Helloooo! This update is LONG overdue! Thank you to everyone for keeping up with this story. I am really planning on finishing it soon so please let me know what you think. :) I was thinking of having alternate endings, depending on your reactions to the planned conclusion but for now please enjoy this chapter :D.

Thank you for reading!
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN OURAN HIGHSCHOOL HOST CLUB


Tamaki yawned. He blinked as fast as he dared, trying to adjust to the light shining through the room's curtains. His hand automatically moved to his nightstand in search for the pitcher of water that should have been there. Instead his palm was met with bare skin. Tamaki recoiled, sitting up instantly. The person laying beside him shifted. He glanced around the room with disbelief. Had he brought this random girl into his room the night before or had she followed him? He shivered.

Oh yeah, he was naked too.

Before he could get dressed and wake the woman up, Tamaki noticed that although his entire body hurt, the pounding noise was not coming from his headache. He jumped up, grabbing the first thing he could find.

Kyoya left Haruhi's apartment feeling as horrible as he looked. Before he left he had looked for his glasses all over the apartment. It was difficult to say the least. Not only was everything beyond one foot from his face blurry but apparently his body was still recovering from the alcohol. Eventually he had given up and left Haruhi's apartment. He wanted to know what she remembered but he didn't want to anger her. The next few weeks would do enough and there was no avoiding that.

After showering and preparing his belongings, Kyoya walked out of his apartment. What was the point in staying another day when he had more important matters to attend to?

On his way to the elevator the twins stumbled past him. From the looks of it, Kaoru was nearly out cold and Hikaru was anything but happy about it.

Kyoya walked over to him, resisting the urge to wrinkle his nose at the overwhelming stench of alcohol. "I can help you carry him."
Hikaru glared at him but gladly handed Kaoru over. He rubbed his shoulders.

"I don't know why this guy drinks so much when he can't handle it," Hikaru grumbled.

"Did you two stay up all night?"
"I wish," Hikaru said, looking at Kaoru resentfully. "Kaoru can't be left alone at any time after he's drunk more than three cups of beer. I fell asleep for twenty minutes. Twenty! But when I woke up Kaoru was nowhere to be found. There was literally nobody left at the party. Well, nobody awake anyway. I found Kaoru passed out inside a trash can so of course I had to get him out and clean him up a bit."
"That explains the smell."
"Then I had to drag his ass all the way over here."
They reached Kaoru's room. Hikaru patted over Kaoru, looking for the keys. "They're not here. He must have dropped them."
"So your room?"
"It's probably best anyway," Hikaru said. He opened his door. Kyoya dragged Hikaru in and plopped him down on the bed. "I don't want him to choke on his vomit," the older twin muttered before turning to Kyoya.

"Thanks," Hikaru said. He stared at Kyoya curiously. "Why are you wearing sunglasses?"

"The light is blinding."
"Gotcha. Thanks again," Hikaru said. He closed the door behind Kyoya.

Kyoya was pleasantly surprised by that interaction, especially considering it was possible Hikaru would never treat him so nicely again.

With reluctance but the knowledge that there was no other option, Kyoya approached Tamaki's door.

If Tamaki was as drunk as the rest of the host club, then even Kyoya's soft knocks would sound like aggressive thumps. That was assuming Tamaki was even awake. There was stumbling and a long pause before the doorknob moved.

Tamaki opened the door a crack.

"Can we talk?"
"I'm rather occupied at the moment." Tamaki said, glancing back.

Kyoya looked at his watch. "I'm willing to wait."

"Really it's not the best time. Call me later if you like."
"I need a favor."

Tamaki's face soured. "No." He closed the door.

Kyoya knocked again, not at all surprised by Tamaki's reaction.

Tamaki whipped the door open. "You're not in any position to ask for favors and I sure as hell should not be doing you any."

"Please."

Tamaki looked over his shoulder then looked at Kyoya again. "Let's speak in your room then."

"Sure. Whatever you want." Kyoya replied.

"Look I have a fiance so if you're looking for a rebound to last more than one night I'm not your girl."

Tamaki's eyes widened. "I'll be right back." He closed the door.

Now that surprised Kyoya.

A few minutes later the woman walked out of Tamaki's room. Her eyes inspected every inch of Kyoya. "I won't be married for another week. If you stay here longer perhaps we can meet up." She said after deeming Kyoya worthy.

"I'm not interested." Kyoya told her.

"What a shame." She replied, walking away.

As soon as the elevator had closed with her inside of it, Kyoya asked Tamaki, "May I come inside?"

Tamaki hesitated. Why hadn't Kyoya made a remark about the woman?

"Can you please hear what I have to say?" Kyoya added.

The blonde shook his head but said, "Fine."


Haruhi walked back to her room. It had taken a while but the lobbyman was able to locate the kind couple that helped Haruhi get back to her room the night before. She was glad they didn't reject her offer to treat them to lunch.

Haruhi shut her door, finally taking off the sunglasses she bought at a gift shop. Looking around the room, Haruhi's thoughts bounced from her memories of that night to her plans for the day. It would be a shame if she left the hotel now. Mori had paid for the entire weekend, after all. Lucky for her, she never minded exploring a new place, especially when she wasnʻt sure sheʻd ever visit again. With a shrug to herself Haruhi turned around and walked back out her door. She already had everything she needed anyway.

Tamaki was sure the entire host club would beat him up for not hitting Kyoya after everything he had just been told. The expectant look Kyoya gave him made it clear the man thought Tamaki was going to punch him.

Somehow, Tamaki managed to speak.

"Why aren't you explaining this to Haruhi instead of me?"

"I found out two months ago but I just didn't have time to talk to her. When I did have time and attempted to contact her she shot me down."

"Feels terrible doesn't it?"

"And I tried to talk to her yesterday," Kyoya continued, ignoring the comment. "but she rejected me. Earlier today I knocked on her door but she wasn't there." Kyoya purposely left out the fact that he had also been in her apartment but was too hungover to think of anything except his need to shower and drink water.

"Did you really wait to see if she was home or did you walk away immediately after?"

Kyoya knew that Tamaki wanted his honest answer so he said, "She definitely was not home but I admit that I left because I lost the courage to face her with everything I just told you."

"I wouldn't have the courage to face her either."

"So, will you help me?"

"If I did what you asked me to, it would be to help her not you and I'm truly sorry about that. So, for Haruhi's sake, I will keep it in mind."

Kyoya nodded and thanked him. They both knew that if Tamaki was going to keep it in mind it meant he would most likely do it.

"I hope that the next time I see you weʻre both doing better." Kyoya said.

Tamaki couldn't decide who he felt the most sorry for.


Haruhi practically collapsed on the floor. Her feet ached like they never had before! She wasnʻt a spontaneous shopper but had somehow managed to spend enough to fill a dozen bags. Only one or two bags were for herself. The rest were presents for her dad and friends. At least she knew she wasn't entering a quarter-life crisis...unless that crisis included outbursts of thinking she found the perfect presents for everyone in her life.

Tamaki sat perfectly still. It was a new concept for him but what else could he do? He tried pacing, meditating, sleeping, exercising, reading, and drawing but nothing was enough to help him clear his thoughts. The best thing to do with this new information was tell Haruhi, but if he told her who knows what she would do. Maybe it was best for him to hope she wouldn't find out?

Stupid. Absolutely stupid. Of course she would find out. He couldn't hide everything from her forever. After an eternity of sitting down Tamaki jumped up. This would be the last straw for her. She would realize too many things about Kyoya but it wasn't like Tamaki could prevent her from hearing the news forever. All he could do was be there for her.

Haruhi glanced behind her. The air was thick with awkwardness. Tamaki wasn't talking to her, just standing at a corner of the elevator with his eyes on her. She wasn't trying to talk to him either (mostly due to the fact that she couldn't decide how to), instead choosing to fixate her eyes on the elevator door in front of her.

Ding

Haruhi nearly let out a sigh of relief when another person entered the elevator. Her relief vanished quickly when she saw the person inch towards Tamaki's corner. In an act of politeness toward the person (an elderly woman), Tamaki moved away from the corner to let her hang on to the bars on the side. Haruhi could practically feel her heart stop. It wasn't enough that he was staring at her. This time he really was directly behind her.

Ding

They waited for the elderly woman to step off the elevator before exiting.

Haruhi walked briskly to the reception desk, but of course Tamaki was going there too.

Afterward, Haruhi walked out of the building and sat on a bench along the hotel's wall. How much longer could her taxi take if she had ordered it 15 minutes ago?

Tamaki stopped at the entrance of the hotel. He was staring straight ahead, as if contemplating something. Finally, he began to walk towards her.

Haruhi turned away quickly, pretending not to see him.

He sat next to her.

"Would you mind taking a taxi together?"

Haruhi jumped away, startled even though she had just seen him walk to her.

"You forgot your ID at the reception desk." He handed it to her.

"Thank you," Haruhi replied. It was barely a whisper - a squeak- even though she meant for it to be a nonchalant response. She subtly cleared her throat. "I already ordered a taxi."

"Is that a yes?" He gave her a small smile.

"Yes." She couldn't help but smile back.

She wished the smiles could relieve all of the tension but they continued in an awkward silence.

Haruhi reached into her carry on bag and pulled out a wrinkled bag. "This is for you. Well, for your puppies."

"Thank you!" He perked up immediately. Then he remembered his resolution to keep a distance and dialed it down a little. "I'll make sure to give it to them."

"And this is for you." She handed him a lavender box.

"Thank you." This time he contained his expression but it was harder. He had a good feeling he knew what was inside.

"That's our taxi." Haruhi said suddenly.

"Great," he said. "A minute more and we might have been late for our flight." He walked to the taxi with his usual bounce.

Haruhi grimaced. Right, they were all booked for the same flight. The worst part of it was that the twins had left earlier so she had nobody to distract her from Tamaki.

The best part? Kyoya had left earlier too.


When Tamaki arrived at his house he immediately went to the dogs' room. He approached the corner of Antoinette's bed. She looked up at him, wagging her tail happily but not standing up. Her puppies were eating after all! She had to watch over them.

"Look pups, grandpa brought you something!"

Takahiro walked over to Tamaki slowly and sniffed at the bag in his hands. Tamaki beamed at him, ruffling the dog's brown fur. He forgot that Takahiro's owner dropped him off every other weekend to see his puppies.

The puppies ran over to Tamaki, barking happily and jumping on him.

Tamaki laughed, greeting each one with a scratch. Antoinette finally stood up, trotting over to the bag that Tamaki set down on the ground. She pawed at it and barked at Tamaki.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Tamaki opened the bag. He couldn't help but grin when he realized that there was a box for each dog, including Takahiro.

"One for you, one for you…" Tamaki continued until each dog had one.

They ripped open the wrapping paper with excitement. The younger dogs happily began to play with their new toys and each other while their parents sat down at the edge of their play area, watching them patiently and chewing on softer bones.

Tamaki set the final box aside, much to the younger dogs' dismay. There were yummy new treats inside that box. If Tamaki gave the pups one before their lunch time was over, Antoinette would surely give him a disapproving look. He didn't think it was possible until it actually happened.

Tamaki played with his canine friends until Antoinette nudged him to signal it was time for them to nap.

Once in his room, Tamaki stared at the lavender box on his nightstand. If he opened it he wouldn't sleep and if he didn't open it he still wouldn't sleep.

Finally he opened it with his eyes closed. He peeked at the contents when the lid was off.

The box held a beautifully decorated cupcake. He checked the card inside, reading the store's name first. It was the one Haruhi wanted to visit.

Warily he read the back of the card, the part that was customizable.

"I'm sorry Tamaki. I hope you can accept this peace offering."

He stared at it, feeling strangely disappointed yet satisfied.

He picked up the cupcake carefully and bit into it. It was probably the most delicious cupcake he had ever tasted.

While admiring the box, Tamaki noticed another note taped to the side. This one was handwritten.

'I might never say this in person Tamaki, but I can write it. I understand if you don't want to talk to me every again but I want you to know that I miss my best friend. If you decide not to talk to me, I hope you can at least enjoy a delicious cupcake.'

Tamaki felt his eyes water. Maybe he was being too sensitive but it elated him that what was probably the fluffiest note Haruhi had ever written was for him.


The next morning Haruhi wondered how she could possibly be so tired after a full night's sleep. Then she remembered her schedule for the day. She would (unfortunately) have to drive to the edifice where she would find out whether or not she made the legal team.

If she made it then it was likely she had to stay to receive further instructions. How the rest of her day went would depend on the judges' and their superiors' instructions. If she didn't make it then she would return to work, a normal day would be ahead of her.

On her way out the door Haruhi suddenly wished she had told Tamaki about everything. Then again, given his response to the cupcake, or lack thereof, it was obvious that he wasn't in any mood to see or talk to her. Still, as she looked around (and finally found) her cell phone, Haruhi wished she had the courage to just show up at his door and resolve everything.

Her thoughts were cut off immediately when she opened her door and found herself face to face with Tamaki.

"Hi," He greeted, adding a little wave.

"Hi," she echoed.

"Were you on your way out?"

'No.' that's what she wanted to say. "Yes, I am." Haruhi said.

"I see," Tamaki replied, but it was obvious to Haruhi that he did not see. He thought she didn't want to speak to him. He moved back to let Haruhi step out.

"I- um, we can walk down together if you like." Haruhi added before he could leave.

"I guess that would be fine."

"Great," She flashed him a smile before locking her door.

"I've been meaning to ask, why did you rent an apartment for yourself instead of moving back in with your dad?"

Haruhi didn't understand why he decided to ask that right now but she answered. "Well, you know my dad moved to a smaller place when-" She paused. "-when I moved out the first time. For the brief period of time I moved back in he slept on a spare mat in the living room. No child wants to see their parent struggling, especially when it could be helped so I suggested renting a bigger place. He, very blatantly, said no thank you and convinced me to try living on my own for a while. 'To reflect,' he said." she smiled at the memory of her dad's pep talk. "He also didn't want me in the same complex so that I wouldn't constantly check up on him and I ended up here. Did I really forget to tell you the story?"

"No, you told me. I just needed a conversation starter."

They were now in front of her car.

"But I think" Tamaki continued. " I chose the wrong question because it seems we've run out of time."

Haruhi instinctively glanced at her watch. If she was comfortable with driving on a freeway it would take at most half an hour to arrive.

"You couldn't find a bus that took you to your destination?" Tamaki asked.

"If I did I would be gone by now." She grimaced.

"How long is the drive?"

"About an hour for me." She replied with no enthusiasm whatsoever.

"Would you mind if I took you?" Tamaki posed the question tentatively.

At her hesitant expression he added, "I promise I'll only take the streets."

"I'll pay you back for the gas." Haruhi offered in gratitude.

"Great!" He handed Haruhi his phone, knowing better than to insist that she didn't have to pay him back. "My car is around the corner. It's so hard to find parking in your neighborhood."

Haruhi took his phone, immediately opening his Map app. It was strange how normal this was for them.

"You complain every time you visit." She said, checking the paper card that contained the address.

"Do I? Oh wait, was it around the other corner?" He stopped, trying to remember where his car was stationed. It wasn't as if he was carefree and thoughtless on his way to Haruhi's. It made sense that he couldn't even pay attention to where he parked.

They walked in an uneasy silence until they found his car.

Haruhi picked up a slip on his windshield. "Tamaki-senpai, you got a ticket." She handed it to him.

"What?" He read it, frowning. "I didn't park in a no parking zone."

Haruhi looked at the sign behind him. He had indeed parked in a no parking zone. "I'm sorry to say you did." She pointed at the sign then the marks on the curb.

He let out an exasperated sigh, tucking the paper into his wallet. "This is why you need more parking space in your neighborhood."

He pretended not to notice the parking spot across from him and two cars in front of him. Haruhi refrained from pointing them out.

Tamaki unlocked the doors and entered the car. Haruhi entered the car and slowly put her seat belt on.

Tamaki busied himself with the steps he had realized long ago helped relax Haruhi. Then he checked the mirrors again and removed anything that could obstruct his vision, patiently waiting for her to be ready.

She was mentally counting down in her head. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was steady even though her hands were slightly shaky.

"Can I turn the radio on?"

"Of course," he said. It was a routine. He always said yes but she still asked.

"Thank you," she opened her eyes. "If we take any longer I'll be late."

"Let's go then."


The car was silent except for the songs playing on the radio. Neither could decide what type of silence this was but both were teetering between awkward and polite.

"Tamaki senpai, why did you come to my apartment?"

He remained quiet for such a long time she was beginning to think she had upset him again.

"It's okay. You don't have to tell -"

"Don't worry. I was just thinking of how to answer you."

Turn right onto-

"I showed up at your apartment today to say thank you for the gifts. The canines loved them. I'll have to order more treats as soon as they're out."

"I'm glad you liked them... Did you like the the cupcake?"

"Very much. Thank you."

Back to silence.

"I wanted to say thank you for the cupcake." Tamaki spoke up, reiterating his earlier statement. He carefully turned onto the next street.

"And I wanted to let you know that I'm sorry for everything I said during the wedding."

"You don't have to apologize."

"Yes, I do."

A car honked at them, causing Haruhi to grip the seatbelt. Tamaki wanted to pop that person's tires for unnecessarily alarming her.

"I admit that I was, and still am, disappointed but please don't think I meant anything I said. I don't think you owe me anything and I don't want you to feel guilty about what has happened in the last few days, months or years if you're worried about anything in that time frame."

"I know you didn't mean what you said." Haruhi assured him.

"What kind of person throws favors at someone's face in order to get what they want? I help you because I lo-" he quickly corrected himself. "I care about you. I have never expected anything in return. I just wanted you to know that." He finished.

"I've always known that you care about me and I have never forgotten." Haruhi frowned. "I just didn't know you cared about me in that way."

Tamaki didn't know what to say for the hundredth time that day. It was difficult to lie to her and say his confession had been a brief confusion or that he was suddenly over her. "That's something we don't have to talk about if you feel uncomfortable."

"But it's also something we have to talk about if you really meant it. I mean, you wouldn't bring something up if you just wanted to forget it."

"Well, we can talk about it when you're ready. I know how I feel so I don't have much thinking to do but you," Tamaki glanced at her. "I think you do."

Haruhi wanted to tell him that she did know, if only to prove that he didn't know her so well. It scared her that he was right. She didn't want to even think about possibly having feelings for him. "Maybe if we talk it through I can figure it out."

With disappointment, Tamaki realized there were only about ten minutes left. There wasn't as much traffic as they had expected so the ride was shorter.

"If you're sure then go ahead."

"Go ahead?" Haruhi repeated.

"Ask me the questions that have been stressing you out."

Haruhi didn't even ask how he knew she had questions. It was strange to have somebody who knew her so well and wasn't Kyoya. She never realized just how much Tamaki knew about her. "I don't want to mislead you in any way." She said softly.

Seeing her distress Tamaki asked a question of his own. "Where are we headed anyway?"

"Oh, um I'm going to get the results of the case I told you about."

" I'm sure there's an explanation you've already gone over but tell me again, why are you going so far for the results."

"Actually, I've never had to drive this far. Usually the decision is made on the same day."

"So then what makes this case so special?" Tamaki glanced at his side mirror. The car next to him was too close.

Haruhi stared straight ahead, not planning on freaking out over the car beside them.

"It's actually not a case exactly."

"What do you mean?"

"There is a parking spot up ahead," Haruhi said suddenly. "You can just drop me off there."

"How will you get home?"

"I guess I hadn't thought about it yet. I can order a taxi."

"If you wanted to take a taxi you would've done so to get here." Tamaki didn't let go of the steering wheel even though he was parked. "How long will your top secret meeting last?"

"I don't know. They didn't explain much in the email."

"I'll wait right here then. No if or buts."

Haruhi unbuckled her seat belt. No if or buts… "Okay. However, in the case that the meeting is not done within half an hour I would like for you to leave."

"I see you found an alternative to the words," Tamaki conceded. "I propose four hours."

"One hour." Haruhi rebutted quickly.

"Three hours." He said.

"Ninety minutes." She replied.

"One hundred and fifty minutes." He insisted.

"Two hours. Final offer."

"Two hours then." Tamaki agreed.

"Thank you for the ride." Her expressin fell before she could control her expression. Now what? Back to awkward?

"It was only a day but I missed my best friend too," Tamaki told her.

Haruhi couldn't look him in the eye but Tamaki knew she was smiling.


Haruhi was told to sign in and wait in a medium sized room with all of the other applicants. There were people talking, others on their cellphones, a couple doing some sort of paperwork and a handful just sitting down.

Her stomach rumbled, enticing her to pick up a breakfast pastry from the snack table.

She grabbed a croissant and sat down at an outer seat.
A man walked up to her, smiled and introduced himself.

Haruhi smiled, unable to open her mouth without showing the bread she was chewing. She reached out and shook his hand. When she swallowed she introduced herself.

The man began to talk about the past few weeks. He couldn't believe the mock trials kept getting postponed, as if the attorneys didn't have a life of their own. Haruhi had to agree. If the trials had been held on the initial date then she wouldn't have had such a hectic month.

Their chat was interrupted by the sound of a microphone being tapped.

"Good morning. We apologize for the delay. Please take your seats."

Haruhi and the man said bye and walked to their seats.

"There is really no easy way to do this since you are all exceptional lawyers. Unfortunately, we were only given twenty positions to fill so we will not waste your time anymore." The white haired lady said.

An older man was handed the microphone. "If you don't hear your name please head to the room across the hall. The names are listed according to what number you had when the process began."

He handed the microphone for Riku to speak. Riku read off from the clipboard he was holding.

Haruhi anxiously ate her croissant. Her number had been last which meant that if she was called, she would be last. At this moment more than any other she wished her cowoker hadn't decided to reject the offer to do the mock trials.

He listed three names, then paused to check something.

Another three and a pause.

It continued for what seemed like an eternity.

Two more spots left from what she had counted.

"And finally, Fujioka Haruhi."

Riku handed the microphone to another lady. "Thank you all for the great effort you have put into this. Please, follow me across the hall."

The white haired lady once again took the microphone. While the crowd walked out of the door she turned the microphone off and put it down.

"Congratulations to all of you. I find it unfortunate that we won't be able to give you all very much information today. However, the company you are all now working for will be revealed after these short announcements." Riku passed out handbooks and their contracts as she was talking.

Haruhi walked towards the center of the room to hear her better. She listened intently as the woman briefly explained some rules and their contract.


Tamaki was humming to himself and drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. He didn't know how much longer he could just remain seated. What he ached to do was stand up and stretch, maybe jog around a little. After a mental debate Tamaki unlatched his seatbelt and stepped out of his car. If any parking attendant approached him, he would just have to hope they believed that he was waiting for someone.

As he went through cherry pickers he heard a familiar voice.

"Today will just be a brief overview of the rules. They'll receive their contract and handbook then a packet with an overview of the case. On Wednesday we will begin to discuss."

"Kyoya?" Tamaki asked in the general direction of the voice.

Kyoya walked around the pillar in front of him to see Tamaki mid stretch.

"I'll call you back Akito...Yes, I'll inform you later. Bye." He hung up.

"What are you doing here?" Tamaki asked, noticing Kyoya had no glasses on.

Kyoya, still not quite believing Tamaki was in front of him, turned to his assistant. "Go upstairs and tell them I'll be there in a few minutes. If they have to, tell them to start without me." He looked at Tamaki (now standing) again. "I have business here but what about you?"

"Where are your glasses?" Tamaki asked instead of answering.

"I lost them."

"Don't you have backup?"
"Those are the ones I lost." Kyoya said. "Did you have a meeting here?"

"No." Tamaki replied. "Wait a minute, Kyoya are you here because of-"

"Yes." Kyoya said, not wanting to hear it. He rubbed his temples. It was harder to hide his fatigue when he was wearing contacts.

"Kyoya, are your lawyers here?"

"My future lawyers? Yes." He looked at his watch. "They should have been announced by now."

"What do you mean?"

"It was a big process that my father deemed necessary. Some were chosen and some weren't."

"So, based on the schedule you have," Tamaki began slowly. "The ones who weren't chosen…"

"Should be on their way home by now." Kyoya confirmed with his eyes closed to help the stinging. Stupid contacts, he thought. "Hold on," Kyoya's eyes shot open. "Tamaki if you don't have any business why are you here?"

Ring. Ring.

"Tamaki please don't tell me it's what I'm thinking."

Ring. Ring. Kyoya angrily answered the call.

"What?" He barked into the phone. "What do you mean you've already- fine. Goodbye."

"I guess the only way to know is to see for myself." Kyoya sighed.

"You better hope it's not what either of us think." Tamaki said. He wanted to think positively and say that it was all a big coincidence but it seemed that life was playing a huge, mean joke on Haruhi.

"Are you still keeping it in mind?" Kyoya asked.

"I've already started actually." Tamaki replied.

"Good...good," Kyoya said to himself. "Whatever happens just…" Kyoya began, trying to think of how to finish his sentence.

"You seem to forget that I've been around Haruhi for a long time Kyoya. You don't have to give me orders or advice concerning her."

Haruhi paid attention as Riku answered questions. They had moved to a smaller space, that appeared to be more of a conference room than an auditorium. The tables were set up in a circle, with the judges sitting at one end and an empty seat at the other end.

The shifted from general questions to a quick overview of the first case they would be handling. From what Haruhi was reading, there was a very obvious reason for why the entire legal team had to be changed.

The door to the meeting room was opened, causing Riku to stop talking. The judges stood up, followed by the attorneys.

Kyoya walked into the room with an attitude as intimidating as his father's. He was trying to calm down but if what he and Tamaki were thinking… his thoughts cut off as he saw her.

Haruhi and her ex husband locked eyes. His lack of glasses showed only slightly more than usual. When he saw her, his expression twitched to show his disbelief then back to a polite smile. Haruhi watched as every pair of eyes followed her ex husband to the head of the table.

"Good morning," he said, motioning for them to sit and sitting himelf. He folded his hands on the table.

Haruhi wanted to exit the room. It couldn't be him she was just reading about...but it was.

"My name is Kyoya Ootori. I am representing the Ootori Group in this meeting and it seems that you will all represent me in court."