Yuzuru walked into his mother's office. "Good morning. You wished to see me?"
Shizue looked up from her paperwork and replied, "Yes. I have reviewed the reports from the doctors. I want to let you know about some decisions I have made based on that information."
"Does the recessive gene have something to do with your decisions?" Yuzuru asked tightly, settling into the chair in front of her desk.
"Most definitely," Shizue replied, folding her hands on the desktop. "You have not produced another heir, and you are unlikely to, based on some of your test results."
"Mother, that is not the point," he interrupted.
Fixing him with a sharp glare, she replied, "That was exactly the point of all those tests—whether or not you or Tamaki would be viable heirs. The test results state that there is only a slim chance that either of you could produce offspring to continue the Suoh bloodline."
"What other choice is there?" Yuzuru demanded, sitting forward.
"I have been in negotiations to adopt a suitable heir from another elite family. It is not ideal, but I refuse to allow the empire I have grown to be looted simply because I did not have the foresight to insure a viable successor." Shizue stood and leaned her fists on her desk.
Yuzuru stood as well and demanded, "So, you're just going to toss Tamaki and me aside in favor of your new 'toy'?"
"Don't be ridiculous! I will make provision for both of you. Neither of you will be named as heir, but I will not simply be tossing you aside." Shizue took a breath to bring her temper under control.
"What exactly do you have in mind?" Yuzuru asked.
"You will remain in control of Ouran. That has always been your focus, so it shall remain so," Shizue answered. "As for Tamaki, it will depend on what he decides to major in at University and where his interests lie." She settled back into her chair. "Has Tamaki told you about his University plans?"
Yuzuru sat down as well. "He is still deciding. He has chosen the classes for his first term to fulfill core requirements while also allowing him to explore the areas of his greatest interest."
"Well, that does show some maturity on his part," Shizue allowed. "No need to alarm him with any of these plans. Let's just allow him to concentrate on University. Once he chooses his path, it will be easier to determine what provisions to make."
"That would probably be for the best," Yuzuru agreed reluctantly.
"I hear he will be sharing an apartment at University with Kyoya Otori. Do you know when they will be moving in?" she asked.
"They want to get settled during the week before classes begin, so they plan to move in during the opening ceremony at Ouran," Yuzuru supplied.
Shizue pondered that information. "That's just next week. Well, no matter. As I said, we need to wait for him to choose his path."
Yuzuru stood. "I'll see you at dinner tonight. I have a few things to do at Ouran to get ready for next week."
"I have a dinner meeting tonight. I don't know what time it will conclude, so don't wait up for me," Shizue responded, returning to the work on her desk.
"Oh, okay." He huffed, exited the office, and closed the door.
Shizue waited ten minutes before calling her secretary. "Please get Yoshio Otori on the line."
"Yes, ma'am. I will put him through when I reach him," was the business-like response.
Two minutes later, Shizue's phone chimed. "Yoshio, so good to hear from you. Kyoya's tests were very impressive. He will be ideal as the Suoh heir."
Gloating, Yoshio responded, "Of course he is, he's my son."
"Only until he is mine. I am compensating you handsomely for him," Shizue stated smugly.
"Very well. What is the plan now?" Yoshio asked.
"Yuzuru tells me that Kyoya and Tamaki plan to move into their University apartment during the Ouran opening ceremony next week. Instead of having my chauffeur take Tamaki to the apartment, I am going to have him taken to the airport and shipped back to his mother in France." Shizue's tone was no-nonsense.
"What do you expect of me?" Yoshio inquired matter-of-factly.
"I expect you to send your lawyer to the courthouse first thing that morning to file paperwork to remove Kyoya from the Otori family registry. My lawyer will be in that afternoon to add him to the Suoh registry," Shizue explained.
"Won't you need to remove Tamaki from the Suoh registry as well?" Yoshio sounded bored.
Shizue snorted disdainfully. "Do you really believe that I would allow that…that…by-blow to be added to my family registry? He was never added, so he doesn't need to be removed."
"Very well. I will have the documents prepared and brief my lawyer on what is expected of him next week," Yoshio stated. "Is there anything else?"
"That is all," Shizue said dismissively. "Remember, you signed a contract and you will be well compensated. Just think of it as him fulfilling his purpose as the third son, advancing the family by his disposition. Though it's not by marriage, the connection still enriches the Otori family." Before Yoshio could respond, she ended the call.
OHSHC
"I appreciate that Father allowed me to spend the three weeks here at Hinansho between returning from testing to moving into my University apartment." Kyoya knocked on the door of Ryoji and Haruhi's apartment. "I hope Haruhi will be available tomorrow morning to help me with the apartment. I want to be as independent as possible while at University. That means no maids, no chef, and no bodyguard."
Ryoji opened the door. "Come in, Kyoya. It's good to see you. I take it you're looking for Haruhi. I hope you'll excuse me, but I must get to work. Bye-bye." He stepped around Kyoya and out to door before Kyoya could get a word in edgewise.
Haruhi walked up to him and chuckled, "There goes my dad, the whirlwind." She took his hand and led him into the living room.
Kyoya continued staring at the door. Finally, he shook his head. "Whirlwind indeed."
"What's up?" Haruhi asked, smiling.
"Well, I was hoping you would be available tomorrow morning to help me," Kyoya stated, stepping closer to her.
Haruhi placed a hand on his chest and smiled coyly. "That depends on what help you need."
Smirking, Kyoya asked, "Who have you been practicing your flirting techniques on this summer while I was away?"
Blushing, Haruhi mumbled, "Um, nobody. I might have missed you a little bit…and I may have thought about ways to get your attention when you got back."
"I missed you, too," he admitted. "I really appreciated the notes you sent."
"So, what do you want my help with?" Haruhi prompted, taking a step back.
Looking slightly disappointed at the distance between them, Kyoya said, "Tamaki wants to go shopping tomorrow afternoon to buy things for the apartment. I was hoping you would come with me in the morning to make a list."
"So, what type of shopping? Groceries? Furniture?" Haruhi asked.
Kyoya chuckled. "Yes and yes. As well as linens, kitchen wares, cleaning supplies, and whatever else you deem necessary."
"Wow, sounds comprehensive. Won't your chef and maids take care of those things?" Haruhi drew Kyoya over to the sofa, and pushed him to sit down, and then snuggled into his side.
Kyoya wrapped his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. "There will be no servants. No matter how much Tamaki whines, we will be doing our own cooking and cleaning. That being said, would you be willing to give us some pointers?"
"I would be happy to help you." Haruhi reached up to caress the side of his face while she kissed his cheek. "What do you have in mind?"
Pulling her into his lap, he kissed her neck and said, "Well, you could start by showing me how to cook a few simple dishes."
Haruhi ran her fingers through his hair and kissed him softly. "Then why don't we start with cooking dinner together tonight? And then breakfast tomorrow morning?"
Kyoya quirked an eyebrow, "Is that some kind of proposition? What would your father think?"
"No! That's not what I meant." Haruhi blushed, struggling to get off his lap.
"You are so easy to tease," he chuckled. Releasing her, he stood up and pulled her up with him. "Shall we go start dinner?"
Walking in the kitchen, Haruhi asked, "What do you want me to teach you first?"
"Well, rice is a staple to almost every meal, so let's start there." Kyoya leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms.
"Good idea. There are so many things that can be steamed with the rice to make a complete meal easily," Haruhi said as she pulled out the rice cooker, strainer, and rice crock. Next, she went to the refrigerator. She pulled out a package of salmon, several carrots, a head of broccoli, and a lemon.
Kyoya pushed himself away from the counter and stepped up beside Haruhi. "So, sensei, where do we begin?"
It took a lot of willpower for Haruhi not to roll her eyes at his teasing. "With the rice, of course." She proceeded to show him how to measure the rice from the crock and rinse it in the strainer. During the process, she explained how to estimate how much to make. As she poured the rinsed rice into the rice cooker, she explained the different types of rice available. While measuring the water, she explained that the amount depended to the type of rice.
"This sounds similar to the tutorial I gave Takashi about determining refreshments for a gathering," Kyoya commented, smiling at the memory of the gathering and his surprise birthday party the previous November.
Haruhi smiled. "That's very true. Well, let's prepare the salmon and vegetables in the steamer tray so we can get the rice cooker started." She showed him how to cut the vegetables into uniform sizes and shapes and arrange them in the streamer tray with the salmon, lemon slices on top after a sprinkle of salt and sesame seeds.
Slipping the streamer tray into the rice cooker, Haruhi secured the lid and started the cooker. "Now we can clean up while we wait for dinner to cook."
"Why did you make four portions of salmon and so much rice?" Kyoya asked curiously.
"In addition to dinner, we're going to make some onigiri that we can take for lunch tomorrow or to have for a snack later tonight," Haruhi explained.
Kyoya still had a confused expression.
Wiping down the counter, Haruhi said, "You won't always have time to cook something, like lunch on a busy day. It takes only a little extra effort when you do have time to cook, to make extra to use for bento. Or a quick breakfast you can grab in a hurry when you have an early morning class after a late night of studying."
"That's makes a lot of sense," Kyoya allowed. "Would you be willing to give Tamaki and me cooking lessons on weekends?"
"I'm not sure I could do it every weekend," Haruhi admitted. "I have a busy year ahead of me, with Ouran classes, online classes, my internship, and Hinan family management. Hopefully, I can keep up with everything. Maybe we could try for once a month?" She rinsed out the dishcloth she had wiped the counter with, wrung it out, and hung it to dry.
Kyoya stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. "You need to take care of yourself, Haruhi. I don't know what any of us would do if you got sick." He leaned down and kissed her gently.
She reached one arm around his waist and slipped her other hand up and carded her fingers through the hair on the nape of his neck. "I'll do my best. There are so many watching out for me, when would I ever have an opportunity to get sick?"
A fleeting look of disappointment ghosted across Kyoya's face. "True, everyone looks out for you. You don't need me…"
"None of that," Haruhi stated. She pushed him gently backwards until he was leaning against the counter. Then she trapped him between her arms, holding tightly to the counter so he couldn't move away. "What did you father and brothers say during those six weeks of testing that has you down on yourself again?" she demanded.
Looking down into her flashing eyes, Kyoya didn't know whether he should feel intimidate or aroused by the vehemence in her tone. "It's nothing. Yuuichi spent most of his time immersed in his medical journals. Father only visited once. Akito was his usual condescending, self-centered…" He paused, searching for an appropriate descriptive for his brother.
There was a *click* as the rice cooker finished.
Haruhi huffed. "Dinner's ready. But you're not getting out of it that easily. This conversation is not over. I want to know why you are so down on yourself again." She stood on her toes briefly to kiss him before heading over to the stove to start water heating for tea.
"Please get the plates and bowls out of the cupboard so we can dish up dinner. Bring a plate for the extra portions of salmon that we'll fill the onigiri with later," she called over her shoulder in an attempt to jar Kyoya out of his thoughts about his brother.
Working together, they dished up dinner and settle at the table to eat.
Kyoya broke the silence. "This is very good for something that took so little effort to put together."
Haruhi smiled. "See, you and Tamaki should be just fine. Mitsukuni and Takashi will also be right across the hall from you if you have any problems. You can always look up recipes online as well."
"And if all else fails, our favorite restaurant is nearby," Kyoya chuckled.
Rolling her eyes, she responded, "Yes, that is a viable option. It's not like you can't afford to order from a restaurant."
After dinner, Haruhi showed him how to make onigiri, explaining that they could be plain or filled, elaborate or simple. "They're an easy way to prepare food ahead or use up leftovers."
Kyoya washed dishes while Haruhi dried and put them away. After the last dish was stowed in its proper place, Haruhi said, "We're going to have that conversation now." She took his hand and led him to the sofa in the living room.
Settling onto the sofa, Kyoya put his elbows on his knees and folded his hands. "I don't know how to explain it. You are incredible and any man would be lucky to have you in his life. I half expected to return and find you dating Takashi."
Haruhi bit her lip and considered, "I need to tell him. He's been back over a week and I still haven't told him what I wanted to say before he left."
Kyoya watched her expression and cold fingers of fear ran down his spine. "That's what she's about to tell me. They grew close while I was away, but she doesn't want to hurt me."
Taking a deep breath, Haruhi blurted out, "Kyoya, when I kissed you just before you left for the testing, I wanted to say 'I love you' but it didn't seem fair to drop that kind of emotional bomb when we had no time to talk about it. I wanted to tell you after you got back, but we haven't had any time alone until now."
Reaching for Haruhi's hands, Kyoya let out the breath he didn't realize he was holding. "You love me?" he asked reverently.
Haruhi smiled softly. "I told you that last year, but you were worried about Tamaki's feelings. That just made me love you more." She leaned in and kissed him gently.
Stunned, Kyoya relaxed into the kiss and wrapped his arms around her. After they both pulled back, he leaned his forehead against hers. "I love you, Haruhi. I'd ask you to be my girlfriend, but that sounds so juvenile. And we have years of schooling ahead of us, so it's too soon to propose so I can call you my fiancé."
Humming, Haruhi suggested, "How about significant other? That conveys our commitment to one another, without the unnecessary peer pressure to jump into an intimate physical relationship."
"Significant other," he repeated. "I like the sound of that. You have definitely been a significant influence in my life."
Nuzzling his neck, Haruhi whispered, "It has the added benefit of being gender neutral. By responding to a love confession with, 'I'm sorry. I have a significant other,' I won't expose my secret."
"There is that." He sat down on the sofa and pulled her into his lap. "How about cuddling up and watching a movie?"
"Any preference on the movie?" She kissed him, stood up, and walked over to get the remotes.
"How about 'Princess Bride'? It may be a chick flick but it has special meaning for me," Kyoya purred, smiling coyly at her.
"Coming right up," she said, cuddling into his side after starting the movie.
An hour later, Ryoji returned from work to find the movie still playing. Kyoya and Haruhi were rather intimately entwined on the sofa fast asleep.
"Ahem," Ryoji cleared his throat loudly. Haruhi snuggled deeper into Kyoya's shoulder as his arms tighten around her. "Those two are so cute, I almost hate to wake them up." Remembering Haruhi's warnings about waking Kyoya, Ryoji gently shook Haruhi's shoulder.
Blinking, she looked up and said, "What do you want, Dad?"
Chuckling, Ryoji replies, "I want you to wake up your…young man and send him home for the night."
She looked down and realized she was sleeping on Kyoya. "I'll see what I can do," she giggled sleepily. Scooting up, she whispered in his ear, "Kyoya, you need to wake up." That just made him turn his head away from her breath in his ear.
Next, she started kissing along his jaw. When he shifted to kiss her, she pulled away. He growled, "Why can't you just let me sleep?" as he pulled her back into his arms.
"Because my dad is standing here watching us sleep together," Haruhi teased.
Kyoya's eyes flew open and he looked around like he was expecting Ryoji to threaten him with a baseball bat. "It's nothing like that. We just fell asleep watching a movie."
Ryoji put away his phone that he had been using to record Haruhi's attempts to wake Kyoya. "It's time for you to go home, regardless of whether or not you were doing anything inappropriate with my baby girl."
Haruhi disentangled herself, stood up, and offered her hand. "Come on, I'll walk you home."
"Are you worried that I'll get lost? Or that someone will try to kidnap me?" Kyoya teased, taking her hand.
"You never know. Your father may have sent the Black Onion Squad to drag you home. I can't have that." She opened the apartment door and stepped out into the hall, pulling him after her.
Kyoya smirked. "You just want to spend a few more minutes with your significant other, now that you have one."
"Caught me," she admitted as she pulled his head down to kiss him soundly.
For the next few minutes they were lost in their own world of kisses and touches. Suddenly they realized they were no longer alone in the hall.
Hikaru purred, "About time you two figured out…"
"your feelings for each other," Kaoru finished.
"Congratulations!" Mitsukuni cheered.
There was a fleeting look of disappointment on Takashi's face before he added, "I hope you'll be happy together."
"Now, let's all get to bed," Tamaki declared. "Some of us have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow."
"Oh, very well," Kyoya conceded, kissing Haruhi one last time before releasing her.
OHSHC
Ryoji opened the door at Kyoya's knock. "Haruhi is waiting for you in the kitchen. She said you were coming to help make breakfast."
"She has graciously agreed to teach me some simple cooking techniques so that Tamaki and I won't have to rely strictly on restaurant food while at University," Kyoya replied.
"She is a very good cook," Ryoji admitted proudly. "She loves cooking from her mother's recipes."
Pausing outside the kitchen, Kyoya said, "Before we go in, I would like your permission to date your daughter with the intention of marrying after I complete my MBA and she finishes law school."
"If it is what Haruhi wants, then I'm satisfied," Ryoji chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. "I have to admit, you've always been my favorite of her boys."
Hearing their voices, Haruhi turned around and said, "If you two have finished catching up on your gossip, shall we make breakfast?"
While the rice finished cooking, Haruhi showed Kyoya how to make miso soup and rolled omelets. "For dinner tonight, I'll show you how to make omurice," she said as she pulled plates and bowls from the cupboard.
"I should have mentioned that Mitsukuni, Takashi, and Tamaki will be joining us for dinner," Kyoya admitted sheepishly.
"That's fine," Haruhi said, smiling devilishly. "More chances for you to practice. And, of course, we'll be having lunch at the restaurant since there won't be any kitchenware."
Breakfast went quickly as they chatted about their plans for the day. Ryoji shooed them out the door as soon as they were finished eating. "I can wash the dishes and clean the kitchen. It's not like I'm helpless or that you made a huge mess."
Haruhi kissed Ryoji on the cheek. "I don't know what time I'll be back tonight, Dad. A lot depends on how much cleaning the apartment needs and how long it will take to set things up."
Ryoji gave Kyoya a pointed look and said, "Okay, Haruhi. I won't wait up for you. Just don't do anything I wouldn't do-scratch that—don't do anything you know you shouldn't."
"Tachibana is waiting for us at the front door. He also has some errands to run today so he volunteered to take Atsuhiro's place as chauffeur," Kyoya mentioned as they headed down in the elevator.
During the ride to the apartment, Haruhi and Kyoya made a list of staple supplies to stock. "We can make a list of cleaning supplies after we get to the apartment. Then we can walk to the supermarket and pick up groceries and cleaning supplies."
"That should leave us enough time to make a list of the larger items needed before Tamaki arrives and Tachibana returns so we can head to the home center. Thank you for not making me go there alone with Tamaki. I suspect he's going to be like a toddler in a toy store," Kyoya commented.
Haruhi shook her head. "It will probably be just like that first time all of you came to visit me at home and he followed me to the supermarket. I finally had to hold his hand to keep him from running off and getting into everything."
"Excuse me," Tachibana interrupted. "We're here."
"Thank you, Tachibana," Haruhi said before climbing out of the car as Kyoya held the door open for her.
"You are quite welcome. I will be here at noon so we can all eat lunch together at the restaurant," he replied before Kyoya closed the door and the car pulled away.
Kyoya checked in with the manager and was given two copies of the key to the apartment since all the paperwork had been completed before graduation. As soon as Kyoya opened the door, Haruhi headed straight to the windows and opened them up wide.
"Wow, it's stuffy in here. And look at all the dust." She pulled out a small notepad and pen. "Let's see—a duster, broom, dustpan, damp mop, several small trash bins, and some liners to start off the list for the home center."
Kyoya looked around. "It doesn't look too bad, considering it's been vacant for three months."
"Let's take a look in the kitchen. Then we can head to the supermarket." Haruhi walked into the kitchen and went straight to the refrigerator. "Good, they unplugged it and left the door slightly ajar. Nice and clean with no moldy smell. I'll just plug it in so it's cold when we bring home the groceries."
"Let me do that," Kyoya said, taking the plug from Haruhi's hand.
Haruhi kissed his cheek. "Thanks. I'll just look over the list for the supermarket before we leave." She pulled her small notebook and pen out of her pocket again. "In addition to the staple groceries we already have on the list, I think we should get dish soap, a sponge, disposable dust clothes, gloves, masks, and reusable shopping bags."
Kyoya stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Looking over her shoulder, he commented, "Are we going to be able to carry all of that?"
"It's not far, the only heavy thing is the rice, and the reusable bags are strong," she replied, turning in his arms to kiss him.
"Then, shall we go?" He stepped back and offered his arm.
An hour later, they returned from the grocery store with everything on the list. Setting the bags on the counter, Kyoya said, "That was a lot more fun than I expected. Now I know why you were always trying to leave right after Host Club hours to go shopping. But I thought you said that only the rice would be heavy. You carried those bags like they weighted nothing, but they were heavy to me when I tried to pick them up."
"Well, usually it was so I could catch the good sales and then get home to make dinner for Dad before he had to leave for work. I guess my household chores have been my workout for years," Haruhi admitted. "Let's wipe down the shelves and refrigerator before we put the groceries away."
"To think we considered you weak and lazy because you didn't take PE. None of us realized how much of a workout household chores could be." He shook his head and chuckled. "I have the bag with the cleaning things we need," Kyoya said, pulling items out of one of the bags.
Working together, it only took them ten minutes to wipe down the shelves in the cupboards and refrigerator. Then they were able to put all the groceries away and stow the reusable bags for the next time Kyoya and Tamaki needed to go grocery shopping.
Kyoya leaned back against the counter and watched Haruhi fold and put the bags away. "I can't help but imagine us in the future, in our own apartment doing domestic things like this. It even brings to mind the images I used for that one test this summer."
Haruhi turned around and saw his soft smile. "What are you thinking?"
He pushed away from the counter and wrapped his arms around her. "I'm thinking of our future together. When it will be the two of us in our own apartment." He pulled her close and kissed her gently. "I was also thinking how much I enjoy having you as my significant other."
She responded to his kiss, reaching up to tangle her fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. The kisses were getting more passionate and hands were starting to roam when there was a loud knock at the door.
Haruhi pulled back, embarrassed at her behavior. "I'm sorry. I got carried away."
Kyoya leaned his forehead against hers. "I was swept right along with you. I know we need to be more careful, but that is a conversation for another time when we're alone. Right now, we need to answer the door. I suspect it's Tamaki."
Caressing his face, she replied, "I'll get the door. You may want to go comb your hair."
Smirking, he patted her backside before heading to the bathroom to follow her suggestion.
Opening the door, Haruhi found not only Tamaki, but Mitsukuni and Takashi as well. "Come on in, guys," she said, standing aside to make room for them.
"Where's Kyoya?" Tamaki asked, looking around.
"I was using the bathroom," Kyoya replied, closing the bathroom door behind him. He glanced at his watch. "Tachibana should be here in half an hour. Then we'll go to lunch and, afterwards, head to the home center."
"I can't wait," Tamaki enthused. "I've never been to a home center before. What will we be buying there?"
"Haruhi, where's the list we made up?" Kyoya asked.
"It's right here," she replied, picking it up off the kitchen counter. She handed it to Tamaki. "Why don't you look around the apartment and see if there's anything we missed?"
"Will do," Tamaki answered absentmindedly.
"Just remember, there's only so much room in the apartment," Kyoya called after him.
"Haruhi, would you be willing to pick up a few things for us at the home center?" Mitsukuni asked.
She smiled. "I don't see why not. Do you already have a list? Or should we head over to your apartment to look around and make a list?"
"Would you help us make a list?" Mitsukuni asked sheepishly.
"Not a problem," Haruhi replied. "Kyoya, why don't you and Tamaki decide who will get which bedroom and other splits of space, like the bathroom drawers?"
Kyoya nodded. "That's a very good idea. We have about fifteen minutes left before Tachibana gets here so we can go to lunch. That should be plenty of time."
Takashi unlocked the door to their apartment. Pushing the door open, he headed straight for the windows and opened them up wide. "Stuffy," he clarified.
"I had to do the same thing when Kyoya and I got to his apartment this morning," Haruhi responded.
Mitsukuni started looking in drawers and cupboards to determine what, if anything, they needed. "We definitely need a new duster. It looks like we're almost out of trash bin liners. That's all we need for the kitchen. Let me check the bathroom."
While Mitsukuni was inventorying the bathroom supplies, Takashi asked, "Haruhi, would you also see if you can find an air mattress and a book light?"
Haruhi jotted those two items on the list. "I'll see what I can find."
"Looks like everything is fine in the bathroom," Mitsukuni said as he returned from the bathroom. "Takashi, did you ask about the air mattress and book light?"
"Yes, I did," he replied.
"It will be no problem for me to pick these up along with Kyoya and Tamaki's things. Oh, that reminds me. I need to make a note to myself to find something for Masaya, Hibiki, and Ageha to celebrate the first day of school," Haruhi commented.
There was a knock at the door and Mitsukuni answered it.
"Are you guys ready for lunch? Tachibana's here and we're ready to go," Tamaki blurted excitedly.
"Yes, we're ready." Mitsukuni's voice changed octaves in the middle of his sentence and he flushed with embarrassment.
Smiling, Haruhi hugged him. "Don't be embarrassed. That just proves you're getting to normal hormone levels."
Takashi patted his shoulder. "That's right. Your voice changing is an expected part of puberty."
Tamaki clapped his hands in excitement. "We should celebrate."
"Can we just go to lunch?" Mitsukuni asked sheepishly.
"Of course," Haruhi replied. "Tamaki, please don't embarrass him during lunch."
Contritely, Tamaki answered, "Yes, okaa-san."
Kyoya shook his head and thought, "I wonder if this over-excitement of Tamaki's is an act to cover worries about his genetic condition? Maybe some time when it's just the two of us relaxing in our apartment, I'll broach the subject with him. For now, I'll just keep an eye on him."
They enjoyed lunch at their favorite restaurant but soon Mitsukuni and Takashi had to leave for meetings with their academic advisors. Tachibana, Kyoya, Tamaki, and Haruhi called their goodbyes before heading to the home center.
"Why don't you two go look at towels and sheets while I make delivery arrangements for our furniture purchases? I want to be sure they can accommodate us," Kyoya requested.
"Okay, otou-san. Don't take too long," Tamaki said as he grabbed Haruhi's hand and pulled her in the direction of the linens department.
When Kyoya met up with them ten minutes later, he could tell that Haruhi was getting exasperated with Tamaki already.
"No, Tamaki, I don't think Kyoya wants lavender towels and sheets just because that was his rose color in Host Club. He would prefer black and shades of gray," she stated adamantly as she resisted Tamaki's attempt to shove the colored linens at her while simultaneously trying to pull the monochrome ones from her grasp.
Tamaki jumped when Kyoya stepped up behind him and said, "Haruhi is correct in my color choices for my personal linens. If you want colors for the apartment, we can get those for the guest towels and the kitchen." He took the black and gray linens from Haruhi and placed them in the cart attended by a store employee.
Haruhi looked at Kyoya questioningly. Kyoya replied, "This is Iwata. He will be assisting us today in our shopping and delivery."
"Nice to meet you," Haruhi said, bowing. "Thank you for helping us today."
Iwata bowed his head slightly. "I am pleased to be of service. Please let me know if you have any questions."
"Now that we've settle on Kyoya's colors, what color do you want your linens? White like your rose?" Haruhi asked, trying to get Tamaki back on track so the trip didn't take until closing time.
"I like those rainbow ones over there," he said pointing to a stack of brightly colored, striped towels.
Haruhi picked them up and placed them in the cart. "I think those two-tone patterned towels would be a good choice for your guest towels." She pointed to some with more understate color schemes.
"I think a set of blue and a set of red linens should be adequate," Kyoya agreed.
Next they picked out several kitchen towel sets with geometric shapes in black, white, and red.
"Can we get this apron?" Tamaki begged. On the front it said, 'Kiss the Cook.'
"I'd prefer this one," Kyoya returned. The one he was holding said, 'My Kitchen, My Rules.'
Haruhi intervened. "Why don't you each get one?"
"That should take care of all the linens for now. Shall we look at the furniture next?" Kyoya suggested.
"Yes, that will be lots of fun," Tamaki said happily.
It didn't take long to decide on the furniture. Given the space constraints of their apartment, they each chose a bed, desk, and dresser for their bedroom.
For the living room, they picked out a sofa with two matching chairs that could fold out into beds and had hidden storage compartments. Tamaki discovered a slim cabinet that, when opened up, had a place for a television, other electronic equipment, videos, and other storage. "That was quite a find, Tamaki," Kyoya praised.
Haruhi located the next space-saving piece of furniture. It was a dining room table with six folding chairs that were stored between the folded down extension leaves of the table. "It's large enough for when you have guests over, but folds down small enough to be out-of-the-way," she explained.
"That's great," Tamaki enthused. "What's next?"
Pulling the list and a pen out of her pocket, Haruhi started crossing off entries. "We already have the linens and furniture. Do we want to go to kitchenware or cleaning supplies?"
Iwata, who had been following them faithfully and silently, suggested, "It would be most efficient to go to kitchenware first. Cleaning supplies are between there and the cashiers."
"I just remembered something," Haruhi said. "Mitsukuni and Takashi wanted me to pick up an air mattress and a book light for them."
"That's easy enough. We'll pass that section with those items on our way to kitchenware," Iwata responded.
Haruhi found the items she was looking for easily. Tamaki and Kyoya decided to purchase an air mattress as well to have on hand for company, even though the sofa and chairs folded out into beds.
When they reached the kitchenware section, Tamaki was fascinated by all the gadgets available and wanted to buy them all.
"We have space constraints, Tamaki," Kyoya reminded him. "Perhaps we should allow Haruhi to pick the cooking paraphernalia while we decide on the dishes and flatware."
Haruhi smiled her thanks at Kyoya's suggestion. It only took her a few minutes to collect what was needed in their small kitchen.
When she joined the two young men in the tableware section, Kyoya was pinching his nose and shaking his head. "We don't need twelve place-settings. The table is only big enough for six. The most we would probably have room for is the seven from the Host Club. Do be reasonable!" he said in exasperation.
"Why don't you get eight place settings? That would allow for an extra just in case something gets broken," Haruhi suggested.
"That's fine," Tamaki agreed. "But what pattern should we get. Kyoya doesn't like any of my suggestions." He waved a hand at the display of large, boldly colored plates. "He wants something like those." This time he waved to a display of delicate china.
"Well, you choices could be a little…overpowering in a small space such as you have," Haruhi hedged. "And Kyoya's choices might not survive very long, since they are so delicate. Why don't you try to find a middle ground?"
They finally agreed on a sturdy set with a delicate ivy pattern around the edge. The flatware carried through with the ivy theme.
"Now cleaning supplies and we're done," Haruhi announced happily.
Tamaki found that section of the store boring and he started to wander in the direction of the cashiers when another section caught his eye. He rushed over and picked up a golden retriever plush. "Can I get this, okaa-san?" he practically begged.
"Would you stop calling me that?" Kyoya growled.
"I wasn't talking to you, otou-san," Tamaki said contritely. He turned to Haruhi and repeated his request, this time adding puppy eyes.
"Kyoya, why don't you head to the cashier with Iwata? I want to pick up something for Masaya, Hibiki, and Ageha to celebrate the beginning of school. Hopefully, we won't be long," Haruhi said.
"Very well, I shall get things started. Don't take too long," Kyoya replied with a smile and then started walking toward the cashier with Iwata.
"Tamaki, you have done well today. Yes, you may get the dog," Haruhi finally answered.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," he enthused, hugging the plush tightly.
"Just let me find something for the kids and then we'll go." She looked around and finally decided on pencil cases and pencils.
They caught up with Kyoya just as the cashier was beginning to ring up the purchase.
Haruhi said, "Tamaki, you stay here with Kyoya. I'm going to another cashier to purchase the items for Mitsukuni and Takashi as well as the things I'm buying for the kids."
Since her two purchases took less time, she was waiting for them near the exit.
Kyoya said, "The furniture will be delivered to the apartment in about an hour. That should give us plenty of time to get home and put the other purchases away."
"We'll need to wash the linens and dishes before they can be used," Haruhi reminded them.
"I'll help you with the dishes," Tamaki volunteered, stroking his new golden retriever plush.
Tachibana folded the newspaper and laid it aside to help load the purchases into the cargo compartment. "I see you were successful. I take it you were able to get the furniture."
"We easily found everything we were looking for. The furniture will be delivered in about an hour," Kyoya responded.
During the drive back to the apartment, Tachibana asked, "If it is agreeable with you, I would like to return to Hinansho after I've dropped you and your purchases off at the apartment."
"That's fine," Kyoya replied. "I meant to tell you that Takashi will be driving us home since he and Mitsukuni will be having dinner with us tonight. You enjoy the rest of the day with your family."
When they reached the apartment, Tachibana was going to carry their purchases up, but Tamaki insisted, "The three of us can handle it. You go ahead and spend time with your family."
After they watch Tachibana drive away, they started upstairs to the apartment.
"Tamaki, when we get upstairs and put all these things down, remind me to give you your key to the apartment. I picked it up this morning," Kyoya said over his shoulder.
"I get my own key," he responded excitedly.
Kyoya just shook his head in bemusement.
When they reached the apartment, Haruhi took some of the bags from Kyoya so he could get out the key and unlock the door.
"Just put everything on the kitchen counter for now," Haruhi directed. "Remember, we need to wash everything before we use it or put it away. Let's start with laundering the kitchen towels so we can wash dishes."
After placing the bags on the counter, Kyoya reached into his pocket and pulled out a key attached to a large white rose keychain. "Please try not to lose this," he instructed Tamaki.
Haruhi picked up the laundry detergent and the fabric softener and walked to a small closet between the kitchen and bathroom. "You guys bring the linens and we'll get the first load started."
"Can't we wash them all at once?" Tamaki asked.
Shaking her head, Haruhi responded, "An apartment size washer and dryer can only handle small loads. It will probably take four loads to wash all of this. Kitchen towels, guest towels, your linens, and Kyoya's linens."
She opened the washer and proceeded to explain how to sort by colors and fabric types, how to load the machine, where to put the detergent, where to put the fabric softener, and how to choose the proper cycle.
"That's a lot to remember," Tamaki muttered. "I'm sure to mess it up."
Haruhi smiled. "Don't worry, I'll write some instructions and post them here on the inside of the door so you can see them as you do the laundry."
"It would probably be best if we each did out own laundry," Kyoya suggested.
"Okay, we can't do anything more with the laundry until the load finishes," Haruhi stated. "Let's sort out the rest of the purchases. Stack the dishes by the sink and we'll wash them after the kitchen towels are done."
When the wash cycle finished, Haruhi instructed the young men in using the dryer, which was much easier than the washer.
Soon there was a knock on the door and Tamaki answered it. "Hurray! The furniture is here. Come in. Come in." He gestured frantically for the delivery men to bring in the items.
It took nearly an hour to bring in all the furniture and set up in the proper places. By that time, the kitchen towel load was dry so they could wash dishes.
After all the immediate work was complete, they decided to have a seat in the living room. "This is really comfortable," Haruhi remarked as she sat on the sofa between Tamaki and Kyoya.
"Well, let's go get dinner started." Haruhi patted Kyoya and Tamaki's knees before using their knees to lever herself up. She turned around and held out her hands to help them up.
"So, what do I get to do?" Tamaki asked uncertainly.
"First, put on your apron and I'll teach you how to cook rice," Haruhi responded. "Kyoya, please cut some chicken into bite size pieces. You'll want your apron as well."
After the rice cooker was set, Haruhi taught Tamaki how to safely cut up the vegetables. "Until you've had some practice and feel more confident, go slowly and deliberately so you don't cut yourself."
"Speaking of which, we should get a first aid kit to have for minor emergencies," Kyoya commented.
While they waited for the rice to finish cooking, Haruhi explained how to prepare the filling for the omurice.
Just as the rice cooker *clicked,* there was a knock at the door. "Kyoya, would you answer that?" Haruhi asked.
As Kyoya expected, it was Mitsukuni and Takashi. "Come in. Haruhi was just about to start teaching us how to make the omurice filling for dinner tonight," Kyoya stated.
Takashi noticed what Kyoya was wearing and commented, "Nice apron."
"Oh goody," Mitsukuni exclaimed. "Haruhi makes such good omurice. I want to learn how as well."
Chuckling, Haruhi replied, "Sure. But you'll have to be careful, we don't have any other aprons."
"That's fine," Mitsukuni agreed.
The friends laughed and joked as they prepared dinner together. "I wish Hikaru and Kaoru were here. But they had all-day plans to do their school shopping with Ageha, Fuyumi, Masaya, and Hibiki," thought Haruhi wistfully.
Takashi glanced at her. "Something wrong?"
"No…yes…sort of?" Haruhi hedged. "It just feels a little off because the twins are not here with us."
Takashi smiled and patted her on the head. "We'll have to plan some dinner parties like this when we can all participate."
Tamaki interrupted, "What do we do next, Haruhi? The filling is done."
Haruhi made her own omurice as a demonstration for the others. When it was ready, she moved it to a plate and drew a bird on it using ketchup. She supervised Tamaki and Kyoya as they made their own.
"Haruhi, would you draw a picture on mine?" Tamaki asked.
She drew a rose on his omurice. Then she looked at Kyoya, quirking an eyebrow to silently ask if he wanted a picture as well. Pondering briefly, he nodded, and she drew a crown.
By the time she finished drawing, Mitsukuni had finished making his. "Would you do a bunny on mine?" he pleaded.
Ruffling his hair, she replied, "Of course." She finished drawing the bunny and looked at Takashi. He nodded and she drew a tree for him.
"Shall we move our dinner to the dining table and try it out?" Kyoya suggested.
"Yes!" Tamaki agreed.
Kyoya and Tamaki set up the table and unfolded the chairs. Mitsukuni and Takashi carried the dinner plates to the table. Haruhi retrieved beverages from the refrigerator.
They ate their dinner and talked comfortably until Takashi announced, "It's getting late. We should head back to Hinansho as soon as we've cleaned up here."
Tamaki looked disappointed. "I guess it is getting late."
Kyoya interjected, "We can do this again, you know."
Tamaki brightened. "We can?"
"Of course, and have the twins join us as well," Haruhi assured him.
The group made short work of the cleaning. Takashi took the items that Haruhi purchased for them across the hall to their apartment. Then they all headed home to Hinansho.
OHSHC
Friday afternoon, Hikaru and Kaoru walked down the hall and knocked on Haruhi and Ryoji's door. When Haruhi answered, Hikaru asked, "Do you think we could spend this weekend before school starts together? Including sleeping together at night?"
"Do you mean just me with you two? Or all of us together?" she asked.
Kaoru answered, "Everyone from the Host Club. We know how hard it was to return to school with a new last name. Even though Mitsukuni and Takashi are in University, it will probably still be hard to go back to see people who knew you with your former name."
"We at least had the advantage that everyone knew about our parents' deaths. Mitsukuni's tumor was not a widely known fact. They will be facing a lot of questions about why their last names changed," Hikaru added.
She pulled them into a hug and said, "Thank you for being so considerate of their feelings and what they may be facing when they return to University. You two have grown immensely since I first met you. Has it really been only two years?"
Releasing them, she continued, "I think spending the weekend together is a wonderful idea. Let's go talk to them and see what they think."
Haruhi stood behind the twins so Mitsukuni wouldn't see her. "I know he will agree if he thinks it's my idea. I want to see how he reacts to the suggestion from his new brothers."
Hikaru knocked on Mitsukuni's door and, when he answered, asked, "We were wondering if you would be interested in spending the weekend together as the Host Club. If you have other plans, that's fine."
Kaoru added, "We want to be sure you know we're there for you and Takashi. We understand how hard it can be to return to school after upheaval in your life that results in a name change."
A kaleidoscope of emotions played across Mitsukuni's face. After taking a minute to collect himself, he finally responded, "I'd like that. It's been a hard week. Takashi and I have spent most of it at University doing all the paperwork to change our names. I think we could use the moral support of a weekend together. Let's ask Takashi."
Mitsukuni knocked on Takashi's door and when he answered, the twins explained their idea. Takashi took one look at Mitsukuni's hopeful expression and smiled. "I would like that very much."
"Great," Hikaru whooped. "Let's go get Kyoya and Tamaki so we can decide whose apartment we're going to spend the weekend in."
Hikaru went to Kyoya's apartment and Kaoru went to Tamaki's to explain the plan to them. Soon the whole Host Club was standing in the hall discussing whose apartment to use.
"Let's use my apartment," Tamaki suggested excitedly. "I've always wanted to host a sleepover."
"Just one thing," Kyoya interjected. "I have to be back at the Otori estate by ten o'clock Sunday morning for brunch. But until then."
Tamaki looked a little sheepish. "That reminds me. I have to be back at the Second Suoh Mansion at the same time for brunch with my father."
Hikaru and Kaoru exchanged a look. In unison, they responded, "Not a problem. We'll just have to start now and have as much fun as we can before nine o'clock Sunday morning."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: My beta put this note at the end of chapter 13 when she finished proofing it for me. "Next chapter: The Best Laid Plans of Snakes (Suoh) and Weasels (Ototri)" [Get Massively Screwed Up]