When Dr. Yang arrived in her office the next morning at ten o'clock, there were several messages waiting for her. The first was the test results for Mitsukuni Haninozuka that she looked through closely. "Given the tumor, the test results are exactly what I expected to see," she thought as she placed them in his file.
The next was transfer paperwork for moving Mitsukuni to the Hinan Hospital. "Wait a minute, the last name on these is Hinan, rather than Haninozuka," she thought in confusion. She flipped through the sheaf of papers and found copies of the fully executed legal documents removing Mitsukuni from one registry and adding him to the other. "I did not expect that to happen so quickly." She signed the transfer and set it aside so she could take it with her when she examined Mitsukuni later.
She was surprised by the third message. It was a job offer from the Hinan Hospital. "Hmm, I've heard nothing but good things about this new hospital. Maybe I'll look into it later, though it almost looks too good to be true."
The final message was a phone message from Yorihisa requesting that she call him as soon as she was ready to release Mitsukuni. "I may just need that job at Hinan Hospital after this," she chuckled mirthlessly to herself. She called the Haninozuka estate and left a message that she was on her way to examine their son for release. "Just because that release is to another hospital at Mitsukuni's request doesn't change the facts."
Dr. Yang picked up Mitsukuni's patient file and the transfer papers before heading down to room 357. "Hopefully, they are awake, though I'm sure they would be an adorable puppy-pile there in the corner if they were still asleep." She shook her head at the flight of whimsy.
Knocking gently on the door and waiting for a 'Come in,' Dr. Yang opened it to find the cousins sharing breakfast and quiet conversation. They looked up when she asked, "Where are your friends?"
Takashi chuckled. "They wanted to stay but they still have school so Mitsukuni told them to go and they could come see him at the Hinan Hospital later."
She glanced around and saw that the bedding from last night had already been cleared away. "How are you feeling this morning, Mitsukuni?" the doctor asked.
"Okay," he replied tentatively. "Mostly just anxious to get the tumor out of my head."
Giving him a quick, but thorough exam and removing the IV, she declared, "Things look good for your transfer. I'll step out so you can get dressed. Let me know when you're ready."
It was just a couple minutes before the door opened and Mitsukuni said, "I'm ready."
Dr. Yang smiled. "Here are your transfer papers. The transport is waiting at the front entrance and this orderly will take you down. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns."
"Thank you for everything, Dr. Yang," Mitsukuni replied, as he shook her hand and climbed into the wheelchair for the trip down to the transport.
She watched the cousins leave and thought, "They should be gone before Mr. Haninozuka arrives."
Dr. Yang was filling out paperwork at the nurses' station when Yorihisa walked up followed by his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Morinozuka. He demanded, "Where is my son?"
"I received paperwork this morning for him to be transferred to Hinan Hospital," Dr. Yang responded.
"I clearly stated that he was to release today to keep his previously arranged assignment," he insisted vehemently.
"Be that as it may, the transfer papers were waiting when I arrived for work this morning," the doctor stated.
Before anything more was said, Takashi stepped out of room 357 with a book in his hand. His uncle rounded on him and demanded, "Where is Mitsukuni?"
"On his way to the hospital with the best surgeon to remove the tumor," Takashi stated matter-of-factly.
"You will answer your uncle appropriately," Akira said.
"I did. He asked a question and I answered it," Takashi defended.
Akira's eyebrows drew down in a scowl. "You know your uncle declared the surgery unnecessary and Mitsukuni just needs to work on his control and discipline."
Takashi's obedient nature warred with wanting what was best for his cousin. Wanting what was best won. "Father, I believe Uncle is wrong. He did not see what Mitsukuni was like this past school year. He was moody and dealing with headaches all the time. He collapsed. He told me just last night that he doesn't like the person the tumor is making him become."
"He could have overcome those by practicing self-control and discipline," Yorihisa insisted.
Takashi looked at his uncle with a hard expression. "Would you expect Yasuchika to use self-control and discipline on his broken bones and get right back to training? No, he was given the proper medical attention and is being allowed to heal. Why is Mitsukuni not getting that same consideration?"
"That is not how you address your elders," Akira growled.
"I have been respectful, even in my disagreement," Takashi stated firmly.
"Perhaps you need to spend time at the temple for additional training in control and discipline." Akira was practically shouting.
Yorihisa ground out, "You will not disrespect our families like this."
Takashi stood up proudly to his full height and said with dignity, "I will no longer argue about the subject of Mitsukuni's surgery. Your behavior is not worthy of respect. Circumstances have reached a point where it has become necessary that I withdraw from the family, just as Mitsukuni already has." With that, he bowed respectfully and then turned his back on his uncle, aunt and parents and walked resolutely away.
The four adults stood there in shock at what had just transpired.
Dr. Yang silently cheered for the young man and the maturity he had shown. "That was an incredibly difficult decision to make. I wish him the best." Then she turned away and went to start on her rounds.
OHSHC
Ryoji was waiting for Haruhi when she arrived home from school. "Dad, is something wrong?" she asked apprehensively.
"Nothing is wrong," he assured her. "I just want to talk to you about a couple things."
"Okay…" she responded.
"I know you've grown up in this apartment and your memories of your mother are here, but I have a really good job offer. The job would require that we move," Ryoji explained, watching the expressions parade across his daughter's face.
Taking a deep breath, Haruhi asked, "What's the job, Dad? Where do we have to move to?"
"Well, my friend Shohei contacted me this morning. They really need another bartender at Hinansho. How would you feel about living there?"
Haruhi's face lit up. "I would love it. Tachibana gave me a message for you last night that I haven't had time to pass along. He said Kairi wanted you to consider being the second bartender in the lounge at Hinansho."
Ryoji's expression turned serious. "There are a few details we need to discuss. I know you have your own office apartment there, but I would feel better is you lived with me in my apartment."
"That's not a problem, Dad. I would prefer to live with you. That would leave an apartment available for guests or someone else brought onto the Hinan management team." She smiled at him and he relaxed and smiled back.
"With how independent you have been since your mother's death, I expected you to fight me on that point. That just leaves the timing for the move. I need to give my notice at the bar and contact the management company about the apartment." Ryoji's expression was pensive.
Looking thoughtful, Haruhi said, "I'm torn. On one hand, I want it to be now so I can be there for the twins and Mitsukuni…"
Ryoji interrupted. "That's right. How is he doing?"
Before she could answer, her phone *dinged* several times. "I have messages from Kairi, Mitsukuni, Takashi, and Atsuhiro."
"What do they want?" her dad asked.
Scrolling through the messages, Haruhi replied, "Kairi is reminding me to pass along his message. Both Mitsukuni's and Takashi's say they need me-they must have had a rough day with the transfer to Hinan Hospital. Atsuhiro's says he's waiting outside to take us to Hinansho."
Ryoji suggested, "What would you say about having dinner at Hinansho? We can finish talking in the car on the way over. I can give Kairi my answer in person and discuss details while you head over to the hospital to check on Mitsukuni and Takashi."
"Sounds like a plan," Haruhi answered with a grin. "Just let me change my clothes and grab my bag."
After the climbed in the car, Haruhi filled Ryoji in on Mitsukuni and his tumor. After that, it only took a few minutes for them to decide that Ryoji would accept the job at Hinansho and call the bar to give his two-week notice after dinner. They would move to Hinansho over the weekend and Haruhi would ride to school with the twins beginning Monday.
"Now that all that's decided," Ryoji said, "there is something I need to tell you."
"What's that, Dad?" she asked with some trepidation.
He smiled. "Don't worry. It's nothing bad. I just want to tell you how proud I am and how much you remind me of your mother. I think for years you used your independence to hide in the little world of just me and you. You suppressed your natural tendencies because they reminded you of your mother and you were still feeling the pain of her loss.
"Since you met the Host Club, I have seen you start to bloom and allow yourself to love. You saw in those boys three isolated little gardens like ours and you wanted to protect them as much as you protected us. As you have gotten involved in their lives and you have allowed them into yours, the lessons Kotoko taught you about compassion and creativity have been shining through. I think the Hinan family was your creative way to protect your friends.
"Without realizing what you were doing, you drew those four gardens together into one. You slowly tore down at all the fences, allowing us to grow and intertwine. You have allowed them to become your friends and brothers. I'm happy you are experiencing love—both giving and receiving.
"You have grown and matured. I am so proud of you and I'm sure you mother is too. This move to Hinansho makes sense because, deep down, you feel the need to be there for your friends—your family that you've built. I have no doubt you will go far because of the foundation that you've laid."
Haruhi brushed tears away. "Do you really think so, Dad? Would Mom be proud of me?"
"She would most definitely be proud of you, Baby Girl," Ryoji assured her, pulling her into an awkward side hug. "We're almost at Hinansho. After dinner, you go spend the weekend with your friends. I will talk to Kairi and then coordinate the move with Tachibana."
OHSHC
Yoshio stepped up to the receptionist and stated, "I have an appointment to see Shizue Suoh."
"Please have a seat. She will be with you momentarily," the receptionist responded in a bored tone.
"The nerve of the woman! Summoning me here like an errant child and then making me wait. Who does she think she is?" Yoshio fumed impotently.
The office door opened and Yuzuru stepped out. "…inform Tamaki on my way home. I'll see you at dinner, Mother."
Turning around Yuzuru saw Yoshio. "Mother must be letting you in on the plan," he said off-handedly.
Yoshio preferred to keep his own council and responded with a smirk.
"Ms. Suoh will see you now," the receptionist announced.
Yoshio walked into the office and closed the door behind him. "You wished to see me?" he asked, settling into the chair in front of her desk even before he was asked. "Let the power plays begin."
Shizue smiled like a hungry cat watching a mouse. "Yes, I want you to confirm a rumor I have been hearing about Mitsukuni Haninozuka."
"And what rumor would that be?" he asked coyly.
"I am in no mood for games," Shizue stated. "Is it true that Mitsukuni Haninozuka has a brain tumor?"
"Yes," Yoshio said simply.
"Is it also true that he and his cousin, Takashi Morinozuka, have withdrawn from their families because Yorihisa opposed surgery to remove the tumor?" Shizue demanded.
Yoshio sighed. "Oh very well. Members of the staff at one of my hospitals were present when Takashi Morinozuka railed at his uncle, aunt, and parents about their callous treatment of Mitsukuni Haninozuka. Mitsukuni was transferred to the Hinan Hospital under the name Mitsukuni Hinan."
"That didn't hurt so bad to admit," Shizue said sarcastically.
"Interesting that the Hinan family is involved again," Yoshio mused.
"What do you mean 'again'?" Shizue asked.
Yoshio raised an eyebrow. "Surely you saw the headlines accusing the Hinan family of kidnapping the Hitachiin children following their parents' deaths?"
Shizue gestured dismissively. "That was just Komitsuzawa sensationalizing this situation."
"Be that as it may, why hasn't he printed some scandalous article about this…defection?" Yoshi mused. "If you have heard it in elite circles, then so has he."
"I do not wish to discuss that distasteful man any further," Shizue sniffed. "I did not ask you here just to confirm the rumors. Now here is some information you may find…profitable. I have heard a number of elite families discussing the merit of sending their heirs to hospitals for medical, psychological, and genetic testing before officially naming them as heir. Other families are sending their currently named heir for such testing."
"You are correct. That could be very profitable," Yoshio allowed.
"In addition, I have a proposition for you that would be very beneficial to both our families," Shizue hinted.
"That sounds interesting. What do you have in mind?" Yoshio sat back and made himself comfortable.
"I am sending Yuzuru and Tamaki to one of your resort hospitals for testing. I strongly suspect that Tamaki has the same genetic condition that caused his mother's ill health. Therefore he will not be a suitable heir for the Suoh family."
"What does that have to do with me?" Yoshio responded in a bored tone.
"I want you to disown your son Kyoya so I can adopt him as heir to the Suoh Empire." Shizue smiled smugly at Yoshio because his expression confirmed that her suggestion had caught him completely off-guard. Then she saw the look of avarice appear in his eyes. "Good. I believe I have him hooked."
Keeping his greedy look in check, Yoshio said, "That's an interesting proposal. Why not Yuuichi or Akito?"
"I think you would agree that the Suoh Empire would benefit most from Kyoya's…aggressive business style. Just look at how he bought your company before Tonnerre could and then gave it back to you. That was quite a statement he made." Picking up a pen, she twirled it in her fingers, intimating that there was contract ready to be signed.
"What about Yuzuru? Isn't he your heir?" Yoshio hedged.
Shizue frowned. "Even if he were, he is unable to provide a future heir. I need to take steps to be sure the Suoh Empire is not fodder for opportunists. Are you interested? Or shall I look elsewhere for an heir?"
"I've been wanting to get my hands on the Suoh fortune and now here it is being handed to me on a silver platter. Kyoya is a small price to pay for that." Yoshio considered for a moment. "What about Tamaki? He and Kyoya have been best friends. Kyoya may resent usurping his friend."
"I have a plan for that. Kyoya will be told that Tamaki will be returning to his mother in France. That has been his greatest desire since he came to Japan. We can make it seem like he is simply taking care of business for his friend," Shizue declared.
Yoshio sat forward in the chair. "I assume you have a contract already drawn up? May I read it?"
Shizue slid a folder across the desk. Yoshio picked it up and read quickly through the contract. It stated that Tamaki would be sent back to France. Yoshio would disown his son to be adopted by Shizue to become official heir to the Suoh Empire. It also gave Yoshio a fifteen percent interest.
Smiling greedily, Yoshio signed the contract and handed it to Shizue and she signed it as well.
"If you will wait a moment, I will have a copy made for you," Shizue said smugly.
OHSHC
Yuzuru stepped into the conservatory where Tamaki was idly playing the piano. He listened for a few minutes before announcing his presence. "Tamaki, do you have a few minutes?"
Turning his head to look at his father, Tamaki smoothly finished the piece as he replied, "Of course."
"You are graduating at the end of next week and your grandmother has the party all planned. She has asked me to inform you that the other Host Club members will not be invited," Yuzuru said, watching to gauge his son's response.
"Well, if you think about it, that just makes sense," Tamaki responded off-handedly.
His father looked confused. "It makes sense to exclude your friends from your graduation party?"
"But of course," Tamaki explained. "Kyoya will be attending his own graduation party. Mitsukuni will be in the hospital recovering from surgery to remove the tumor. Takashi will, naturally, be at his side. Most likely Haruhi will be at the hospital with them. Hikaru and Kaoru still don't feel much like parties. So it makes sense."
"I hadn't considered any of that. So you are correct, it does make sense," Yuzuru allowed. "There is one more thing you grandmother wanted me to tell you."
"Yes, Father?" Tamaki replied idly.
"Right after graduation, you and I will be spending six week at one of the Otori hospital resorts. Given the situation with your friend, Mitsukuni, and the tumor, your grandmother thinks it would be best if we both received thorough medical, psychological, and genetic screenings." Yuzuru waited for Tamaki to protest.
"That is prudent. Has she already made the reservations? I'm sure many other elite families will be doing the same thing for the same reason," Tamaki articulated.
"I'm sure your grandmother made the arrangements before she even informed me. You know how she is," Yuzuru said, chuckling.
"By the way, Father, could we have dinner tonight?" Tamaki asked.
"I'm sorry, I have a dinner meeting with your grandmother. Let's go out tomorrow night and we'll have an early graduation celebration with just the two of us," Yuzuru suggested.
Tamaki stood up from the piano bench and walked over to his father, pulling him into a hug. "I'd like that. I'll see you tomorrow."
OHSHC
"I wonder why Father is insisting on a formal family dinner tonight. The regularly scheduled one is next week, just after graduation," Kyoya pondered as he made his way to the dining room.
When he entered the dining room, Masaya and Hibiki rushed over to him. "Uncle Kyoya, Uncle Kyoya."
"Good evening, Masaya and Hibiki. Where is Ageha?" Kyoya asked quietly.
"She's having dinner with her brothers," Masaya answered.
Seiji and Fuyumi followed their children and watched while they interacted with their uncle. Quietly, Seiji asked, "You don't think your father knows about the help you gave my family, do you?"
"That was the Hinan family, not me," Kyoya smirked teasingly.
"Any idea what couldn't wait until next week?" Fuyumi interjected.
Kyoya shrugged. "Maybe it's something about the graduation party next week. It can't be anything too serious since the children are being allowed to stay in here rather than being sent to the kitchen."
Before they could speculate further, Yoshio entered and motioned for everyone to take their seats. After everyone had been serve and the children were quietly eating, Yoshio addressed the table. "I know you are all wondering why we are having the mandatory family dinner tonight rather than next week."
Except for the children, everyone set down their utensils, anxiously waiting for Yoshio to continue. He cleared his throat and said, "First of all, Kyoya's graduation party will be only business associates, none of the Host Club are invited. Other than that, there are no changes."
"We already discussed that since Tamaki and I are both graduating at the same time, so that's a moot point," Kyoya thought mirthlessly.
"Yuuichi, Akira, and Kyoya will be leaving the morning after the party to spend six weeks sequestered in one of our most exclusive hospital resorts," Yoshio stated. "They are not to have contact with anyone other than the doctors and nurses."
"Whatever for?" Yuuichi demanded, standing to his feet.
Yoshio glared at him and he sat down again.
"After the whole fiasco with Mitsukuni Haninozuka and the tumor, most of the elite families are having their heirs undergo medical, psychological, and genetic testing. I agree with the logic of that course of action, so all of you will be tested," Yoshio declared.
"How am I supposed to leave my job for six weeks?" Yuuichi asked.
"I have already made the arrangements," Yoshio replied condescendingly. "As for Akira and Kyoya, you will be on break, so there should be no problems."
Kyoya spoke up, "Father, may I speak with you briefly after dinner?"
"Regarding?" Yoshio queried.
"I am in the middle of two college extension courses. I just want to be certain I will have the necessary access to complete them. With these, the challenge tests, and the online courses I've completed, I will be entering University this fall as a sophomore, rather than a freshman," Kyoya explained.
Yoshio nodded in approval. "After dinner, we will adjourn to my study to go over your requirements."
"Thank you, Father," Kyoya said respectfully. "Hopefully the method I suggest will allow me to communicate with Hinansho during those six weeks without Father figuring out what I'm doing."
The rest of the meal was uneventful with quiet conversations. As everyone else was finishing, Masaya and Hibiki started getting fidgety.
"I think the kids are tired," Fuyumi said. "We should probably take them home and put them to bed."
"Very well," Yoshio agreed. "Kyoya, please come with me."
As the rest of the family said their goodbyes and headed off to their next activities, Kyoya followed Yoshio to his office.
Yoshio sat down behind his massive desk and gestured for Kyoya to take a seat in the chair in front of it. "So what do you need to finish these courses?" Yoshio asked.
"You mentioned that we would be sequestered for six week. Does that mean there will be no internet access?" Kyoya asked, seeking clarification before he began.
"There will be limited internet access. There is no cell service, so calls will be via landlines. What exactly will you need to do?" Yoshio responded.
"I only need to be able to upload files to the class sites. However, I will also need to have Tachibana courier some assignments because they have to be physical projects rather than electronic representations," Kyoya explained.
"Do you have something in mind for that," Yoshio inquired.
"Actually, yes. I have been researching an attaché case that should work. It has two keys, so Tachibana can have one and I'll have the other. I will place my assignments in it and have it held at the front desk for Tachibana to pick up. Conversely, Tachibana could bring research files and source documents that I need for my assignments and leave it at the front desk to be delivered to me." Kyoya relaxed as the expression on his father's face smoothed.
"Well thought out. Purchase the case and make arrangements with Tachibana," Yoshio decreed. "If there is nothing else, you are dismissed."
"Thank you, Father," Kyoya said as he bowed and then left the study.
OHSHC
Mitsukuni clung to Haruhi's hand. "Thanks you guys for taking the time off from school during finals week to be here with me."
Haruhi wrapped her arm around his shoulders, "Of course we're here for you." The rest of the hosts gathered and wrapped their arms around the pair.
"I'm scared," Mitsukuni admitted. "I know Dr. Cho is the best at endoscopic endonasal surgery for brain tumors. But there are so many things that could go wrong."
"Yes, there are. But the probabilities are very small," Takashi said, squeezing his shoulder affectionately.
Dr. Cho and the anesthesiologist entered the room and observed the crowd. "You will need to leave so we can get him prepped for surgery," Dr. Cho said kindly.
With pleading eyes, Mitsukuni asked, "Can Haruhi hold me until I fall asleep?"
The doctor looked skeptical until Haruhi said, "He relaxes much better that way."
"That would make things go more smoothly," the anesthesiologist admitted.
Tamaki, Kyoya, Hikaru, and Kaoru all said their goodbyes as the exited the room. Haruhi settled into a chair and Takashi carefully placed Mitsukuni on her lap, being very careful of the IVs. "I'll wait until he is asleep and then I'll move him to the gurney for the trip to the operating room," Takashi said as he stepped into a corner to stay out of the way.
Mitsukuni's eyelids were already starting to droop as the anesthesiologist check his vitals and laid out the medications. "Usually I have to use a fast-acting one to begin with to get them to relax for the longer term one to be more effective."
Haruhi didn't cease rubbing Mitsukuni's back and runner her fingers through his hair. "He didn't sleep very well last night, so he's tired. He stubbornly didn't tell me last night so I couldn't help him then."
Takashi watched Haruhi closely. He could tell that she was starting to babble because the hospital was making her nervous. "I'll bet she's thinking about her mother. That's why she keeps talking—trying to distract herself."
The anesthesiologist contemplated the tableau before him. "Since he's practically asleep already, I'll only give him a half dose of the fast-acting. He really doesn't need any more than that." Deftly, he administered the first anesthesia. Haruhi's grip shifted as Mitsukuni went completely limp. Aware that Mitsukuni's arms were no longer wrapped around Haruhi's waist, Takashi stepped forward to help balance the weight while the second, longer-lasting anesthesia was administered.
"You can place him on the gurney now," Dr. Cho stated. "Thank you for your help. If you'll head to the waiting room, I'll come get you as soon as he is in recovery. The surgery will probably last three to four hours."
"Of course, Dr. Cho," Haruhi said. Takashi nodded in acknowledgement and placed his hand on Haruhi's lower back to guide her out of the room. He could tell she was getting shaky. "If I thought she would allow it, I'd pick her up and carry her."
When Takashi and Haruhi reached the waiting room, the others were watching for them. Kyoya sat on a sofa while the other three sat in chairs nearby. Takashi maneuvered Haruhi to the sofa and she immediately curled into Kyoya's side. Kyoya wrapped an arm around her and Takashi sat down on the sofa on Haruhi's other side.
Kyoya gave Takashi a smile that said, "Thank you for watching over her." Then Kyoya placed a kiss on top of her head as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
For the next three hours, the hosts took turns pacing and sitting. At one point, Haruhi even fell asleep in Kyoya's arms. They talked in low voices, not wanting to disturb anyone around them. Sometime during their wait, an orderly brought in a tea tray with a selection of onigiri.
"Hey, Haruhi, wasn't it your idea for the hospital to bring around tea and snacks every few hours to the waiting rooms?" Hikaru asked.
Haruhi smiled somewhat sadly. "Yeah, I remember when my mom was in the hospital and we went hungry because we didn't want to go anywhere for fear of missing an opportunity to see her."
Out of the blue, Tamaki piped up, "So what are we going to do for Takashi's birthday?"
Hikaru looked at him quizzically. "It's not until next week."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Tamaki responded. "But Kyoya and I have to leave Saturday morning and we'll miss it. We want to be able to celebrate with our friend."
"Well, Friday won't work because of graduation and the parties," Kaoru noted.
Haruhi sat up and turned to Takashi. "Would Thursday be okay with you? I'm sure I could arrange to miss my internship that day."
Takashi looked torn. "I want to celebrate with all of you, but will Mitsukuni be out of the hospital by then? I've never celebrated a birthday without him—never."
The group was still contemplating that statement a few minutes later when Dr. Cho walked into the waiting room with a smile on her face.
Takashi was the first to notice her and he stood up, asking, "Is Mitsukuni okay?"
"The surgery went smoothly and Mitsukuni is fine. You will be able to go see him in the recovery room in about fifteen minutes," Dr. Cho assured them.
"Is there any possibility that the tumor could return?" Takashi inquired.
"I don't think so. However, I did sent the tumor to the lab for a biopsy to be sure. It appeared to be benign. Although it grew in size, it did not spread to any other areas," the doctor explained.
"That's good to know," Haruhi sighed. "When will he be released?"
Dr. Cho considered before she answered. "It could be anywhere from two to five days. A lot will depend on how he's feeling. When you see him in the recovery room, there will be bruising and puffiness around his eyes and he'll be congested. These are normal side-effects of the surgery."
"What sort of follow-up will be involved?" Kyoya asked.
"Well, his full recovery will take about six weeks," Dr. Cho explained. "During that time, he will see an endocrinologist who will check to be sure his hormone levels return to normal. There may be some headaches but nothing like he has been dealing with. Does anyone else have any questions?"
The friends looked around at each other, murmuring 'no' and shaking heads.
A nurse stepped into the waiting room and said, "If you'll follow me, I'll take you to your friend in the recovery room."
OHSHC
Tamaki burst out of the small dining room. "Hikaru, Kaoru, you have to help me. We need to finish decorating before Tachibana gets back from the Otori estate with Takashi and Kyoya."
"On it, Tono," they chorused and saluted.
While the three were hanging the 'Happy Birthday, Takashi' banner, Hikaru asked, "Do you really think Yoshio will allow Kyoya to come to a graduation party that the Host Club is throwing?"
"That's why we sent Takashi," Tamaki explained. "He has impressed Yoshio in the past so he's the most likely one to get approval for something like this."
"Will Atsuhiro make it back from the hospital with Haruhi in time?" Kaoru asked.
"He should," answered Tamaki off-handedly.
Fifteen minutes later, the dining room was decorated, dinner was waiting on the sideboard, and the table was set. Tamaki looked around with a satisfied look on his face. "The cake is on a cart in the kitchen all ready to be brought in later." He glanced at the clock. "People should start showing up any time…"
Shima walked in, looked around, and smiled approvingly. "Well done, Master Tamaki."
"Please allow me to escort you to your seat," Tamaki said with a bow.
Next Seiji, Fuyumi, and the kids came in followed by Ryoji. Kairi came through the kitchen door and looked around. He asked, "Has anyone heard from Tachibana and…"
He was interrupted by Tachibana, Takashi and Kyoya entered laughing. "…my father at a loss for words before. That was priceless," Kyoya finished, looking around at those already gathered in the dining room.
"Well, that just leaves Atsuhiro and Haruhi," Kairi stated.
Takashi's face fell. "I can't believe I'm celebrating my birthday without Mitsukuni," he murmured dejectedly.
Just then, Atsuhiro opened the door and said, "Sorry we're late. Haruhi needed to get Takashi's birthday present."
Haruhi peaked through the door. "Um, it's too big to wrap. Can I just give it to you now, Takashi?" she asked, chuckling.
"Of course," he answered, a little bewildered.
Pushing the door opened, she reached out and pulled something into the room.
"Surprise!" she said as she stepped aside and Takashi saw Mitsukuni.
"Happy birthday, Takashi," Mitsukuni said.
Takashi strode over and gently picked up his cousin—brother. Smiling at Haruhi, he said, "You give the best birthday presents."
14