Tamaki was idly surfing the web on his phone as him limousine left Hinansho after the Hinan Family After-Christmas Celebration ended. "I really don't want to go back to the Second Suoh Mansion," he thought glumly. Suddenly, an upcoming holiday caught his eye.
"Hatsumode. That's it. We'll go the the Yushima Tenman-gu shrine for Academic Success together. It's perfect since University admissions testing starts in a few weeks." He spent the rest of the ride home composing a text message to send to the rest of the Host Club.
"What does he want now? Didn't we just see each other ten minutes ago?" Kyoya grumbled inwardly as he received Tamaki's text. Opening the text and reading it, Kyoya's expression of annoyance relaxed. "That isn't a half bad idea he has—for once. And it coincides with the science and history challenge tests Haruhi and I will be taking." He composed a text to send to the Host Club, endorsing Tamaki's suggestion. Then he composed a separate one to Haruhi, referencing their next set of challenge test and their study schedule.
Although Haruhi heard the text alerts on her phone, she decided to wait until she got home to look at them. "I need to stop at the supermarket on the way home and see what the sales are so I can plan dinners for this week. Then I need to stop at the bakery to check the day-old bread."
Hikaru and Kaoru had turned off their phones because they were headed to a photo shoot for the new Spring Line. "Too bad we can't make it to London for Fashion Week next month," Hikaru said, flipping through a fashion magazine.
"Yeah," Kaoru responded. "At least we'll have the place to ourselves since Ageha is going with Mom and Dad."
Mitsukuni and Takashi checked their phones at the same time when the texts came in. Mitsukuni said, "That will be easy for us. It's only a five-minute walk from our apartment. Maybe we could suggest that everyone meet at our place for lunch."
Takashi nodded and sent a text to everyone with the suggestion.
OHSHC
The Host Club, minus Haruhi and Kyoya, lounged around Mitsukuni and Takashi's apartment chatting idly about their planned trip to the shrine later that day.
Hikaru asked, "Where's Haruhi?"
"And Kyoya?" Kaoru continued.
"Somewhere making out?" they finished in unison, waggling their eyebrows suggestively.
Takashi shook his head. "They have two challenge tests today." He checked the time. "The first one should finish soon. Don't worry; they plan to have lunch with us."
"They will be coming to the shrine with us, right?" Tamaki inquired anxiously.
"Well, that depends on when you want to head to the shrine," Mitsukuni explained. "They have another test after lunch…"
A knock at the door interrupted him. When he opened it, there was Haruhi and Kyoya.
"You made it," Mitsukuni cheered, wrapping his arms around Haruhi's waist and pulling her into a hug.
She hugged him back and laughed. "It hasn't even been two hours since we dropped off our satchels."
"But it felt like so much longer," he whined cutely.
Kyoya cleared his throat. "We should probably have lunch. Haruhi and I only have an hour before the next test begins."
"Lunch is ready. We were just waiting for you two," Takashi said, gesturing toward the kitchen.
Forty-five minutes later, Haruhi and Kyoya prepared to leave for their next test. "We'll be back in about two hours," Haruhi said.
OHSHC
Kyoya was leaning against the wall in the hallway outside the room where Haruhi had been taking her history challenge text. "About time you finished," he teased.
She laughed. "I was re-reading everything to be sure I hadn't missed anything when a fact in the article on Pearl Harbor caught my attention. I'll read up on it more later."
Kyoya smirked, "Ever the studious one."
"But not right now. We have a shrine visit to make with our friends," she retorted, stepping in front of him and leaned forward with her hands clasped behind her back. "Or should we keep them waiting while we go somewhere and make out?"
Chuckling, Kyoya shook his head. "I wonder if those idiots realized just how loud they were talking." He leaned in close and said, "Speaking of making out, your birthday is coming up next month. We should start planning your party."
Blushing at his innuendo, Haruhi groaned, "Ugh, you know I don't like birthday parties."
"Yes, I know. But you know Tamaki and the twins will not let it go. Besides, I have an idea for the perfect birthday present for you," Kyoya goaded.
Haruhi huffed. "I don't have to have a party for you to give me a present."
Kyoya smiled and leaned his face to within inches of hers. "Oh, I remember. You actually gave me my present early because supposedly there wasn't going to be a birthday party."
Her blush darkening, Haruhi backed away. "We should get going. They'll be waiting for us."
"But I thought we were going to make out," Kyoya purred.
"Oh, you," Haruhi responded, swatting playfully at his shoulder before heading for the door.
OHSHC
After much debate, the Host Club decided that Haruhi's birthday would not be celebrated during Host Club hours with the guests. "It's just too close to Valentine's Day," Tamaki said decisively.
Hikaru interjected, "It will be better…"
"…as a hosts-only party anyway," Kaoru continued.
"Then no one will question the gifts we give her," they finished in unison.
Haruhi sighed. "Well, if it's just us, then it doesn't have to be elaborate."
"That's right," Tamaki affirmed.
Kyoya spoke up. "Actually, it might be nice if we could to go Hinansho for dinner as part of the celebration. We can have Kairi keep it simple." He sent a text to Mitsukuni and Takashi to be sure it would work for them as well.
"That sounds like a birthday I can handle. Could we invite my dad, too?" Haruhi asked.
"I don't see why not?" Kyoya replied. "I'll text him now."
"So…" the twins asked mischievously, "what do you want for your birthday?" They sidled up to her and rubbed their cheeks against hers.
"Maybe a string bikini?" Kaoru suggested.
"Or a negligee?" Hikaru purred, waggling an eyebrow suggestively, while wrapping his arm around her waist.
Haruhi rolled her eyes and pushed them away. "You both know I would never wear either of those."
Kyoya fought hard to keep his stoic mask in place as his teenage male mind conjured images on Haruhi in the outfits the twins mentioned. It was difficult because he was also fighting the flare of jealousy from watching them touch her so casually.
He was distracted by a *ding* from his phone. It was quickly followed by a second *ding*. Kyoya opened the first text and read it. "Mitsukuni says that he and Takashi will be able to make it," he reported.
He read the second message. "Unfortunately, Ryoji says he won't be able to make it. He has to work."
Haruhi sighed and shrugged. "I guess it's fine that Dad can't make it. He and I have plans to go to brunch on Sunday to celebrate my birthday, anyway."
Tamaki swept her into a hug and exclaimed, "Don't worry. We'll make your birthday extra special."
OHSHC
As the guest of honor, Haruhi sat at the head of the table. She smiled as she contemplated her friends who insisted they needed to celebrate her birthday. "I really haven't celebrated my birthday since Mom died. Dad tried a few times but it would just remind him of her and then he'd get sad."
"Now that we've finished dinner, it's time for presents," Mitsukuni declared, hopping up and grabbing a box from the table by the door. It was where all the young men had placed their gifts before dinner.
When he thrust the box at her, she laughed and took it. "Okay, I'll open yours first." Carefully, she picked at the seams of the wrapping paper. Setting the paper aside, she opened the box and lifted out a chocolate brown hoodie with writing on the front that looked like vanilla icing. It read, 'Naturally Sweet.'
"Oh, Mitsukuni, this is great." She pulled it on. "I look like a decorated chocolate cake."
Unexpectedly, Mitsukuni kissed her cheek and teased, "I'll try to restrain myself. You know how much I like cake."
The room went silent as the five other men thought as one, "Did he really just say that?"
The tension was broken when Haruhi started to laugh.
Mitsukuni just looked confused until he realized how what he'd said could be interpreted. Blushing furiously, he sputtered, "I didn't mean it like that. Really."
Haruhi placed a hand on his shoulder and replied, "I know you didn't. Don't worry." She kissed his cheek and he dropped back into his chair, his face hot with embarrassment.
To break everyone out of their shock, Haruhi asked, "So who's going to give me my next present?"
Recovering quickly, Takashi stated, "I will." He brought over a box from the table and handed it to her with a bow.
Opening the gift, Haruhi gasped. "Oh, Takashi. It's beautiful. Wherever did you find a briefcase with the Hinan kanji on the clasp?"
"It's standard practice to have something added to the clasp of a briefcase to make it distinctive. The shop owner was puzzled about why I wanted to put 'refuge' on a briefcase. I felt no need to indulge his curiosity," Takashi replied before he placed a kiss on her cheek and gave her a disarming smile.
"Me next. Me next," Tamaki shouted as he ran to the table and picked up a small jewelry box that looked like it might contain a bracelet. Thrusting it into her hands, he chanted, "Open it. Open it. Open it."
Haruhi chuckled at his puppy-like exuberance. "He knows I don't wear jewelry, so what did…" Her eyes widened as she opened the case and found what appeared to be a cherry blossom branch freshly plucked from a tree—nearly impossible given that it was February after all. Picking it up gingerly, she exclaimed, "Oh, Tamaki, it's incredible."
"It's a hairclip made by a local artist who works with scrap metal," Tamaki babbled. "After he shapes it, he enamels and glazes it. His work always looks true-to-life."
To stop him, she gently kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Tamaki. It's beautiful." She reached up and carefully fastened it into her hair.
"Our turn," the twins chorused. Hikaru handed her a box and explained, "This is for those times when you need to stand out from the crowd, like at an interview."
"And this is for those cocktail and office parties that inevitably come with being a lawyer—or at least a lawyer-in-training, for now," Kaoru continued as he handed her another box.
Haruhi opened the box from Hikaru and found a new suit. This one was not the usual black or navy blue. It was a soft dove gray with an unbleached linen blouse. There was also a pair of wedge shoes to match that added height but with stability. "Wow, Hikaru. You've outdone yourself."
He just smirked. "Now open Kaoru's," he prompted.
Opening the next box, she found a black dress. It looked simple and plain at first glance, but then she noticed the embroidery. The fabric was black but there were designs stitched in a shiny black thread. "Oh my, Kaoru. It's stunning," she breathed.
He blushed slightly and responded, "I'm glad you like it. There are also a string of onyx beads and comfortable black kitten heels to go with it."
She drew the pair into a hug and gave each of them a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, guys. They're beautiful."
Haruhi looked over at the table to be sure that was everything when Tamaki blurted out, "Kyoya, you haven't given your gift to Haruhi but there's nothing left on the table."
Kyoya rolled his eyes at his best friend as he reached into his inside jacket pocket and withdrew a small manila envelope. "That's because it's right here," he replied in amusement.
Handing it to her, Kyoya said softly, "Happy birthday, Haruhi. I hope you like it."
Opening the envelope, she pulled out a slim leather booklet. As she examined it, her eyes lit up and she said in awe, "My passport? You got me my passport? Oh, thank you so much."
Kyoya was caught off guard when she threw her arms around him and kissed him soundly.
The other hosts snickered, as Kyoya was unable to control the blush coloring his cheeks.
Finally releasing Kyoya, she looked at all of them and exclaimed, "Thank you, guys. You've made this the best birthday ever."
OHSHC
Kyoya rubbed his eyes tiredly and checked the time. "It's 11:00 already. At least I only have to check the London markets and then I can all it a night." Opening a new browser window on his laptop, he went to his bookmarks for the London news site he considered the most reliable. When the page finished buffering, he heard:
"…reporting live from the Knightsbridge district of London where just one hour ago London's Fashion Week was rocked by a terrorist attack. There have been 27 confirmed deaths, including the four suicide bombers. The fashion world is in shock, waiting to hear the status of the designers, models, photographers, celebrities, and buyers present at the venue. In addition to the casualties, there are hundreds injured and at least 40 missing. Hospitals and clinics are…"
Kyoya tuned out the rest of the report as a conversation he had heard in the Music Room Three a few days ago flashed to mind.
^^^^^FLASHBACK^^^^^
"Yeah, the folks will be gone for the next two weeks. It's Fashion Week in London and they're premiering their new casual line," Hikaru chuckled.
Kaoru added, "They even took Ageha with them because she's modeling the new children's line. Let's have movie night at our house on Friday and then spend the weekend having fun."
^^^^^END FLASHBACK^^^^^
He hadn't even finished processing the memory when he picked up his phone and pressed speed dial for his agent in London.
"Yes, sir?" the answer came almost immediately. "You heard about the bombings? None of your properties were affected."
"Yes, I just heard about the bombings, and thank you for the report on my properties, but right now I want you to find out the status of the Hitachiins. My information says they were at London's Fashion Week."
"On it, sir."
Kyoya couldn't wait idly. Although he hoped that it wouldn't be bad news, he anticipated the worst. "How will I break it to Hikaru and Kaoru? What will I say? What will they do? Wait…this was one of the scenarios we ran through last summer when we were setting up the Hinan family." Opening his safe, he flipped through the stack of folders.
"I hope it's good news when my agent calls back, but, just in case, I need to start preparations. The forms will need to be signed and filed as soon as possible. Their grandmother is so flighty; it could take months to locate her. The twins really don't need to kind of uncertainty in addition to their grief." He had just located the files he needed when his phone rang.
"Yes?" Kyoya answered tightly, the tension making his voice almost a growl.
"Sir, I regret to inform you that the Hitachiins are among the confirmed casualties. They were at the main catwalk where the first suicide bomber activated his vest. If it's any consolation, they were at ground zero and died instantly. They didn't suffer," his agent reported.
"Wait, what about the daughter? She was supposed to be with them, modeling their new children's line," Kyoya interrupted.
"There were no children in the footage from just before the bomb blasts. I think the children's lines were in the morning. Maybe the nanny took her back to the hotel. I'll look into it and get back to you."
"Do you have any more to report?"
"The second bomber was in the changing area, the third was in the press room, and the fourth was in the VIP lounge. There was also damage to the hotels near the venue," he continued.
Kyoya's breath caught in his throat, grief for his friends starting to overwhelm him. "I need to get a grip and hold on until the twins are informed and the paperwork is dealt with. At least we have the notarized affidavits from the Hitachiins stating that, in the event anything happened to both of them, the children are to be adopted into the Hinan family. I'm glad the letter finally came from the grandmother concurring with the adoption directive."
Giving himself a mental shake, he responded, "Thank you for the information. Offer the services of the security force there to help in any way possible. Call in the clinic staffs to assist with the wounded and the mental health trauma teams to help the survivors. Send me a preliminary written report in 24 hours."
"Yes, sir. My condolences to your friends."
Kyoya was too overcome to reply, so he simply ended the call.
^^^^^FLASHBACK – SUMMER AT HINANSHO^^^^^
Haruhi idly push food around her plate. "Guys, I'd like to spend an hour or so this afternoon thinking about scenarios where the Hinan family can be a refuge for each of us."
"What's the rush?" Mitsukuni asked.
"I had some really bad dreams last night," Haruhi admitted. "In some of them, I lost my dad. In others, things were happening to take you guys away." She shuddered at the memories.
Kyoya stated, "I concur with Haruhi about examining potential scenarios and how to respond. We need to have files of paperwork ready so we're not scrambling if something happens to one or more of us."
"That's really a good idea," Kaoru mused.
Hikaru added, "Especially after what happened to Kami Tsuchiya three years ago."
All the hosts but Tamaki and Haruhi had haunted looks on their faces.
"Who was Kami and what happened?" Tamaki queried.
They all looked to Kyoya to relate the story.
He took breath to put his thoughts in order and then began. "Kami attended Ouran, a year behind Hikaru and Kaoru. Her parents had a very prosperous perfume business that collaborated with the Hitachiins on a number of occasions. Kami's parents were her only family."
He paused to look at Hikaru and Kaoru for approval that he had the fact correct. They both nodded and Kyoya continued, "Her parents were killed in a plane crash and she was placed in a government orphanage and the estate was placed in trust to provide for her support. Within a year, the trust had been exhausted because the perfume company was sold for a paltry sum. Then Kami disappeared and no one knows what happened to her. Everyone suspected corruption in the government but no one could prove anything."
Kaoru interjected, "She was nice enough to us when she came over with her parents, but we were stuck in our own little world at that time and didn't pay much attention."
"She wasn't the only one," Takashi added. "There are rumors that the government snatches up any orphaned minors of elite families in order to plunder their fortunes. Usually the children disappear from the orphanage within a year, never to be seen or heard from again."
"It sounds like an urban legend," Haruhi said skeptically.
"Every urban legend has a kernel of truth in it to keep it alive," Kyoya stated.
Mitsukuni spoke up. "Even those of us with extended family should have something in place just in case a catastrophe happens."
"Right. Let's get to work," Tamaki proclaimed.
^^^^^END FLASHBACK^^^^^
Laying the phone aside for a moment, Kyoya focused on the three folders in his hand. "When we created these files, I had hoped we would never need to use them. I wish this hadn't happened, but at least we have a plan in place to prevent them from being placed in the government orphan system since their grandparents are so difficult to locate."
Kyoya took a deep breath, picked up the phone and dialed. "Tachibana, I know it's late, but there's an emergency. I need you to drive me to the Hitachiin estate as soon as possible."
"On my way, sir. I will text your father about the emergency to address his demand for 'pre-approval' of any reasons for you to leave the estate."
While he waited for the car, Kyoya sorted through the twins' files for the paperwork related to the scenario of their parents' death. "I'll take Ageha's file with me, even though we don't know yet if it will be needed." Then he texted Fuyumi and Ryoji to let them know the situation and the need for their signatures. Next, he composed a message to text to Tamaki, Haruhi, Takashi, and Mitsukuni, asking them to get to the Hitachiin estate as soon as possible. He hit *Send* just as Tachibana pulled up in the car.
"Thank you for your promptness," Kyoya said as he opened the car door. Just then, his phone rang. Tamaki's panicked voice could be heard even before Kyoya lifted the phone to his ear. "What's happened? What's the emergency?"
Settling into the seat and keeping a tight rein on his emotions, Kyoya gestured to Tachibana that he was ready as he continued to deal with Tamaki's hysterics.
"I'll explain when we are all together at Hikaru and Kaoru's. Please pick up Haruhi and bring her," Kyoya interjected over Tamaki's rambling.
"She's already there. They left together after Host Club. I heard them talking about a huge class project they had to complete. Ryoji gave his permission for her to stay over because he was working an extra-long shift and they planned to work on the project until very late."
"Thankfully that's one less thing to worry about," Kyoya mused. Then he interrupted Tamaki again. "Okay, that takes care of that. Just get there as soon as possible." Unwilling, or unable, to deal with any more of Tamaki's theatrics, Kyoya ended the call.
He spent the remaining time of the brief car trip trying to decide how to break the news to Hikaru and Kaoru. "It's going to be a blow, no matter how I say it. And there's still the uncertainty about Ageha. At least we'll all be together through this." He could feel the muscles in his shoulders tightening. When he looked down, he found that his hands were gripped in fists so tight the knuckles were turning white.
His phone rang and he saw the ID as his London agent. "Yes?"
"Sir, I was able to confirm that the nanny took the girl back to the hotel. However, the bombings ruptured a gas line and subsequent explosions damaged the hotel. All of the occupants were evacuated to various locations, safe distances from the blast zone. I have not been able to ascertain which evacuation site the girl and nanny were sent to, so I have been unable to get definitive confirmation that she is still alive. What are your orders?"
"Find her and her nanny. If they are still alive, take them to either the townhouse or the Japanese Embassy."
"Yes, sir. I will keep you updated."
A few minutes later, the car pulled up in front of the Hitachiin's mansion. Kyoya took a deep breath and steeled himself for the news he had to deliver and the subsequent fall-out. "You don't need to wait. I plan to stay overnight..."
Before he finished speaking, Kyoya's phone *dinged* three times in quick succession. The three messages were from Haruhi, Ryoji, and Fuyumi. Guessing that Haruhi's would say she was already with the twins, he left that one unopened for now. He would see her in a few minutes anyway.
He opened Ryoji's first.
***Working late. Can't get away to sign papers. Haruhi with twins.***
Kyoya quickly replied to Ryoji.
***Have Tachibana and Fuyumi so signatures covered. Will be heading to Hinansho for next week.***
Next, he ready Fuyumi's text.
***Husband out of town. Nanny's night off. Can't leave children.***
His phone *dinged* with another text as he was composing a reply to Fuyumi.
***Tachibana will bring paperwork for signature. Needs filed as soon as courthouse opens.***
After he sent that off, he opened the new text, another message from Ryoji.
***Trust you will take good care of Haruhi and twins. Contact if anything needed.***
Just as Kyoya texted 'Thank you' to Ryoji, two sets of headlights appeared on the road to the Hitachiin estate.
Leaning forward, Kyoya addressed Tachibana again. "Actually, there is one more thing. I will need your signature on some paperwork."
Kyoya moved from the back seat to the passenger seat. Opening his briefcase, he handed Tachibana the three files for the Hitachiin children that he had retrieved from his safe earlier, along with a pen.
Tachibana recognized the adoption paperwork. "If I may ask, what happened?"
"Hikaru and Kaoru's parents were in London for Fashion Week. There was a terrorist attack there today and the Hitachiins were both killed. There has not been time for official notification yet, but I received verification from my agent in London." Kyoya sighed heavily.
"What about the daughter? Was she killed as well?"
"She wasn't seen in footage of the location before the bombing. My agent discovered that she was taken back to the hotel. However, the hotel was damaged as well and everyone was evacuated to various shelters. I'm waiting for confirmation either way,"
Noting the tension in Kyoya's face and shoulders, Tachibana silently looked through the files, allowing Kyoya time to slip his stoic mask back into place. "He really carries far too much for someone so young." I'm glad he has friends to support him," Tachibana mused.
He signed the paperwork where indicated, perused the documents a second time to make sure he hadn't missed anything, and then tidied up the files. While he was doing that, the two cars whose headlights had been seen earlier, pulled up.
Tamaki bounded out of one of the cars before it even stopped moving. "What's going on? What the meaning of this?" he demanded, rushing toward Kyoya's car.
Mitsukuni and Takashi emerged from the other car after it came to a complete stop and followed Tamaki at a more sedate pace.
Tachibana cleared his throat to get Kyoya's attention. "I have signed where needed. What are your instructions now?"
Kyoya shook himself out of his brooding. "Please take the files to Fuyumi for her signature. In the morning, file them as soon as the courthouse opens. We will probably be heading to Hinansho either tonight or after school tomorrow." Kyoya had a sudden thought, "I don't think we will be in any shape to make it to school tomorrow."
"Very good, sir," Tachibana replied. "Please pass along my condolences to Hikaru and Kaoru. I will see you all at Hinansho"
Nodding in acknowledgement, Kyoya climbed out of the car to face Tamaki's hysterics and the daunting task ahead. "At least Takashi is as steady as ever. Hopefully he can be our rock through this ordeal." He patted the roof of the car and it pulled away, Tachibana off to complete his mission.
"Now, what is the emergency?" Tamaki demanded. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Kyoya sighed. "I am quite aware of the fact that it is nearly midnight and we have school tomorrow. This is something I only want to have to say once, so let's go inside with Haruhi and the twins." He turned and walked to the front door, trusting the other three would follow.
Kyoya pressed the doorbell and they waited in tense silence for a response. "I hope someone is still up. I'd hate to wake the household for such dire news. Wait…the text from Haruhi…" He was about to pull out his phone when the door opened and he didn't have time to finish his thought or actions.
The butler opened the door wide. "Miss Haruhi said you would be coming. Please follow me to the library where she and the young masters are waiting."
Tamaki muttered impatiently under his breath as they were led down a series of hallways. Finally, the butler stopped and opened a door, gesturing for them to enter.
As the four young men stepped into the library, they saw Haruhi sitting on a sofa between Hikaru and Kaoru. Tamaki bolted across the room, practically shouting, "My precious daughter, these perverts haven't been molesting you, have they?"
Haruhi rolled her eyes and gestured 'stop' to Tamaki. "We've talked about this, Tamaki, and I thought we got past this last summer. I am not your daughter and you will not accuse the twins of things without evidence. Now get over here and be quiet. It's obvious that Kyoya has something very important to tell us."
Tamaki looked repentant as he replied, "Sorry, Haruhi. I tend to forget sometimes when I'm tired."
Nodding his thanks to her, Kyoya asked, "Mitsukuni, Takashi, and Tamaki, please stand behind the sofa so I can face all of you at once." He gestured to where Haruhi and the twins sat.
Although Kyoya's face appeared to be as impassive as ever, Haruhi noted the clenched jaw and tension in his shoulders. "Something is very wrong. What he has to say is extremely bad news, whatever it is. At least we're all here to support each other."
Kyoya positioned himself in front of the armchair facing the sofa and thought, "I know I'm going to collapse as soon as I deliver this news, so it's best to be prepared."
Taking several deep breaths, he finally spoke, "There is some news that I have to deliver, though I wish for all the world that is was not so." Kyoya's breath hitched. "There was a terrorist bombing in London today," he began.
The twins immediately tensed at the mention of London. Haruhi reached a hand to the twins sitting on either side of her. "The only reason to mention London is the Hitachiins." She brace herself for the blow she suspected was coming, knowing she had no way to shield her friends.
"…in the Knightsbridge District…"
Hikaru and Kaoru each clung to the hand that Haruhi had offered them.
"Although official notification has not been sent yet…"
Takashi placed a hand on Hikaru's shoulder in anticipation of the comfort that his friend would need. "If this is going where I think it's going, I am glad Kyoya wanted us all to be here for this. The twins will need all the support we can give them."
"…my agent in London confirmed that…"
Mitsukuni placed a hand on each of the twins' shoulders and braced himself as if for a physical blow.
"…your parents are among the confirmed dead. I'm still awaiting word on your sister, Ageha." Kyoya dropped into the chair, shoved his glasses up, and covered his face with his hands. He battled to contain his sobs.
The other hosts sat and stood in stunned silence, trying to process what Kyoya had just said.
Dropping Haruhi's hand, Hikaru surged forward in a rage. It wasn't until that moment that he noticed Takashi and Mitsukuni's hands on his shoulders. If their hands had not been there, he was sure he would have leaped across the room and grabbed Kyoya. "I don't know if I wanted to shake him or punch him," Hikaru admitted to himself as he felt the reassuring weight of his friends' touch.
Haruhi grabbed Hikaru's hand again and wrapped her arm around Kaoru, who had paled in shock. She offered all the comfort she could to her friends who were like the brothers she never had.
Seeing that Hikaru and Kaoru were being attended to by Takashi, Mitsukuni, and Haruhi, Tamaki crossed the room and wrapped Kyoya in a tight hug. "I'm so sorry, mon ami. I had no idea the burden that you were carrying, that this was the emergency. I'm sorry I yelled at you."
Uncharacteristically, Kyoya clung to Tamaki, allowing his control to slip further and sobs to wrack his body. Tamaki just held him, rubbing his back and murmuring soothing sounds.
On the sofa, Kaoru turned to Haruhi and buried his face in the crook of her neck as sobs tore from his throat.
Haruhi held her own tears in check as she placed a kiss on the top of Kaoru's head and whispered, "Go ahead and cry. Let it all out. I'm here. We're all here for you."
Then she turned to Hikaru and pulled his head close to place a soft kiss on his temple. Haruhi squeezed his hand and asked softly, "What do you need, Hikaru? How can we help you?"
Hikaru stood up abruptly. "I need to move. I can't just sit here," he blurted as he bolted from the room. Haruhi looked after him worriedly.
Takashi was moving even before Haruhi said, "Takashi, please keep an eye on him. I don't want him to hurt himself." He was out the door on Hikaru's heels before she even finished speaking.
Mitsukuni piped up quietly, "I'll go to the kitchen and have them make tea. Maybe I can convince them to add a little brandy for medicinal purposes." As he was about to exit, he turned to Haruhi and asked, "Should I have the butler inform the staff?"
"That would probably be best. Be sure to emphasize that official notifications have not been made but we have it from a reliable authority."
"Will do. I'll be back soon."
Soft sobs and comforting murmurs were the only sounds in the library for the next few minutes.
Wiping haphazardly at the tears streaming unbidden down her face, Haruhi thought, "We need to get the adoption paperwork from Kyoya's safe and get it signed and filed. We need to get Hikaru and Kaoru moved to Hinansho as soon as possible, before the government agencies are notified of the deaths. With their grandparents out of contact for the foreseeable future, the twins would be placed in an orphanage and the estate plundered for 'upkeep' until nothing is left."
Haruhi's thoughts stumbled at that point. Flashbacks of the days following her own mother's death loomed, but she pushed them away to focus on comforting Kaoru and worrying about where Hikaru was and what he was doing. "Hopefully Takashi was able to catch up with him. Even if Hikaru became physical or violent in his grief, Takashi should be able to handle him."
Deep breaths drew Haruhi's attention to the chair across from the sofa. Kyoya was finally able to draw a deep breath after practically hyperventilating in his sobbing grief. "Tamaki, thank you," Kyoya said softly, his throat raw. "You are a true friend. I'm feeling better now. Or at least as well as I can, given the circumstances." With that, he pulled back from Tamaki's fierce hug.
Tamaki loosened the hug, reached up, and removed Kyoya's glasses. Fully releasing his grip and setting the glasses on the nearby table, he replied. "That's what friends are for." Patting Kyoya's shoulder gently, he turned and walked over to check on Kaoru.
The library door opened quietly and Mitsukuni entered, followed by the butler with the tea trolley. While the butler was positioning the trolley between the sofa and the armchair, the library door opened again.
Takashi stepped in, carrying a subdued and softly sobbing Hikaru. There was a warm, compassionate expression on Takashi's face as he gently placed Hikaru back on the sofa next to Haruhi. She wrapped an arm around him and pulled him in close so she could place a kiss on his temple. Kaoru reached across Haruhi and grabbed his brother's hand.
The butler hummed quietly to draw everyone's attention. "Master Mitsukuni informed me of the situation and I have informed the staff. Young masters, we all wish you our heartfelt condolences on your loss. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you need anything."
Hikaru and Kaoru both raised their heads from Haruhi's shoulders and nodded their 'thanks.'
Haruhi spoke up quietly, "Please pack their things. We'll be heading to the Hinan family estate soon. They should not be here when the government agency receives notification of their parents' deaths and then figures out that their grandparents are currently out of communication. No sense allowing them to plunder the Hitachiin estate when the matter has already been resolved."
The butler shuddered at the thought and responded, "We will start on that right away." He bowed respectfully and left.
Mitsukuni started to hand out the tea. Haruhi asked, "Did they object to fortifying the tea?"
"As soon as I broke the news, they agreed that it was necessary."
After Kyoya had taken a long drink of the tea, He took a deep breath…then another…and then another. Finally, he was able to pull himself together enough to speak. "Leaving for Hinansho as soon as possible is a good idea, Haruhi. Tachibana signed the necessary paperwork and he will take it to Fuyumi for the second signature. As soon as the courthouse opens, he will file them."
Hikaru and Kaoru looked at each other and then turned to Kyoya. "Thank you. That's a load of our minds," Hikaru said for both of them.
Between the lateness of the hour and the stresses of the day, Haruhi could not suppress her yawn. Hikaru chuckled through his own yawn and muttered, "I resemble that remark."
Rubbing his eyes with his fist, Kaoru said, "Don't take this the wrong way, but could we all sleep together tonight? Hikaru and I really don't want to be alone tonight."
Tamaki lit up. "A sleepover! We get to have a sleepover!"
Kyoya shook his head and murmured fondly, "I think all of us sleeping together tonight is an excellent idea. What better way to support each other through this." He glanced at Haruhi, noting her expression of relief. "I'll bet she's been re-living the death of her mother. She won't be alone in her grief this time. We won't let her."
Standing up, Haruhi pulled Hikaru and Kaoru up with her. Wrapping an arm around each of their waists, she said, "Lead on. I hear the bed calling but the echoes in this place are messing with my sense of direction."
The twins chuckled in unison, hugged Haruhi between them and announced, "Follow us."
Kyoya had to suppress a twinge of jealousy, watching Haruhi wrapped in the embrace of Hikaru and Kaoru.
Tamaki stepped up beside him and commented, "Okaa-san, our precious daughter is certainly doing a good job taking care of her brothers, isn't she?"
Shaking his head and fighting a small smile, Kyoya responded, "Didn't she just remind you not to call her your daughter? And stop calling me okaa-san."
"Yes, she did," Tamaki replied with a grin. "But I did get you to smile, mon ami."
Mitsukuni and Takashi made up the silent rear-guard, watching to be sure no one needed their assistance after receiving such emotionally draining news.
When they reached Hikaru and Kaoru's bedroom, they found pajamas laid out for each of them on the foot of the bed. A maid quietly stepped out of a corner and said, "We anticipated that you did not take time to pack before coming, so we gathered articles for you from among the twins' designs for the Host Club. We expected that you would all want to remain together to support one another, so we brought everything here." She gestured to the wardrobe standing beside her as she opened the door and showed them the shelves laden with clothing and marked with their names.
After the maid left, Hikaru handed Haruhi a pair of pajamas and said, "You should get changed first. Then the rest of us can take turns."
Disappearing into the bathroom, she called, "I'll only be a minute."
Kaoru knocked on the bathroom door. "There are new toothbrushes in the top left drawer."
"Thanks," was her muffled reply.
The young men stood aimlessly around the bedroom, each lost in his own thoughts.
When Haruhi exited the bathroom, she walked directly to the window and stared outside. "Mother, please help me help my friends through this."
Soberly, Hikaru grabbed Kaoru's hand and said, "Let's go get changed." They scooped up their pajamas from the bed and headed to the bathroom.
Kyoya's eyes were drawn to Haruhi and he noticed that her shoulders were starting to hunch and her hands were balled into tight fists. "There may be no storm outside, but there is definitely one inside."
Quietly walking up behind her, he was surprised when she suddenly spun around, grabbed his around the waist, and buried her face in his chest. Startled, Kyoya wrapped his arms securely around her and rested his chin on her head.
Although her voice was muffled by his shirt, he could hear her murmuring, "I can't handle this. I already lost Mom. What would I do if I lost Dad? Now Hikaru and Kaoru have lost both all at once. And what about Ageha? She's even younger than I was when I lost Mom."
Knowing she needed to process her thoughts, Kyoya simply let her talk while he gently rubbed her back and stroked her hair. He said nothing because he knew she just needed to work her way through her own thoughts.
Meanwhile, in the bathroom, the twins were changing into their pajamas. After brushing their teeth and washing their faces, they stood staring into the mirror at each other's reflections.
Kaoru took a deep breath. "Hikaru, is this real or is it a nightmare? Are Mom and Dad really…gone?"
Sighing, Hikaru replied, "I keep hoping it's a nightmare. That I'll wake up and go downstairs to find Mom having breakfast with half the table covered in design sketches and fabric swatches."
Turning from the mirror, they looked into each other's eyes. Kaoru whispered, "What are we going to do?"
Hikaru pulled his into a fierce hug and assured him, "Whatever we do, we won't be alone. We have each other…and our family waiting for us out there."
"I think I need Haruhi," Kaoru admitted.
"Yeah, me too." Hikaru confirmed. "Let's go."
When they opened the bathroom door, they found Tamaki waiting with his pajamas in his hands. "I'm next."
The twins hesitated when they saw Haruhi standing near the window wrapped in Kyoya's arms. Before they could say anything, Haruhi looked up at Kyoya and said, "Thank you for being the anchor through my emotional storm and listening to me. This situation brought back so many memories of my mom and I just needed a safe space to face them."
"I'm glad you feel safe with me," Kyoya whispered as he wiped the tears from her eyes. "Do you need anything else?"
Haruhi smiled up at him. "No. Now I am ready be there for Hikaru and Kaoru." Standing on tiptoes, she kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."
Turning around, she saw Hikaru and Kaoru watching her—them. She walked over and drew them into a hug. "What do you two need right now?" she asked quietly.
"You and hugs," Kaoru answered simply, clinging to her and Hikaru.
After a few minutes, Hikaru asked tentatively, "What was that with you and Kyoya?" When Haruhi didn't answer right away, he murmured, "Never mind."
Haruhi took a deep breath. "Hey, it's okay. He was acting as an anchor for me. All of this brought on a storm of memories from when my mom died. I was feeling overwhelmed and he held me steady while I regained my footing so I could be here for your guys."
The trio clung to each other for a few minutes while the others changed and made preparations to go to bed.
"Okay," Haruhi said around a yawn. "I can barely keep my eyes open. Where are the pillows so I can get the bed arranged for all of us?"
Hikaru led her to the closet and opened a cupboard that had a variety of pillows. "If you want blankets, they are in the cupboard to the right."
Haruhi loaded Kaoru and Hikaru's arms with pillows before grabbing an armload of blankets herself. They dumped their loads on the bed and then stood back to allow Haruhi to arrange it all.
First, she stood two pillows up against the headboard and covered them with a blanket to hold them in place. "Kyoya, you sit here," she directed. In his semi-reclined positon, she laid a blanket folded in quarters on his chest covering him nearly to his knees. Then she sat down between his legs and laid back against his chest.
Kyoya placed his phone and glasses on the headboard, within easy reach. "Does she actually expect me to sleep like this?" Kyoya wondered with a slight blush. "Having her pressed against my chest like this will be much too stimulating for me to relax into sleep. Oh well, I can't say that I mind." He wrapped his arms around her waist to anchor her in place.
Next, she placed a pillow on her right thigh. "Hikaru, lay your head here." As he moved to comply, he kissed her on the cheek and then settle his head on the pillow and pulled a blanket up to his hips.
Placing a pillow on her left thigh, she patted it and said, "Kaoru, you're here." He copied his brother by placing a kiss on Haruhi's cheek before settling down.
Hikaru reach across Haruhi's knees and grasped Kaoru's hand tightly. Both were fighting to keep their eyes open.
Running her fingers through their hair, she whispered soothingly, "Go ahead and sleep. We'll all be here for you." Slowly they closed their eyes and slipped gently into sleep.
"Kyoya, would you turn your phone on for light while the rest get settled?" Haruhi asked softly. He released one arm from around her waist and did as she asked,
"Okay, Mitsukuni," Haruhi said, placing a pillow between her ankles. "You're here. Would you turn the lights off first?"
He did as requested and then, before settling in, he slipped around Kaoru and kissed Haruhi tenderly on the cheek. She ruffle his hair and pointed toward the pillow, indicating that is was time to get comfortable. Once Mitsukuni had settled onto the pillow, Takashi tucked a fluffy pink blanket around him.
"Thank you, Takashi," Haruhi said, smiling. "Your place is here next to Hikaru." She place the pillow close enough that she could reach Takashi's hair to run her fingers through it, but in a position that would not crowd Hikaru.
Following the others' examples, he kissed her cheek before making himself comfortable. As he settled in, she ran her fingers through his hair gently.
Tamaki, realizing how Haruhi was arranging everyone, started building a nest of pillows and blankets for himself near Kaoru. When she reached to ruffle his hair, he caught her hand and placed a kiss on the back of it. "I don't know how we'd survive without you," he murmured as he drifted off to sleep, still holding her hand.
Kyoya leaned down and whispered in her ear, "And I hope we never have to find out." He kissed her on top of the head and then reached up to turn off the light on his phone.
Since Tamaki was still holding her left hand, Haruhi intertwined the fingers of her right hand with Kyoya's left. "Good night," she murmured as she leaned back and drifted off to sleep.
Kyoya settled back and realized that having Haruhi resting on his chest was actually very comforting and he drifted off to sleep as well.
OHSHC
Kyoya was dragged back to consciousness by an incessant buzzing near his left ear. He didn't want to open his eyes but he couldn't remember why he had a warm, comfortable weight wrapped in his arms. Reluctantly opening his eyes, he looked down to find Haruhi snuggle into his chest. "What happened? Why is she in my bed?"
His phone buzzed again tearing his attention from the sleeping young woman in his arms. Removing his right arm from around her waist, he reached up and grabbed the phone. Glaring at the offending object, he noticed the name on the caller ID was his agent in London. Suddenly the events of last night came flooding back. He pushed them aside and answered the phone.
"Report," Kyoya ordered quietly, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice.
"Sorry to wake you, sir, but I knew you would want this news right away. I located the girl and her nanny. They were taken to a hospital on the far side of London," the agent reported succinctly.
"What condition were they in?" Kyoya asked
"The girl is fine, but the nanny has a broken leg. I made arrangements for the medical bills to be paid. They will be moved to the Japanese Embassy as soon as the nanny is released," the agent replied.
Kyoya pondered for a moment. "Why not the townhouse?"
The agent took a deep breath. "A judgement call on my part, sir. All of their travel documents were in the room safe at the hotel. The explosion from the ruptured gas line ultimately leveled the hotel. It will be a day or two before the debris is cool enough to sift through. Then could take weeks to sort out the room safes and establish which one belonged to which room. There is also the possibility that the heat was too great and the documents combusted."
"Sound judgement on your part. I will leave them in your capable hands. Get them anything that they need. I will start work on this end for replacement travel documents," Kyoya responded approvingly.
The agent breathed a silent sigh of relief and thought, "I did the right thing and I get to keep my job." To Kyoya, he said, "I will include all of this in my report. I will contact you if anything changes."
"Thank you. Oh, by the way, if anyone asks about the assistance being rendered my people there, please attribute it to the Hinan family, not the Otoris," Kyoya directed.
"Yes, sir. Will there be anything else?" the agent asked anxiously.
"That will be all. Thank you for your hard work on this. I look forward to reading your report. Please pass along my thanks to the rest of the personnel there helping with the efforts," Kyoya stated, fighting a yawn.
The agent responded, "Thank you, sir. I'll pass that along," and ended the call.
Before he could put his phone back on the headboard, there was the *ding* of an incoming text. Seeing that it was from Tachibana, he opened it immediately.
***Can't file paperwork until court receives official notice. Judge Ryuzaki contacting London. Will issue documents on confirmation. I will wait.***
"Hm, I didn't anticipate that wrinkle," Kyoya mused. "At least Haruhi's contacts at the court house are working with us on this." He composed a text to Tachibana that included an update on Ageha.
***Thank you for the update. News from London agent. Sister located and safe.***
After sending the text, Kyoya noticed that is was after ten o'clock already. "I should probably call the school to explain our absences and make…"
Before he could finish his thought, there was a quiet knock at the door then it opened and the butler stepped inside. Seeing Kyoya awake, he walked over to the bed. Quietly, he reported, "Good morning. I just came to inform you that I called Ouran this morning to explain the situation. I also contacted the main office at the University and had the message passed along to the appropriate professors."
Kyoya was relieved those chores had already been dealt with by the butler. "Thank you. I am only awake because I received a call from my London agent. Ageha was located and she is safe and well."
The butler's face lit up in relief. "Oh, thank you for that good news. I shall pass it along to the rest of the staff."
Hiding a yawn behind the hand holding his phone, Kyoya murmured, "If you don't mind, I'd like to get a little more sleep. It was a rough night and we have a busy day ahead later."
"Of course. The young masters can inform the kitchen when you all are awake and ready to eat," the butler replied before he turned and left the room.
Realizing that he was still holding his phone, he placed it back on the headboard. Wrapping his arms around Haruhi again, he drifted off to sleep.
OHSHC
It was two o'clock in the afternoon when the Host Club woke up to the sound of Haruhi's stomach growling. When they all looked at her, she just giggled and said, "What can you expect? I haven't eaten since dinner last night, unless you count the tea we had a midnight."
Hikaru sat up and shifted around Takashi. "Just let me call the kitchen and they can bring up something. Any requests?"
"Cake," Mitsukuni announced, bouncing on the bed.
"How about pancakes?" Haruhi interjected. "They can include a variety of toppings so everybody has something they like."
"Good idea," Hikaru responded as he picked up the phone to call the kitchen. After he finished, he climbed back into bed.
Haruhi grabbed his hand. "How are you doing this morning?"
He shook his head. "It just seems so surreal. I haven't been able to wrap my head around the fact that our parents were killed just like that."
Kaoru added, "And then there's the whole thing with not knowing about Ageha."
"Actually," Kyoya interrupted, "I received a call from my London agent at ten this morning. He found them. The nanny has a broken leg, but other than that they are both fine."
At that news, the brothers grabbed each other and wrestled around on the bed, laughing and crying by turns. The others climbed off the bed to give them more room. Haruhi's foot got tangled up in the blankets so Takashi plucked her out of the bed just before the twins were about to run into her.
"Thanks for the save, Takashi," she said as she smiled and caressed his cheek.
Kyoya turned around just in time to see the tender gesture. He had to clamp down hard on a flare of jealousy. "She's not mine. I need to keep reminding myself of that. Even though it felt so right this morning to wake up with her in my arms." He shook his head to dispel the inappropriate thoughts that memory conjured up.
Everyone's attention was drawn by a knock at the door. The butler opened it to allow several servants to enter carrying large trays of food and beverages. Several more servants followed with folding stands to hold the trays. "Please enjoy your meal," the butler intoned as he closed the door.
The Host Club settle in to enjoy the delicious breakfast. While they were eating, there was a *ding* from Kyoya's phone. When he retrieved it from the headboard, he saw the message from Tachibana.
***Official notice received. Paperwork filed for all three. Suspicious activity. CALL ME.***
Noting the urgency of the message, Kyoya immediately initiated the call. "I have you on speaker. What do you have to report?" Kyoya asked as soon as Tachibana answered.
"I was sitting on the bench in the hallway near Judge Ryuzaki's office. The clerk on duty this morning when I tried to file the papers appeared to be eavesdropping at the judge's door," Tachibana reported with a note of irritation in his voice.
"What's wrong?" Haruhi asked. "Did we catch you at a bad time?"
Tachibana sighed. "Leave it to her to notice the annoyance in my voice." He responded, "No, it's not that. When he left the judge's door, he went just around the corner from where I was sitting. He called someone—I couldn't make out the name—and reported that the Hitachiins were confirmed dead and they could get their revenge now."
"What did he mean by that?" Hikaru demanded.
Before Tachibana could answer, Kyoya asked, "Didn't he see you sitting there?"
Laughing mirthlessly, Tachibana said, "Oh yeah, he saw me sitting there. But he must have been elite family at one time. The way he looked at me when I tried to file the paperwork and when he saw me sitting on the bench said, 'Just a lackey doing his master's bidding. No one of any consequence.' I wasn't important enough for him to notice, much less acknowledge."
Haruhi interrupted, "You are no lackey. Thank you for all your hard work on this. Were there any problems filing the paperwork after that?"
"No problems. The judge actually had his clerk file the papers while I reported the filing clerk eavesdropping outside his door and the subsequent telephone conversation. Judge Ryuzaki issued a court order that nothing can be removed from the Hitachiin estate except by his order, unless it is by Kazuha Hitachiin."
"Hey, Tachibana," Kaoru asked tentatively, "could you get some more information on that clerk. Maybe find out who he was talking to as well?"
"That was my plan," Tachibana assured him. "The urgency of my message was to warn you to get the twins to Hinansho as soon as possible. I don't trust that clerk—or whomever he was talking to. I'll see you all tonight at dinner and I'll give you my report then."
"Good work. We'll be heading to Hinansho within the hour," Kyoya stated before he ended the call.
Kaoru stood up and said, "We should let Haruhi shower and dress here while the rest of us go to other rooms to do the same. That will get us out of here faster. I don't like the fact someone has it out for us."
"I agree," Hikaru added. "I feel like a sitting duck here. I want to get to Hinansho as soon as possible."
The six young men grabbed clothing from the wardrobe the maid had pointed out and headed out to find rooms to shower and change. Haruhi grabbed an outfit and headed to the bathroom.
Fifteen minutes later, all seven of them were waiting by the front door. Hikaru asked the butler, "Where's our stuff? I thought you guys packed it last night?"
Smiling, the butler replied, "It's already at Hinansho. Atsuhiro and a security detail arrived this morning with a truck and took it all away. It should be waiting for you when you arrive."
Hikaru sighed in relief. "That's a load off my mind. Thanks for taking care of that."
Kaoru stepped up to the butler and said, "Thanks for holding down the fort here until our grandparents return."
"Our pleasure," the butler replied. "I have already sent messages to the various drop boxes that they maintain for receiving important news. I will inform you immediately if I hear from them."
Kyoya interrupted. "We should get going. Who knows when the file clerk's cohort will show up? We will do whatever it takes to protect you two."
"Thanks guys," Hikaru and Kaoru chorused.
Mitsukuni said, "It's kind of like Vizzini said in Princess Bride. If they try to hurt our friends, they'll commit one of the classic blunders. The most well know is 'Never get involved in a land war in Asia,' followed by 'Don't go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line,' and now we can add 'Never cross the Hinan when family is at stake.' We take care of our own."
"Hear, hear," Tamaki yelled, pumping his fist in the air.
OHSHC
Rina Tsukuda had a predatory grin on her face when she hung up the phone after the call from her informant at the courthouse. "Masaki Danno is finally proving to be useful. So, Yuzuha and Akihiro Hitachiin are dead. It could take up to a year to locate Kazuha. Since there are three kids, that's more than enough time to plunder the estate."
She rubbed her hands together greedily. "Within three months, I should be able to sell the Hitachiin fashion line to my holding company for a mere pittance. I can't wait to get back at the Hitachiins for what they did to my family."
OHSHC
Rina Tsukuda walked confidently up to the door of the Hitachiin mansion, her large, empty briefcase held carelessly in her left hand. "I can't wait to get my hands on the stuff in this place," she thought to herself as she waited for the butler to answer the door.
The butler opened the door and intoned, "How may I help you?"
"You can let me in," she ordered condescendingly. "My name is Rina Tsukuda and I am here from the Government Orphanage to inventory the estate and take custody of Hikaru, Kaoru, and Ageha Hitachiin following the death of their parents."
"The young masters are at Hinansho, their new home," replied the butler with a straight face.
"I don't know what you think you're trying to get away with," she growled, "but it's not going to work."
"Why would I want to get away with anything?" the butler deadpanned. "I am quite happy in the employ of the Hitachiin family."
"They're dead," Rina snarled.
"Yuzuha and Akihiro may be, but Lady Kazuha is very much alive," he answered disdainfully.
"You will let me in to inventory the house…" she ordered.
"Since you are not Lady Kazuha, if you do not have a signed court order from Judge Ryuzaki, I will do no such thing," the butler stated, gesturing to the court order posted beside the door.
Rina was at the end of her patience. "This is not going according to plan," she mused disgustedly. "You will not ignore my authority in this matter. I will find those brats and this house will be mine," she snarled.
The butler looked at her with contempt. "As one of the Hinan family said as they were leaving. You are about to commit one of the classic blunders: Never cross the Hinan when family is at stake. I suggest you heed that warning." Then he closed the door in her face.
"You haven't heard the last of me," she shrieked ineffectually.
"Good riddance to bad rubbish," the butler thought as he walked away, brushing his hands together. Then he stopped and contemplated what she had said just before he closed the door in her face. "That was a threat. I need to call Hinansho to alert them."
As he waited for someone to answer at Hinansho, he considered, "That threat sounds eerily like what happened to Miss Tsuchiya a few years ago."