed him his phone and took the tablet.
"Yes, sir." Mr. Suzuki turned to address the drive "To the Ootori's private airline please.' He unlocked Kyoya's work phone, navigating towards his inbox.
"Mr. Ootori, it seems that Mrs. Ootori has filled your phone with messages. She says she has important news."
Kyoya swiped the screen, becoming increasingly stressed out. "Yes, yes." Kyoya knew Haruhi wasn't a silly girl but whatever it was she had to tell him could not be more important than this.
"Should I call her?"
Kyoya stopped at a particular slide. He studied it intently, barely registering Mr. Suzuki's words. He automatically responded with what he usually said. "No need. Just tell her what I ordered you to."
"Yes, sir."
Kyoya stared at the slide. This was too simple. His father had something else in mind and whatever it was he knew he wouldn't like it.
"Haruhi, what's wrong?" Ranka stared at Haruhi with concern. "You look pale."
"Nothing dad. I just…" Haruhi definitely felt more at ease with the hosts gone. As much as she loved those guys, she was happy to spend some daughter-father time. In fact, they had been in the middle of a rather interesting conversation when she suddenly felt an inexplicable chill. "I suddenly felt a little cold."
Ranka's concern deepened. Haruhi's arms were full of goosebumps "What do you mean? Is there something you're not telling me?"
Before her father could panic Haruhi retracted. "No. I'm sure it's nothing. I guess there must have been a breeze that came in or something. Anyway, you were saying?"
"Oh yes! So then I said girllll that boy can shove it up his…." Even with her father rambling on Haruhi couldn't shake off her feeling. She wasn't usually so paranoid so she wondered if it was all part of her pregnancy.
Bzzz, Bzzz! Haruhi jumped at the sudden notification announced by her cellphone. She instantly reached for it. Only Kyoya's messages made a heartbeat vibration.
She opened her phone eagerly. It was his work number. Already a bad sign.
She read the message. 'Dear Mrs. Ootori, Mr. Kyoya Ootori will be flying to the United States for a business meeting. He asked me to inform you. Sincerely, Mr. Suzuki' Her face shifted from hopeful to angry to resigned.
"Haruhi honey? Who is it?"
Haruhi clicked off her phone and threw it onto the couch. "Nobody important." If she told her father, Ranka would fly into a murderous rage.
"Are you sure? You wouldn't have reacted that way if it wasn't important."
"I'm sure. Now, what were you saying about that show you watched?"
Ranka stared at her, making it clear that he knew she was lying. Haruhi stared back, trying to make it clear that she was telling the truth.
Finally, Ranka shrugged. "Ah yes! It was so bizarre! It had a catchy credits song that went something like 'I run and run a thousand miles' or something like that. Anyway, I felt a strange deja vu when I saw it. The plot reminded me of something but I can't place my finger on it…"
Haruhi smiled. Her father really cheered her up. But even this was too much. And although it wasn't unusual for Kyoya to order his assistant to message her in his stead, Haruhi just couldn't shake off the feeling that something would go wrong. She touched her stomach subconsciously, willing herself to calm down. 'It's bad for the baby Haruhi. It's nothing. You're just a bit paranoid today…' But even while the goosebumps began to disappear, Haruhi couldn't shake off the feeling.
Thank you for reading!
