Chapter 4: Halloween with the Host Club

Mitsukuni headed straight for Haruhi as soon as he stepped into Music Room Three. He pulled her into a hug and buried his face in her shoulder. "I can't tell you how much your text messages have meant to me. I don't think I would have made it without them."

Haruhi rubbed his back. "Since you'll be at the Haninozuka estate this weekend, you'll be close enough we can talk later," she whispered into his hair. Glancing around to be sure the other hosts were not watching, she placed a kiss on the top of his head.

He pulled back and smiled as he leaned forward, kissing her cheek. "Can Takashi and I take you out to dinner after Host Club?"

She leans her forehead against his. "I'd like that." Hearing Tamaki berating the twins for horsing around, Haruhi whispered, "We'd better get ready before Tamaki starts his hysterics."

Reluctantly, he stepped around her and headed for the changing rooms.

She was startled as strong arms wrapped around her shoulders from behind and voice whispered in her ear, "Thank you. You've been good for Mitsukuni. Thank you for agreeing to go to dinner with us tonight."

Turning in Takashi's arms, she reached up and caressed his face. "Glad I can help. Now we need to go get changed into our costumes." The pair walked off together in the direction of the changing rooms.

Kyoya tensed and his face suffuse with envy as he watched the interactions between Mitsukuni, Takashi, and Haruhi. His mental tone was resigned as he thought, "I wish that was me being kissed and caressed by Haruhi. I have to stop torturing myself. I don't deserve someone as wonderful as she is." To cover his lapse, he turned to Tamaki and said, "Don't forget to tell the guests the 'trick' for tonight's Host Club cosplay."

Tamaki looked blank for a moment and then beamed broadly. "Oh yes, we're playing against character. I will announce it as soon as we open the doors."

Fifteen minutes later, everyone was in costume and posing, waiting for Tamaki to open the doors and let in the guests.

"Princesses, thank you for joining us for our Halloween cosplay. As a 'treat,' we are dressed as characters from the popular American movie, 'The Princess Bride.' As a 'trick,' we will be playing the opposite of our usual characters."

Gesturing broadly to the twins, he continued, "Our usual 'brotherly love' pair will be the deadly rivals, Count Rugen and Inigo Montoya."

Hikaru stepped forward dressed in a copy of the movie costume, right down to the glove with six fingers. He drew his sword and swished it dramatically.

That was Kaoru's cue to step out and block Hikaru's swing. The clash of metal-on-metal drew 'oohs' and 'aahs' from the ladies.

Striking a pose, Kaoru quoted the famous line, "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

Several of the young ladies swooned and a couple dropped to the floor in a faint.

Tamaki resumed the introductions. "With Inigo are his companions. Instead of the 'boy lolita,' we have the ruthless mastermind, Vizzini. Instead of the silent 'wild' type, we have the brawling-for-money, Fezzik."

Mitsukuni and Takashi stepped forward and stood to the left of 'Inigo' while he continued to trade blows with 'Count Rugen' on his right.

"Our 'cool' type is taking on the role of the hot-blooded Dread Pirate Roberts, who is also the Farmboy, Wesley, the long-lost love of Buttercup."

Kyoya advance in the all-black costume and mask of the feared pirate, swished his sword, and bowed gracefully to the crowd of guests.

Tamaki continued, "I am Prince Humperdink, the conniving and murderous despot. I want war and I'm not above marrying just to kill my new bride to start it."

Turning to the last host, he gestured broadly. "Finally, our 'natural' host is playing the demure and maidenly Buttercup. Thinking her love dead at the hands of the Dread Pirate Roberts, she has no will to oppose Prince Humperdink and his plans to marry her."

Haruhi stepped forward in a copy of the gown Buttercup wore when she was presented to the people as a commoner who would wed the prince as part of the country's 500th anniversary celebration. "Well, at least it's modest and covers almost everything," she thought.

For the next two hours, the Host Club members worked hard to stay in their movie personas. They acted out several scenes, including the battle wits between Vizzini and the Dread Pirate Roberts, Fezzik carrying off 'the lovely lady,' Humperdink and Buttercup's argument about sending the ships, and Inigo and Count Rugen's sword fight. The ladies were reluctant to leave when Kyoya announce that Host Club hours were over.

After the last guests finally left and the doors were closed, all the hosts collapsed on the sofas.

"That was so HARD," Mitsukuni complained. "Kyoya, how can you be such a ruthless mastermind all the time without being exhausted?"

Kyoya replied, "Well, if I tried to be cute and sweet, I would be just as exhausted as you are right now. Since ruthless mastermind is my default setting, there's no effort to maintain it." He turned as he spoke and was stunned at what he saw. Mitsukuni climbed into Haruhi's lap, wrapped his arms around her waist, laid his head on her shoulder, and snuggled his nose into the crook of her neck.

Haruhi was startled at first when he climbed into her lap, but as she felt him relax into sleep, she wrapped her arms securely around him and laid her cheek on top of his head. "I've never seen him so worn out," she thought.

She looked around at the other hosts and saw a variety of reactions to Mitsukuni's actions.

The other hosts looked on, some absolutely shocked at his bold move. Tamaki and the twins were all seething, thinking the same thought, "Who does he think he is!?"

Kyoya pondered dejectedly, "Have they been secretly dating? They certainly seem comfortable with close contact. I always knew she was too good for the likes of me." He recalled all the times Mitsukuni had laid his head on Haruhi's lap and she ran her fingers through his hair.

Takashi sighed contentedly. "He's become quite comfortable around Haruhi. She's good for him. Not romantically, but more like a sister. He's had such a hard time these last few months. I know something is wrong but he won't confide in me. At least her texts help him through his hardest moments. I don't think he realizes that I've seen him read and re-read them after a hard day when he has trouble sleeping."

Kyoya broke the tableau when he declared, "It's getting late and we need to change, clean up, and get home. Takashi, I believe it would be in everyone's best interest if you were to see that Mitsukuni and Haruhi get home safely."

"Just let me change out of my costume. I'll see that Haruhi's and Mitsukuni's are returned tomorrow," Takashi said as he headed for a changing room.

Tamaki was about to protest when both Takashi and Kyoya shot him a look that declared, "Don't you dare wake up Mitsukuni!"

The twins, warned by the glares directed at Tamaki, decided to make a strategic retreat to change out of their costumes. When they returned a few minutes later, Takashi had already left with Haruhi and Mitsukuni. Shaking their heads in bemusement, they began collecting dishes to wash while Tamaki and Kyoya went to change out of their costumes.

When Tamaki and Kyoya returned a few minutes later, the four worked together and Music Room Three was quickly set to rights. They then bade each other 'Good night' and headed for home.

OHSHC

Takashi settled Haruhi, with Mitsukuni still clinging to her, in the limousine and signaled the chauffeur they were ready.

"We'll drop Mitsukuni off first and then I'll take you home," Takashi stated.

"What about dinner?" Haruhi asked. Mitsukuni shifted in his sleep and whimpered softly. She rubbed his back and hummed tunelessly to comfort him. He seemed to settle into a deeper sleep under her ministrations.

Distracted from her thoughts about dinner, she asked quietly, "Has he been having trouble at University?"

Takashi pondered her question for a few minutes before he finally answered. "It's funny. He loves his classes and has been keeping up and doing well. But I have noticed that he has been having mood swings and gets irritable rather quickly. He's also been having trouble sleeping. I've seen him re-reading your texts some nights when he can't sleep."

Haruhi looked down at the young man on her lap. "I'll be sure to keep sending them since they help. I wish there was more I could do."

Laying a hand on her shoulders, he said, "Please just keep being there for him. That's what he needs most right now." As he finished speaking, the car stopped in front to the Haninozuka mansion.

"I'll be right back," Takashi said as he gently disentangled Mitsukuni from Haruhi.

She waited patiently, contemplating what she had learned about Mitsukuni's behavior at University. "I wonder if my setting up the Hinan family has anything to do with his changes. Has it been putting extra pressure on him?"

When Takashi climbed back into the car, he saw the pensive look on Haruhi's face. "Is anything wrong, Haruhi?" he asked gently.

She heaved a sigh and inquired, "Did I do the right thing, creating the Hinan family? Could it be causing Mitsukuni to worry? And then there's everything that's been going on with the lawsuit against Cormorant and that whole mess?"

She stared at her hands as she wrung them anxiously. "I mean, everything basically returned to the way it was before the Ouran Fair. I can't help wondering if Kyoya's current situation is partially my fault. It appears that I was worrying over nothing and wound up making things worse."

Takashi was not used to seeing this confident, vibrant young woman looking so vulnerable. He took her hands in his own to stop her fidgeting. "Even if the Hinan family never needs to adopt anyone to protect them, it was still a good idea. Look at all the new people we've met, the good-paying jobs we've created, the fun we've had together."

He pause to collect his thoughts. "Look how much you have learned about investing, finance, and accounting—and you haven't even started your online courses yet. What about all those conferences you were able to attend during the summer? This has been a growing experience for you."

"But…" Haruhi tried to interrupt.

Placing a finger gently on her lips, he continued. "And look how much good it has done for the hosts. Tamaki has the family he's always wanted. Kyoya has a trustee for the investments that he's using to build his future, rather than having them co-opted by The Otori Group."

Emotion roughened his voice as he looked deeply into her eyes. "You have done so much good for so many. Believe in yourself. Just look around you at how much happier everyone is when we're together at Hinansho. You have created a 'place of refuge' and we are all better for having it available."

Haruhi searched his eyes and found nothing but openness and sincerity. "I guess you're right. It just seemed so urgent after the Ouran Fair."

Takashi cupped her cheek with his hand and said, "Maybe there was something you sensed subconsciously, some undercurrent of foreboding. Just because it hasn't manifested yet, doesn't mean it won't."

Haruhi leaned into his touch. "Thank you. I feel a little better now. I guess we just need to keep doing what we've been doing."

"Now, how about I take you home to change and then we can head out to dinner? We can pick up Mitsukuni and return the costumes before going out for lunch together tomorrow."

"I'd like that."

OHSHC

Haruhi sat at the kitchen table studying the materials for the challenge tests. "It looks like I've covered most of this math in my Ouran classes already. The writing appears to be straightforward. I'm glad Kyoya is helping me prepare for the computer test."

She pulled out her calendar. "Let's see. I have three weeks until the tests. That's the day before Kyoya's birthday. Maybe I can use the trip together to my advantage and take him out to lunch for his birthday."

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. "That should be Mitsukuni and Takashi for our lunch date." Checking to make sure she had her keys, phone, and wallet, she hurried to the door. "Hey, guys," she said when she opened the door.

"Ready for lunch and cake?" Mitsukuni asked brightly.

"I'm ready," Haruhi replied.

"Don't forget the costume. I promised Kyoya we would return those today," Takashi interjected.

"Oh, thanks for reminding me. I'll be right back." She turned around and hurried to her bedroom.

As she lifted the garment bag off the hook, she thought, "This really is a beautiful dress. Not frilly or flowery like a lot of things Dad and the twins try to make me wear. I actually enjoyed wearing it."

Haruhi came out carrying the garment bag and slipped on her shoes. "I'm ready now," she announced.

Without a word, Takashi reached for the garment bag.

"I can carry it myself," Haruhi protested.

"I know. But I want to carry it for you," Takashi teased. "Or I could just carry you and the dress."

Haruhi blushed at the implications of his words. "I would never live it down with the gossips around here. It's bad enough when the Host Club just shows up to visit. What would they say to one of you guys carrying me to his car?"

Mitsukuni stood there smiling broadly at the teasing between his cousin and his friend.

She handed Takashi the garment bag. "You win," she conceded.

"That depends on your point of view," Takashi shot back and winked. "I think it would have been more of a win for me if I got to carry you to the car."

Haruhi blushed at the implication of his words. "Well, we've probably generated a week's worth of gossip just standing here. Let's get the costumes dropped off so we can have lunch and talk. I've missed you guys."

Mitsukuni grabbed Haruhi's hand. "I've missed you, too. A LOT."

She smiled and squeezed his hand before climbing into the car.

Takashi handed the garment bag to the chauffeur who stored it in the cargo area. "We'll be delivering the costumes to the Hitachiin estate," Takashi informed him as he climbed into the limousine.

Haruhi sat between the cousins and they chatted happily about school during the drive. When they reached the Hitachiin estate, Haruhi said, "If you don't mind, I'll just wait here. If those two see me, we'll never get away to have our lunch together."

"No problem," Takashi returned. "The chauffeur will deliver the costumes to the door. It should only take a minute or two." As he spoke, the chauffeur retrieved the garment bags from the cargo area.

Walking up to the front door, he rang the doorbell. When the butler answered the door, he handed the bags to the butler with a nod. The nod was returned and the chauffeur headed to the car.

Not long after the stop, they reached the restaurant. It was a simple family noodle house in the middle class part of town.

Seated at a quiet table, they enjoyed a simple lunch while they talked and laughed.

"This is the happiest I've seen Mitsukuni in months," Takashi thought. "I wish we could spend time with Haruhi more often. She really is good for him." He watched silently as his cousin told Haruhi about his classes.

She turned to Takashi and asked, "What about your classes? Are they going well?"

"They've been going well. Though I have one assignment that's a little daunting for me," he replied.

"Oh, is there any way I can help?" Haruhi asked.

"I don't know. You see, I have to organize a networking event. I'm not exactly sure how to make some of the arrangements." Takashi frowned as he contemplated the assignment.

"Hmm," Haruhi pondered. "When is the assignment due?"

"My assigned date is November 22, but I was going to see if I could change it because that's Kyoya's birthday. Tamaki was insisting the Host Club have a party for him at Hinansho that day," Takashi explained.

"Actually, Tamaki tried to get the required pre-approval from Yoshio and was denied," Haruhi snorted.

Mitsukuni piped up, "You're kidding. Yoshio won't even let us have a birthday party for Kyoya?"

The trio sat in silence for a few minutes, each lost in their own thoughts.

Haruhi said thoughtfully, "You know, Kyoya would be the best person to help you with the planning and execution of a networking event."

"You're right." Takashi's expression slowly shifted from considering through plotting to decisive. "Yoshio should approve of Kyoya's involvement with a business-related venture such as that, if I frame my request properly."

Smiling, she watched as Takashi mentally devised and refined a plan. When he nodded as if reaching a final conclusion, she touched his hand and asked, "Do you have a plan?"

"Oh yes, I have a plan not only for the networking event, but also a birthday party afterwards."

Mitsukuni grinned at his cousin. "I can't wait to hear it."

OHSHC

Takashi made a formal request for an appointment with Yoshio Otori and he promptly received a formal confirmation of the date and time. As the date approached, he prepared his request with as much diligence as he prepared for any of his kendo matches. Though this was a match of wits rather than muscle and shinai, precision was still the key.

The morning of the scheduled meeting, Takashi spent extra time in meditation after his workout. "Though Yoshio's behavior has been dishonorable toward Kyoya and he has lost my respect, I must show him proper respect as is due an elder. I must keep my goal firmly in mind—securing more time away from the Otori estate for my friend, Kyoya."

Dressing carefully in a business suit, he continued his mental preparations. "Simple and truthful are the best path. I do not be divulging all the details, just those pertinent to my request, Kyoya's assistance with planning the networking event. Hopefully the fact that this university assignment so closely resembles Host Club activities will impress on Yoshio how important Kyoya's skills are."

Keeping with the formality of the meeting, Takashi opted to use the limousine and chauffeur rather than drive himself. It was a short drive and soon the chauffeur was holding the car door for him to exit the car. "The meeting should be brief. Please remain nearby."

"Very good, sir." The chauffeur touched his fingers to the bill of his cap.

Drawing a deep breath, Takashi rang the bell and waited. The butler opened the door and said, "Morinozuka-san, you are expected. Please follow me."

With measured steps, Takashi followed the butler to Yoshio's home office. The butler announced him, "Mr. Takashi Morinozuka has arrived for his appointment, sir."

Hearing nothing, Takashi assumed that Yoshio had gestured to the butler to show him in. He took two proper steps into the room, paused, and bowed formally. When Yoshio nodded his acknowledgement, Takashi said, "Good morning, Otori-sama. Thank you for agreeing to see me."

"Please, be seated. You mentioned in your scheduling of a meeting that you wished to make a request of me." Yoshio leaned forward and rested his forearms on his massive desk.

"That is correct, sir. I have an assignment for one of my university classes that I have not developed the necessary skills to accomplish on my own. I must arrange a business networking event for my classmates to meet business professionals from at least four different fields. I have scheduled the professionals and the venue. However, I am unfamiliar with the finer details, such as refreshments. Although the assignment does allow for requesting help, it strictly forbids hiring a professional party planner." Takashi paused to gauge Yoshio's reaction.

"And just how may I help you?" Yoshio inquired indifferently.

"Well, here goes," Takashi thought. "Kyoya always made the arrangements for the Host Club activities. I am requesting four hours of his time each Saturday to teach me how to properly execute this event. I would also request his presence at the event to evaluate my performance."

"I am impressed that you are taking such pains to complete a simple assignment. Yes, Kyoya will be available to assist you." Yoshio pressed a button on the intercom. "Please inform Kyoya that his presence is required in my office immediately."

Years of conditioning helped Takashi keep an impassive expression as he heard Yoshio talk about Kyoya like he was a serving tray to be loaned out on a whim.

Yoshio stood and said, "Please wait in the vestibule. Kyoya will be with you presently."

Takashi stood and bowed formally once again. "Thank you for your approval." Internally he was seething in anger at the callous treatment of his friend.

OHSHC

Kyoya entered his father's office and stood before the massive desk, waiting for the explanations for the summons. "What have I done this time? I've tried hard to meet all his demands."

Yoshio looked up at him and intone, "I have had a request for your assistance in planning and executing a networking event as an assignment for a university course."

Looking perplexed, Kyoya thought, "So I'm to be lent out as a party planner? Or is this a cover story for a blind date to see if I am compatible enough with some associate's simpering daughter so he can arrange a marriage of benefit to the family?"

"You will be spending four hours today and for the next two Saturdays tutoring someone on the finer points of planning and conducting a networking event. You will spend the full day on November 22 helping with the event. Afterwards, you will provide analysis and feedback," Yoshio dictated.

"What a way to spend my birthday," Kyoya thought sarcastically. Aloud, he asked, "Will this interfere in any way with my challenge tests?"

"No, since they will be completed the day before the event," Yoshio stated. "If you have no further questions, he is waiting for you in the vestibule."

"Thank you, Father," Kyoya forced himself to say, bowing his head in the semblance of respect and exiting his father's office.

"He never bothered to mention who I'm being loaned out to, but since he said 'he' was waiting for me, at least it's not a thinly veiled attempt at pairing me up with someone's daughter as an advantage for him. Well, I'm about to find out." Kyoya stepped into the vestibule and was surprised to recognize the tall broad-shouldered figure waiting for him. "You're the one…" Kyoya started to say.

Takashi turned around, quirked an eyebrow and said, "Surprised?"

At first Kyoya just looked at him. Finally he responded, "The way Father described the assignment, I expected a simpering daughter of one of his business associates."

Takashi simply quirked an eyebrow and gestured to the door.

OHSHC

They settled down at the table in Takashi's apartment at Hinansho. "Here's the syllabus," Takashi said as he handed a sheet of paper to Kyoya.

In the living area, Mitsukuni was asleep on the sofa with his head in Haruhi's lap. She was absently running her fingers through his hair as she read a book.

Kyoya thought, "I wonder if those two are dating. They seem to be together a lot." Dragging his attention back to the paper in his hand, he noted that the assignment appeared to be simple. "So what part do you need help with?"

Takashi replied, "The one point of the assignment that's vague is refreshments. Should they be served? If so, what are appropriate? How do I estimate how much is needed?"

"Those are all very good questions. A general rule of thumb is for any gathering scheduled to be more than an hour long, there should be some type of refreshments. The type of refreshments is dependent on several factors…" With that Kyoya launched into a tutorial on a decision tree for refreshments.

Forty-five minutes later, Takashi made a final note. "And that should take care of everything?" He looked questioningly at Kyoya.

"According to your syllabus, that's all you need to do. You had almost all the pieces in place before you asked for my help," he replied off-handedly. "I suggest running it by your professor on Monday to be sure there are no unwritten expectations."

Takashi nodded. "That's a good point. I'll do that. Thanks for all of your help."

Sounding disappointed, Kyoya said, "So I guess you won't be needing me anymore today or for the next two Saturdays?"

A soft voice in his ear said, "Oh no, we need you here." He nearly jumped out of his seat when he felt two small hands begin to gently massage his tense shoulders. "Takashi went to a lot of trouble to come up with a plan to get you some extra time away from the Otori estate."

Kyoya drew a breath as she started kneading on a knot in his shoulder. "You mean this was all a ruse?"

"No," Takashi denied. "I really did need your help with the assignment. Haruhi just encouraged me to embellish the time needed so you could have a break."

Relaxing as Haruhi's hands gently eased the tension in his neck and shoulders, Kyoya sighed in contentment. "Thank you, Haruhi. That feels amazing. Where did you learn these massage techniques?"

She laughed. "Trial and error on Dad. Some of his long shifts generated really stubborn knots that made it difficult for him to sleep. At first it took at least an hour to get his muscles to relax. Now I can do it in under fifteen minutes, even on the worst nights. Stand up and turn your chair around."

Kyoya looked at her questioningly, but did as he was bid.

"Now, sit down and rest your arms on the back of the chair." She gestured to the newly positioned chair. "Now I can get to the lower part of your back. I can't get to all of the knots with the chair back in the way." He sat down and she continued her ministrations.

After a couple minutes, Kyoya sighed. "I haven't felt this relaxed since this summer. If you don't mind, I think I may go take a short nap. I haven't been sleeping very well because I've been so tense."

"Just let me finish and then I'll let you go," Haruhi grunted as she worked on a particularly stubborn knot in his lower back.

Kyoya suppressed a moan of pleasure as the knot in his lower back finally released. He felt almost boneless from the lack of pain and tension.

Takashi watched the interaction between his friends. "He has feelings for her. It's obvious from the look on his face. I know she has mentioned her feelings for him in an off-handed manner several times. They'll be good together. I hope he's willing to wait until she finishes University. I don't think she'll be ready until then." He smiled softly to himself as Haruhi finished the massage.

"There, all done," Haruhi said as she kissed Kyoya behind the ear. Realizing what she had just done, she clapped her hands over her mouth.

Kyoya sat there stunned. "Did she just kiss me?" He finally stood up and turned around. Smiling, he teased, "Well, I wasn't expecting that."

Haruhi blushed and said, "I…I…That's how I always finish up Dad's massage. Usually he's asleep so it's kind of a kiss goodnight."

Stepping closer, Kyoya caressed her cheek. "I didn't mind. It was nice. I guess it fits since I'm going to take a nap." He chuckled and headed out the door.

After he closed the door, Haruhi regained her composure before she turned to look at Takashi. Seeing the smile on his face, she groaned, "I can't believe I did that. What must he think of me?"

Takashi said, "He probably thinks you might like him. You have given him ample evidence."

Gathering the remnants of her dignity and trying to hide her blush, she sputtered, "Okay, it's your turn for a massage."

Standing up, he turned his chair around and settled down with his arms on the back. "Do I get a kiss, too?" he asked teasingly.

"We'll see," she teased as she stepped up behind him and started kneading out the knots in his shoulders from kendo practice.

OHSHC

An hour later, both Mitsukuni and Kyoya were awake and the four friends were enjoying lunch in Takashi's dining area.

Mitsukuni piped up, "I wish I could take you back to the apartment with me, Haruhi. I always feel so much more rested after you put me to sleep."

Three pairs of eyes looked at him in astonishment. Takashi raised an eyebrow and considered his cousin. Kyoya's expression was scandalized. Haruhi looked like she was trying to decide between laughter and mortification at his words.

When he saw their expressions, he realized what he said. Blushing deeply, he sputtered, "Wait…wait, that didn't come out right. I didn't mean it in a bad way. It's more like having a sister tuck me in and watch over me as I fall asleep. It makes me feels safe."

Haruhi couldn't hold it any longer and started to laugh. Kyoya and Takashi couldn't resist the infectious nature of her laugh, so they joined in.

After they regained control, Haruhi walked over to Mitsukuni and gave him a hug as he buried his face in his hands. Wiping her eyes, she final cooed, "It's okay. I think of you like a brother. I'm glad you feel safe around me."

"Still, I can't believe I said that," he whimpered.

She tipped his chin up so he was looking her in the eye. "Hey, no harm done. It was said here among friends who understand. We may tease you a little about it but we still love you."

"That's right," Kyoya interjected. "No harm done. I think we all just needed a laugh. We weren't laughing at you, but at our reactions to what you said."

Takashi placed a hand on his cousin's shoulder. "Remember, we wouldn't tease you if we didn't love you."

Looking around at his friends, Mitsukuni avowed, "I'm so glad I have a family like you."

Everyone laughed and then gathered around Mitsukuni for a group hug. As they separated, Takashi glanced at the clock and frowned.

"I hate to break this up, but it's time for me to take Kyoya back to the Otori estate," he said.

Kyoya heaved a sigh and replied, "It's okay. I feel a lot better after my time here today. And I can look forward to the next two Saturdays. Thank you all for doing this for me."

"Hey," Haruhi said, bumping his shoulder with hers. "This was for us too. We've missed you. The other three would have been here, but they had family obligations. Hopefully, they'll be here next week and we can start planning the Hinan Family After-Christmas Celebration."

Takashi interjected, "That way we aren't lying about needing you here for your expertise in party planning."

"There is that," Kyoya allowed.

Haruhi winked at him and teased, "Told you we needed you here."

13